Masterthesis & Capstone Project

Master students will complete either a capstone project or a traditional thesis project.

Master thesis

During the final phase of the master studies, students conduct original research on a topic of their choice and present their results in a thesis project. Students who have started the MSc programme in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 present their results in a thesis of approximately 70-75 pages (20 ECTS); the thesis is formally a part of their specialization. Students who have started the MSc programme in 2008-2009 write a thesis of approximately 55-60 pages (15 ECTS). Students who started in 2007-2008 and 2006-2007 write a thesis of approximately 40-45 pages (10 ECTS). These students should have attended the Reflection course (5 ECTS) as well. Students who started the MSc programme in 2005-2006 should write the thesis for 15 ECTS (55-60 pages). Students who started the MSc programme in 2004-2005 or in 2003-2004 should write the thesis for 11 ECTS (45-55 pages). These students should also have attended the Thesis preparation course worth 7 ECTS.

The basic idea of a master thesis is that it asks an explanatory question (a “why-question”) about an empirical phenomenon, and uses theory to answer that question. Description of empirical phenomena is important, but only to the extent that it serves as a basis for explanation. Original research means that students collect their own data, using one or more of a variety of methods, such as fieldwork, participant observation, documentary analysis, or surveys. Students may also add policy-relevant advice and recommendations to their theoretically grounded thesis.

The structure of the thesis:

  • Is there a clear and theoretically relevant research question?
  • Is the research method chosen appropriate for the research question and the empirical case(s)?
  • Effective and appropriate application of theory.
  • Quality of the research and data collection.
  • Proper academic and scientific format for the presentation of research results, including proper citation of sources and proper references.
  • Clear and correct use of the Dutch or English language.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to use double-sided printing and 1.5 line spacing for their thesis. The thesis should also be bound.

Students may contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as they have an idea of what they would like to do for their thesis. Please note that receiving thesis supervision means the student must be registered as a full-time student at Leiden University.  

Capstone projects

Capstone projects are “team” projects in which students are expected to use academic skills including theories and research methods to address the topic of the project. The capstone project is worth the same amount of ECTS as you would receive when doing an individual thesis project. The capstone project is intended to be a demonstration of the student’s abilities to work in teams applying what they have learned to either applied policy problems or academic questions. The “team” element of the capstone project is an especially important element of this alternative to the traditional thesis, preparing students for functioning as colleague in a real policy setting. The capstone projects will match members of the staff, students, and (depending on the project) government officials and other policy practitioners.   

Available Capstone Projects

The capstone projects will be organised by members of the staff and capstone project opportunities will be advertised through the internet site of the Department as they become available. Available capstone projects depend on the interest of staff members and the availability of practically oriented projects or commissioned research. Thus, the number and themes of capstone projects will vary from year to year. Students are not guaranteed or obliged to participate in a capstone project as it is an alternative to the traditional thesis. If more students apply than can be accommodated for a particular topic, the responsible staff member will select those who will be allowed to participate. Students who are not selected for a capstone project or who choose not to apply for a capstone project will need to complete a traditional format thesis for graduation. Capstone projects and theses are considered to be equivalent for purposes of graduation and the level of individual effort is expected to be similar in both types of research projects. In other words, students participating in a capstone project will write an individual thesis, just like students who have opted for the individual project. In addition to an individual thesis, a shared report may be written to be presented, for instance, to a Ministry.

Capstone projects are announced via the BlackBoard-page on capstones (Capstone Public Administration), via e-mail, on the notice board (opposite to 5A03) and, if possible, via announcements during lectures.

Grades

Grades for both capstone projects and theses will be based on both written work and the presentation/defense of written work. No matter whether you have opted for an individual project or a capstone project, the way you defend your thesis and the way a grade is awarded to your thesis remains the same.

Procedure

Considering the amount of work involved in writing your thesis, we suggest you start with the MA thesis procedure at least six months before the day you wish to graduate – preferable even earlier than that. Having said that, the procedure is as follows: 

  1. The student comes up with a short research proposal for a MA thesis and contacts a teacher whose expertise might fit nicely with the research proposal. You can contact a lecturer by e-mail or drop by his/her office.
  2. During the first meeting, lecturer and student will discuss the research proposal and determine whether there is a match between student and lecturer. This match involves (a) research expertise; (b) style of teaching; and (c) schedule. It is possible that there is no match regarding the research expertise. If so, the teacher will suggest someone else the student can approach.
  3. Once the student and the lecturer have agreed that the lecturer will supervise the student, the lecturer becomes the first supervisor. The task of the first supervisor is to provide guidance and feedback on the student’s work.
  4. When the thesis is nearing its completion, the first supervisor will suggest a second supervisor to the student. The student may also suggest a second supervisor. First supervisor and student discuss who could be second supervisor, but it is ultimately the first supervisor who decides who is going to be approached as a second supervisor.
  5. The role of the second supervisor is to give an independent assessment of the thesis. In order to be able to provide this independent assessment, second supervisors are not allowed to participate in the actual supervision of the thesis. It is only at the end of the process that the second supervisor gets involved.
  6. Once the thesis has been finished and approved by the first supervisor, a hard copy of the thesis is given to the second supervisor who has 14 working days to give his assessment. This assessment either consists of a yes or a no. If the assessment is a no, the second supervisor will state which elements need to be improved in order for the student to hand in a thesis that will pass the examination. If the assessment is a yes, then the next step of the procedure will take place (see 7). Please note that it is not the job of the second supervisor to give hints to the students on how to improve the thesis in order to improve the thesis’ grade. A second supervisor will only give a yes or a no.  
  7. Once both supervisors have approved the thesis, the supervisors will sign a special note and give this to the education secretary. The student will then need to hand in all necessary documents for graduation.
  8. Graduation consists of two parts: the defense and receiving the diploma. The student, the first and second supervisor will set an appointment for a meeting where the student will defend his/her thesis (appr. 30 minutes). This meeting will take place in a room in de Pieter de la Court-building. Based on this defense, the supervisors determine the grade of the thesis. Family and friends are not welcome during the defense. The diplomas will be handed out three times per year in one of the rooms of the Academy Building. Family and (close) friends are welcome to join you and be part of this festive ceremony.     

What is the Master Thesis Lab?

The Master Thesis Lab is a facility that provides additional support for students writing their Master’s thesis. It is available to all Master students of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences of Leiden University. The lab offers various facilities, like 22 work spaces, a Thesis Lab Assistant (SAM), books, a website, and statistical advisors.    

Web editor Public Administration
Last Modified: 12-10-2010