Master Thesis in Health Science
In the master’s thesis, students will utilise knowledge from the other courses in the programme of study through systematic and independent work on a topic of their own choice within the chosen area of specialisation. The aim is to acquire expertise in relation to the various stages in a research process and develop new knowledge in health sciences. The project description prepared in the Project Development and Design course is the starting point for the master’s thesis. The master’s thesis constitutes the programme of study’s largest course (40 credits), and will provide a comprehensive expression of learning outcomes from the entire programme of study in terms of the application of theory, research ethics and research methodology in the study of specific specialisation issues.
Through the application of scientific methodology, students must write a thesis that is either based on a literature study or on empirical data. Arrangements are in place for students to carry out their master’s theses in connection with ongoing research projects conducted by academic staff.
Knowledge
- has in-depth knowledge about health sciences and the chosen area of specialisation, as well as specialised insight into theories and research related to the delimited topic of the master’s thesis
- has in-depth knowledge about the critical assessment of research-based knowledge and can apply theory and research in order to formulate academic reasoning in scientific dissemination
- has in-depth knowledge about the master’s thesis’ chosen research design and research methodology, their philosophy of science basis and research ethics challenges
Skills:
- can actualise the chosen topic for the master’s thesis within health sciences and the chosen area of specialisation, as well as critically account for the status of knowledge within the topic area and formulate a clear research question
- can independently carry out a delimited project using adequate scientific methodology in line with applicable research ethics and legal guidelines, as well as critically assess all stages and their own role in the research process
- can clearly account for analyses, critically assess and discuss the results in relation to previous research, relevant theory and societal challenges
- can describe and present their own academic work both in writing and orally, using clear scientific language and precise formulations
General competence
- can contribute to interdisciplinary quality and improvement projects for innovation and service innovation
- can assess, communicate and disseminate research-based knowledge in academic and public forums
Learning activities and teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work and academic supervision. The teaching takes place over four 1-2-day sessions in the final two semesters. At the seminars, students present their work related to the master’s thesis in groups and actively participate as opponents for each other. Students are entitled to up to 14 hours of individual academic supervision. A supervision contract is signed by the supervisor and the student.
A closing conference for the Master’s in Health Sciences at Nord University will be held at the end of the sixth semester where students present their master’s theses.
The following coursework (AK) must be approved before the master’s thesis can be submitted:
AK1) The candidate has twice been an opponent of a fellow student at the master’s thesis seminar, cf. separate guidelines.
AK2) The candidate has carried out two presentations in connection with their own work at the master’s thesis seminar, cf. separate guidelines.
A monography must be 15,000 to 25,000 words. An article + master thesis, must be 12,000 to 15,000 words (including the article). For both, the number of words is excluded; Front page, foreword, table of contents, reference list, appendices, summary (in Scandinavian and English).
Examination: Individual written assignment and oral hearing. (OM/OMU). The examination language is Norwegian or English. The master’s thesis can either be a monograph or a scientific article with introduction.
Separate structure and content guidelines for both thesis formats have been developed, as well as assessment guidelines. An oral hearing is to be carried out if the written examination is passed, and this can take place on campus or via a digital platform.
Examination committee: an external and an internal examiner (not a supervisor).
Grading: A-F. The grade for the written work is determined first, and the oral hearing may result in adjustment of the grade.
