Master Thesis in Economics, 30 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Business and Economics Programme - International - French
• Business and Economics Programme
• Business and Economics Programme - International - Spanish
• Business and Economics Programme - International - German
• Business and Economics Programme - International - English

Entry requirements

For admission to the course, at least 160 HE credits from the basic courses in the programme should be completed.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the students should be able to:
- independently plan, carry out, and present a research assignment in the economic disciplinary domain, orally and in writing. This aim comprises being able to:
- identify and formulate a relevant problem and with a well-motivated method achieve the aims of the degree project,
- search and delineate scholarly literature and write a current research overview of the applicable theory and empiricism in the chosen problem area,
- interpret and analyse, for the chosen issue and purpose, relevant empiricism by means of an economic theory/model,
- demonstrate and argue for the usability of the results/model,
- demonstrate advanced subject and method knowledge in the chosen field,
- communicate in writing with a scholarly stringency, based on the requirements for language and formalities,
- present, discuss and defend the degree project orally with a scholarly and critical approach,
- critically review, evaluate and discuss other essays with a high grade of scholarly awareness.

Course content

The course constitutes the independent work that is required for a Master of Science in Business and Economics within the main field of study economics. The course comprises:
- method tuition,
- supervision of the essay teams,
- seminar discussion of the essays. On the basis of method tuition and supervision, knowledge and skills in economic method are developed to formulate and carry out a research assignment in economics independently. The subject and issue are chosen in consultation with an experienced supervisor. The supervisor helps delimit and organise the degree project and review the contents, formalities and language. The student is trained to search, evaluate and refer sources independently, as well as to use economic method, argue for and analyse the chosen issue, theory, and/or empirical data, and to cooperate with others by participating in seminar discussions of drafts and completed degree projects. The course includes to present layouts, time plans and drafts, to be active in the examination of the texts of other students, as well as to defend the own degree project and publicly discuss another degree project at a final review.

Teaching and working methods

The course is carried out as full-time studies, where the working method is independent work based on method tuition and individual supervision and/or group supervision at seminars. The degree project is normally written in teams of two. In exceptional cases, after exemption from the coordinator, the work is carried out by one individual.

Examination

The course is examined through active participation in seminars and through presentation and defence of degree project, as well as public discussion on another degree project. Detailed information can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department