The student is able to write an article according to the standards of a scholarly journal / specialist journal and a research proposal in the format of a submission to NWO. Final qualifications: 5-6-8.

In preparation for a career as a scientific researcher, students will write an article under the supervision of a senior researcher. The topic of the article may be related to the experience of the Research Training or may reflect an aspect of the planned thesis. The writing of a condensed and attractive scholarly text anticipates the skills that have to be practiced in the creation of the thesis. The article should meet the basic standards required by scientific periodicals and may ideally be published in the name of the supervisor and the student.

Subsequently students will write a proposal for further research in the selected sub-discipline or specialisation. The proposal has to be focussed on the research project to be realized in the master thesis, but may go beyond that in aiming at a potential Ph.D. project. Students may conduct a part of this assignment under the supervision of another university at home or abroad or at a Dutch research school. A procedure similar to the NWO procedures will be simulated. The proposal will be reviewed by two members of the GSH and a brief interview will be part of the assessment. In exceptional cases, students can appeal to the Board of Examiners to write the entire research proposal abroad.

The assignment includes abilities to
(1) devise a relevant and original research question against the background of current scientific debates;
(2) design a reasoned, compelling and attainable research plan;
(3) develop a relevant research method;
(4) write the proposal in a clear and organised manner, and to demonstrate its attractiveness for potential funding agencies.