Thesis Proposal
The starting point of your master's thesis
In preparation for your master's thesis you will start working on your thesis proposal for your research project. You will be expected to submit your thesis proposal in the third term of your studies. The thesis proposal is intended as the actual starting point of your thesis process, but it is also the basis for assigning you with a supervisor for the spring term.
Overview
Background
The thesis proposal should draw a connection between your academic background, i.e. your major, and the programme.
What to include in your Draft Thesis Proposal
- A working title. This title should be short and concise.
- The Research Problem: Define the topic and include a brief statement of the problem as well as relevant research questions.
- Theory/mode of analysis: How will the research problem be understood in principle and how will it be structured? Specify your theoretical approach.
- Methods and empirical data: How do you intend to investigate your research problem?
- References: Here you can include some relevant literature that you will use to write your thesis. It can include sources which you have not yet had the opportunity to read as well as texts with which you are acquainted.
The thesis proposal should be 2,500-3,500 characters, references excluded.
Thesis proposals are to be submitted on the Graduate School Thesis Portal on Canvas by the submission deadline in November. If you do not submit a thesis proposal you will not be able to register for your thesis course.
In need of inspiration?
On LUP Student Papers you can search and find theses from previous students.
"Keep it very concise. Keep it very specific. Make sure it can be answered. Try not to fit everything into one research question. Only do that which is possible through your research. Do not make it more than it is!"
- some advice from a previous student regarding the research question.