Find a topic:

Choosing your master’s thesis topic is crucial. You should choose a research field or a problem that is relevant and interesting to you. Your chosen topic should match your interests and expertise so that you are motivated and committed to working on it. Remember that choosing the right topic lays the foundation for a successful master’s thesis. We have a variety of thesis topics on our homepage. However, you are very welcome to give us your own suggestions for thesis topics.

Thesis Pitch:

The Thesis Pitch is a short presentation that takes place about a week after you start your thesis. In this presentation, you should clearly state the goal of your thesis. This involves explaining the problem the thesis addresses and its contribution to research. It should explain why the chosen topic is interesting and how it fits your personal motivation. It could also already address the chosen research method or approach.

Creating a schedule for the workflow:

A schedule provides an overview of the thesis’s planned stages and helps organize the work efficiently. This plan should list the various steps in writing the thesis and when these intermediate goals are to be achieved. These can be, for example, literature research, data collection, analysis, or programming. For the supervision and your own time management, it can be helpful to indicate how much time you will take for the thesis in the individual phases. Your submission goal, i.e. the deadline for the final submission of the thesis, should also be specified.

The schedule can and should be adjusted and updated as needed during the thesis writing process.

Getting an A:

Write a short running text or bullet points about what you think is expected of you to get a top grade. This helps you and us to clarify mutual expectations early on. Note that this is only for control of expectations and does not secure a top grade even though the expectations may be fulfilled.

Regular Supervision Appointments:

Regular supervision appointments are important during the writing process. This is an opportunity for the student to discuss with their supervisor, ask questions, get feedback, and discuss progress. Appointments will take place by appointment.

Mid-term presentation:

The interim status talk, which lasts approximately 15-20 minutes, provides an opportunity to present the progress of the work. Here, the student should provide information on the status of their research, present initial results or findings, and discuss potential challenges or changes in the research approach. This presentation is optional (not part of the final grade) and allows the supervisor and other interested parties to provide feedback and suggest any adjustments.

Master’s Thesis Submission:

The submission of the master’s thesis marks the completion of the research and writing process. Prior to submission, students should ensure that all requirements set forth by the university or faculty have been met. This includes not only the actual text of the thesis, but also any required appendices, data backup and provision, source lists, statements of independence, and other formal aspects.

Templates for theses can be found here.

Colloquium:

The duration of the final presentation and defence of your thesis varies depending on the examination regulations.