Master's thesis

Course goals

• design and undertake independently and systematically an academic research project at the Master level in the field of Human Geography and Planning;
• formulate a consistent and both academically and socially relevant research objective and research question;
• make use of and elaborate on recent international academic literature and debates to construct a conceptual model and to formulate research hypotheses;
• select and apply quantitative and qualitative research techniques for the collection and analysis of research data;
• give written and verbal reports on the results of the research project and to reflect on both the research methods used and the research results achieved;
• make relevant (policy) recommendations based on the analysis
• to write a full draft scientific publication for a peer-reviewed scientific journal which can be submitted for publication.

Content

The final thesis is written in the format of an article for a peer-reviewed journal. It must meet the following criteria: 

• the thesis is embedded in previous research and literature on the topic of the thesis;
• the thesis includes a theoretical elaboration of the research problem, based on the relevant international literature;
• it is based on sound research questions;
• it is based on an independent collection of empirical data from primary and/or secondary sources;
• it includes empirical testing of some implications of the applied theories or theoretical notions.
• It reflects on both academic as well as societal relevance.

The progress of the research project will be presented for other Research Master students and staff members mid-February. This midterm presentation is obligatory for all students. 
The choice for a peer reviewed scientific journal to publish the article is made by the student after consultation of the thesis’ supervisor. The length, structure and style of writing will be determined by the journal. The supervisor gives guidance to the student in regular meetings during the thesis supervision and can only act as a co-author after grading. 

This course is an entry requirement for: Scientific Research Proposal (GEO4-3624)