MJ5900 Master Thesis Course description

The purpose of the master thesis is for the student to complete an independent scientific study based on a research question that is related to the field of study (journalism/media and communication/non-fiction).

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

For journalism and media and communication:

The courses MED4000 Media Development and Media Research and MED4100 Introduction to Research Methods, as well as optional courses of a total of 40 credits must be passed before the student can submit the master thesis for examination.

For non-fiction:

The courses MED4000 Media Development and Media Research, MED4100 Introduction to research methods, MJ5300 An introduction to non-fiction, as well as optional courses of a total of 30 credits must be passed before the student can submit the master thesis for examination.

After completing the thesis, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of relevant research traditions for media development in general and the field of study in particular
• has solid knowledge of relevant methodological and theoretical approaches for the master thesis
• has in-depth knowledge of the scientific requirements for quality in research
• has basic knowledge about research ethics

Skills

The student

• has developed the ability to design a research project from the original idea to a master's thesis
• can formulate a clear research question grounded in the theories central to the field
• can examine a data material with methods that are appropriate in light of the purpose of the project and carry it out with great accuracy and thoroughness
• 'can design a thesis with a clear and distinct structure
• can discuss the findings in a critical manner
• can write accurately and engaging
• can use appropriate references in accordance with good scientific standards

General competence

The student

• has the ability to develop relevant research questions and a solid project design
• has competence in the presentation of scientific data
• can give and receive constructive criticism and feedback
• has developed competence for independent research work
• can communicate and discuss research processes and results

1st semester

The work on the master's thesis starts in the compulsory subjects MED4000 Media development and media research and MED4100 Introduction to research methods. In these courses, students will present and discuss preliminary sketches including the research question, research design, theoretical approaches and choice of method for a possible master's thesis.

2nd semester

During the spring semester, a seminar is organized about the master's thesis work. The final project outline must be submitted within a specified deadline. When a supervisor has been appointed, the student and supervisor must sign a supervision agreement. This agreement regulates the relationship between supervisor and student, rights and obligations in the supervision relationship.

3rd and 4th semester

Individual guidance.

Three seminars are arranged in the 3rd and 4th semester. The purpose of the seminars is to offer the students support and advice throughout the process.

The students are in addition advised to organize colloquies to discuss theory and methods and give each other feedback.

Part-time students are not expected to start work on the master's thesis until the 4th semester.

All students are entitled to 16 hours of individual supervision during the work on the master's thesis. Students that co-operate, are entitled to the same amount of supervision as those working alone. If two students co-operate, they are entitled to 32 hours. The main supervisor must normally come from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies. It is possible for the students to apply for a co-supervisor. The number of hours for a co-supervisor is included in the 16 hours the students are entitled to for supervision of the master's thesis.

The teaching takes place in person, on campus.

No coursework requirements.

The assessment consists of the master thesis and an oral examination where one hour is set aside pr. student for examination. The grade can be adjusted one grade up or down.

The individual, theoretical master thesis must be a minimum of 80 pages and a maximum of 100 pages plus reference lists and appendices where applicable. Font Arial or Calibri, size 12 points, line spacing: 1.5. In order to complete the oral exam, the written exam must have been evaluated to a pass.

The practical-theoretical master thesis consists of the practical work and an individual written theoretical reflection of this work. The practical part should be the equivalent of 6 months' work. The theoretical part should be around 50 pages. Font Arial or Calibri, size 12 points, line spacing: 1.5. The practical and the theoretical part should be given equal weight towards the final grade, but the overall consistency of the work should also be considered. To be qualified for the oral examination, both the written examination part and the practical part must be passed.

If the practical part is done in collaboration, the students will receive the same grade for the practical part. The scope will increase with the number of students who collaborate, estimated to half a year practical work per student.The theoretical reflection must consist of an individual research question and be handed in individually. The student will be given an individual grade.

Students can choose whether they want to write the master's thesis in Norwegian or English.

The appeal deadline runs from the day the oral hearing is completed and the final grade is set.

Candidates who do not pass the practical part must apply for a new / postponed exam in both the practical and theoretical part. Candidates who do not pass the theoretical part can get a new / postponed exam for the theoretical part.

A student can submit a new or revised master's thesis once if the master's thesis has not been passed.

It is not permitted to have a new master's thesis assessed in the same study program when the student has previously had his / her thesis assessed with a pass, cf. Regulations on studies and examinations at OsloMet § 6-9 (4th paragraph)

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grades from A-F.

The master's thesis and the oral examination are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Karoline Andrea Ihlebæk