Grading guidelines for Master's thesis in Economics

The grading guidelines for the Master’s thesis are based on the qualitative description of letter grades adopted by the National Academic Board for Economics, and approved by the National Conference of Faculties of Social Sciences Autumn 2002.

The grading should take into account that the thesis has been written by a student in her/his final semester of the master program in economics,  that the student has received supervision, but that the thesis is the student’s own work, and that considerable freedom of choice has been given with regard to topic, theoretical framework and methodology. The thesis represents 30 ECTS credits (one semester’s work).

We should emphasize that under the description of “A”, the term “excellent” must not be taken too literally. It must be conditioned on what has been said above (the insight required – and expected – by a master student, the time used on the thesis – around three effective working months, and the fact that the thesis is the first (and only) work done on their own). We encourage the censors not to be too reluctant to award the best grade.

Also, the censors are expected to discuss the thesis, not as a “doctoral defense”, but as an academic discussion on a topic chosen by the student.

Qualitative description of grades for the evaluation of Master’s thesis

Grade Description
A

An excellent thesis which represents a contribution to research in economics.

  • The thesis demonstrates that the candidate has acquired an excellent knowledge and understanding of economic theory, concepts, data, and the analytical method used in the assignment.
  • The knowledge is used in a manner that gives clear proof of independent discussion and analysis, at an academic level that would merit publication in a national journal (after adjustment to journal article format).
  • The thesis is very well organized, and the exposition is very clear and precise and concise, with only insignificant mistakes and shortcomings.
  • The thesis must contain elements of solid academic research results, taking into account the candidate’s acquired qualifications and the workload for a thesis project.
B

A very good thesis which gives a solid impression in general and documents ability to analyze and investigate within the field of economics.

  • The thesis demonstrates that the candidate has acquired a very good knowledge, and understanding of economic theory, concepts, data, and the analytical method used in the thesis work.
  • The knowledge is used in a manner that gives proof of independent discussion and analysis, at an academic level that after some extension of the analysis could merit publication in a national journal (after adjustment to journal article format).
  • The thesis is well organized, and the exposition is clear and precise, with only minor mistakes and shortcomings.
  • The thesis must contain results typical of a very good report with research potential, taking into account the candidate’s acquired qualifications and the workload for a thesis project.
C

A good thesis which gives a positive impression in general and documents ability to investigate within the fields of economics.

  • The thesis demonstrates that the candidate has acquired a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of economic theory, concepts, data, and the analytical method used in the assignment.
  • The knowledge is used in a manner that in the main gives proof of independent discussion and analysis, at a solid academic level so that part of the text can be used as part of a report from an economic research or investigation institution.
  • The thesis is on the whole well organized and the exposition is good, but it contains points where the examiners see a need for a more specific clarification, methodological, theoretical, or in terms of interpretation.
D

A fairly good (acceptable) thesis.

  • The thesis demonstrates that the candidate to a varying degree has acquired knowledge and understanding of economic theory, concepts, and the analytical method used in the assignment.
  • The knowledge is used in discussion and analysis.
  • The thesis is precisely arranged, and the exposition is not difficult to follow, but can contain several point where the examiners see a clear need for more clarification (methodological, theoretical, or in terms of interpretation).  
E

A thesis that satisfies the minimum requirements to pass.

  • The thesis demonstrates that the candidate has acquired some knowledge and understanding of economic theory, concepts, and the analytical method used in the assignment.
  • To a limited degree the knowledge is used in discussion and analysis.
  • The thesis has weaknesses in terms of organization and exposition, but it is still possible to read the text for the purpose of thesis evaluation.
F A weak thesis which does not satisfy the minimum standard. It demonstrates a lack of knowledge and a lack of understanding of economic theory and analytical methods that are standard in a master program in economics.

 

Published May 11, 2016 2:37 PM - Last modified Apr. 30, 2024 11:44 AM
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