Master's Thesis in IT and Learning

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) International Master's

Programme in Information Technology and Learning (S2ITL)

Main field of studies

Applied Information Technology with Specialization in Learning and Communication

Education with Specialization in Learning, Communication and Information Technology

Specialization

A2E, Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)

A2E, Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)

To be eligible for the course the student must possess a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 higher education credits or an equivalent degree.

Furthermore, the student must demonstrate proficiency in English equivalent to English B (Swedish upper secondary level) or English 6 (equivalent) with at least a pass, or a valid test of English as a foreign language TOEFL (232 computer based), 575 (paper based) or IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 in all scores, alternatively a Bachelor’s degree from an education offered in English.

The course consists of the completion and defense of a master’s thesis in the International Master’s Programme in Information Technology and Learning. A master’s thesis is an academic text that identifies a problem and presents a well documented argument based on prevailing literature in the field and on the empirical results of a scientific investigation.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• Identify problem areas and formulate research questions in the field of IT and learning
• Identify and critically analyze research of relevance for specific research questions 

Competence and skills

• Argue for the relevance of a study with reference to scientific literature
• Design and conduct empirical work in accordance with relevant methodology
• Identify, describe, and apply theoretical concepts and/or a theoretical framework in a scientific study, and justify its relevance.
• Analyze results from a study and apply the knowledge gained in a systematic and critical way that leads to well supported conclusions of significance for the field of IT and learning 

Judgement and approach

• Explain and justify scientific judgements in the field of IT and learning taking into account relevant scientific, social and ethical considerations
• Critically evaluate and constructively reflect on the work of others with regard to aspects such as presentation, content, contribution, and methodology.
• Discuss and defend a written scientific work in accordance with academic standards

Supervision, seminars, and presentations of ongoing work with the thesis.

The first time a student registers for the course, 24 hours of supervision is offered with an assigned supervisor if the thesis is written individually. Students who write the thesis together in pairs are offered 30 hours of supervision for the joint thesis work. If registering on the course again, a student can apply for additional supervision hours from the course leader. Normally, a maximum of 8 hours is granted for completion of the thesis on a single occasion after which supervisory support is no longer provided.

The course may include digital teaching sessions.

Language of instruction: English

The assessment is based on:

- the writing, discussion, and defense of a master’s thesis, 27 credits. The thesis can be written individually or written collaboratively with a co-authors. If the thesis is written by more than one author, the individual contributions of each author must be described in a foreword to the thesis. Possible grades: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U)

- performance of the role of discussant where the work of another student is critically and constructively evaluated, 2 credits. Possible grades: Pass (G), or Fail (U)

-at least three physical or online meetings with the assigned supervisor, 1 credit. The meetings must be confirmed in writing by the supervisor, on a form provided by the course leader. Possible grades: Pass (G), or Fail (U)

The examiner may allow supplementation of an assessed master's thesis within a specified deadline.

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, the examiner may decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

If a student, who has failed the same examined component twice, wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application shall be sent to the department responsible for the course and shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

In cases where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, the student shall normally be guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination) during a period of at least one year from the last time the course was given.

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). All the examinations described above must be completed with a grade of Pass (G) to achieve a grade of Pass (G) on the course. To achieve the grade of Pass with distinction (VG) on the course, the first of the examinations, the writing, discussion, and defense of a master’s thesis, must be completed with a grade of Pass with distinction (VG).

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.

Net-based information and communication via The University of Gothenburg's learning platform is applied and a computer with internet access is a prerequisite during the course.