Internship-based Master¿s thesis

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The objective of the Master¿s thesis is for the student to develop knowledge of and first-hand experience with interdisciplinary problem-solving related to sustainability.

The student must have completed the course SDG349 Internship, with the internship as basis for the master thesis. In the thesis, the student will provide a detailed account of the aims and objectives of the internship period, as well as observations and experience gathered during the internship, and systematically discuss and reflect on the problem-solving approach, applying relevant research literature.

The design and methodological approach of the thesis shall be developed by the student together with the supervisors.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course the students should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student can:

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the sustainability area relevant for a particular internship-based case study, and apply concepts, knowledge and theory of sustainability and interdisciplinarity to that area
  • consult and apply relevant research literature in the analysis of a sustainability project

Skills

The student can:

  • design and carry out the writing of a project report of high quality according to appropriate methodological and ethical standards
  • discuss strengths and limitations of the student¿s chosen (inter)disciplinary, methodological and conceptual approach in relation to other possible approaches and perspectives
  • discuss and reflect on the institutional and societal dimensions of the thesis subject

General Competencies

The student can:

  • communicate the issues dealt with in the thesis in an understandable form to specialist and general audiences.
  • account for ethical and research integrity norms and principles relevant to sustainability related research

ECTS Credits

30 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Spring
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
None
Access to the Course
The course is open to students enrolled in the Master's programme in sustainability at the University of Bergen
Teaching and learning methods

The students will attend 5-10 seminars (10-20 hours) each semester. The seminar sessions will include: 1) project description taking into account topics from mandatory and elective courses; 2) research preparations; 3) after the research.

Students will receive supervision for their work on their Master's thesis from members of the teaching staff, covering both mandatory and specialization topics. A supervision contract outlining the rights and responsibilities of the student, the supervisors, and the department administration is signed by all the parties.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Participation at seminars (minimum 75 % attendance). Participation entails: presentation of own thesis and student peer review of works of others.
Forms of Assessment

Submission of the Master's thesis (40 - 70 pages, requirements may vary depending on field of specialisation) and subsequent oral examination.

The subject for discussion at the oral examination is the student's Master's thesis. Following oral examination, the final grade for the Master's thesis may be adjusted up or down by one on the grading scale. Both parts of the exam must receive a passing grade in order to get a passing grade in the course.

Grading Scale
A-F
Assessment Semester
Autumn
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.
Programme Committee
The Program Board is responsible for the academic content and structure of the study program, and for the quality of all the subjects therein.
Course Coordinator
Programme board for the Master's Programme in Sustainability
Course Administrator
The Center for the study of the sciences and humanities (Senter for vitskapstori, SVT) is administratively responsible for the program.