Part 2: Completing your thesis
The process described on this page follows after the process in 'Part 1: Project proposal'. In Osiris this part is called 'Data Science Thesis' (INFOMDASC2).
Follow these steps to complete Part 2: Completing your thesis.
After a positive assessment of Part 1, you can continue with Part 2 of your Research Project. In Part 2 the Research Project will be executed, finalized and written down in a thesis. Finally, the findings will be presented during your final presentation. The second part comprises 25 EC and its minimum duration is 17-18 weeks full-time.
What do you need to do?
- Perform and complete your research according to your project proposal from Part 1.
- Write your thesis that presents your research and its results.
- Present and defend your results and conclusion. You are asked to prepare a presentation about your research that is understandable by fellow students. The defence will be 45 minutes long; 30 minutes for your presentation, and 15 minutes for questions.
Thesis content requirements:
In addition to the main text describing the research, the thesis should at least contain:
- a front page, containing the: name of the student, name of the supervisors, student number, date, name of the programme (master Data Science, Utrecht University);
- an abstract;
- an introduction (part of it has already been produced in Part 1)
- a related work section (which is the survey produced in Part 1)
- a problem statement (also from Part 1)
- one or more sections that describe the devised solution, any performed evaluation and the findings
- a conclusion which summarizes the whole thesis and delivers the messages that a reader should take from the thesis;
- a list of references.
Please discuss the exact requirements for your thesis with your project supervisor/first examiner at the beginning of your project. To help you get started, download a possible overlead template from this website or consult previous theses online at https://studenttheses.uu.nl. However, keep in mind that different disciplines and topics require different structures.
Your final grade is based on the following components:
- Project process (30%)
- Project report (30%)
- Project results (30%)
- Project presentation (10%)
This programme-specific explanatory document provides detailed guidance on what students in the programme must achieve to meet each evaluation level per criterion, from insufficient to excellent.
Find help with writing your thesis:
At Skills Lab, you can access workshops and guidance in areas such as writing, studying, and other academic skills. Tip: sign up for free writing coaching and/or study coaching.
Other tips:
- Poster and presentation templates in UU style
- Make a to the point presentation
- Formulate a good research question
- Manage your time efficiently
- Concentrate better
- Join a Thesis Study Group. Our Study Advisors offer support groups for students in their thesis writing phase. Weekly meetings with your group help you create structure and complete your project successfully.