M30-REIS Master's Thesis

Credits (ECTS):30

Course responsible:Stian Stensland

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk, norsk

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:750 hours

Teaching and exam period:The master thesis is written during the fall semester and delivered according to guidelines in December, or during the spring semester and delivered according to guidelines in May.

About this course

Master students in nature-based tourism writes a thesis in a topic within the subject which should be approved by the supervisor. The student can chose between different quantitative and qualitative scientific methods and theories offered at the master program in nature-based tourism. The master thesis is a sovereign academic work. Independent collection and analyses of data (primary and/or secondary) is a central part in the work. The student will get supervision how to develop the research questions. If the student undertake collection of data, or does field work, it must first be approved by the supervisor.

Learning outcome

A master thesis is a comprehensive working process. When completed, it provides the student with in depth knowledge of a specific topic and relevant methods and theories. The student will have independently searched for and assessed various sources. The thesis should be structured according to academic standards. The student will have gained experience in planning and implementing a project over a longer period. Throughout this process, the student will have gained specific knowledge, skills and competence:

- The student will have experiences in defining a scientific problem statement and finding relevant methods and theories to study it

- The student will have experience in searching for various sources, reading and assessing them in the relation to a specified issue within nature-based tourism

- Through supervision, the student will have gained insight into the various steps of a research process, including methodical and ethical concerns.

- If the student has conducted fieldwork and gathered primary data, practical experience have been gained in assessing sources and collecting data in the field, in addition to the explanation of research results

- The student will have gained experience in processing feedback and can critically reflect on the results of the research and the working process

- The student has presented the thesis and main results according to academic standards and in connection with the examination

Learning activities
The student undertakes research which will result in a scientific report (master thesis).
Teaching support
Instructions, information on deadlines and links to suggested topics are available at the website of the Faculty «For våre masterstudenter».
Information about choice of thesis topic, the writing process, deadlines and guidelines are presented for the students during the first year.
The student is encouraged to benefit from course and information from the University Library and The Writing Centre at NMBU.
Participation in a mandatory method course provides necessary skills for planning and undertake the master thesis (literature search, problem statement, choice of theory and method, data collection, analyses etc.)
Each student has the right to 40 hours of supervision from a supervisor with competence in the subject. The supervisor should be available for the student to an extent that provides the appropriate support within given timeframes.
Prerequisites
Passed a relevant methods course, and solid knowledge within the subject of the thesis.
Assessment method
The master thesis is completed with an oral examination which should be undertaken within 6 weeks from delivery of the thesis. At the examination, the student will give a 20 minutes long presentation of the work, followed by questions from the external examiner and supervisor. The outcome of the oral examination (presentation/discussion/answers) can impact the final grade of the thesis. The grading follows a national system for studies in mathematics, science and technology.

Master thesis with oral defence Grading: Letter grades Master thesis Grading: Letter grades
Examiner scheme
The examination committee comprises an internal and an external examiner. The internal examiner is usually the supervisor.
Mandatory activity
A contract between the student and the supervisor(s), including a time plan, should be delivered to the faculty before the work with the master thesis can start.
Teaching hours
Supervision is undertaken based on agreements between the student and the supervisor(s).
Preferential right
Students enrolled in the Master´s program in Nature-based tourism.
Admission requirements
Students enrolled in the master program in nature-based tourism, and students enrolled in other master programs at NMBU, writing a thesis with thematic focus on nature-based tourism and being supervised by MINA employee.