This a required course and is open to U.S.E. Master students only.
For their master thesis, students independently conduct academic research to contribute to the progress of science, and (preferably) to also make a practical impact by developing new insights/useful knowledge. The thesis must be written individually.
The writing of the thesis may be combined with an ‘internship’ (external research) that students can find themselves, pending upon approval by their thesis supervisor.
Learning objectives
The thesis is the final part of the master's programme. It must reflect many of the learning objectives of the programme's various courses. In particular, after successful completion of the thesis, students have shown that they are able to:
- Assess advanced economic theory
- Apply modern economic theories, possibly in combination with other academic fields
- Work with economic models
- Carry out scientific research independently
- Demonstrate an academic attitude towards solving complex economic problems
- Select the relevant research method: theoretical, empirical, experimental, or any combination
- Assess the contribution of own research within the realm of the existing body of knowledge
- Write an advanced research report in English
Format
In period 2, each of the MSc programs organises a kick-off session in which thesis supervisors present themselves, and the kind of topics they are able to supervise. What follows is a matchmaking process in which each student will be assigned a supervisor, with whom s/he will closely collaborate for half a year. The kick-off session will be planned in the third week of November, and the matchmaking of students and supervisors will normally be done before Christmas. Although deviations are possible, students will typically meet their supervisor for the first time before Christmas, to discuss initial research ideas and data collection opportunities, and to be put on track of adequate literature.
During period 3, five ECTS should be dedicated to writing a research proposal and literature research, and maybe (partly) collecting data. During period 4, ten ECTS should be dedicated to (partly) data collection, analysing data, and drafting and improving the thesis. A detailed planning including feedback sessions will be worked out in collaboration with your supervisor.
The contents and frequency of the meetings with your supervisor can be diverse, but the typical process foresees in around 6-7 meetings altogether. A second supervisor will be involved in the process specifically for the following tasks: (i) to approve the research proposal and set up of the thesis, and (ii) to read the final manuscript as approved by the first supervisor, and to determine the thesis grade in consultation with the first supervisor.
More detailed instructions will be provided by your MSc thesis coordinator (BF and FM: Rients Galema; IM: Hein Roelfsema; BDE: Bilgehan Uzunca; EP: Joras Ferwerda) and on the student website.
Assessment method
- Thesis and the presentation (together 100% of the final grade)
|
 |
|