PECOS4094 – Master's Thesis

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The master's thesis is an individual research paper, which should meet the general requirements to scientific publication. The purpose of the master's thesis is to conduct an analysis of a research question within the field of political science, and present the results of your analysis.

The master's thesis should have a precise:

  • Research question.
  • Appropriate methods.
  • A systematic argument.

It allows for normative or descriptive treatment of empirical as well as theoretical issues.

You will be personally responsible for deciding the theme, research question and method of investigation and for undertaking the research. You are welcome to contact relevant members of the scientific stab to get advice on the choice of topic and research projects before you apply for a supervisor.

Getting started with your thesis

Learning outcome

When you have successfully completed the master’s thesis you are expected to

  • Be able to select a research question that can be answered in a scientifically sound manner within the given amount of time.
  • Be able to work systematically to use that time effectively.
  • Be familiar with the different stages in the research process.
  • Have acquired the ability to see the relationships between choice of research question, theoretical perspective, research design and choice of Method.
  • Have carried out an independent piece of research on a peace and/or conflict-related theme in a scientifically sound manner.

Admission

The course is restricted to students that follows the political science track at the Peace and Conflict Studies programme

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

It is advisable that the students have taken all mandatory courses. A supervisor must also be assigned before the student can start writing the master's thesis.

Teaching

Teaching for this course consists of a combination of collective and individual academic supervision.

Fieldwork

Will you conduct fieldwork or will your master's thesis require traveling? Read about financial support of fieldwork.

Examination

The thesis and an oral examination.

The master's thesis

Oral examination

The oral examinations will be arranged continuously after the submission of the thesis, in June and August for the spring semester, and December and January for the fall semester. You will be notified via your student e-mail, at least one week before the oral exam. 

The questions that will be posed during the oral examination will be linked to your thesis and may, for example, relate to the research question, the structure of your thesis, choice of theoretical perspective, choice of method, etc.

Information on how the master's thesis is assessed

  • Prior to the oral examination, the evaluation committee will award a preliminary grade to your Master's thesis. You will be notified of the grade and given an explanation for it when you present yourself for the ora