Master’s Thesis

2020/2021

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The Master’s thesis module comprises preparation of a Master’s thesis on a subject which the student is free to select from within the disciplinary framework of the programme. The thesis may be written as either a theoretically, methodologically or analytically oriented thesis, or it may be oriented towards practical and constructive ICT solutions on the basis of theory and method.

The topic of the Master’s thesis must be approved by the Study Board. The topic must be presented to the Study Board in the shape of a synopsis comprising a preliminary problem formulation, argumentation for the relevance of the topic and for the theoretical and methodological points of departure, a preliminary bibliography and time schedule, including a submission deadline.

The module includes a number of thesis seminars. Additionally, students will be offered expert thesis supervision in relation with their problem oriented thesis work.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

In the Master’s thesis module, the student will acquire knowledge of:

  • the theories, methods and technologies of the selected subject area at the highest international level
  • research ethics and understanding of the implications of research work
  • the theory of science of the selected thesis topic

Skills

In the Master’s thesis module, the student will acquire skills in:

  • applying methods, theories and technologies pertaining to a specific issue within the academic area
  • creating an independent and systematic overview of relevant existing knowledge within the topic of the thesis
  • independently selecting approaches pertaining to the topic of the thesis on the basis of theory of science, theory, methods, analysis, design and/or technology, and substantiating these academic choices and priorities
  • applying, further developing and critically reflecting on relevant theories, methods and technologies pertaining to the topic of the thesis

Competences

In the Master’s thesis module, the student will acquire competences in:

  • critical reflection on the disciplinary area pertaining to the chosen topic of the thesis
  • independent and systematic search for knowledge, choosing and explaining this choice and planning and undertaking the research of the topic of the thesis
  • arguing for choices as regards the applied theories, methods and technologies as well as choices as regards any empirical material and/or design aspects
  • structuring and communicating the acquired knowledge in a suitable manner as regards content and language register to an academic audience within the disciplinary field of the programme.

Exam

Exams

Name of examMaster’s Thesis
Type of exam
Oral exam based on a project
The examination will be conducted as a conversation between the student(s) and the examiner and external examiner on the basis of a Master’s thesis prepared by one or a number of students.
The Master’s thesis will be considered the shared responsibility of the group. The Master’s thesis and the conversation must demonstrate that each student fulfils the objectives for the module stated above as regards knowledge, skills and competences.
The Master’s thesis, including a one-two page summary in a foreign language (see below), forms the basis of the examination and assessment, and a combined grade will be awarded for the Master’s thesis and the oral performance.

Summary: A summary of no less than one page and no more than two pages in Danish or English must be included.

Literature foundation: 3000 standard pages supervisor approved, self-selected literature related to the Master Thesis.

Total number of pages: The Master’s thesis must comprise no less than 35 pages, and must not exceed 70 pages per student, or 80 pages if prepared individually.

Normal duration of examination: 45 minutes; if two students, 75 minutes; and if three students, 100 minutes
ECTS30
Permitted aids
All written and all electronic aids
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingExternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleMaster’s Thesis
Module codeKAINFOS168
Module typeProject
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS30
Language of instructionEnglish
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of Communication and Digital Media
DepartmentDepartment of Communication and Psychology
FacultyThe Faculty of Humanities