NMBU offers Master's degrees in various fields of study. Every scientific field, and therefore department at NMBU will have differences in what a final Master's thesis should look like. For specific information on your department's Master's thesis specifications and guidelines, you must speak with your study advisor and check your department's NMBU home page.

The following information provides you with a general sense of what to expect when writing a Master's thesis.

What is a thesis?
A thesis is a culmination of research, analysis, evaluation and a formal, written presentation of your research and analysis. Most Master's theses do not produce new scientific knowledge, formulate new hypotheses or develop significant theories. This is acceptable, and you can still achieve a high grade, even if your thesis does not produce significant results. Instead, your thesis should demonstrate:

- Your ability to plan and undertake research,
- Your ability to collect, analyze and draw reasonable conclusions from data,
- And your ability to communicate your findings in a written document.

Many students worry that their thesis must produce valid, significant results or create a new theory. Remember, science is built upon more failures than successes. Your research can inform the next researcher, who may find what you were missing, and you will be credited if they use your work to help them fulfil their research. Do not despair. Think of your thesis as a larger, more in-depth essay. Your final grade will not be based upon the strength of your results, but upon your skills in critical analysis and communication.

Start planning early
There are many steps that you must do before you begin writing your thesis. Planning takes time, researching takes time, data collection takes time, and writing and revising takes time. Here is a good rule to follow:

- If you are taking a 30 ECTS thesis, begin planning and reading literature a minimum of one semester before your thesis due date
- If you are taking a 60 ECTS thesis, begin planning and reading literature a minimum of two semesters before your thesis due date

Learn to manage your time
Make a research schedule, and stick to it. Learning how to manage tasks and your time will not only be vital to making your thesis research and writing less stressful, it will also help you develop skills that will be necessary for your future professional life. Avoid procrastinating, and start scheduling and working through the Writing Process as soon as possible.

Remember to also schedule meetings with your supervisor and dates to submit drafts of your thesis for them to read. Be timely, so they have ample time to read and provide you with useful feedback.

Ask for help
The NMBU Writing Centre is an excellent source of advice and support when writing your thesis. The Writing Centre is staffed by NMBU students just like you, from a variety of backgrounds. Writing Advisors are available Monday through Friday to assist you with nearly every step of researching and writing. Service is available in English and Norwegian. Visit the Writing Centre webpage for more information.

Librarians are also a useful resource to help you with information searching, formatting and using referencing software (Endnote). Service is available in English and Norwegian. Visit the NMBU Library homepage for more information.

Speak with your study advisor for specific information on your department's guidelines and regulations for Master's theses.

Speak with professors in your department for more specific questions related to your research.

Use the Resource Portal
At any point during your research or writing, use this information portal to get quick access to information and additional resources.