Required prerequisite knowledge

• 3GJ303 Research Methodology
• 3GJ321 Thesis Preparation Seminar
• In addition, as the main rule, 75 ECTS credits of the programme must have been completed. Exceptions to this rule may only be made in circumstances where minor parts are missing. 

Also note that students choosing 3GJ323 must possess a relevant undergraduate degree which includes practical skills in journalistic production; alternatively be able to demonstrate relevant professional experience equal to such training.

Relevance within study programme

GJ 323 Practical-Theoretical MA Thesis is part of the MA Programme in Global Journalism at NLA University College. It takes place in the third and fourth semesters of the programme, immediately following the proposal submitted in the preceding Thesis Preparation Seminar (GJ 321).

Introduction

GJ 323 Practical-Theoretical MA Thesis is an alternative to GJ 322 Theoretical MA Thesis. The practical-theoretical MA thesis is an independent and individual project where the student demonstrates skills to carry out a small-scale research undertaking within Global Journalism, and where the final thesis consists of a combination of a media production and a theoretical treatise. The thesis is the realization of the research proposal developed in GJ 321 Thesis Preparation Seminar. An internal advisor will be appointed for each student.

Learning outcomes descriptors

Knowledge

The student:

• comprehends the field data gathered for the MA project
• has thorough knowledge of the specific theoretical framework applied in the MA thesis
• knows the theory and principles behind a chosen methodology

Skills

The student:

• can assess key areas of the academic discussion related to the theory chosen for a research project
• can make arrangements and gather field data based on a research proposal
• is able to make necessary choices as the project unfolds
• can pursue the chosen methodology for a small-scale research project
• can present field data in a media production and engage theoretically with the findings in a written report
• can communicate research findings and arguments in such a way that they are accessible to the general public and at the same time academically sound
• is able to consider ethical issues pertaining to the research project

General competence

The student:

• is able to carry out a small-scale research project
• can write a report pursuing a theoretical argument
• is able to generate new knowledge within Global Journalism

Content

See information below.

Teaching and learning methods

The course is organized on an individual basis where the student works independently with the support of a supervisor. The progress of the project will typically have three stages, assuming that research method and theoretical framework have already been established in the MA thesis proposal. The first stage consists of fieldwork, estimated to a month's work. The second stage is the data analysis. The third stage is usually the lengthiest part and consists of the writing of the thesis. The student meets with the supervisor throughout the project and is expected to keep in touch digitally when on fieldwork.

The thesis is an independent and individual project. That the project is independent means that it is an autonomous product where the student takes responsibility for all choices made in the process. That it is individual means that the thesis may only be submitted as a single person's product; group submissions are not allowed.

The topic of the thesis must be within the field of Global Journalism, which may or may not require that the candidate conduct fieldwork in a geographical and cultural environment other than one's own. A purely conceptually driven study will not be accepted.

There is no organized teaching in the course. Supervision is given in either English or a Nordic language.

Scope

1125-1350 hours 

Coursework requirements

There are no lectures offered in GJ 323. The student is required to meet at least three times with the advisor during the project period. The only compulsory submission in the course is the MA thesis, which comprises of a media production and a theoretical treatise.

Grading, coursework requirements

Approved/not approved 

Final assessment

The assessment of GJ 323 is based on one compulsory item: Practical-theoretical MA thesis, comprising of a media production and a theoretical treatise

As for the treatise, the recommended length is 20,000 words (approximately 40 pages), +/- 25%. The word count includes all text, introductory pages, footnotes, reference list etc., but excludes appendices. The treatise and the media production may be produced in either English or a Nordic language. The language does not have to be the same for the two parts.

The combined thesis (i.e. the treatise and the media production together) will be assessed by an examination committee composed by two members; one internal and one external. The committee decides on a joint preliminary grade for the two parts of the thesis, after which the candidate is required to defend the thesis orally before the examination committee (usually in a virtual session). The committee will question the candidate about both the media production and the theoretical treatise. The performance in the defence may confirm the grade, alternatively adjust the grade one step up or down. This in turn constitutes the final grade for the thesis.

Grading, examination

The thesis is assessed according to the standard A-F grading system. 

Permitted aids under examination

All tools are allowed, but using generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT to write the thesis or parts of the thesis is not allowed. 

Assessment language

The treatise and the media production may be produced in either English or a Nordic language. The language does not have to be the same for the two parts.

Practice

None 

Course evaluation

Annual course evaluation in accordance with the quality assurance system for NLA University College.

Other rules

The student may not defend his/her MA thesis until all other courses in the programme (75 ECTS) have been completed. 

Available as Single Course

No