Master's thesis

You must have earned at least 30 EC in the theoretical modules of the Master’s programme before starting your final research. Check this with your Personal Advisor (see 'Contact') to ensure you satisfy the prerequisites.

The topic of your Master’s research and thesis may be either theoretical or practical. It can be based on fieldwork, laboratory work and/or computer-based simulation/modelling.

Idea?

To find a topic for your thesis, it makes sense to take the initiative and talk to academic staff members about your ideas. To get an idea of topics you can consult the Master’s Theses Online archive where you’ll find the theses written over the last few years.

Your research project and thesis should, together, equal at least 30 EC and at most 45 EC.

Before starting your MSc project, your project has to be registered and approved by the teaching Institute/ course coordinator. For this, fill out Master thesis project agreement form (see Master thesis guideline). This form must then be signed by you and your supervisor.

Next, register your project in Osiris Case and upload the signed agreement form as attachment. If your project involves fieldwork, you must also attach a signed declaration regarding safety and behaviour during excursions and fieldwork

Your thesis supervisor and at least one additional assessor will independently assess your work.

Skills

The academic skills that you will be using and will be assessed in your thesis, include:

• preparing and initiating a research project;
• analysing and processing data;
• writing and presenting a research report.

You can view the Master's thesis rubric here.

After your thesis has been approved, it must be uploaded to Osiris Case for grading. Within one month after registration of your grade in OSIRIS, the student will receive a request by email to upload the reviewed thesis (in PDF format) for archiving and possible publication in the Utrecht University Library thesis archive. This thesis archive is publicly accessible, so your thesis can be found through search enginges such as Google and Worldcat.

Read the complete overview of the structure and procedures for your Master’s research and thesis, including the required forms. There is also more information available on BlackBoard. 

If you need financial support with your MSc research, contact your supervisor to find about what options are available. If your project involves mineralogical, chemical or isotope analysis, the Olaf Schuiling Fund might be of assistance.