The master’s thesis is an independent research project based on an original research question connected to the Master of special education. The research question should be investigated scientifically, and the thesis should be based on theoretical research within a practical context. The thesis will demonstrate skills and abilities in the following areas: 

• independent and autonomous research 
• analytic capacity and capability 
• critical reflection and evaluation 
• academic writing 
• Completion of a master’ degree provides the student with a foundation for further scientific research and enquiry at the higher [doctoral] level. 

The master's thesis must be a comprehensive and independent work based on an issue related to the special education subject area. The problem must be scientifically elucidated. The work must be based on theoretical studies and can be linked to empirical investigations, either the student's own or existing data collections. The work on the master's thesis will provide the student with a basis for independent research work where analytical skills and critical awareness are practiced. Completion of the master's thesis provides a basis for further specialization and will make you proficient in research and scientific methods. It is open for students (up to 2 students) to collaborate on the master's thesis.

A 45 ects master's thesis can be submitted as a monograph or an article script, as described below.

Monography:

Individual assignments corresponding to 45 ect are expected to have around 80 pages (A-4, line spacing 1, 5), i.e., approx. 32,000 words. There may be variations in scope depending on how the assignment is, but it should in no case exceed 100 pages (40,000 words). If the thesis is written as group work between two students, the length should be approximately 120 pages (+/-10%).

Article script:

Individual assignments in article form must consist of at least one article ready for delivery intended for a peer-reviewed journal (level 1 or 2). Assignments in article form written by two students must consist of at least two such article scripts. In addition to the article, the student must write an introduction. In the introduction, the article will be placed in a more comprehensive professional framework. The introduction may also contain a more thorough review of methodological and/or professional conditions in the relevant area that are not sufficiently covered in the articles. The scope of the introduction is decided on with the supervisor, but a guiding norm can be about 30 pages (with a line spacing of 1.5).