Course syllabus - Master thesis in political science

Objectives

The course aims to equip students with the ability to write a master’s thesis in political science, which includes conducting an independent, theoretically grounded scientific study within a problem area relevant to the discipline.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student shall:

Knowledge and Understanding:

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a political science research area, including its central theories, concepts, and current research questions.
2. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of how different theoretical and methodological choices affect the validity, interpretation, and societal relevance of research findings.
   
   Skills and Abilities:
3. Independently identify, justify, and formulate a relevant research problem in relation to the current state of knowledge.
4. Design and carry out a theoretically grounded and methodologically well-founded study.
5. Present research results in writing in the form of a scholarly thesis that meets academic standards of rigor, formal structure, argumentation, and linguistic clarity.
6. Orally and in written form present and discuss the own work and critically and constructively review the theses of others in relation to relevant theoretical and methodological perspectives.
   
   Judgement and Approach:
7. Reflect on the conditions of knowledge production and on the own role as a researcher or analyst in relation to societal and ethical dimensions.
8. Identify the need for further knowledge in one’s own field of study.

Course content

In this course, students conduct an individual independent student essay project. They are supported individual supervision, and will engage in dialogue with both teachers and peers in the context of seminars. This course enables students to deepen the theoretical, methodological and empirical knowledge they have acquired throughout their studies and to specialize their expertise by engaging in-depth with a topic of their choice. The course also furthers transferable skills in project management, academic writing, presentation and communication.

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits and with a major in the field of political science or an equivalent academic field and at least one term of successfully completed full-time studies at the Master’s level in Political Science or an equivalent subject, including a minimum of ten weeks of coursework in scientific methods. In addition Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.

Examination

UPS1, Essay, 27.5 credit, grade: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Failed (U). Learning outcome: 1–6 and 9–11.

SEM1, Seminar, 2.5 credit, grade: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Failed (U). Learning outcome: 7–8.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Three-grade scale