MJ5900 Master Thesis Course description

The purpose of the master's thesis is for the student to conduct independent, scholarly research relating to journalistic issues. 

Knowledge

The student has

• sound knowledge of journalism¿s research tradition in general, and about the relevant philosophy of science approaches to the topic of the master's thesis in particular
• in-depth knowledge of methodology and academic requirements to, in particular, ethics, validity, representativeness, reliability and generalisation

Skills

The student

• has developed sufficient skills to carry out a research project from the initial idea to a complete research report in the form of a master's thesis
• is capable of conveying a clear area for research with adequate research questions based on the journalistic theory
• is capable of studying complicated material using methods that are useful in light of the study¿s aim, and carrying this out with great precision and method
• is capable of creating a report with a clear and concise structure, where the conclusions arrived at are evidenced by the examined data, and where the discussion of the findings reflects a range of perspectives
• writes correctly, precisely and in a manner that awakens interest
• is capable of using references, appendices, etc., in accordance with recognised academic standards

Competence

The student

• is capable of analysing academic, professional and research ethics issues
• has competence in presenting academic material and has developed the ability to give and receive constructive criticism and feedback
• has developed the necessary skills to conduct independent research work
• has competence in innovation and in applying his/her knowledge and skills in new areas
• is capable of conveying and discussing research processes and research results

The master¿s degree is an academic work in the field of journalism and should be carried out either as a theoretical (1.) or a practical/theoretical (2.) assignment.

1. The theoretical master¿s degree is an academic study of a theoretical and/or empirical nature; it represents an independent research project carried out under supervision. The student must address a journalistic research question, which might refer to:

• issues relating to journalistic material (text in the loosest sense of the word)
• issues relating to journalistic professional practice (methodology)
• issues relating to journalistic ethics
• issues relating to other fields that touch upon journalism (for instance, globalisation studies, gender studies, language studies, anthropology of media)

2. The practical/theoretical paper is a complex journalistic work linked to theoretical research and methodological reflection.

• The practical production is intended for a journalistic medium.
• The theoretical part can be a critical theoretical reflection on how the project came into being and its reception, and/or on language, devices and topics. The theoretical reflection should be based on the journalistic field¿s philosophy of science and methodology.
• The practical and theoretical parts are linked together in that the practical part is used as material for the theoretical analytical reflection in the written part. 

First semester:

The work on the master's thesis starts with the course Journalism Research - Theory and Methodology. In this course, the students must present and discuss their project outlines, research topic and methodological plans.

Second semester:

The master's thesis supervisor is appointed early in the second semester. After the supervisor has been assigned, the student can ask for an informal conversation with the supervisor. At the beginning of the spring semester, a seminar about work on the master's thesis will be held for all students. Third and fourth semesters:

Individual supervision. The students are encouraged to organise writing and discussion seminars amongst themselves, where the background and methodology literature, research design, methodological approaches, selection of empirical material and draft chapters, empirical studies and analyses are discussed.

The student has the right to 15 hours of supervision during the work on the master's thesis. The main supervisor will normally hail from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies. On application, students may also be assigned a co-supervisor. The number of hours allotted to the co-supervisor will be included in the 15 hours of supervision the student is entitled to.

None.

The assessment consists of the master¿s thesis and an oral examination, where an hour is scheduled per student for examination and feedback, and where the grade can be adjusted either up or down one grade.

1. The theoretical master¿s degree must be a minimum of 80 pages and a maximum of 100 pages, excluding references and any appendices. The written part of the exam must be passed before a student can take the oral exam.
2. The practical/theoretical master's thesis comprises a large journalistic work, and a written theoretical reflection paper related to this work. The practical theoretical assignment can be a means of testing out hypotheses and developing the practical journalistic field. The production. part can also test hypotheses that are made and can be reflected on in the theoretical part. Written part: Approx. 50 pages. The practical part (research, preparation, filming, editing) corresponds to half a full-time equivalent. The practical part counts for 50% and the theoretical part counts for 50% of the final grade. Both the written part and the practical part of the exam must be passed before a student can take the oral exam.

The student can choose to write the master's thesis in either Norwegian or English.

Candidates who do not pass the practical part of the exam must take the resit/rescheduled exams in both the practical and theoretical part. Candidates who fail the theoretical part can take a resit/rescheduled exam in the theoretical part only.

Students are allowed to submit a new or revised master¿s thesis once if they are awarded a fail grade.

A student will not be allowed to submit a new master¿s thesis in the same programme if a pass grade has already been awarded, cf. the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet, Section 5-6, (first and second paragraphs).

A grade scale with grades from A to E for pass and F for fail is used.

The master's thesis and the oral exam is assessed by one internal examiner and one external examiner.