There is no universal solution to an optimal thesis process. It depends on how you work, your chosen subject area and whether you work alone or as part of a group. However, you should consider how you want to approach the process. Below you’ll find good advice and inspiration that, hopefully, will get you off to a good start:
4 things you should know about the Master´s thesis
The Master’s thesis is an assignment worth 30 ECTS, corresponding with one semester of full-time studies.
In your Master’s thesis you have the opportunity to show your skills applying scientific theories and methods in a specific subject matter.
In the Master´s thesis you must be able to:
- define a topic for the thesis and formulate a clear scientific problem based on the topic.
- investigate, analyse and discuss the academic issue by using the relevant academic theories and methods
- argue on a solid scientific basis
- take a critical stance on sources used and give a qualified account of the relevant research literature
- evaluate and revise own methodological and theoretical approaches.
Read more about the requirements for your Master’s thesis in the Master’s thesis course description.
The Master´s thesis is - more than any other assignment - your assignment. Other than writing the thesis itself, you're also responsible for structuring the process, submitting contracts and plans on time and getting the most out of your supervision.
The aim of the Master´s thesis
The aim of the Mater´s thesis is for you to demonstrate your ability to apply scientific methods, as well as define, analyze and process scientific problems within a specific academic topic.
Formalities
Apart from being familiar with the content requirements of your Master´s thesis, you are also expected to aquaint yourself with the formalities in connections with the Master´s thesis. Before you start the writing process, it is e.g. good to know about the allowed length of the project. Formalities, including information about the length of the project, is found in the Master´s thesis course description.
In your process model you can see when in your programme the Master´s thesis is placed.
The Master´s thesis takes place across two semesters, with preliminary activities such as thesis workshops, choosing your topic and assignment of a supervisor in the first semester and the actual writing of the Master´s thesis in the second semester.
There are important dates you need to be aware of, when writing your Master´s thesis.
Take a look at the table below, to see the dates that apply if you write your thesis in the spring or in the autumn.
| Spring semester | Autumn semester | What do you need to do? | How? |
| May 20. - 30. | November 20.-30. | Sign up for the Master´s thesis and the thesis workshops. | Self-service |
| November 1. | June 1. | Submit your topic for the thesis. Contact your Study Secretary for specific guidance on how you´re assigned a supervisor. | Find the form under Applications and forms |
| December 1. | June 15. | Your programme's deadline for assigning you a supervisor. You will be notified through your student e-mail, which supervisor you have been assigned. | Student-mail |
| January 15. | August 15. | Submit your thesis contract, supervision plan and project description. | You submit the thesis contract and supervision plan through a form in Applications and forms. You upload the project description as a pdf in the same place. The clock is ticking, and the submission deadline is fixed, even if your subject area has not been approved. |
| January 31. | August 31. | You will receive notice on whether your thesis contract, supervision plan and project description are approved or not. | Student-mail |
| January 2. | June 1. | Submission deadline for your Master´s thesis. If June 1./January 2. falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, your deadline is the following weekday. However, always make sure to check your examination schedule. |
SDU's digital platform |
If you fail to submit or do not pass your Master's thesis, you will use an examination attempt and a new deadline will be set for 3 months with an additional workload.
Read more about what happens if you fail to submit or do not pass your Master´s thesis.
Unexpected circumstances
If you fall ill, someone in your family becomes ill or passes away, or other exceptional circumstances occur during your thesis process, you can apply to postpone the deadlines - i.e. apply for an exemption.
Need help?
Feel free to contact The Student Guidance Service, should you have questions regarding the thesis rules and exemption possibilities.