Stockholm university
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Media and Communication Studies - Master's course

The Master dissertation/thesis project consists of 30 credits, and should represent a scholarly project of theoretical and empirical character in preparation for doctoral studies. The Master dissertation is a scholarly investigation of a problem that is relevant for the academic field of Media and Communication Studies. It represents an independent theoretical and empirical research project, carried out under supervision. This should give a research competence related to Media and Communication Studies, and an insight into problem formulations and working practices in Media Studies. It is an exercise in the preparation of a research project from an original idea to a completed research paper in essay form.

  • Course structure

    Tuition takes place primarily in the form of tutoring and mandatory seminars. For a details, see the course description.

    Having completed the course the student has demonstrated the ability to
    -critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess, and handle complex phenomena, research questions and situations within the main subject matter of the education programme; and to show significantly deepened knowledge of some areas of the education programme.
    -from deepened knowledge of methods and deepened insight into contemporary research critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate research questions; and plan and, with appropriate methods, complete a thesis project within the given time frame.
    - give an account of, orally and in written form, their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that underpin them
    -follow current research ethics norms.

     

    Teaching format

    Tuition takes place primarily in the form of tutoring and mandatory seminars.

    Assessment

    a. The course is examined through a written scholarly paper/thesis project and formal defence of the thesis as well as opposition/critique of another student's thesis.
    b.) Grades will be set according to a seven-point scale related to the learning objectives of the course:
    A    = Excellent
    B    = Very good
    C    = Good
    D    = Satisfactory
    E    = Adequate
    Fx= Inadequate
    F    = Fail
    c.)    Written grading criteria are announced when the course begins.
    d.)    In order to pass the course, students must receive a grade E minimum on the written thesis, completed theown thesis defence, a critical review/opposition of another students thesis, as well as attending all mandatory classes.
    e.)    For each course occasion, at least two opportunities for examination must be offered during the samesemester. At least one examination opportunity shall also be given during semesters or years when the course is not offered. Students with a passing grade (E or higher) may not retake the exam for a higher grade. Students who receive the grade Fx or F twice by the same examiner are entitled to have another examiner appointed for the next examination, unless there are particular reasons to deny students this right. Such requests should be made to the Department Board.
    f.)    The completion of a supplementary assignment in order to convert the grade Fx into a passing grade on thehome assignment may be permitted if the student is close to meeting the criteria for a passing grade. The supplementary assignment should be submitted within two weeks of the examiner notifying the student of the need to complete a supplementary assignment. Adequate corrections are graded A-E.
    Students have the right to a total of 6,5 hours of supervision, of which 1 hour individual supervision. Remaining supervision is given in smaller groups.
    h. The following assessment criteria will be used:
    -    understanding of the assignment
    -    execution of the research
    -    consideration of current ethical norms
    -    knowledge of methods, theoretical background and previous research in the field
    -    interpretation and analysis of results
    -    independence in execution
    -    ability to hold the set time schedule for the work
    -    oral and written presentation of own work as well as oral presentation- opposition and evaluation of other equivalent degree work at the seminar.

     

    Examiner

    Examiners

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

  • Course reports