1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent of at least 180 credits in the subject of computer science or related and relevant subjects. Examples of such subjects include informatics, computer and information science, information systems, interaction design, human-computer interaction and media technology.
2. At least 15 credits in programming, system development or equivalent.
3. Knowledge equivalent to English 6 at the Swedish upper secondary level
4. At least a pass grade in the course Research Methodology, Data Analysis, and Visualization
5. At least a pass grade in the course Capstone Project
6. At least 75 approved credits within the current programme

The course is part of the programme Computer Science: Innovation for change in a digital society and can be included in a Master's degree in Computer Science (120 credits).

The student must independently plan, carry out and present a project that contributes to the current research area. Furthermore, the student's knowledge of research methodology must be applied.

The course consists of 3 parts:

1. Problem definition and project planning
2. Execution of the thesis
3. Presentation of the degree project and opposition to another student's degree project

Knowledge and understanding
For a passed course, the student must be able to:

1. Account for and explain various aspects within the subject area in general, as well as express substantially in-depth knowledge within one or more sub-areas,
2. Explain the research process and its planning, and
3. Explain how the thesis relates to central and current concepts and methods used to create sustainable change through innovation in a digital society.

Skills and abilities
For a passed course, the student must be able to:

4. Independently identify, formulate and handle complex problems within the framework of the degree project
5. Independently identify, describe, analyze, choose and apply a scientific method suitable for the degree project
6. Plan and execute research and development projects within given time frames
7. Actively search for, analyze and describe relevant information for the degree project
8. Describe a research project's contribution in the field of knowledge
9. Present, argue and discuss, both orally and in writing, the content and results of the degree project in a target group-appropriate way,
10. Apply appropriate methods and tools to create change in a digital society through innovation, taking into account social, economic and ecological factors.

Judgement and approach
For a passed course, the student must be able to:

11. Assess and analyze relevant research questions of importance and relevance to the subject area
12. Identify and make critical assessments with regard to the subject area and its relevant scientific, societal and ethical aspects and show awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
13. Evaluate and critically examine another degree project and identify and argue about both strengths and weaknesses,
14. Identify the need for further knowledge development within the framework of the area that the degree project deals with.

The teaching is project-based and adapted to the student's previous knowledge, abilities and experiences. The main learning activities are independent work, tutorials and seminars. The student will also present orally and act as an opponent on another master's thesis.

For a passing grade all four parts of the course needs to be passed and finished:

• Project plan (3 credits, UG) – learning outcomes 2, 4, 6, 7, 11
• Thesis including artefact(s) (25 credits, UA) – learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14
• Oral presentation (1 credit, UG) – learning outcome 9
• Written and oral opposition (1 credit, UG) – learning outcomes 11, 12, 13

Grades for each part are determined by the examiner using criteria in an assessment matrix that covers the course's various learning objectives.

The final grade of the course is based on the grade for the section Thesis including artefact(s).

• Dawson, C. (2015). Projects in computing and information systems. A student’s guide (3rd edition), Pearson
• Oates, B.J. (2005). Researching Information Systems and Computing. Sage Publications, UK.
• Zobel, J. (2004). Writing for Computer Science – The art of effective communication. 2nd ed., Springer, UK.

The University provides students who are taking or have completed a course with the opportunity to share their experiences of and opinions about the course in the form of a course evaluation that is arranged by the University. The University compiles the course evaluations and notifies the results and any decisions regarding actions brought about by the course evaluations. The results shall be kept available for the students. (HF 1:14).

When a course is no longer given, or the contents have been radically changed, the student has the right to re-take the examination, which will be given twice during a one year period, according to the syllabus which was valid at the time of registration.

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.

The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.