Thesis supervision
Being a thesis supervisor is a big task, but also an exciting task. Whether you are preparing to supervise your first Master’s thesis or whether you are an experienced thesis supervisor, you may have questions and doubts. Therefore, we have gathered some good advice, guidelines and links that may be of help.
There may also be a subject-specific description of how to work with Master’s theses on your degree programme. To get this, however, you should contact your head of department or the Master’s thesis coordinator on your degree programme.
In November 2020, DPU published a research overview in “Pædagogisk indblik” which focuses on the conditions and framework for thesis supervision on higher education degree programmes and describes the factors which, according to research, can strengthen supervision. The publication translates research-based knowledge into a series of concrete questions that the individual supervisor can reflect on or – even better – discuss with supervisor colleagues.
Information and inspiration for thesis supervisors
Master’s thesis communities – especially during the coronavirus pandemic
Writing the Master’s thesis has always been a lonely process for many students – for better or worse.
An evaluation of the Master’s thesis semester at DPU from spring 2020, when the university closed down completely, shows that students felt even more lonely than they normally do.
Thesis communities can be many things. They can be academic or social, initiated by the students themselves or by the supervisor. Here we have gathered a number of digital tools that can be used to support the various communities in the Master’s thesis process.
Online supervision – how to
Worth considering
Video meetings limit your options as you cannot use the entire room but only the area shown by the camera. Therefore, you should consider how you as a teacher appear on the screen, and use the necessary tools to make up for the lack of physical presence and movement. Think about your body language, your facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice, for example.
- Cable internet is recommended (it might be necessary to move closer to the router).
- Check the connection well in advance, and press “mute” on the channel.
- It may be an advantage to use earplugs.
- Check your settings to see whether your microphone works.
- It is a good idea to turn off your microphone when you are not speaking.
Test the connection before the video meeting or online teaching session begins.
Tips for conducting successful online meetings:
Master’s thesis collaboration with a company or an organisation – how do I supervise?
GDPR and data protection
Formal requirements, deadlines, assessment deadlines, etc.
Supervision plan – a collaboration tool for you and the students you supervise
Recommendations for the first supervision meeting about the plan for supervision
Guidelines have been prepared for the students regarding the first supervision meeting about the plan for supervision. Here you can read about what is expected of you in your role as supervisor
If you have suggestions for other relevant texts or links about being a supervisor, please send them to louisewj@edu.au.dk.
Information and services for students
Information for students about the process of writing the Master’s thesis
It is always a good idea to know your co-player. Some students have read everything there is to read about the Master’s thesis on the study portal. Others may never have visited the study portal. If students ask a lot of questions about the process and the administrative aspects, refer them to the study portal. Here you can also gain insight into the guidance that students receive on the study portal.
The library’s services for Master’s thesis students
Find inspiration in other students’ Master’s theses in the AU project bank
Workshops and information meetings
Each semester, the student counsellors at Arts hold a number of Master’s thesis events to help students get off to a good start with their Master’s thesis.
For students who are stuck in the process of writing their Master’s thesis
Students may face many obstacles when writing their Master’s thesis, and often it has nothing to do with the thesis itself. Fortunately, there are many ways in which students can get help.
Special support may be provided in connection with process planning, academic writing and formal requirements or more personal matters. Below we have gathered a number of links which you can encourage your students to visit.
The Student Counsellors’ Office at the Faculty of Arts is a good place to start, as they are familiar with the challenges involved and can refer students to other services.
Career guidance – what happens when the Master’s thesis has been submitted?
The future career is an important factor for many students when writing their Master’s thesis. Arts Karriere offers help in this connection.