Film studies: Master’s Thesis, 15.0 higher education credits

The course is a freestanding course.

The student must have a Bachelor's degree with Film Studies as the main subject, or an equivalent qualification, as well as having passed the course FL2110 Film Studies Methods (15 hp).

The course consists of writing an independent scholarly thesis developed in dialogue with current research in the field, which may lead to a Master’s degree 15.0 higher education credits in Film Studies. The course provides students with the tools to independently identify, plan, and carry out a clearly defined research project. Students will also practice academic writing, critically reviewing the work of others, and defending their own work. The course serves as preparation for doctoral studies.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate solid knowledge of scientific methods, theories, and research orientations within Film Studies,
• show a good understanding of a defined research area and its potential for development within the field of Film Studies,

Skills and abilities 

• identify, delimit, and formulate a researchable and creative research question,
• plan and carry out a scientific Project,
• communicate their knowledge and skills both in writing and orally, in a clear, logical, and correct manner,
• write an abstract in English in accordance with academic Conventions,
• demonstrate the ability to evaluate and integrate different perspectives in the analysis of complex issues,

Evaluative skills and attitudes 

• critically review scholarly texts and source material,
• evaluate and problematize methodology and the application of theoretical perspectives,
• make relevant assessments of one's own and others' research efforts based on scientific, ethical, and societal considerations,
• reflect on the limitations of one's own work and the need for continued knowledge development.

The teaching is conducted in the form of seminars and individual meetings with a supervisor.

Language of instruction: Swedish and English.

The course is assessed through the thesis and through active participation as oponent and responend during seminars.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Aspects of gender equality and equal treatment will be considered in the content, the literature, the teaching, and the evaluations of the course.

This is a translated version of the Swedish original. In case of differences between the Swedish version and the English translation, the Swedish original shall prevail.