P000170, Preparing to finalise the doctoral thesis and its kappa, 3.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Jens Rommel, 2026-02-05
Valid from : First half-year 2026 (2026-01-01)

Level

Third cycle

Subject

Rural Development, Other social science

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Critically appraise the qualities of alternative research approaches within their field, and justify their own choices among them.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative research designs within their field, and critically reflect on their own research design.
• Identify ethical challenges arising in their own research and be able to account for their treatment in doctoral research.
• Reason for and critically reflect on the contribution to knowledge of their own doctoral research.
• Plan an effective thesis argument and corresponding structure.

Content

This course explores the challenges of writing the summarising chapter ("kappa") for a compilation thesis, and considers how to prepare to write it. The course clarifies the purpose of the kappa, and the significance of its strong unifying narrative.

The unifying role of the thesis narrative is considered in the context of the whole PhD research process, emphasising how it integrates the research design, gathers the main elements of research activity and outputs together, clarifies the scholarly contribution, and establishes the line of argument that this contribution relies on. The course also addresses how the thesis narrative responds to formal requirements, and how it anticipates the PhD assessment and defence.

Emphasis is placed on the relations between the kappa structure and narrative, the underlying research design, and the constituent papers. The course contents are also designed to be largely relevant for those preparing a monograph thesis.

The course is built around the work in progress of the participating doctoral students and is divided into three elements:

• Individual preparation, including two exercises exploring the potential argument and structure of the thesis, background reading on doctoral thesis writing, and submission of a draft thesis outline.
• Classroom teaching block (4 days / 20 hours), adopting an interactive workshop format with presentations, small group and plenary discussions, collaborative exercises, and contributions from experienced supervisors and recently graduated doctoral researchers.
• Individual and some peer-group follow-up work, including an online tutorial with the course leader.

Participants are encouraged to consult with their supervisors throughout the course period.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

To pass the course, all of the following elements must be completed: - Submission of a working draft kappa outline and completion of two associated exercises before the classroom block. - Active participation in the classroom sessions. - Attendance at an individual tutorial, including a brief oral presentation on how the student has identified and engaged with key challenges in establishing the argument and contribution of their own thesis.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Economics

Supplementary information

Other Information

This course is organised by the People, Society and Sustainability research school.