Master Thesis in Economics

Aim

On completion of the course, the students should be able to: - independently plan, carry out, and present a research assignment in the economic disciplinary domain, orally and in writing. This aim comprises being able to: - identify and formulate a relevant problem and with a well-motivated method achieve the aims of the degree project, - search and delineate scholarly literature and write a current research overview of the applicable theory and empiricism in the chosen problem area, - interpret and analyse, for the chosen issue and purpose, relevant empiricism by means of an economic theory/model, - demonstrate and argue for the usability of the results/model, - demonstrate advanced subject and method knowledge in the chosen field, - communicate in writing with a scholarly stringency, based on the requirements for language and formalities, - present, discuss and defend the degree project orally with a scholarly and critical approach, - critically review, evaluate and discuss other essays with a high grade of scholarly awareness.

Content

The course constitutes the independent work that is required for a Master of Science in Business and Economics within the main field of study economics. The course comprises: - method tuition, - supervision of the essay teams, - seminar discussion of the essays. On the basis of method tuition and supervision, knowledge and skills in economic method are developed to formulate and carry out a research assignment in economics independently. The subject and issue are chosen in consultation with an experienced supervisor. The supervisor helps delimit and organise the degree project and review the contents, formalities and language. The student is trained to search, evaluate and refer sources independently, as well as to use economic method, argue for and analyse the chosen issue, theory, and/or empirical data, and to cooperate with others by participating in seminar discussions of drafts and completed degree projects. The course includes to present layouts, time plans and drafts, to be active in the examination of the texts of other students, as well as to defend the own degree project and publicly discuss another degree project at a final review.