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:
When you submit the master's thesis in DUO can also submit a 1 page summary that is made available to the public in the DUO open research archive. The summary should include the candidate's name 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.