Program Overview

Course Overview

Course Description

The course includes theory of science and research methods for master's theses. In lectures and seminars, theoretical positions in science, theory and method choices, and the choice and acquisition of empirical data/sources are discussed. Students receive training and practice in the use of various quantitative and qualitative research methods, source-critical methods included. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on research design with emphasis on the connection between topics, issues, research questions, and the application of relevant theory and methods.

Course Details

Course Content

The course covers:

• Theory of science and research methods for master's theses
• Theoretical positions in science
• Theory and method choices
• Choice and acquisition of empirical data/sources
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Source-critical methods
• Research design
• Connection between topics, issues, research questions, and application of relevant theory and methods
• Current requirements for master's theses regarding structure, language, and level of precision, reference, and theory use
• Research ethics questions and questions about privacy

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student will have:

• In-depth knowledge of scientific theory and qualitative and quantitative methods sufficient to conduct scientific research themselves
• In-depth knowledge of archives and the ability to find relevant social science source material
• Advanced knowledge of different research paradigms and connections between ontological and epistemological points of view and choice of research methods
• Advanced knowledge of privacy and research ethics guidelines
• Advanced knowledge of how scientific subject matter from own research is presented

Skills

The student will be able to:

• Assess and be critical of their own choices of problem, research design, and method
• Assess whether the project needs approval from NSD and, in collaboration with the supervisor, apply for this if required
• Carry out independent research projects and analyze collected empirical data/sources
• Assess the quality of empirical data/sources constructively and critically, present the results in a way that is understandable, ethically sound, and based on a critical understanding of existing professional traditions

General Competence

The student will be able to:

• Create a work plan and an outline for the master's thesis
• Explain and justify choices of research focus and method, as well as analyze relevant issues within social sciences and social sciences didactics
• Critically evaluate the quality of own and others' research, communicate about academic issues, theory, and method in an advanced way, and contribute to academic and didactic innovation in school

Course Structure

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes:

• Lectures
• Self-study
• Group exercises
• Individual project work
• Solution of mandatory and other tasks
• Guidance
• Seminars with student presentations
• Students must submit a written project assignment

Compulsory Assignments

• Obligatory course work according to course description

Evaluation

• Mandatory activities:
  • Approved assignment(s) and/or test(s) of a written and/or oral nature must be completed
  • Compulsory attendance at selected parts and introductory session

Admission and Requirements

Specific Conditions

• Admission to a programme of study is required: Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5-10 (MGLU5-10) - some programmes

Recommended Previous Knowledge

• Passed Social Studies (30 credits) on master's level in the fourth year of primary school teacher education, or equivalent

Required Previous Knowledge

• Passed social studies 1 and school exam in social studies 2 (total 60 credits)

Course Materials

• The final syllabus is posted on Blackboard before the start of studies

Credit Reductions

• Course code | Reduction | From
  • MGLU5242 | 15 sp | Autumn 2025
• This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently

Subject Areas

• Teacher Education
• Social Studies

Examination

• Examination arrangement: School exam
• Grade: Letter grades
• Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025:
  • School exam
  • Weighting: 100/100
  • Examination aids: Code E
  • Date: Not specified
  • Time: 09:00
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Exam system: Inspera Assessment
  • Place and room: Not specified yet