A Master’s thesis of 30 credits differs from a Master’s thesis of 60 credits in two important ways:
- Firstly, the thesis will be shorter (35-50 pages), as completion is expected to take only one semester.
- Secondly, different requirements apply with regard to the scope of the thesis: use of secondary sources (specialist literature) will be more limited and generally restricted to particular authors or books, preferably selected in consultation with your supervisor, and to sources from previously completed courses; and the scope of primary sources will be more limited, with data generally being gathered during a short period (at least three weeks) of fieldwork. However, the same requirements apply regarding the actual research topic, knowledge of chosen secondary sources, choice of research method, analysis, thesis structure and standard of writing.
C
Grade C is the average grade. It is awarded for a consistently good academic thesis based on independent research with a sound basis in the most significant literature in the field and which, in addition to being satisfactorily formulated, makes satisfactory use of empirical observations, research method and analysis.
- Presentation of topic: clearly formulated and based on a thorough reading of relevant academic literature; demonstrates a clear connection between the results of this reading and the topic and formulation of the thesis.
- Empirical observations and/or primary sources: parts of the thesis are based on the author's own empirical observations and/or primary sources (written or oral) in the original language.
- Theory and academic literature: displays knowledge of the selected academic literature; shows awareness of necessary theoretical concepts and ability to apply them.
- Analysis: shows a certain level of independence of thought and ability to adopt a reflective approach to the topic.
- Use of research method: clear explanation of author's use of chosen research method; discussion of strengths and weaknesses of chosen method; ability to apply chosen method for purposes of analysis.
- Structure and formulation: the thesis is structured to provide a satisfactory coherence between the presentation of the topic, the analysis and the conclusions.
- Use of language: satisfactory with no material errors or deficiencies.
- Use of academic transcription: generally satisfactory.
- References: no significant errors.
A
- Grade A is awarded for a thesis of exceptionally high quality. It is awarded for an outstanding academic thesis that is remarkable for its independent approach to the use of sources, analysis and presentation.
- An A-grade thesis should be convincing in nearly all respects, but may contain minor defects provided these do not detract from the overall impression.
- Presentation of topic: clearly formulated and with clear relevance to the current state of the relevant academic field; soundly based on the most significant literature in the field and, to the extent necessary, demonstrating a clear understanding of relevant theory.
- Empirical observations and/or primary sources: makes use of the author's own empirical observations and/or primary sources (written or oral) in the original language; demonstrates a sound mastery of the language and a convincing understanding and use of primary sources.
- Theory and academic literature: makes active use of theory to the extent relevant for the topic; critical and clearly argued independent discussion of parts of the academic literature in the field.
- Analysis: shows a clearly independent approach combined with an ability to reflect on academic issues.
- Use of research method: a clear presentation of the chosen research method, exhibiting a critical and reflective approach to the author's own use of research method.
- Structure and formulation: the thesis is structured to provide a satisfactory coherence between the presentation of the topic, the analysis and the conclusions.
- Use of language: extremely good with no material errors or deficiencies.
- Use of academic transcription: no significant errors.
- References: no significant errors.
B
Grade B is awarded for a thesis that is of above average quality and that exhibits a sound mastery of the relevant field, together with a good ability to evaluate material and an independent approach to analysis.
- Presentation of topic: clearly formulated and with a sound basis in the most significant literature in the field; exhibits, to the extent necessary for the topic, a good level of insight into relevant theory.
- Empirical observations and/or primary sources: the thesis is partially based on the author's own empirical observations and/or a good use of primary sources (written or oral) in the original language; demonstrates a good understanding and ability to make use of such observations/sources.
- Theory and academic literature: demonstrates independent discussion of and insight into theory, to the extent relevant to the topic.
- Analysis: competent and reflective discussion of academic issues relating to the material.
- Use of research method: clear presentation of research method; discussion of strengths and weaknesses of chosen method .
- Structure and formulation: the thesis is structured to provide a satisfactory coherence between the presentation of the topic, the analysis and the conclusions.
- Use of language: good and with no material errors or deficiencies.
- Use of academic transcription: only minor errors.
- References: no significant errors .
D-F
Key criteria
- Presentation of topic
- Empirical observations
- Theory and academic literature
- Analysis
- Transcription
- Use of research method
Other criteria
- Structure and formulation
- Mastery of language
- Scope and time spent
- References
Grade D is awarded for a thesis that has significant defects, but which is of serviceable quality. While a D-grade thesis will have obvious weaknesses, also in relation to key criteria, it will nevertheless perform strongly in some respects.
Grade E is awarded for a thesis that merely satisfies the minimum requirements, but which is still of adequate quality. An E-grade thesis will have obvious weaknesses with regard to most, but not all, key criteria.
Grade F is awarded for a thesis that fails to satisfy the minimum requirements and which evidences inadequate academic performance. An F-grade thesis will be weak in relation to all criteria or unsatisfactory in key areas.