M.Sc. Thesis in Urban Ecological Planning

The master’s thesis at UEP consists of a research project, carried out and documented by the candidate. It aims to contribute to new methodological and professional knowledge in UEP’s range of focal areas related to planning and participation. It demonstrates the candidate’s ability to carry out independent research in the respective field of study. The thesis can be based on a primary field-based study, or through association with relevant projects being undertaken by practice partners such as International NGOs, Municipalities and Bi- and Multilateral agencies. In this vein, an UEP master’s thesis can be research-based, internship-based, or practice-based. (More details are specified in UEP¨s Thesis regulations)

As part of the master thesis, the candidate will demonstrate and deepen the following knowledge, skills and competencies acquired in the program: Knowledge: The thesis will demonstrate individual and in-depth study into theories, methods and analytical models within in the chosen topic. The knowledge gained will be on substantive theories, methods of research and fieldwork and analytical frameworks/models. Some main substantive areas of theory that are included the UEP program are the deprivational approach to poverty, livelihoods framework, capacity vulnerability framework, strategic planning, and concept of resilience. Skills: As a part of the master thesis, the student will apply methods that form part of the UEP repertoire are case studies, other methods for qualitative research such as interviews, focus group discussions, livelihoods analysis, stakeholder analysis and SWOT analysis. He/ she will demonstrate the critical skills required in field work, analysis of field data and analytical theorisation of the findings. The student will also demonstrate the skills required for academic writing both in report format as well as project proposal/ recommendations. General Competence: The UEP thesis trains candidates to work as an independent and self-responsible professional. Empirical research is undertaken in the field of urban development in contexts characterised by exclusion and inequality, and/ or weak institutions etc.

Individual supervision is required and regular group workshops are offered. The activities depend on the format of the thesis but generally include: research design; field research; data collection and analysis, reflecting on theory, scientific writing, presentation. This course is offered to international master's students. Language of instruction is English.