Admission requirements
Admission to the MA International Relations, track Culture an Politics, and completion of the course Thesis Seminar and Methods in International Relations Research.
Description
A thesis is an academic essay, written by the student in consultation with a supervisor. The thesis must show that the student is capable of analyzing existing literature in a critical manner, and of conducting independent research. Moreover, this process must be recorded in an academically sound report.
Generally speaking, students are encouraged to select the topic of their thesis themselves, based on a Master’s course that they followed. In most cases, the first supervisor of the thesis will be the lecturer responsible for the Master’s course which inspired the thesis. In case of doubt, students can always consult other supervisors within the Humanities Faculty.
During the first semester, students will complete the 5 EC course Thesis Seminar and Methods in International Relations Research in which they will choose a topic for their thesis, formulate a research question, and submit a research proposal and literature review. Students who have not fulfilled the requirements of this course or have not received the approval of the Examinations Committee will not have their MA thesis supervised.
Course objectives
Completion of a 15,000 word thesis based on original and independent research.
Timetable
As of 2019/20, thesis submission is limited to two deadlines per academic year. Students of the February ’19 intake can submit the thesis before Friday January 3 2020 in order to graduate in January 2020. If this deadline is not met, the next opportunity for submitting the thesis will be before Friday July 3 2020.
Mode of instruction
Not applicable.
Assessment method
The thesis for the MA International Relations is a maximum of 15.000 words (no 10% margin) including notes, excluding bibliography and appendices. The thesis is supervised by a lecturer in the Humanities Faculty, who possesses expertise in the relevant field. The thesis is judged by two lecturers involved in the program.
In assessing the quality of the thesis, the following aspects play an important role:
Formulating and analyzing the research question;
Structure of the thesis;
Integration of primary and secondary literature into the argument;
Argumentation skills;
Style, use of language and lay-out;
Independent and original research
(see the regulations concerning the procedure surrounding the master’s thesis)
Blackboard
Students are required to submit their completed thesis as a word document via Blackboard.
Reading list
Not applicable.
Registration
Via uSis.
Contact
The co-ordinator of studies or your thesis supervisor.