Program Overview

Master's Thesis in History

Course Details

The Master's Thesis in History is a 60-credit course that spans three semesters. The course starts in the spring of 2026 and is offered at the second degree level.

Course Content

The topic for the master's thesis is selected in consultation with a supervisor. Students will be invited to a presentation by potential supervisors at an early stage of their studies. The thesis should normally contain 25,000-35,000 words (bibliography and appendix not included).

Learning Outcome

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcomes:

• Knowledge: The candidate has substantial knowledge in the field of research for the master thesis and is familiar with historiography and different perspectives used by historians to explain fundamental historical themes in the period of specialization.
• Skills: The candidate is able to use a broad range of information and critically analyze a problem, develop ideas and problems, give advice, and elaborate and evaluate different sorts of historical problems. The candidate also has substantial knowledge on how to use historical method as an analytical tool.

Learning Methods and Activities

The topic should be developed in consultation with a supervisor. Students must attend an obligatory third-semester seminar. The final grade of the thesis might be adjusted after the oral examination.

Compulsory Assignments

• Third semester seminar

Further on Evaluation

The final grade of the thesis might be adjusted after the oral examination. If a student is given a failing grade on the master's thesis, they can apply to the department to resubmit their master's thesis once. To resubmit, the master's thesis must be completely new or so heavily rewritten that it can be considered a new thesis. All master's theses must include an abstract in Norwegian and English.

Specific Conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required: History (MHIST).

Recommended Previous Knowledge

None

Required Previous Knowledge

Requires admission to the Master's Programme in History.

Credit Reductions

This course has academic overlap with the following courses:

• HIST3000: 60 sp, from Autumn 2013
• HIST3001: 60 sp, from Autumn 2021 If a student takes overlapping courses, they will receive a credit reduction in the course where they have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

• History

Examination

The examination arrangement is a Master's Thesis with an oral adjusting exam. The grade is given in letter grades. The ordinary examination is held in Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026, with a weighting of 100/100. The submission time is 12:00, and the exam system used is Inspera Assessment.