The master's thesis constitutes the most important part of the Master degree, and should normally be written in the course of two semesters of intensive work.

The topic of the master's thesis may, following discussion with a supervisor, in principle be chosen freely, but will in practice be restricted by the capacity of the Spanish section to supervise the thesis. The topic and research questions should be connected to one of the main disciplines within the field of Spanish studies. The master's thesis must be written in Spanish and comprise 70-110 pages (between 30.800 and 48.400 words).

The candidate

• has achieved broad general knowledge of the field and in-depth knowledge of a limited subfield.
• has achieved basic knowledge of the central problems and methodologies in the selected discipline.
• is able to work independently and long-term on solving problems based on his/her knowledge of the field.
• is capable of understanding and critically assessing theories, methodologies and interpretations within the field.
• is capable of acquiring and applying knowledge of new subfields in the discipline.
• can carry out a supervised small-scale research project, in accordance with current research-ethical norms.
• is familiar with the norms of academic writing
• is capable of using the ICT tools which are necessary for successfully carrying out an independent work within the field.
• is capable of continuing to develop his/her competence and specialisation in an independent manner.
• is capable of expressing research problems, analyses and conclusions within the student¿s own field in Spanish.
• is familiar with the relevant communicative genres.

is able to contribute to discourse in the public arena in areas relevant to the discipline.

Supervision is obligatory. The student and the Spanish section are to sign a mutually binding contract of supervision, no later than in the second semester, typically following assessment of the project outline and always depending on the supervisory capacity of the Spanish section. The topic of the master's thesis is subject to approval by the supervisor.

It is possible for candidates to change the topic of their master's thesis after work on the thesis has begun. In cases where a new supervisor is assigned to the candidate, a new contract of supervision must be signed.

A master's thesis written in Spanish comprising 70-110 pages (30.800 - 48.400 words), in addition to an oral examination with adjusting function. There are two deadlines for submission of the master's thesis each semester: 1 February and 15 May in the spring semester and 1 September and 20 November in the autumn semester.

After submission of the master's thesis, an oral examination is to take place. The oral examination takes the form of a discussion of central problems in the master's thesis, and can adjust the final grade by one grade.