• have broad general knowledge of the subject and in-depth knowledge of certain areas
• have basic knowledge of central issues and methodologies within the selected discipline
• be able to work independently and with a long term perspective on issues related to the discipline, based on acquired academic knowledge
• be able to relate to and evaluate critically theories, methodologies and interpretations within the discipline
• be able to acquire and apply knowledge within new areas of the discipline
• be able to carry through a defined research project under supervision and according to the norms of research ethics that apply
• know the norms for academic writing
• be able to use the ICT-tools necessary to work on and complete an independent work within the discipline
• independently be able to continue her/his own development of competence and specialization
• be able to express problems, analyses, and conclusions related to the discipline in German
• know relevant genres of communication
• be able to participate in the public debate where this concerns the discipline

The student chooses a topic for the Master's Thesis in cooperation with the teacher/supervisor as early as possible in the second semester. The Department will provide opportunities for the Master's students to present the project plan or parts of their thesis at a departmental seminar.

The student is entitled to supervision during the work with the thesis. A supervision contract, which includes rights and duties, shall be signed by the student, supervisor and head of the department, usually at the beginning of the second semester.

The Master's Thesis exam can be completed at the beginning and end of each semester. The deadline for turning in the Master's Thesis is February 1st, May 15th for the spring semester and September 1st and November 20th for the fall semester.

The assessment is based on the Master's Thesis and the oral exam, which is usually conducted within three weeks of the deadline for the Master's Thesis.

The Master's Thesis must be written in German and be between 70 and 110 pages long, using normal font size (12) and 1 ½ line space and normal margins.

The oral exam (about 30 minutes) shall be related to the Master's Thesis and can adjust the grade one letter grade up or down.

A student can, upon submission of an application, turn in the same thesis again if the thesis is all new or has been rewritten to the extent that it can be considered as a new thesis, ref. Supplementary regulations for degree programmes at the Faculty of Humanities.