Master's Thesis in Social Sciences for a Digital Society

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/S_MTRSR

Course Objective

The thesis is the proof of your learning throughout the entire research master program, and involves the following learning outcomes. Knowledge and Understanding. You have developed: (1) specialist knowledge of and insight into contemporary research questions regarding complex digital and societal problems related to dynamics of interconnectedness, forms of governance, social diversity and issues of care and well-being, and the solutions to these problems being presented. (KU1) (2) knowledge of and insight into contemporary research questions regarding digital society and the role that societal resilience plays in the success and failure of solutions to societal problems. (KU2) (3) advanced knowledge of and insight into the formulation of research proposals, including design, methodology, procedure, and data analysis, in order to answer research questions regarding digital societal problems. (KU3) (4) advanced knowledge of either computational, qualitative, or quantitative methods. (KU5) Application. You have acquired the competences to: (5) analyze societal problems and societal resilience employing knowledge from various disciplines (e.g. anthropology, political science, public administration, organizational sciences, communication science, sociology, ethics and philosophy of science). (AKU6) (6) conduct advanced qualitative, quantitative, or computational research and use analytical methods. (AKU8) Making judgements. You are able to: (7) analyze societal problems from the perspective of digital society and is able to reflect critically on these perspectives. (JF9) (8) reflect critically on the scientific and societal relevance of research results and to base arguments on them. (JF10) (9) reflect on the social and ethical aspects regarding the specific nature and scope of big and small data, and of the dissemination and application of research results. (JF11) Communication. You have acquired the skills to: (10) write a scientific report in the form of a scientific, often peer-reviewed article or book chapter. (CS12) (11) present research results and interpretations to the general public and to societal stakeholders in a clear manner. (CS13) Learning Skills. You have acquired the skills to: (12) identify and act up diverse ethical values and codes of conduct that guide working in an international and diverse context. (LS16)

Course Content

The master thesis is an original, individual piece of social science research with which you conclude the research master program. Your thesis answers a research question on digital society of your choice and is developed under supervision of one of the FSS core faculty members on an individual basis. The thesis includes a thorough review of relevant literature, an explicit theoretical framework, a well-justified research design, data gathering (e.g. complementing dataset from the internship), an analysis of the findings, and a conclusion and discussion. The master thesis offers you the opportunity to study a topic in-depth that you consider theoretically and societally relevant. Furthermore, the master thesis helps you to further develop research skills that you need to pursue an academic (e.g. PhD thesis) or professional research career. After successfully completing your master thesis, you will be able to study complex problems from multiple methodological and theoretical angles.

Teaching Methods

In this course, you meet in five different types of meetings:
- One-on-one meetings of one hour with your academic supervisor.
- Study circle sessions of one hour and 45 minutes with a break of 15 minutes.
- Intervision sessions in peer group learning group with peer students, lasting one hour and 45 minutes with a break of 15 minutes.
- Peer review of the research proposal, data management plan and final draft master thesis;
- Presentation of 30 minutes (15 minutes Q&A) at the master thesis’ symposium, which is a festive and ceremonial closing event of the master thesis.

Method of Assessment

The final grade of the master thesis is a combination of the grade for the final master thesis manuscript (1-10, 85%) and the presentation/defense (1-10, 15%) during the master thesis symposium. Formative assessments include two peer reviews: the research proposal (integral part of the Writing a Research Proposal course in Y1, P6) and the final draft of the master thesis.

Literature

The literature depends on the master thesis’ topic.

Custom Course Registration

The master’s thesis has the period ‘academic year’ for administrative reasons, but there is only one starting moment per academic year, as indicated in the year schedule (study guide) and correspondence from the master’s thesis coordinator. It is not possible to start the master’s thesis during other periods.

Entry Requirements

Master’s thesis requires at least 30 EC among which the course Big Data, Small Data and at least one course which is given in period 4 of the first year. Master’s Thesis also requires participation in Writing a Research Proposal and Writing a Scientific Paper.