MSc thesis - rules and procedure

MSc thesis - rules and procedure
last updated	2024-05-16
relates to	Education

The procedure is the same for all CEG MSc programs/tracks. Note that the procedure below only applies for students in the new MSc program; for students in the old track the "old" procedure is still in place.

Organization

1. Thesis preparation (AESM6000) [5 EC], is offered each quarter.

• Students start their graduation project in consultation with their supervisor(s). This means they need to have a topic and supervisor before they can start.
• The final deliverable of the thesis preparation phase is a Research Proposal, including planning.
• During the preparation, students shall plan regular meetings with their supervisor(s) to discuss plans and progress.
• Students will receive some guidance (Brightspace resources and plenary sessions) to help them. For example, on information literacy, writing, defining research questions, plagiarism, planning etc.
• By the end of the quarter they should plan a final meeting with their supervisor(s) to discuss the Research proposal.
• A grading form will be provided (Pass/Fail on several criteria). In case of a Fail on one or more criteria, students must improve. The thesis can only be started once a Pass on all criteria has been obtained.

2. Thesis (AESM7000) [30 EC = 20 weeks]

• There should at least be a Midterm and Green Light meeting.
• The student and supervisors agree on the frequency and times of all other progress meetings.
• It is recommended that the supervisor meets with the student at least once every two weeks.

3. Green Light [approx. 1.5 hours]

• Green Light meeting is to be held with complete committee.
• The student submits a complete final draft of the thesis a few days before the meeting.
• The Green Light meeting must be attended by the full assessment committee. It can be a hybrid meeting.
• In the new MSc program, the private "defense" of the thesis is now part of the Green Light meeting.
• At the Green Light, the student gives a short presentation of approx. 20 min., followed by the defense.
• It is advised to reserve at least 1.5 hours in total
• At the end of the defense, the committee makes a preliminary assessment using the thesis rubric https://www.tudelft.nl/en/student/ceg-student-portal/education/master/forms-master
• It is strongly advised to fill in the grading sheet immediately after the Green Light, adjustments can be made after the final presentation
• In case of a Green Light: the student can go ahead and schedule the final presentation.
• After the Green Light, the student can still make revisions to the thesis based on the feedback, if necessary.
• If the draft thesis and/or performance are insufficient, the student needs to make a plan for how to improve and plan a new Green Light meeting.

4. Final presentation [approx. 1.5-2 hours including grading]

• 30 minutes followed by public Q&A (including questions from committee.)
• no closed door defense. This is part of the Green Light meeting.
• After the Q&A, the committee retreats for a final assessment of the thesis based on the rubric.
• The committee announces the grade to the candidate (in private) and gives feedback.
• Final diploma award ceremony