EKIS6500 MA Thesis (30 cr)

Completing a scientific thesis.

The MA Thesis is a research report conducted with the help scientific methods. Planning and conducting a research project and writing it up as the MA Thesis provides students practice in a number of research skills. These skills are crucial also in the work of both language teachers and language specialists, including the ability to plan and conduct work-related projects, critical reading and writing and presentation skills.

After completing the study unit, students are able to

• narrow down the research topic and link it to their field in a relevant way; formulate the research questions or objectives of the thesis

• collect information on the topic independently, utilise earlier studies and evaluate them critically

• define the key concepts of the chosen topic and apply them in their research

• select, narrow down and collect material suitable for the research task (or plan a suitable task sample that fits the research task)*

• apply the chosen research method (or perspective)* to investigate the research questions or to achieve the objectives of the thesis, also understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the method

• present their research results in an organised manner, relate them to the theoretical framework and evaluate them critically

• present relevant arguments and follow the principles of scientific writing

• write a research report following field specific conventions and style

• master the working process

• follow the ethical principles of research throughout the thesis process

the texts marked with an asterisk (*) refer to multi-form theses

Intermediate studies and most Advanced Studies completed.