6 ECTS credits
150 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4023860FNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
1st and 2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
Dutch
Faculty
Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
Department
Geography
Educational team
Kobe Boussauw (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
40 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
80 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

In this course, the necessary research competencies in the field of research design and methodology are introduced and students are guided in formulating the research question and elaborating the research and design for the Master thesis. Students are required to make two interim presentations and a writing assignment with a length of at least 2000 words, as well as participation in the seminars and coaching sessions. The supervision trajectory within the course is based on the following contact moments:
• introductory seminar (October)
• seminar with presentations 1 (November)
• seminar with presentations 2 (April)
• coaching session 1 (December)
• coaching session 2 (February)
• coaching session 3 (feedback moment) (March)
Before submitting the master's thesis, students must have participated in three seminars (introduction + two seminars with presentation) and at least two coaching sessions (including the feedback moment on the writing assignment).
During the introductory seminar (October) the necessary sources and key concepts of research design and methodology will be introduced. The students must also present the research or design question, the design and planning of their master thesis project. During this seminar, students also receive a specific writing assignment (that will focus on the research question, methodology and bibliography), to be submitted at the end of the first semester. During the second seminar in November, students are expected to present the design of their Master's thesis. In the meantime, three coaching sessions will be organized, where group dicussions will focus on research questions and methods. The third coaching session is explicitly intended to provide feedback on the writing assignment. During the third seminar (April), the students again present the state of the project and, in particular, highlight the first results.

Additional info

This seminar guides and supports the students methodologically in elaborating the Master Thesis.

Learning Outcomes

General competences

After completing the course Seminar Master Thesis Urban Design and Spatial Planning, the student is able:

  • to formulate research questions according to scientific standards or identify a design assignment based on societal or area-specific challenges;
  • to develop a research outline and translate the research question into a methodological approach of logically consecutive and concrete research steps, or to elaborate a spatial analysis framework at different scales;
  • to apply qualitative or quantitative research methods, or research-by-design methods;
  • to independently collect, select, synthesize and interpret information in response to the research question or design assignment;
  • in the case of a design thesis: to develop a logical link between analysis and theory on the one hand, and design on the other; project the future functioning of the design; present the design in a graphically qualitative way;
  • to report both in writing and orally at an academic level with respect to the research approach, the results of the conducted research or the elaborated design, as well as a personal reflection on it;
  • to reflect critically on the chosen topics within the field of Urban Design and Spatial Planning, both with regard to research and with regard to application or design.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Master Thesis determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Master Thesis category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Master thesis with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

Evaluation is based on a grade for the writing assignment, which comprises the formulation of the research question and research design (100%). Participation in three seminars (introductory + two seminars with presentation) and at least two coaching sessions (including the feedback moment on the writing exercise) is mandatory during the process of writing the master's thesis.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Urban Design and Spatial Planning: Track 1 (Bachelor via SCH of VRB) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Urban Design and Spatial Planning: Track 2 (Master indirect) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Urban Design and Spatial Planning: Track 3 (Bachelor of Master direct) (only offered in Dutch)