Master's thesis in Business Administration, A2E - Faculty of Forest Sciences
Course description
A master thesis is a course where a student conducts an independent study (individually or in a pair), using the skills and knowledge that has been attained in previous courses. The project assumes planning and executing an academic study that is orally presented and you will be taking opponent roles in seminars along the way. We recommend having a solid method background as well as subject related knowledgebefore taking the course and 5 credits of method is required to enter the course. Your master thesis is published online upon agreement. See also https://student.slu.se/en/studies/degree-projects/
As a student, you are responsible for identifying and choosing a suitable task for the independent work. To be accepted to the course, you must have made an agreement with the supervising department regarding the supervisor and topic of the work before the course starts. Therefore, contact the course leader or potential supervisor well in advance about the possibility of doing independent work at a department. The department can provide information about the registration code that applies and other practical information about the implementation, e.g. at which location the work can be carried out.
Entry Requirements
30 credits at second-cycle level in the main field of study.
5 credits Scientific method
A pass grade for the independent project at first-cycle level, or a Bachelor's degree.
At least one course relevant to the subject of the independent project must be completed before starting the project.
Knowledge of English equivalent to English 6.
Course facts
EX1039, Master's thesis in Business Administration, A2E - Faculty of Forest Sciences, 30.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2024-06-27
Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)
Level
Second cycle (A2E)
Main field of study
Business Administration
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
30 credits at second-cycle level in the main field of study.
5 credits Scientific method
A pass grade for the independent project at first-cycle level, or a Bachelor's degree.
At least one course relevant to the subject of the independent project must be completed before starting the project.
Knowledge of English equivalent to English 6.
Objectives
The aim of the course is for the student, based on previously acquired knowledge, to independently plan, carry out and present an academic study within a given time frame. Through the independent project, the student will develop their skills in the academic work process and deepen their subject knowledge considerably.
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- independently and creatively identify and formulate scientific questions
- independently search, compile, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information and literature
- independently plan and, using adequate methods, carry out a scientific study within given time frames
- analyse and evaluate data and/or findings on a scientific basis
- discuss contents and conclusions in a scientific work critically, and reflect on how the choice of question and method relates to the scientific and practical basis of the subject
- reflect on social and ethical aspects, sustainability aspects within the subject as well as ethical aspects of research and development
- present a scientific work in accordance with the prevailing practice of the discipline, adapted to the intended audience and according to the instructions given
- write a summary in English of a scientific report according to the instructions given
- write a popular science summary of a scientific work according to the instructions given
- present a scientific work orally and critically review and discuss, as well as give constructive criticism of, another student’s project, including method, conclusions and the context of the work in a wider perspective
- identify their own skill and knowledge development needs in the subject of the project.
Content
The course involves carrying out an independent, academic project (degree project) under supervision. The project is to be carried out independently, using data collected by the student themselves, or equivalent data. The project should preferably be carried out individually, but the course coordinator can admit exceptions under certain circumstances.
The set-up of the independent project should be documented in a work plan established in consultation with the supervisor before the project starts.
The project is to be presented orally and in writing, as seminars or an equivalent format, and according to the instructions given. The course also involves taking part in a public discussion of another student’s project in order to assess the ability to give constructive criticism.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
A Pass grade for the written report and the oral presentation, as well as a Pass grade for the critical review of another student’s project. If the work has been carried out in pairs, it must be made clear to the examiner what each individual has contributed; this applies to both the written report and the oral presentation. The work effort and the scope of the work should correspond to 30 credits for each student, and each student must fulfil all intended learning outcomes.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of forest bioeconomy and technology
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest and Business Management (MSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 30.0 | 0001 |
Other Information
SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. Many of our courses address knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for education. Students are welcome to suggest measures in the course design and implementation that lead to environmental improvements. For more information, see SLU’s website, www.slu.se. SLU is also a PRME-certified university, Principles for Responsible Management Education (http://www.unprme.org/).