Master of Science in Conservation Department of Conservation University of Gothenburg, April 2017 Guidelines for Master Thesis Work 1. General information This document is designed to help students and teachers complete the master thesis work as part of the Master of Science Programme in Conservation. It presents step-by-step instructions on how to do before, during and the completion of the thesis project. General rules however can be found in “Studiehandboken”. 2. How to get started Before students begin their thesis work, an introductory session would be organised to help students understand the practicalities and routines. Below are among the issues that would be covered during the session. Two ways to begin your thesis: First: students write a short proposal and discuss it with the program coordinator or program coordinator in order to select a supervisor. Students can also suggest candidate supervisor. Second: students develop a thesis project proposal based on a project run by a research group or an external partner (e.g. an organisation, company, etc.). - Researchers at the Department of Conservation and relevant Departments at GU sometimes invite for thesis works through their research projects. - Students may get in contact with teachers and researchers for tips on topics and contacts. - Students may also do master thesis through collaboration with other universities in Sweden or abroad, however this should be within an established exchange program with GU and through consultancy with the program’s coordinator. - Public agencies and companies sometimes invite students to carry out their master thesis work in relation to their projects and programs. Note: any master thesis conducted through the second option need to follow ordinary scientific/scholarly requirements. Proposal Proposals consist of the following sections: explain here the research problem and argument Background and problem: Objectives: describe what would be achieved Questions: formulate 3-4 research questions that can help achieve the objectives describe the empirical material or case study for investigation Material/Case: describe how the research problem and questions would be investigated. Method: describe the theoretical principles and theoretical frame that would guide the Theory: study. explain how the topic relates to previous research. Positioning: describe the results that are expected to emerge from your Expected Results: if possible
Master of Science in Conservation Department of Conservation University of Gothenburg, April 2017 Guidelines for Master Thesis Work 1. General information This document is designed to help students and teachers complete the master thesis work as part of the Master of Science Programme in Conservation. It presents step-by-step instructions on how to do before, during and the completion of the thesis project. General rules however can be found in “Studiehandboken”. 2. How to get started Before students begin their thesis work, an introductory session would be organised to help students understand the practicalities and routines. Below are among the issues that would be covered during the session. Two ways to begin your thesis: First: students write a short proposal and discuss it with the program coordinator or program coordinator in order to select a supervisor. Students can also suggest candidate supervisor. Second: students develop a thesis project proposal based on a project run by a research group or an external partner (e.g. an organisation, company, etc.). - Researchers at the Department of Conservation and relevant Departments at GU sometimes invite for thesis works through their research projects. - Students may get in contact with teachers and researchers for tips on topics and contacts. - Students may also do master thesis through collaboration with other universities in Sweden or abroad, however this should be within an established exchange program with GU and through consultancy with the program’s coordinator. - Public agencies and companies sometimes invite students to carry out their master thesis work in relation to their projects and programs. Note: any master thesis conducted through the second option need to follow ordinary scientific/scholarly requirements. Proposal Proposals consist of the following sections: Background and problem: explain here the research problem and argument Objectives: describe what would be achieved Questions: formulate 3-4 research questions that can help achieve the objectives Material/Case: describe the empirical material or case study for investigation Method: describe how the research problem and questions would be investigated. Theory: describe the theoretical principles and theoretical frame that would guide the study. Positioning: explain how the topic relates to previous research. Expected Results: describe if possible the results that are expected to emerge from your
1653138_guidlines-for-preparing-master-thesis-work.docx