The synopsis must not exceed 7 pages per student (for groups, 5 pages per student). The synopsis must include the following:
- Name(s), address(es), email address(es)
- Project title
- Knowledge resource group affiliation
A knowledge resource group must be provided and, if possible, a subsection. Specific supervisors may be requested. Overview of knowledge resource groups. - A description of the academic background of the project
This must provide a fundamental academic issue which sets the stage for the students acquiring general knowledge. All references to literature must include comments; references to titles alone will not suffice. - A description of the project’s problem and purpose
The problem must be described clearly, and the students must account for how their issue relates to one (or more) extensive field(s) of knowledge and theoretical frame(s) of understanding(s). - A description of the methodological considerations.
Students must account for their choice of method in the completion of their master’s thesis. This includes making plausible that the issue can be examined by applying the proposed method. - Schedule
The schedule is closely linked to the choice of method. The schedules must include elements such as studying literature, meeting external partners, conducting experiments, examinations, preparing written presentations, etc. The overall schedule must not exceed one semester.
UPON SUBMITTING YOUR SYNOPSIS
The various knowledge groups will assign supervisors based on the submitted synopses.
THESIS STUDIES
All communication between the University and the thesis students take place on Moodle. The students can also communicate with each other via Moodle. This allows students to take various initiatives for perhaps organising seminars for small groups or simply engaging in discussions on various issues.
Moodle can also be used as a platform for advertising any relevant events which may take place at Aalborg University or at other universities, etc.
If you need help writing your thesis, you may contact AAU Learning Lab (in Danish)
MASTER’S THESIS FORMALITIES
The master’s thesis must be of at least 35 pages and must not exceed 70 pages per student; individually prepared theses must not exceed 80 pages. An abstract in English of a minimum of 1 page and a maximum of 2 pages must be prepared by the student(s). In special cases, exemption from the stipulated number of pages may be granted. All enquiries on this must be addressed to the Chair of Study Board. All applications on exemptions from the stipulated number of pages requires a written recommendation from the supervisor.
One standard page is equivalent to 2,400 characters including spaces. The stipulated number of pages only includes the actual body of the paper; title page, preface, table of contents, bibliography and appendices will not be calculated. However, notes will be included in the calculation of total pages, whereas illustrations will not be calculated. The total number of pages must be stated either on the front page or on the title page.
It is essential that the master’s thesis is presented with a high degree of linguistic correctness and a carefully prepared design and layout that supports its contents.
SUBMISSION AND ASSESSMENT
Students must submit the project in Digital Exam.
The Chair of the Corps of External Examiners will select the external examiner. However, the supervisor may make suggestions to this regard.
DEADLINES
Only in very special circumstances will you be allowed to delay your thesis submission deadline and deregister from your thesis exam (such as in the event of childbirth or maternity leave). Applications must be submitted to the Study Board for Communication and Digital Media.
Students who wish to submit their thesis at a considerably earlier date than the prescribed submission deadline in order to complete their thesis exam early, must give notice of this in due time to Pia Knudsen at the Secretariat; she will then arrange for an early exam date.
FAILURE TO MEET THE THESIS DEADLINE
If students fail to submit their master’s thesis within the submission deadline announced with the approval of the thesis synopsis, this will be regarded as a failed examination attempt. This means that the student have failed one of a total of three examination attempts.
If students fail to submit their master’s thesis within the prescribed submission deadline or fail the oral thesis examination, they must consult with their supervisor and submit a proposal for a revised problem formulation (the revised problem formulation may be an addition to the original synopsis or a revised synopsis) to the Secretariat (Pia Knudsen). Students will not be asked to re-write the entire problem formulation, they merely need to make alterations which may realistically be achieved within the new prescribed deadline of three months. The supervisor will decide whether the revised problem formulation complies with the academic level for master’s theses and will assess whether the alterations may realistically be achieved within the new prescribed deadline. When the supervisor has approved the revised problem formulation, the student will receive an email with their new submission deadline. In such cases, if this is recommended by the supervisor, the student may apply for additional supervision.
ORAL EXAMINATION
When students have submitted their master’s thesis, they will attend an oral examination. Students will usually attend their thesis examination within one month after having submitted their master’s thesis.
Type of examination: Group examination. You will find more information on the regulations applying to theses examinations at the Faculty of Humanities in the Examination Regulations.
Duration of the oral examination: 45 minutes per student.
Evaluation: Grading according to the 7-point scale.
Students are given no written thesis statement.
Students cannot receive preliminary approval.
MASTER’S DIPLOMA
The diploma is automatically issued by the Study, and will be sent as soon as possible after the grade is entered in Digital Exam. If you do not recieve your diploma please contact the Study.
In general, it may take up to two months to process a diploma (not including July). Only one original diploma will be issued. However, if the diploma is lost, students will be able to obtain a certified copy.