- •Master's thesis methodical guide Regulations on procedures for preparation, presentation and defense of master’s thesis
- •Contents
- •1 General Issues
- •2 Master’s Thesis Writing and Defense
- •2.1 Selection of Master’s Thesis Topic
- •2.2 Approval of Thesis Topic and Supervisor
- •2.3 Responsibilities of Master Student and Thesis Supervisor
- •2.4 Individual Plan of Master Student Work
- •2.5 Certification and Interim Evaluation of Master’s Thesis
- •2.6 Final evaluation of Master’s Thesis by Supervisor
- •2.8 Reviewing of Master’s Thesis
- •2.9 Submission of Master’s Thesis by Head of Department
- •2.10 Preparation to Master’s Thesis Defense
- •2.11 Defense of Master’s Thesis
- •3 Reference Guide for Content and Formatting Thesis
- •3.1 General Formatting Rules
- •3.2 Abstract
- •3.3 Contents
- •3.4 Symbols and abbreviations
- •3.5 Introduction
- •3.6 Body text
- •3.7 Visual Content in Text
- •Figure 2.1 — State expenses on education in eu, million euro
- •3.8 Summary
- •3.9 Bibliography
- •3.10 Appendices
- •Appendix a Nomination of Thesis Title and Supervisor form
- •Theoretical foundations of strategic trade policy
- •The commercial disputes in the world information market
- •Dispute Settlement Process
- •Appendix g Formatting Requirements to Thesis
- •Appendix j Abstract sample
- •Abstract
- •Appendix к Table of Contents sample
- •Table of contents
- •Appendix l Symbols and Abbreviations sample symbols and abbreviations
- •Appendix м Specimen of Tables and Figures Formatting
- •Figure м — Share of tourism in total governmental expenditures in developing countries during 2000-2009
- •Appendix n References sample
- •Appendix p Bibliography sample bibliography
- •Appendix q Certificate of Adoption of Master’s Thesis Findings form
3.6 Body text
Before starting the thesis, the student is required to conduct an independent study in which he (she) finds, reads and critiques a substantial body of previous scholarship related to his (her) thesis topic. The required work for review of the literature is a critical essay and a bibliography. The aim of the essay is to identify the categories of pertinent studies, report on major concepts, theories, debates, trends, and gaps in the field, and place the thesis topic in relation to earlier work.
The research may entail the collection and analysis of original (primary) information through some form of empirical data-gathering; it will certainly involve the use, analysis, and critique of already published (secondary) sources. Both primary and secondary research will demand appropriate scholarly methods.
The master’s thesis may take any number of methodological approaches, depending on the question and on the student’s studies: historiography, criticism of the literature, an integrative review of previous research, international analysis, policy studies, program evaluation and many other possibilities. The student should be able to justify his or her approach according to the particular research problem or issue.
Generally speaking, a master’s thesis will report a piece of original research. It’ll begin with a question or hypothesis and involve reading of sources to show that the question or hypothesis has not already been satisfactorily answered or proved. It also require a definition of variables or factors that must be considered in answering the questions or proving the hypothesis, and here again, reading will supply definitions of these variables and reasons to suppose that they are indeed the ones to be considered.
Each type of project or thesis concludes with a statement and discussion of results or conclusions. Clearly the relation of the evidence or analysis to the conclusions must withstand rigorous scrutiny based on principles of correct argument, appropriate statistical methods, or the like. It should present an original argument that is carefully documented from primary and/or secondary sources. The responsible use of sources will be evident in the notes acknowledging quotations and references throughout the thesis, and in a proper bibliography of works consulted.
A thesis adheres to a standard format, generally including three basic chapters or divisions: an introduction and statement of the problem, a review of the literature pertinent to the problem, an explanation of the materials and methods used to solve the problem, a discussion of results, and a conclusion.
To avoid overloading of work by division of text on numerous sections and subsections it’s highly recommended to make 3-4 chapters with 2-4 sections in each chapter. Doubling the caption of chapters and sections and to making a caption from two and more sentences is not allowed.
The final structure of thesis must be submitted by supervisor.
Each chapter must be ended by short conclusions starting by words «Conclusions. ….», «Thus, ….», «Therefore, ….», «Hereby, ….».