MEST4500 Research strategies Course description

This course develops the student's understanding of research strategies relevant to enquiry into, for and through creative practice. The student gains insight into relevant theoretical and methodological perspectives and learns how to position themself in relation to these. The course emphasises the ability to analyse, evaluate and apply both theoretical and practical approaches within research, art, and/or design processes. Academic skills such as formal referencing techniques and ethical judgment in research are also developed. As part of the course, the student selects the focus of their master’s project, formulates a research question, and begins developing a research design. This research design work continues in the Master’s thesis seminars during the third semester.

Language of instruction: English

The course MEST4511 Perspectives on creative practice or similar competence.

None.

Knowledge

The student:

• has advanced understanding of key research philosophical perspectives relevant to creative practice

• has analytical understanding of the theoretical and practical elements of the research process

• has knowledge of and can take a critical approach to the use of different sources and ethical considerations in creative practice experimentation and research processes

Skills

The student

• can independently apply selected theoretical and methodological approaches relevant to creative practice
• can evaluate and discuss choices in research methodology in relation to the project's objective and research question
• can assess and apply various sources and research ethical norms relating to the research process

General competence

The student

• can work independently on developing a research question in combination with various relevant methods
• can apply and communicate their knowledge using research methodology argumentation
• can give constructive feedback to peers and reflect critically on feedback received, to improve their own work.

Teaching methods vary between lectures and various student-active learning methods. Students must actively participate in teaching and group work. 

The master’s programme is based on individual study with participation in groups, lectures and thematic workshops. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical and practical work as forms of study.

During the course, the student shall have a particular focus on working actively with a selection of research methods relevant for their future master's thesis.

Teaching is in English when this course is included in the international semester.

The following compulsory activities must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam:

• At least 80% attendance at classes.

The exam consists of two parts:

Part 1) Individual oral presentation of approx. 10-15 minutes.

Part 2) Individual written documentation, 1500-2500 words.

Both parts are assessed together and a single overall grade is given. All parts must be passed in order for the course to be passed.

The result of the written part of the exam can be appealed. The result of the oral part of the exam cannot be appealed. If the grade is changed after the appeal process, a new oral presentation will be held to determine the final grade.

The exam can be submitted in English or Norwegian.

Further information about these tasks will be provided in the exam tasks and in the teaching.

Use of AI-tools: AI tools may be used for brainstorming, text refinement, and citation formatting, but must not be used to produce fully AI-generated content (text, images, or other creative work) for inclusion in coursework or exams. AI-assisted creative work is permitted if it has been approved by the course coordinator prior to submission. All AI use must be documented in the submission and comply with OsloMet’s guidelines: AI-policy og veiledning for bruk av AI i studentoppgaver.

All other aids are permitted as long as rules for citing sources are followed.

Pass/fail.

Two internal examiners assess the oral exam.

An internal examiner and a co-examiner assess a selection of the exam papers.

The course has a 5-credit overlap with MEST4520 and a 10-credit overlap with MEST4313.