MEST5900 Master project Course description

The master’s thesis is a major independent piece of work where the student chooses a research question to explore within the framework of the programme. The master's thesis must contain both a written and practical-aesthetic part, but may place different emphasis on the respective parts. In theses with a practical-aesthetic focus, emphasis can be given to a practical-aesthetic approach and an explanation of the thesis’s form, theoretical backdrop, method and result. In theses with particular emphasis on a theoretical approach, the practical-aesthetic component may help to elucidate the research question that is subject to theoretical discussion

All previous courses must be passed before students can take the exam in MEST5900.

Knowledge

The student has

• advanced knowledge of the programme option and the aesthetic field
• is knowledgeable about the programme option’s and the aesthetic field’s history, traditions, distinctive nature and place in society
• knowledge of and perspectives on multicultural and global issues, as well as ethical issues in the programme option and in the aesthetic field
• knowledge of the aesthetic field's scientific theories and methods
• knowledge of the aesthetic field’s theory and development potential in a societal and ethical perspective

Skills

The student is capable of

• analysing existing theories, methods and interpretations in the professional and aesthetic field
• using his/her experience, practical aesthetic knowledge and theory in new areas
• working independently on resolving practical and theoretical problems
• using relevant methods for independent research and professional and/or artistic research
• analysing and taking a critical approach to different sources of information and using them to structure and formulate arguments in the field
• carrying out an independent, limited research or development project in accordance with applicable research ethical standards and arguments
• communicating independent work and mastering the aesthetic field's forms of expression

General competence

The student is capable of

• analysing relevant academic, professional and research ethical issues in the professional and aesthetic field
• applying knowledge and skills to new areas
• communicating with both specialists and the general public about issues, analyses and conclusions in the aesthetic field
• contributing to fresh thinking and innovation processes in the aesthetic field

Students work individually on the master’s thesis in dialogue with supervisors. Students are encouraged to establish study groups. Workshops and R&D seminars may be organised.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• Participation and presentation of master project in at least two seminars during the year
• Participation in planning and carrying out of the public presentation of the master’s Project.

The exam in the course is threefold:

1. Written master’s thesis - individual

The thesis shall document the student's research and development work. The documentation shall contain one theoretical and one practical-aesthetic part linked to the research question discussed.

The master’s thesis is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• the overall discussion of a limited research question in the programme's main areas
• the research discussion of the elements included in the work: research question(s), data, method, presentation, interpretation and angles of discussion
• the connection between theory and the relevant practical-aesthetic work
• clear form of presentation
• correct use of references
• independent reflection and use of theory
• analytical and ethical use of source material

The thesis must have a scope of 80 pages (+/- 10%).

The master’s thesis counts for 50% of the final master’s project grade.

1. Public presentation/production/performance - individual

The public presentation shall give an overall presentation of the material. It is based on the master's thesis' practical aesthetic part and artistic research.

The public presentation/production/performance is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• overall aesthetic presentation
• clear form of communication, qualified and conscious choices and relevant content

The public presentation/production/performance counts for 25% of the final master’s project grade.

1. Oral exam - individual

The oral exam is based on a discussion of the master’s thesis and relevant literature (common syllabus and literature selected by the student).

The oral exam is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• the student’s ability to discuss and assess
• the student’s use and understanding of the literature used
• the student's reflection on his/her own master’s project

The oral exam counts for 25% of the final master’s project grade.

Students who due to valid absence do not take one or several exam parts that make up the ordinary exam, or who are given an F in one or more of the exam parts that make up the exam, can register for a resit/rescheduled exam.

Students who take the resit exam in MEST5900 must take all parts of the exam. Students who do not take one or more parts of the exam in the course due to valid absence, or who are awarded an F grade for such an exam, can register for a resit/rescheduled exam. Resit/rescheduled exams are organised early in the following semester.

Part 1: All aids allowed, as long as the rules for sources are compiled with.

Part 3: The students must bring the thesis to the oral exam.

I forbindelse med avsluttende vurdering benyttes gradert skala A-F.

Alle eksamensdeler må være vurdert til karakter E eller bedre for at studenten skal kunne få bestått emne.

De tre eksamensdelene i avsluttende eksamen gir én sluttkarakter. Denne fremkommer på karakterutskrift/vitnemål sammen med tittel på masteroppgaven og navn på studieretningen.

Det kan framsettes klage på del 1 masteroppgaven. Del 2 og 3 er definert som praktisk/muntlig eksamen og eksamensresultatet kan derfor kun påklages med grunnlag i formelle feil.

The exam is sensored by one internal and one external examinator, who constitute the master committee. If there is disagreement between examinators, the external examinator decides.