Master's Thesis

2022/2023

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Objective

The objective of the module is that the student is able to use their knowledge on China and International Relations on a specialized level.

Contents

The fourth semester of the Master’s Program is dedicated to writing the Master’s thesis, where the student will devote themselves to a problem formulation that relates to China and International Relations.

The coordinator will approve the subject of the thesis and a deadline will be set. If the student has chosen a full specialization in Chinese Area Studies, the subject matter of the Master’s thesis must be within the respective field.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • has a thorough knowledge of theories and practices within the field of study of the thesis and can reflect on a scientific basis.
  • is able to identify, reproduce and explain existing problem formulations within the field of study of the thesis from various perspectives and theories.

Skills

  • can research independently by using the subject’s theories and methods.
  • can combine various disciplines and research methods related to China and International Relations.
  • can apply theory about the chosen subject matter of the thesis in actual problem formulations/situations.
  • can analyze a problem to an advanced level and is able to build upon different academic perspectives.
  • can critically choose relevant theory, methods and tools for the chosen subject of the thesis on a scientific basis and develop new solution models.
  • can formulate and communicate various types of arguments related to the field of China and International Relations.
  • can convey and discuss their knowledge about the chosen thesis subject with both peers and non-specialists.

Competences

  • can work effectively and structuredand combine various disciplines and research methods related to China and International Relations.
  • can argue on a scientific basis.
  • can take responsibility for their own academic development and specialization within the chosen subject of the thesis independently.

Type of instruction

Supervisor A from UIR and Supervisor B from AAU will be assigned during the thesis writing process, but the student must still organize their thesis writing and therefore must choose the subject, problem formulation and find the relevant literature and source material individually.

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

  • The Master’s thesis concludes the Master’s Program, and therefore all previous modules must be passed before a student can take the exam for master thesis.

Exams

Name of examMaster's Thesis
Type of exam
Master's thesis/final project
This module concludes with an external oral exam based on the submitted written thesis. The exam takes the form of a discussion between the student(s), an especially appointed supervisor on the UIR side, B Supervisor and an external examiner based on the finished thesis.

Thesis length:
One student: 35 – 70 pages
Two students: 50 – 100 pages
Three students: 65 – 130 pages
Four or more students : 80 – 130 pages

An overall grade will be awarded for the written Master’s thesis and the oral presentation. The main emphasis is on the written part. The thesis should be written by only one student individually.
ECTS30
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 codeCIR025
Module typeProject
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS30
Language of instructionEnglish
Location of the lectureOther location
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of International Affairs
DepartmentDepartment of Politics and Society
FacultyFaculty of Social Sciences and Humanities