Master Thesis in Population Studies, 15 Credits

Contents

This course comprises an independently written thesis addressing an issue of relevance for the field of population studies, equivalent to 10 weeks of full time study. The subject is chosen by the student, in consultation with the teacher/supervisor and after discussions with fellow students. The examination consists of a written thesis, which is presented and defended in a concluding seminar. The student is also required to act as opponent of another thesis.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completion of the course the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge within a specific field of population studies, related to the aim and formulated questions of the thesis.

Skills and abilities
After completion of the course the student should be able to:
- Independently identify and formulate research questions of relevance within the field of population studies,
- Demonstrate the ability to independently set up and give reasons for a study design in relation to formulated research questions and in accordance with established research methods and ethical guide lines,
- demonstrate the ability to independently compile and critically assess scientific theory and methods,
- demonstrate the ability to independently apply scientific methods,
- Independently write and defend a scientific essay, thus contributing to increased knowledge and research within the field.

Judgment and approach
After completion of the course the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to critically relate to the results of the essay,
- Critically scrutinize the corresponding essay of another student, regarding study design, execution, results and conclusions.
 

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognized university. Special requirements: 90 ECTS in any of the subjects: human geography, geography, statistics, sociology, economics, history, epidemiology, psychology, demography, population studies or other related subjects. In addition to this, another 30 ETS on advanced level in population studies, or equivalently, is required. You will also need at least 7.5 ECTS of quantitative methods or equivalent and proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of seminars and individual supervision and the individual supervision is granted during the course period. The seminars are compulsory. The spoken and written language of the course is English.

Examination modes

The examination will consist of the written thesis, its presentation and defense in an examining seminar, and of the opposition of another student’s essay. The student is also expected to take part in the other students’ seminars. Great importance is attached to both the written essay and the oral opposition. The grades of the oral part are Pass or Fail. The grades used for the whole course are: Fail (U), Pass (G) Pass with distinction (VG). In order to obtain the grade VG, it is required that the essay is examined and provided for grading during the semester of the first registration of the course.
 
Examination based on the same syllabus as at the ordinary examination is guaranteed during two years after the first registration to the course.
 
Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade.
 
It is not possible to appeal against a received grade, i.e. to get it examined by a higher authority, but a student can always criticize the grading or ask another examiner to reconsider the examination.
 
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the program coordinator.