Master´s Thesis (one year), 15 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master´s Programme in Child Studies

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen within the humanities, social sciences or the behavioral sciences with a major relevant to the programme. 
  Examples of fields:
  - anthropology
  - education
  - history
  - communication studies
  - media studies
  - language studies
  - psychology
  - social work
  - sociology
  - political sicence
  or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (English 6/B)
  (Exemption from Swedish)
• Passed at least 30 ECTS credits within the master’s programme in Child Studies, with at least 5 ECTS credits from the course Research Methods in Child Studies (7,5 ECTS credits) in the second semester

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should on an advanced level be able to:

- independently identify and formulate a research problem relevant to the field of Child Studies; 
- identify, evaluate, integrate and describe relevant previous research concerning the research problem; 
- design a research plan for how the research problem can be studied within a given time frame using adequate methods; - conduct research, including gathering and analysing empirical material and evaluating one’s own results; 
- describe and apply ethical principles in the research process; 
- describe and argue for the study in an academic manner both orally and in writing; 
- critically read and evaluate other studies using the qualitative criteria for scientific work.

Course content

Students write a thesis dealing in depth with an independently formulated problem in Child Studies. Under supervision, the students carry out research that is presented in the thesis. The thesis is normally written in teams of two and the choice of subject, methods and literature will be discussed in dialogue with the thesis supervisor. The thesis is to be presented and defended at a seminar. Students will also learn to act as critical discussants (peer reviewers) in relation to each other’s projects.

Teaching and working methods

Independent individual study and active participation in seminars, both online and on campus, are the teaching methods used. Individual online tutoring is an integrated part of the course. In addition to the scheduled time, the student is expected to engage in self-study. The student must have access to e-mail and Internet. The course is presented in various multi-media formats. In order to guarantee a positive learning situation online, and, in order for the student to be able to actively participate in the course and communicate with fellow students and the teacher, it is therefore important that the student have access to the correct hard- and software. Information concerning the specifications of the equipment necessary for the course can be found in the study guide. 

Supervision time is limited. 

English is the language of instruction.

Examination

Examination comprises 

• writing, presentation and defense of an independently written thesis, grading scale: EC 
• opposition, grading scale: EC 
• active participation in an on-campus seminar, grading scale: EC 

The final course grade is determined by the thesis grade. 

Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s 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 carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

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