Thesis

Full course description

During their thesis project the students deliver their ‘master piece’, closely guided by an experienced researcher-teacher, and assessed by both the supervisor and a second assessor. In addition, the Director of Studies monitors the process through the thesis seminar. To make this possible, not every thesis topic is allowed: only projects that are relatively close to the research practices of the faculty will be supported in order to give the student the full benefit of the staff’s experience. The thesis reports on a piece of original individual research. Both the research and its presentation in the thesis are required to meet high quality standards. The aim is to reach the level of a peer reviewed journal article. The thesis itself is longer (25,000-30,000 words) than a regular journal article, because this allows for a more comprehensive testing of competencies: to shape a longer argument, to critically discuss theory, to present empirical material, and to present and reflect on methods. Nevertheless some theses and essays have led to conference presentations and publications, testifying to the high level of the delivered work. The quality level is evaluated by internal peer review amongst the researcher-teachers of CAST, supported and monitored by the second assessor and the advisory board. Students participate during both years of CAST in the 3-weekly research colloquia of the STS and AMC Research programmes.