Main Field of Study and progress level:
Human Geography: Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
Grading scale: Excellent, Very good, Good, Satisfactory, Sufficient, Insufficient, Insufficient
Responsible department: Department of Geography
Revised by: Head of Department of Geography and Economic History, 2014-04-08
Contents
The course comprises an independently written master thesis. The student chooses the subject from a limited number of themes presented by the tutors during the first two weeks of the semester.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to:
Competence and skills 1. apply scientific information in an advanced manner, 2. independently apply knowledge in social and economic geography, 3. carry out a scientific study, 4. write a major scientific essay,
Judgement and approach 5. critically apply scientific theories and methods in an empirical study, and 6. critically scrutinize a major scientific essay.
Required Knowledge
Univ: 180 ECTS, at least 90 ECTS of which in human geography, or equivalently. In addition to this, another 60 ECTS on advanced level in human geography, or equivalently, is required.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL IBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section).
Form of instruction
Instruction will consist of seminars and individual supervision. Individual supervision is granted during the semester of first registration on the course. All teaching is in English. In the beginning of the course the student is required to give a seminar with an oral presentation of the thesis research problems, aim, questions at issue, theories and methods. At a mid term seminar the student is required to present a written version of these issues, including also a presentation of a strategy for the empirical part of the thesis.
Examination modes
The examination will consist of the written thesis, and presentation and defense of the written thesis in a concluding seminar. The student is also required to act as an opponent on another thesis. Great importance is attached to both the written presentation and to the oral opposition. The grades for the oral part are Pass or Fail. . The grades used for the whole course are: A, B, C, D, E, F or FX . In order to obtain the grades A-B it is also required that the thesis is presented and provided for grading during the semester of the first registration of the course. Examination based on the same curriculum as at the first, regular, examination is granted until two years after the students’ first registration on the course. It is not possible to appeal against a received grade (i.e. to have the grade reexamined by a higher authority), but a student can always criticize the grading or ask another examiner to reconsider the grading. Any student who has failed two consecutive examinations has the right to have another examiner, unless specific reasons arise (HF Ch.6 §11B). A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies.
ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER Credit transfer is always examined individually.
