SAS4691 – Master's Thesis in South Asia Culture and Society
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The master’s thesis is a scientific investigation of a theoretical or empirical kind. It represents an independent piece of research, carried out under supervision, and is the final and most comprehensive assignment on the MA-programme. The subject and research topic for the thesis may be chosen from a wide range of topics within the broad field of South Asia studies, including contemporary South Asian society, culture, and politics. Topics are chosen in cooperation with the supervisor, and supervision is compulsory in order to ensure that research questions are precisely defined, methods well founded, and arguments systematically presented. Students are encouraged to choose a topic that allows for specialized supervision from the academic staff.
Learning outcome
The writing of the thesis provides students with training in developing research projects from an original idea to a fully completed research report in the form of a master’s thesis. An important aim of the thesis work is to develop the students’ ability to critically and independently assess source material in accordance with relevant theories. Other learning outcomes are:
- The ability to formulate a research question and structure a thesis in a way that directly addresses the original question
- The ability to produce, gather and analyze empirical material
- The ability to use scientific research methods
- The ability to produce longer, more substantial academic texts
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Admission to the MA programme option South Asian Culture and Society
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Teaching
The teaching consists of seminars and supervision throughout the semester. Academic supervision for the master’s thesis is mandatory, and you will receive up to 7 hours of individual supervision.?Supervisors are assigned by the department in connection with the course MES4000 where the students develop their project description.
In addition to supervision, students may attend at least two thesis seminars led by members of the academic staff. The seminar gives students opportunities to present and discuss drafts and sketches, as well as training in commenting on the drafts and sketches of other students.
Compulsory activities
- Submission of a draft of the thesis halfway through the semester
- Compulsory attendance: You must attend 4 out of 7 scheduled supervision appointments.
Supervision is arranged directly between you and your supervisor.??
All compulsory activities must be approved to qualify for the exam. It is your responsibility to verify that you have obtained approval for all compulsory activities.?
Absence from compulsory activities:?
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules regarding absence from compulsory activities, to prevent being excluded from teaching and losing your eligibility to take the exam.?
More information on compulsory activities at the University of Oslo:?
The approved compulsory activity remains valid for the two following semesters in which the course is offered. However, exceptions may arise if the course undergoes changes in its assessment format, teaching, or other significant modifications.??
Access to teaching?
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.?
Examination
Master thesis
- Submission of master thesis in Inspera: see guides for digital exams?
- Submission of master thesis in DUO?
- Fill in and submit the form Submission of thesis/Issuance of Diploma?
The course will be assessed through a written master’s thesis of 35-50 pages. One standard page is approximately 2300 characters without spaces, including references. The front page, bibliography and appendixes are not included in the page count.?
You will find guidelines for submission in DUO and submitting the online form on this page:?
The examination committee consists of an external and an internal examiner (who has not been the student's supervisor).?
You are personally responsible for familiarizing yourself with the requirements and deadlines for the exam.?
All compulsory activities must be completed and approved in order to take the exam.?
You can find more information about the exam on the semester page of the course.?
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.