Entry requirements

To be accepted to the course and to submit a research proposal, the student must have passed the following course:

• OL641E - Organising and Leading Sustainable Organisations (7,5 credits).

The student must also have obtained:

• at least 3 credits in the course OL644E - Sustainable Development: Individual, Organisational and Network Perspectives
• at least 7.5 credits in the course OL643E - Project Management and Sustainability

Main field

KSLOA Leadership and Organization

Progression level in relation to degree requirements

This course is included in the main area Leadership and Organisation at advanced level of 91-120 credits.

Course contents

The course Master Thesis with a focus on Leadership and Organisation for Sustainability aims to develop students’ ability to independently design, conduct, and present an academic research study within the field of leadership and organisation in the context of sustainability.

The course consists primarily of independent thesis work carried out in pairs under qualified supervision. Students formulate a research problem, develop a theoretical framework, select and apply appropriate methodology and methods, and analyse empirical material. The thesis should demonstrate a clear academic contribution to knowledge and practice in the field.

Throughout the course, students engage in a structured research process supported by supervision, seminars, and workshops. Seminars provide opportunities for presenting work in progress, receiving feedback, and engaging in critical discussion of both their own and others’ research. The course culminates in a thesis seminar where the completed thesis is presented, defended, and critically reviewed.

The course emphasises independent and responsible academic work, including critical engagement with relevant literature, methodological and ethical awareness, and the development of a reflective and analytical approach to research. The course also encourages critical reflection on the role of research in sustainability work, including ethical considerations and the implications of knowledge production in organisational and societal contexts.

The course introduces AI as a support for searching, reviewing, and structuring academic literature and research material. Particular attention is given to the critical and responsible use of AI, including its possibilities, limitations, and ethical implications in academic research and knowledge production.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify, formulate and motivate a relevant research problem within leadership and organisation in the context of sustainability.
2. Design and conduct an independent scientific study, including the selection and application of appropriate theoretical perspectives, methodology, and methods.
3. Analyse and critically discuss empirical material in relation to theory and previous research, demonstrating an ability to generate well-founded conclusions.
4. Demonstrate awareness of ethical and methodological considerations in the research process, including issues related to data collection, analysis, and the responsible use of AI in academic work.
5. Communicate research results in a coherent academic thesis, and present, defend, and critically review their own and others’ work in a seminar setting.
6. Reflect on their own research process, methodological choices, and the role and implications of research in sustainability work and organisational contexts.

Learning activities

The course is primarily based on independent thesis work carried out in pairs, where students are responsible for planning, conducting, and completing a research study. The learning activities include formulating a research problem, reviewing relevant literature, collecting and analysing empirical material, and writing the thesis.

The thesis work is supported by qualified supervision, where students receive guidance throughout the research process. Supervision focuses on supporting the development of the research design, theoretical framework, methodology, analysis, and academic writing, while maintaining the students’ responsibility for their own work.

Seminars constitute a central part of the course and provide opportunities for students to present work in progress, receive feedback, and engage in critical discussions. The course culminates in a thesis seminar where students present and defend their thesis and critically review another thesis.

The course is based on student-centred learning, where students actively develop their research project, engage with feedback, and contribute to peer learning through discussions and opposition.

Assessment

Student performance is assessed through two examinations:

Master’s thesis (13 credits). The thesis constitutes the main examination of the course and is assessed using the grading scale UA. The thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to independently design, conduct, and present a scientific study within the field of leadership and organisation in the context of sustainability. The thesis is assessed in relation to learning outcomes 1–6.

Final thesis defence (2 credits). The final thesis defence is assessed on a pass/fail basis (UG). It includes the presentation and defence of the student’s own thesis, and the individual critical review (opposition) of two other theses. The thesis defence is assessed in relation to learning outcomes 3, 5 and 6.

All learning goals are individually assessed.

To pass the course, the student must obtain a passing grade E respectively G. The course grade is determined by the grade on the Master’s thesis.

Course literature and other study materials

The course literature accumulated through the courses included in the Master’s programme Leadership for Sustainability (OL641E, OL652E, OL643E, OL644E, and OL645E) is highly recommended but must be complemented in relation to the chosen research topic. Students are expected to independently identify, select, and critically evaluate relevant, high-quality, and up-to-date scientific literature in relation to their research problem. The selected literature should be appropriate for the chosen theoretical and methodological approach and provide a solid foundation for the analysis and conclusions of the thesis.

Course evaluation

Malmö University provides students who participate in, or who have completed a course, with the opportunity to express their opinions and describe their experiences of the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarise the results of course evaluations. The University will also inform participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures taken in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

Interim rules

If a course is no longer offered, or has undergone significant changes, the students must be offered two opportunities for re-examination based on the syllabus that applied at the time of registration, for a period of one year after the changes have been implemented.

Additional information

If a student has a Learning support decision, the examiner has the right to provide the student with an adapted test, or to allow the student to take the exam in a different format.