There are no prerequisites for this course.

The thesis is a possible final component of the master's programme and offers students the opportunity to deepen their artistic practice and critically position themselves. Through a self-chosen topic, the student develops a research question that ties in with their own trajectory. The thesis encourages the development of a personal point of view and insight into the context in which the work is created, and anchors the artistic process in a reflective and discursive practice. The written record – possibly supplemented by other forms of presentation – demonstrates the ability not only to create artistic work, but also to question, contextualise and communicate it clearly.

Students choose their own supervisor, in accordance with the conditions set out in the thesis regulations (see Intranet for Students & Digitap).

An introductory lecture by the thesis coordinator explains the expected progress and organisation of the process. The coordinator then organises a number of information sessions in which research, writing and presentation skills are refreshed or taught, depending on the needs. During these sessions, progress is also discussed and students and the coordinator exchange tips and experiences. Participation in these sessions is compulsory. Anyone who is unable to attend due to circumstances beyond their control (such as illness, stay abroad, internship, etc.) must notify the thesis coordinator in writing and provide valid proof (e.g. medical certificate).

Under the supervision of a supervisor, the student defines an (artistic) field of research and develops a feasible question or problem statement. This is investigated through relevant literature, interviews and/or other sources, and tested against personal insights and findings. The student reports regularly to the supervisor on their own initiative. The final product consists of a written account of the research (the thesis), possibly supplemented with other forms of presentation.

PowerPoint presentations with text and visual material used to document the classes.

The AP-styleguide.

Each student has to compile a targeted list of sources.

After the oral presentation, the thesis is assessed by a reading committee consisting of the supervisor, the co-supervisor(s) and at least two other members of the list of supervisors who were not involved in the thesis. The committee awards the final mark on the basis of consensus.

The following assessment criteria will be taken into consideration:

• Form:
  • use of language/style: formulation, grammar, spelling, punctuation
  • structure: organisation, logic, cohesion
  • design: lay-out of the text, bibliography, use of foot- or endnotes, illustrations

• Research question/issue (attention is paid to: the relevancy of the research question, the contextualisation of the question into a theoretical background, the aim of the research). Also when the student chooses  a more creative form (e.g. a script, a more subjective writing style or a more literary or poetic form, ...) the thesis must contain a research question and an associated research method.
• Research as such (attention is paid to: relevancy, up-to-date and completeness of the collected material)
• Argumentation (attention is paid to: the quality of the arguments, the writing style and the conclusion)
• Creativity and originality (attention is paid to: the degree of originality of the subject, the creativity in interpretation of the material and of the argumentation)
• Critical ability (attention is paid to: the way in which the research material has been used and the degree to which a personal meaning has been taken.
• Presentation and answering questions during the defense.
• Mandatory attendance at lectures.
• Collaboration with the supervisors.
• Mandatory progress reporting.