Master's Thesis in Psychology

Teaching semester

Autumn and spring

Objectives and Content

The master's thesis shall provide students with a deeper insight into theory and empiric practice in a defined field. The thesis will develop the students' abilities for a critical and scientific reflection on a research question. A written presentation must be given in line with the current standard for scientific research dissemination.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the course candidates shall have acquired ...

Knowledge on how

• to analyse the relationship between topic, research question, and research design.
• to choose a research design adequate for the investigating the research problem and in view of constraining factors such as time and the financial situation.
• to demonstrate both broad and in-depth knowledge about the research area of the project.

Skills on how

• to develop, plan, and complete a research project, as well as present the results from the project.
• to provide a clear and precise written presentation of the research work.
• to assess and explain the choice of the research design.
• to understand which conclusions can be drawn from the analysis.
• to be proficient in developing a scientific text in accordance with APA standards, the correct use of and reference to sources, and competent use of relevant literature databases.

General expertise on how

• to reflect on the role of researchers in collecting and using data.
• to reflect on ethical conditions with respect to using and interpreting own data, sources, and quotations.
• (* to develop project outlines and undertake research projects. *)
• to reflect on authorship and co-authorship of scientific work.

Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

This course consists of three elements:

• A 10-page project outline
• The Master's thesis (50-60 pages)
• The presentation section in the form of a scientific presentation of students' own projects at a final conference for the Masters course.

Master's theses shall be written in line with the APA standards (A4, 1.5 line spacing, left, top and bottom margins of at least 2.5 cm), excluding the reference list and appendix. They shall consist of 50-60 pages of text (as a guide). Unlike the format used for articles, theses shall have an introduction which contains a broader review of the literature and a more comprehensive presentation of the background and problems involved. The discussion shall also be more detailed than that commonly used in the format for articles. The other parts of the thesis shall comply with the APA standards, i.e. there shall be a summary in Norwegian and English, each consisting of approx. 200 words. MA theses can also be written in English.

Master's theses can be written individually or in conjunction with another student.

When there is more than one author, the authors are expected to contribute equally to the work involved.

Their supervision is regulated by a more specific supervision agreement. Some supervision can be provided in groups. The deadline for submitting the Supervision Agreement contract is 15 October for students who start working on their Master's thesis during the autumn semester, and 15 March for students who start work on their Master's thesis during the spring semester.

Forms of Assessment

Master's theses will be assessed by a committee consisting of two experts, one external and one internal. Grading will be determined on the basis of the written work presented. A grading scale from A to F will be used. If two students submit a joint thesis, they will receive a joint grade for both candidates.

The project outline shall be submitted in MittUiB, and the master's thesis shall be submitted in StudentWeb, within the deadlines given.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Reading List

For recommended literature please refer to our website under Mitt UiB.

Course Evaluation

Students shall assess their tuition in accordance with the UiB's quality assurance system.