Scope of the master’s thesis:
The scope of the master's thesis is 35 000 words +/- 10 percent.
Master’s theses that exceed these limits will be rejected.
Included in the word count:
- Front page
- Abstract
- Table of contents
- Footnotes
Optional to include in the thesis, but will be included in the word count:
- Acknowledgements
- Preface
- List of figures, maps etc. after the table of contents
- Abbreviations after the table of contents
In addition to the word count:
- Reference list
- Appendices
Formatting:
Line spacing is usually one and a half (1,5).
Text size: Standard text sizes are usually 11 for modern fonts, such as Calibri, or 12 for traditional fonts, such as Times New Roman.
Notes: May be footnotes or endnotes in each chapter or at the end of the main text.
? More about formal requirements and formatting
References:
Provide references at the end of the thesis, after notes. Use double line spacing. The bibliography should only include texts that are referred to in the thesis.
Table of contents:
The table of contents should clearly mark what are chapters, sub-chapters, or parts. Avoid marking sub-chapters with numbers (ex. 2.1, 2.3.3 o.s.v.) in the final version.
See Microsofts help pages on how to create and format table of contents:
? Formatting table of contents
Summary:
All master’s thesis should include a 1 page summary. The summary is also submitted separately in DUO, as well as in Inspera in Word format. The summary should include the name of the candidate, and title of the master’s thesis.
Title page:
The title page should include the candidate’s name, title and subtitle, semester and year of submission, and institutional affiliation: Department of Social Anthropology, University of Oslo.
? Template for title pages for master’s thesis
This standard above was adopted by the SAI Program council under item 05/05 of February 1st 2005, revised October 2nd 2019, and revised October 5th 2023.