All the research skills the student has learned earlier in the programme need to be integrated in a mature academic study. Under the supervision of two senior researchers, students perform a research project in which they have to show their ability as a junior researcher.

Ultimate grading depends on the quality of the literature review, the originality, clarity and feasibility of the research questions, the suitability and quality of the methodology, the quality of the analysis and discussion, and the clarity of the presentation. Thus, the student has to show competence in all three learning outcomes targeted by the programme: disciplinary knowledge, methodological expertise, and research skills. In most cases the Master thesis results in a submitted conference or journal paper, or a PhD research proposal.
 

The thesis is to be assessed by the appointed supervisor and second reader. Students and supervisors/assessors are required to draw up and sign a trust agreement. The template for such an agreement can be found as a pdf file at http://www.ru.nl/stip/english/rules-regulations/thesis-agreement. The assessment form that will be used can be found at https://www.ru.nl/prospectus/arts/master/master/research-master-language-communication/administrative-organization/forms-protocols/