spring 2012 SVF-3901 Master's Thesis in Peace and Conflict Transformation - 40 ECTS

Type of course

The course is compulsory for (and restricted to) MPCT programme students.

Course content

The thesis will consummate a student's work towards the master's degree in Peace and Conflict Transformation (MPCT). It will manifest a student's ability to reflect and write independently on peace and conflict related issues, drawing broadly upon the various theoretical and methodological issues, field activities, seminars and workshops surrounding the MPCT programme. Such a thesis will examine a specific problem in a systematic or social scientific manner and also make potential contributions to the understanding of violent conflicts and diverse efforts at their resolution. In a word, it is a student's independent work using primary and/or secondary materials, but it will be written in close consultation with an academic supervisor.

Objectives of the course

Students who have successfully completed the course should have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

  • Have an understanding of the aims and practice of social research

Analytical understanding:

  • Have the ability to reflect upon the reading materials underlying a degree programme and apply them to a self-selected research project
  • Have the ability to plan and design a practicable and an achievable research project

Skills and competences:

  • Capable of applying basic research tools to a masters project that involves data collection
  • Capable of organising and analysing field materials, and then write up in a report/thesis/dissertation
  • Recognise the opportunities for feedback from fellow students and a supervisor
  • Develop the confidence to present aspects of an evolving research report or thesis at seminars and other academic gatherings
  • Develop the confidence to explain and defend one's final work before an evaluation committee
  • Capable of taking responsibility for one's own learning by working independently towards the realisation of the programme objectives


Language of instruction and examination

The thesis and related tutorials, as well as the oral exam shall be in English

Teaching methods

In the fourth semester, seminars will be organised for students to present aspects of their evolving master's theses.

The learning outcomes can only be achieved through active student participation.

The course is to be evaluated by the SSL forum each semester the course is offered as well as in an anonymous online evaluation every time the course is offered.


Assessment

Thesis (50-70 pages) + Oral Examination (Approx. 60 minutes).

The thesis manuscript may not deviate more than 10 % from the prescribed 50-70 pages.

The oral exam will assess the candidate's knowledge of aspects of the submitted thesis and the programme curricula. The oral exam may adjust the grade for the thesis.

The exam committee will compose of two people, excluding the thesis supervisor. Grading will be on the scale of A to F, where F=Fail.

The course is open for re-sit in examination in the following semester.


Recommended reading/syllabus

The self-chosen reading or reference materials for the master's thesis.

Error rendering component

  • About the course
  • Campus: |
  • ECTS: 40
  • Course code: SVF-3901