Economics: Master Essay I - Finance Programme

The Master’s dissertation, also referred to as the master thesis, gives you the opportunity to specialise in a chosen area of finance that particularly interests you. Drawing on your own knowledge and previous academic studies in the field, you will carry out an independent analysis of an research question in finance. The content of your dissertation and the structure of the work will be determined by the area and question you choose to explore.

Throughout the dissertation process, you will receive guidance and support from a supervisor with expertise in your chosen field. The supervisor is also an important resource in the initial stage, when selecting your subject area and research question.

The Master’s dissertation is normally written jointly by two students.

Work on your thesis is carried out largely independently, with the support of a supervisor. This means that you plan and complete the dissertation yourself, but have a supervisor to consult and seek advice from throughout the process. The supervisor helps you to shape your topic and research question, provides guidance and support along the way and when difficulties arise and reads and comments on drafts of your thesis.

At the start of the course period, you will receive an introduction covering all practical aspects of the thesis and the key considerations to bear in mind while working on it.

Midway through the thesis period, drafts of all theses are discussed at a mid-term seminar. At this seminar, the authors of each thesis give a short presentation of their work to date, and another group of students discusses and provides feedback on the draft.

Once you have submitted the final version of your Master’s thesis, it will be examined at a seminar attended by other students. You will present your dissertation to the seminar participants, after which one or two other students will act as opponents, i.e. critically evaluate your work. Finally, the other seminar participants will ask questions or provide comments on the thesis. During the seminar period, you are required to act as opponent on another student’s Master’s thesis and participate in at least three additional seminars.