Master Thesis in Human Geography, 30 credits
Contents
The course comprises an independently written master thesis. The student choose the subject in consultation with the supervisor or coordinator.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. discuss and valuate alternative approaches within a research field in social and economic geography,
Comeptence and skills
2. apply scientific information in an advanced manner,
3. independently apply knowledge in social and economic geography,
4. carry out a scientific study,
Judgement and approach
5. critically apply scientific theories and methods in an empirical study, and
6. demonstrate the ability to develop and structure thesis drafts in dialogue with the supervisor throughout the supervision period.
7. critically scrutinize a major scientific essay.
Required Knowledge
Univ: 180 ECTS, at least 90 ECTS of which in human geography, or equivalently. In addition to this, another 60 ECTS, including 15 ECTS in method, on advanced level in human geography, or equivalently, is required.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2
Form of instruction
Teaching is provided in the form of seminars and individual supervision. Supervision resources are provided during the semester in which the student is first registered for the course. Supervision is based on a dialogue in which the supervisor has the opportunity to provide comments throughout the thesis-writing process on the basis of drafts submitted by the student. At the first supervision meeting, the supervisor and the student jointly establish a plan for the continued supervision.
Teaching is conducted in English.
At the beginning of the thesis course, the student shall give an oral presentation at a seminar covering the thesis’s problem statement, aim, research questions, theory, and methodology. Halfway through the course, the student shall present a written version of these sections at a seminar and describe the empirical design of the study.
The thesis may be conducted in collaboration with an external partner, provided that the conditions applicable to the course, including the intended learning outcomes, are fulfilled.
Examination modes
The examination will consist of the written thesis, and presentation and defense of the written thesis in a concluding seminar. The student is also required to act as an opponent on another thesis. Great importance is attached to both the written presentation and to the oral opposition. The grades for the oral part are Pass or Fail. . The grades used for the whole course are: Fail, Pass or Pass with Distinction . In order to obtain the grades Pass with Distinction it is also required that the thesis is presented and provided for grading during the semester of the first registration of the course.
The examiner may decide to deviate from the form of examination specified in the course syllabus. Individual adaptations to the examination format should be considered based on the student’s needs. Any adaptation must remain within the scope of the intended learning outcomes specified in the course syllabus. A student who requires an adapted form of examination must request an adaptation from the department responsible for the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides whether an adapted form of examination is appropriate, and the decision is then communicated to the student.
Grades cannot be appealed, i.e. reviewed by a higher authority. However, students may always raise concerns regarding the marking of an examination or request that the examiner reconsider their decision.
Students who have received a passing grade on an examination may not retake the examination in order to obtain a higher grade. For students who have not passed an examination at the regular examination session, a resit examination will be arranged in accordance with Umeå University’s Regulations for Grading and Examination at First-Cycle and Second-Cycle Levels (FS 1.1.2-553-14). A resit examination must be offered no later than two months after the regular examination, but no earlier than ten working days after the result of the regular examination has been announced. For examinations held during May and June, the first resit examination may be offered within three months of the regular examination.
A student who has failed an examination twice is entitled to have a different examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 22). Such a request shall be considered promptly. Requests for a new examiner should be submitted to the Director of Studies.
*Transfer of Credits
*Students have the right to have previous education or professional experience assessed for possible recognition of prior learning or transfer of credits. Applications are processed by the Degree Office at the Student Services Office.