Master´s Thesis

The thesis is based on topics from Language Sciences and/or topics from Speech and Language Therapy. The work is process-oriented, including a project outline, a project description and methodological work before the research work itself. An empirical survey forming the basis of professional analysis must be completed.

Admission to the programme, and:

For year groups prior to 2021: The VIT5008 Theory of Science and Research Method course must be passed before the exam for this course can be taken.

From 2021: The Theory of Science and method 1 and 2 courses and the Statistics course must be passed before the exam for this course can be taken. For students who go on exchange in the 3rd semester, the "Theory of Science and method courses and the "Statistics" course, as well as courses taken at the exchange institution, must be passed before the exam for this course can be taken.

For year groups prior to 2021: The VIT5008 Theory of Science and Research Method course must be passed before the exam for this course can be taken.

From 2021: The Theory of Science and method 1 and 2 courses and the Statistics course must be passed before the exam for this course can be taken. For students who go on exchange in the 3rd semester, the "Theory of Science and method courses and the "Statistics" course, as well as courses taken at the exchange institution, must be passed before the exam for this course can be taken.

On successful completion of the course students gain the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student shall

have in-depth knowledge of speech therapy.
have in-depth knowledge of scientific theory and methods as a tool for research work within speech therapy.
have in-depth knowledge of how, based on independent research, it is possible to analyse, elucidate and communicate academic issues based on the distinctive character and traditions of the subject area.
have in-depth knowledge of ethical research guidelines.
have in-depth knowledge of how to contribute to the development of the field of speech therapy

Skills

The student shall:

be able to find relevant literature in order to shed light on research issues in their own research work, and be able to analyse and relate critically to its use.
be able to relate to and apply existing theories and scientific approaches and methods to their own research project.
be able to relate to and follow guidelines for research ethics.
be able to contribute to new thinking and development within speech therapy.
be able to master the formal requirements for scientific texts/publishing and disseminate their own research project.

General competence

The student shall:

be able to apply knowledge and skills in an independent manner in order to obtain new knowledge within the chosen research field.
be able to relate critically and reflectively to their own and others' research.
be able to analyse academic, vocational and and research ethics issues and issues relevant to speech therapy in a local, national and global perspective.
be able to plan, carry out and evaluate research and development work that can promote speech therapy.

Semester registration fee and syllabus literature. The candidate may be required to pay for printing of the Master's thesis in 13 copies, of which nine must be delivered to the library, 3 to Nord University and one for the candidate himself/herself.

Compulsory

Submission of a project outline forms the basis for topic approval and the allocation of a supervisor. The candidate then prepares a project description based on established criteria. A supervision contract is entered into between the candidate and the supervisor. Supervision takes place individually and/or in a group.

The programme of study is evaluated annually by the students through course surveys (mid-term evaluation and final evaluation). These evaluations are part of the University’s quality assurance system.

Compound assessment:

Assessment task - project description, approved/not approved. Completion is required before being eligible for examination/assessment.

Assessment task - Presentation, 30 minutes, approved/not approved. Completion is required before being eligible for examination/assessment.

Master's thesis - Scope of assignments written individually, 30 credits: 50 pages (20,000 words)(+/-10%). Scope of assignments written in pairs comprising two students: 65 pages (26,000 words)(+/-10%). Assessed with grades A-F, A best, F fail.

Line Haaland-Johansen