Course code: SPL-3901

Master's Thesis in Nordic Urban Planning Studies

Campus Tromsø
Semester / Year Spring 2027
Level Higher grade level
Credits 30

About the course

This course is obligatory for those students at the Master's Programme in Nordic Urban Planning Studies who choose the Tromsø track. The course cannot be taken as a single course.

The students select the overall topic and research questions for their master thesis in collaboration with their supervisor. The research questions must be approved by the supervisor. Through the thesis process, the student learns to apply scientific theories and methods to a defined, academic, and relevant issue. This includes analyzing, categorizing, discussing, and reflecting on a scientific basis, as well as selecting and critically evaluating the sources, literature, theories, and methods used in the study. The thesis enables the student to develop the ability to communicate an academic study to peers, demonstrate their competence in initiating, managing, and completing a long-term process of academic research and writing.

Objectives of the course

The students have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student has:

  • Research-based knowledge in selected academic areas, with the ability to understand and reflect on the position of their own thesis within the broader academic field.
  • The ability to identify scientific issues and adopt a critical approach to scientific knowledge.

Skills

The student can:

  • Apply and master scientific theories and methods in addressing a defined, academic, and relevant issue.
  • Analyse, categorise, discuss, argue, reflect and evaluate on a scientific basis.
  • Critically evaluate and select appropriate sources, literature, theories, and methods.
  • Engage in academic discussions and debates with representatives of the academic discourse community.
  • Write in accordance with the applicable standards for academic texts.

Competence

The student has:

  • The competence to independently initiate, manage, and complete a long-term process of academic study and writing.
  • The ability to take responsibility for their own academic and linguistic development and specialization.

Teaching methods

The teaching will consist of 10 seminars, as well as individual supervision.

Language of instruction and examination

Language of instruction and examination is English.

Schedule

The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.

It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.

Examination

Exams
Assignment Weighting: 0/1 Grade:
A–E, fail F
Oral exam Weighting: 1/1 Grade:
A–E, fail F

Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage

More info about the assignment

The thesis can be written by one or two students. If the thesis is written by one student, the length must be approximately 60 pages, i.e. 24 000 words. If the thesis is written by two students, the length must be approx. 90 pages, i.e. 36 000 words.

More info about the oral exam

The oral exam, lasting 30 minutes, allows the student the possibility to develop their reflection presented in the thesis.

The oral exam may adjust the grading of the thesis.

Re-sit examination

The master's thesis can only be submitted for re-evaluation in revised or supplemented form if the work is assessed with a grade of F.

Previous years and semesters

Contact us

Responsible unit: Department of Social Sciences E-mail: hsl-instadm@uit.no Telefon: 77660793 (09.00–15.00, lunsj mellom 11.30–12.00)