Master Thesis in Museology, 30 credits

Contents

The course requires the student, under supervision, to write an independent thesis in Museology (30 credits), in which the text’s theoretical and methodological aspects are related to a topic freely chosen in consultation with the course coordinator. The thesis topic is focused on a clearly defined museological problem in consultation with the supervisor, where the student identifies the theoretical fields that may be applied and discusses material and method. Source material is collected. The thesis work is presented at a seminar.

The course constitutes the degree project for a Master’s degree in Museology.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding

• An overview and in-depth knowledge of the subject addressed in the thesis
• A solid overview of current scholarly literature relevant to the thesis topic

Skills and abilities

• The ability to formulate a scholarly problem and, based on relevant source material and with appropriate methods, study and analyze this problem
• The ability to formulate a museological research question that is clearly articulated, scientifically relevant, and well-defined
• The ability to write a well-structured and clear museological thesis
• Strong ability to analyze, reflect, and present conclusions supported by clear argumentation
• The ability to systematically search for information
• The ability to clearly and coherently describe the knowledge relevant to the thesis’s research question
• The ability to write a museological text of good linguistic quality
• The ability to handle academic formalities consistently and in accordance with established standards

Judgment and approach

• The ability to critically review and evaluate another student’s thesis orally and/or in writing with regard to scholarly, societal, and ethical aspects
• Strong ability to assess source material in accordance with principles of source criticism
• The ability, through the independent thesis work, to identify the need for further knowledge and take responsibility for one’s own learning and knowledge development

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor’s degree in Museology or the equivalent, as well as 30 credits of courses at the advanced (second-cycle) level. Swedish and English are required for general eligibility for higher education studies. Swedish is not required if the language of instruction is English.

Form of instruction

The course is held in English. Teaching consists of seminars, individual, and supervision both individually and in groups. If the course consists of only a small number of students or is offered online, teaching will consist of self-study and supervision. When attendance at seminars is mandatory (i.e., part of the examination), this will be specifically stated specifically in the schedule.

Students are entitled to supervision only during the time period covered by the thesis course.

For those who are registered for a course and have a disability, there are resources for special support. For more information, contact the Student Center.

Examination modes

The course is examined through the thesis, which is presented for review at a seminar. Participation in the seminar is mandatory. The grading scale for the course is Pass with Distinction, Pass, or Fail. A student who has received a Pass grade may not be re-examined for a higher grade. Students registered for the course may be examined up to two years after their initial registration date. Students may attempt examination of the thesis component a maximum of five times. A student who has failed the examination twice has the right to request a different examiner from the Faculty of Arts Board.

 A student who does not fully meet the objectives of an examination but is close to the limit for a passing grade can, after a decision by the examiner, be given the opportunity to supplement in order to achieve the examination assignment's criteria for a passing grade. Completion of the examination must be adapted individually based on the goal(s) not achieved by the student and must take place within two weeks after the students have been notified of the examination results, but before the next examination opportunity. It is only permitted to supplement an unsuccessful result to pass, supplementation for higher grades is not permitted.

The examiner can decide on deviations from the syllabus' examination form. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation from the department responsible for the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination which is then communicated to the student.

To pass the course, all exams and compulsory parts must be passed. The grade constitutes a summary assessment of the results in the various parts of the examination and is only set when all compulsory parts have been approved.

Students who are registered for a course and have registered credits in Ladok on the course have the right to be examined on the course and its parts up to two years after the first registration date. A student who, without a passing grade, has passed an ordinary examination and a re-examination for the course, has the right to have another examiner appointed at the next re-examination, unless there are special reasons to the contrary. Requests for a change of examiner are made to the director of studies at the Department of Culture and Media Studies.

Transfer of credits

Information about credit transfer of previous courses can be found on Umeå University’s student web.

Other regulations

In a degree, this course may not be included together with another course with similar content. In case of doubt, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Cultural and Media Studies.