Master`s Thesis in Mental Health

The student is required to conduct an independent research project within the field of mental health. Mental health is a broad subject area encompassing various mental health issues and disorders. The field includes multiple user groups and takes a lifespan perspective. The challenges and resources of users, everyday life, and relationships are considered in connection with health services and society. The student is expected to choose a topic and research question for the master's thesis that is relevant to this field. The master's thesis should be submitted as an individual written work of up to 25000 words. Title page, table of contents, list of references, summary and appendices are in addition

Further information is provided in the guidelines for the master's thesis at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. These guidelines are to be followed. If the master's thesis is formatted as an article, it should be accompanied by an elaborative text ("kappe") of up to 7000 words.

Knowledge

After completing and passing the course, the student should:

• possess advanced knowledge in the field and specialized insights in a specific area relevant to mental health.
• Have advanced knowledge and an overview of the research status in their chosen specialization.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the scientific theories and methods within the field.
• Apply knowledge to new areas within the field.

Skills

After completing and passing the course, the student should:

• Conduct an independent, delimited research project under supervision and in accordance with current research ethics norms.
• Analyze existing theories, methods, and interpretations within the field and work independently with practical and theoretical problem-solving within the chosen theme.
• Use relevant methods for research and professional development independently.
• Analyze and critically relate to various sources of information and apply them to structure and formulate academic reasoning.

General Competence

After completing and passing the course, the student should:

• Analyze relevant ethical issues in the field, profession, and research.
• Communicate about academic issues, analyses, and conclusions within the field of mental health.
• Contribute to innovative processes and new thinking.
• Convey extensive independent work and master the expressions of the field.

Scope: The course spans four semesters.

Learning Methods: The learning methods include seminars (inspirational seminar and 6 seminars), guidance, and independent studies. Up to 45 hours of guidance are provided.

Study Form: The work on the master's thesis is an independent project carried out with appointed supervisor(s), involving discussions, debates, and peer feedback in seminars. The work on the master's thesis begins in semester 5 (fall). In semester 5, the student must submit a sketch of up to 3 pages with a preliminary topic and research question for the master's thesis. The final project description must be submitted by the relevant deadlines in semester 6 and must be approved by the main supervisor before work on the master's thesis commences. The student is required to present their master project in two mandatory master seminars.

The course includes two mandatory seminars, each covering different topics relevant to the master’s thesis. In the first mandatory seminar, students will present and receive feedback on their plan or outline for the thesis. In the final seminar, students will present their completed master’s thesis.