Before beginning work with the degree project, the student must have identified an appropriate subject or task for such a project and must have presented a project proposal to the examiner for approval. The project must be chosen, so that it is a natural progression of the knowledge and skills that have been acquired during the program of studies, and if such is the case, from the specialisation pursued by the student.
The student must write an individual plan for the degree project which specifies the problem description or task undertaken as well as the conditions for carrying out the work. The individual plan for the degree project should contain background information including a problem description and scientific questions, purpose, objective, limitations, relevance of the project [1], methods and time plan for the completion of the degree project. The plan should also include a brief self-reflection where the student gives an account of his or her knowledge and ability to complete the project [2]. The individual plan for the degree project shall be approved by the examiner.
The student carries out an in-depth preliminary study including discussion of choice of method and theoretical background as well as a literature survey which serves as part of a draft of a preliminary version of the written degree project report.
The student carries out an individual independent project, where knowledge and methods from the program of education are applied.
The student plans and carries out an oral presentation and defence of his or her degree project.
The student carries out an oral and written review of another degree project on the same level.
The student writes and presents a written degree project report, where the student clearly presents and discusses his or her conclusions from the degree project and the knowledge and reasoning that support them.
The student carries out a self-assessment of the degree project according to the model of "Assessment of the quality of degree project for Degree of Master of Science in Engineering and Degree of Master of Science".
[1] Relevance here means relevance in relation to the program of education, current research and development, in relation to the specialisation that the student is studying as well as relevance for stakeholders and society.
[2] The student should submit a draft of this part together with the initial project proposal prior to admission to the Degree Project course. A plan for completion of outstanding incomplete courses neccessary for the program of education should be included in the plan for the degree project. All courses must be completed by the time the degree project is finished, at the latest.