2 Master’s Thesis Writing and Defense

2.1 Selection of Master’s Thesis Topic

A master’s thesis is a substantial piece of work devoted to a topic chosen by the student. The topic of the thesis is to be determined along with the student's research supervisor.

The idea for a thesis may emerge gradually from the coursework, or a student may know early in the program what he or she wants to do and can use that plan as an organizing principle in choosing courses.

At this stage some aspects should be taken into account:

• concordance of theme and its subject to specialty of master program;

• student’s current or future workplace;

• previous topics and themes of student’s diploma or other scientific papers;

• potential problems relating to databases and other informational resources access;

• relevance of problem to individuals, enterprises, industries, countries.

The structure, thesis-writing sequence and timetable are to be established jointly with supervisor and should be fixed in the Individual plan of master student work (IPMSW).

2.2 Approval of Thesis Topic and Supervisor

Any regular Department member can be a thesis supervisor. He or she will provide general guidance, and will help refine the topic and develop the student’s argument. Most students choose faculty members they have worked with in courses. Thesis supervisors must be approved by the Department (along with the thesis topic) basing on student’s application (appendix A).

Both the topic and the supervisor of master’s thesis are to be discussed at a Department session and then finally approved by the BSEU Rector. The topic and the supervisor for master's students must be determined within 2 month after student’s admission. All nominations are to be fixed in the student’s Individual Plan and signed by the student's supervisor, the Head of the Department and the student.

The changes afterwards of either thesis theme or supervisor are allowed in exceptional cases not later than 2 months before thesis defense. These changes must be approved by the BSEU Rector’s order.

2.3 Responsibilities of Master Student and Thesis Supervisor

The primary responsibility of the supervisor is to assist student to complete the research within designed time frame. This includes taking reasonable steps, consistent with available resources, to:

• provide a framework within which the academic work can take place;

• provide academic guidance;

• determine a task for the master’s thesis;

• help the student to prepare an individual working plan encompassing the timeline for preparation of the master's thesis;

• recommend to student the list of scientific, methodical literature, archival materials, projects and other sources for thesis;

• provide appropriate and timely feedback;

• meet regularly with the student to give him scientific and methodical advices, according to the individual working plan;

• assess progress;

• facilitate administrative compliance;

• act as a guide to the University resources;

• encourage the student to participate in university intellectual life.

The supervisor is the primary person responsible for determining the relevance of the questions and issues posed. With this goal in mind he constantly makes personal consultations for the student and controls the Individual plan’s fulfillment. During student’s assessment, the supervisor evaluates the readiness of the master’s thesis and the effectiveness of the student’s work. The supervisor fixes all remarks in the student’s Individual Plan.

The supervisor is responsible for evaluating and monitoring a student’s academic progress. He (she) should provide adequate and timely written feedback on all submitted work. If any doubt arises as to the ability of a candidate to complete the research, this must be raised and dealt with as soon as is practicable for the benefit of both the student and the University.

Supervisors must keep a record of formal supervisory meetings and any significant advice or transactions that are not dealt with in the master’s thesis progress reports.

Completing a master’s thesis program requires progressive development of skills, competence and confidence. The student must take responsibility for independently pursuing his (her) studies with the guidance of supervisor in a manner which develops his (her) own intellectual independence. This includes taking reasonable steps, consistent with available resources, to:

• plan and actively pursue the research;

• follow the accuracy of information given in the master’s thesis;

• identify and deal with any research-related problems;

• comply with administrative requirements;

• keep supervisor informed about his (her) progress;

• meet ethical guidelines;

• take responsibility for the final form of the thesis;

• participate in University intellectual life, conferences, forums etc.