60 credits within the in main field of study Media and Communication Studies, of which at least 30 credits at advanced level (A1F or A1E) + English 6.

For this degree project, the student must carry out a rigorous, in-depth scientific study pertaining to a specific part of the field of Media and Communication, which is reported in the form of an academic thesis. Selection of the problem, methodology, and theoretical framework, as well as the collection / creation of empirical material, is carried out in consultation with a supervisor. The student must also critically and constructively evaluate and discuss degree projects written by peers.

The student works with the support of a supervisor to author a thesis. The thesis must include an analysis of a scientific problem relevant to Media and Communication Studies. The degree project must include a description and critical discussion of previous research, selected theories, methodology/methods, and results. Students will have the opportunity to present their work at research colloquia throughout the semester. The final work is presented and discussed at a seminar.

After completing the course students shall be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field of Media and Communication studies, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work

2. demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in Media and Communication Studies

3. demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information

4. demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work

5. demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences

6. demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the Media and Communication Studies informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work

7. demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used

8. demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Learning activities include lectures, seminars, and supervision.

Course examination is conducted through: 1) a completed thesis (LO 1-8); 2) the presentation of the thesis at a final seminar (LO 5 & 6), as well as acting as discussant on theses authored by peers (LO 6). These requirements must be satisfactorily met for the student to earn 30 credits.

Three opportunities for examination are offered during the academic year. Students who have not finished the course, have the opportunity to take part in examinations the next time the course is offered. Under such circumstances, assignments are carried out according to the literature and assignments that are valid during the time the examination is carried out.

Blaikie, Norman, and Jan Priest. Designing Social Research: The Logic of Anticipation. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2018.

Hart, Chris. Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Research Imagination. London: Sage, 2018.

Additional texts depend on the choice of thesis subject.

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).

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.

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.