12 ECTS credits
300 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 1021568CNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (C) Bachelor - 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
Enrollment Requirements
ERROR: The bachelor paper can only be registered if you are in your graduation year (you are able to graduate). You need to register all your remaining courses first before registering the bachelor paper. If you have questions, contact your study path counsellor via studypath.es@vub.be
Taught in
English
Partnership Agreement
Under interuniversity agreement for degree program
Faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences & SolvayBusinessSchool
Department
ES Academische eenheid
External partners
Universiteit Gent
Educational team
Julia Lönnendonker (course titular)
Activities and contact hours

150 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

The bachelor paper aims at familiarising students with applied scientific research in their selected study domain (i.e. sociology, political sciences, communication studies). Students will select a topic from a provided list of topics. They will address this topic from their own selected disciplinary perspective as well as from one other disciplinary perspective, to ensure an interdisciplinary approach of the bachelor thesis.

Students will be guided by a supervisor. The supervisor is linked to the theme of the bachelor paper.

Students will execute a concrete research assignment under supervision in which they will complete different phases of the research process (e.g. problem statement, literature review, methodology, own empirical research and conclusion). Students will have regular meetings with the supervisor to discuss their progress. In addition, plenary sessions will be organised to discuss certain topics (e.g. problem statement, literature review, methodology). 

Additional info

The full procedure for the bachelor paper, including topic selection and intermediate milestones, will be described in the bachelor thesis manual.

Learning Outcomes

General competences

  The bachelor paper contributes to the following general learning outcomes:

LO3: recognises the cross-sections, the intersections and the cross-fertilisations that are noticeable amongst the different social sciences.

LO4: is able to apply social theories and concepts on a well-delineated, socially and scientifically relevant research topic that relates to the European Union or other (international) institutions

LO6: can formulate a valid scientific research question on a topic that relates to the social sciences. 

LO7: can identify, gather and critically process the relevant sources and literature on a specific social sciences research topic.

LO8: knows how to set up a scientific and methodologically correct research design. 

LO9: possesses the methodological knowledge and skills of data selection and data processing that prevail within the domains of the social sciences.

LO10: masters the techniques of good and accurate research reporting in oral and written form. 

LO11: has an investigative, problem-oriented and critical attitude towards social, political and media-related phenomena and scientific research results with regard thereof.

LO12: recognises the multilayered and complex character of social, political and media- related facts and phenomena. 

LO13: reflects and evaluates his or her learning process and results critically. 

LO14: acts in a professional and responsible manner. 

LO15: is able to perform teamwork, he or she possesses good communicative skills and is solution-oriented. 

LO16: prioritises scientific integrity and honesty in his or her scientific research activities.

LO18: has awareness of the social role and function of social scientists.

 

 

  

Grading

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

Within the Bachelor thesis category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Bachelor Paper with a relative weight of 100 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

Not applicable

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:
Bachelor of Social Sciences: Communication Studies
Bachelor of Social Sciences: Political Sciences
Bachelor of Social Sciences: Sociology