Guidelines for Master's thesis at VID
Adopted by the Rector on 25 June 2018, revised 20 April 2023.
Purpose and content of the Master’s thesis
This document clarifies the common framework that is applicable to all Master’s theses at VID. The Master’s thesis must be an independent scientific work of relevance to the discipline in question. The efforts entailed in the Master’s thesis are intended to give students practice in working systematically and methodically, and to help them develop a critical approach to methodological issues. After completing the Master’s thesis, students should be able to demonstrate an ability to assess and explain the basis for relevant theoretical perspectives, appropriate and valid designs, data collection methods and analysis tools for the chosen research question. Students should also be able to demonstrate an ability to provide a clear and precise written presentation of their own work and to communicate this to peers and the general public. The Master’s thesis may be based on an empirical survey or can take the form of a theoretical work.
Scope and form of the Master’s thesis
Master’s theses at VID are worth 30 or 45 ECTS credits. Word limit requirements depend on the number of credits that are given. For 30 credits, the word limit is 24 000 +/- 10 per cent, and for 45 credits the limit is 28 000 words +/- 10 per cent.
Some Master’s degree programmes permit two students to write the thesis together. Each programme can decide whether to hold an oral examination in addition to the assessment of the written work. This will be indicated in the programme description.
Some Master’s degree programmes allow the thesis to take the form of a scientific article. The article must meet the requirements for submission to a specified peer-reviewed journal. In addition to the scientific article, a supplementary text of 7 500 words +/- 10 per cent with substantial, thematic or methodological content needs to be submitted.
The Master’s thesis must contain a summary/abstract of up to 400 words, giving brief details of the research question, method, findings, discussion and conclusion. Immediately following the abstract, at least four keywords must be given in Norwegian and English. The summary should also be in Norwegian and English. Students who write the thesis in English do not need to provide an abstract in Norwegian.
The cover page, preface, table of contents, abstract, keywords, footnotes/endnotes, list of references, tables, appendices and acknowledgements are not included in the word count.
Ethical and legal considerations
Ethical assessments are central to all Master’s theses. Students must familiarize themselves with the Norwegian Act on Ethics and Integrity in Research and the guidelines that apply to their field of study and ensure that the project is conducted in accordance with these.
VID is responsible for raising research ethics issues with the student as part of the project description approval process and during supervision sessions.
Students who process personal data must acquaint themselves with VID’s procedures for handling personal data in research and student papers.
The supervisor serves as the project manager for student papers and is responsible for ensuring that procedures and legislation are followed. Together with the student, the supervisor shall assess whether it is necessary to collect personal data, and if so, what data in particular based on the aim of the thesis (1). They will also jointly consider whether the thesis needs to be reported to the Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research (Sikt). Applications to Sikt are submitted by the student once the supervisor has approved the application (2).
Students working on a Master's thesis that involves the processing of personal data in medical and health-related research that is covered by the Health Research Act, must submit an application to the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK). The application is submitted by the supervisor. REK may have specific requirements for the academic and scientific competence of the project manager. It is not generally desirable for students to choose a topic and research question for their Master's thesis that requires REK approval.
All external communication, such as requests for access to the research field, recruitment of participants etc. require the approval of the supervisor.
Master’s thesis supervision
The student is entitled to supervision for the Master’s thesis. A supervision contract will be entered into to clarify the tasks, responsibilities and rights of the student, supervisor and VID. The content and design of the contract will vary according to subject area. The contract is signed by the student and the main supervisor once the supervision begins.
The student is entitled to 12 hours of supervision, six of which may be made mandatory (3). Supervision is compulsory in some programmes. Supervision sessions can be held for individual students or for groups. Students are expected to provide material for discussion prior to the session.
Students who have been granted a submission deadline extension for their thesis due to approved absence or withdrawal from an exam will not receive extra supervision beyond the stipulated number of hours. Supervision is not usually provided where students want to improve their grade.
Students who are given a fail (F), are entitled to six additional hours of supervision. A new supervisor may be appointed.
Submission
The front cover of the thesis must contain the following information: title, subtitle where relevant, the student’s name, the university and campus, programme of study, cohort where applicable, number of words and submission deadline. VID’s front cover template for Master’s theses must be used for submission.
The student must confirm agreement with a compulsory declaration when submitting the Master’s thesis digitally. By accepting the declaration, the student agrees to familiarize him/herself with VID’s guidelines on plagiarism and cheating, and confirms that the thesis is in accordance with these provisions.
Assessment of thesis
Two examiners will assess the Master’s thesis; one internal examiner and one external examiner. The supervisor does not normally act as the internal examiner.
Explanation of grade and appeals
The procedure for obtaining an explanation of and appealing a grade is described on VID’s website.
Deferred examination and grade improvement
For deferred examinations and attempts to improve grades, Sections 23 and 24 of the Regulations relating to Admissions, Studies, Examinations and Degrees at VID Specialized University apply.
Upon resubmission of a Master’s thesis in the event of a fail (F) or an attempt to improve a grade, the candidate can submit a revised thesis or a thesis on a new topic. Students who wish to improve their grade should submit a revised version at the second attempt. In the event of a third attempt, the student must submit a thesis with a new topic and research question. This applies to a fail grade (F) and grade improvement.
Cheating in the Master’s thesis
The Master's thesis is an examination, and cheating in the Master's thesis is regulated by Act no. 15 relating to Universities and University Colleges of 1 April 2005, Section 4-7 (1) b and Section 4-8 (3), as well as the guidelines for dealing with cheating or attempted cheating at VID Specialized University.
If the decision is made to annul a student’s submitted exam paper/Master’s thesis due to cheating on the first and/or second attempt, the student must submit a paper with a new topic and research question on the second and/or third attempt. The student is entitled to 12 hours of supervision, 6 of which are mandatory.
If the decision is made to annul a student’s submitted exam paper/Master’s thesis due to cheating on the first attempt and the student does not pass on the second attempt, the student must submit a revised version for the third attempt or a paper with a new topic. The student is entitled to an additional 6 hours of supervision for the third submission.
Accessing VID’s open digital archive (VID:OPEN)
Where a thesis is graded in the range A–C, a digital version of the thesis can be made available in VID’s digital archive. The student has copyright to the thesis and can reserve the right not to publish in VID: OPEN. Consent is given by ticking the appropriate box during digital submission of the thesis.
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(1) The Data Protection Authority’s balance test (to find a balance that ensures a proportional impingement on privacy): https://www.datatilsynet.no/rettigheter-og-plikter/virksomhetenes-plikter/om-behandlingsgrunnlag/
(2) The supervisor named in the reporting form will automatically receive a project invitation when the form is submitted. The supervisor must respond to the invitation by clicking on the link and logging in. The supervisor will be granted administrative rights to the project, which gives them access to edit and submit the reporting form, add input to the dialogue, create new reporting forms and data management plans.
(3) Mandatory supervision will be specified in the programme description.