Swedish name: Magisteruppsats i kulturgeografi
This syllabus is valid: 2024-12-09 and until further notice
Syllabus for courses starting after 2024-12-09
Course code: 2KG503
Credit points: 15
Education level: Second cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level:
Human Geography: Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Geography
Established by: Head of Department of Geography and Economic History, 2021-09-17
Revised by: Head of Department of Geography and Economic History, 2024-12-11
The course focuses on conducting an independent thesis project at an advanced level. The student selects a thesis topic in consultation with their supervisor or course coordinator.
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current research questions within a specific area of the main field of human geography,
Competence and skills
2. demonstrate the ability to independently identify and formulate research questions.,
3. demonstrate the ability to independently plan and conduct a smaller scientific study using appropriate methods within given time frames,
4. demonstrate the ability to independently and critically engage with scientific theory and method,
5. demonstrate the ability to develop and structure thesis drafts in dialogue with a supervisor during the supervision period,
6. demonstrate the ability to defend their own thesis at a scientific seminar,
Judgement and approach
7. summarize, critically review, and provide constructive feedback on another student's thesis draft, and
8. demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on societal relevance and research ethics in relation to the thesis work.
Univ: 180 higher education credits, of which at least 90 credits in Human Geography or equivalent. In addition, Spatial Analysis, 15 credits, or Advanced GIS Analysis, 15 credits, as well as an additional 15 credits at an advanced level in human geography, or equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6
Teaching consists of supervision, seminars and lectures/workshops. Supervision is typically provided during the regular course period. The supervision assumes a dialogue where the supervisor has the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the thesis process based on drafts submitted by the student. During the first supervision session, the supervisor and the student create a joint plan for the continuation of the supervision.
The seminars are part of the examination process. The thesis work is documented in a written thesis. The thesis can be connected to an external client, provided that the conditions of the course, including the expected learning outcomes, are met. The teaching is normally conducted in English.
Examination is conducted through the presentation of the thesis at an examinative seminar and by acting as an opponent for another thesis. The student must also participate in three other thesis seminars. Emphasis is placed on both oral and written presentation. The grade for the opposition is either pass or fail. For the entire course, the grades awarded are pass with distinction, pass or fail. To be eligible for the grade pass with distinction, the thesis must be examined during the semester in which the student first registered for the course.
Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.
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 the examiner to reconsider the examination.
Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade. For students who have not passed an ordinary examination occasion, a new occasion for examination (a resit) is offered according to Umeå University's Grading and examination regulations for first- and second-cycle studies (Regulation FS 1.1.2-553-14). A resit shall be offered no later than two months after the ordinary examination occasion, but no less than ten working days after the results of the ordinary examination have been announced.
A student who on two occasions has failed an examination has the right to have another examiner appointed if there are no specific reasons for not doing so (HF chap. 6, §22). Such a request shall be processed as soon as possible. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of undergraduate studies.
Academic credit transfer
A student has the right to apply for a transfer of credits for previous education or activity. Applications regarding transfer of credits are processed by Student Services.
In case a course syllabus is no longer valid or has undergone significant revisions, students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the regular examination session) according to the course syllabus the student initially was registered on, for a maximum of two years.