CLEWS master thesis

• The Master's thesis is the final piece of work in the program. It is usually written in the last semester of the program. A thesis already completed elsewhere cannot be recognised as a Master's thesis in CLEWS.
• The Master's thesis is intended to demonstrate that the candidate has, during the course of study and building on the first professional qualification, acquired extended and in-depth specialist knowledge, that the student able to combine theory and empirical research, and that the student is able to work on a more research-oriented or more application-oriented problem using subject-specific methods within a specified period of time and to present the results in a formally, linguistically and factually convincing manner.
• The Master's thesis, including the disputation, is worth 30 credits.

• The topic of the Master's thesis is assigned by an examiner appointed by the examination board. The candidate has the right to nominate the examiner. 
• The Master's thesis must be examined and assessed by two examiners from the field to which the thesis relates. Both examiners must work in the field in which you are writing your Master's thesis in order to be able to assess you..
• One of the examiners (usually the first) must be a professor at the University of Potsdam, actively teaching and entitled to examine. A junior professorship is also acceptable.
• The second supervisor can also be from an external institution/university/company. This supervisor must (at least) have a higher degree than you. This means at least a completed Master of Science (or Diploma). This person does not have to teach.

Tip: Choose a topic and a supervisor that you feel comfortable with. You will usually discuss the various steps of your thesis with your supervisor over several months.

At least 75 per cent (= minimum of 68 credit points) of the total number of module credit points to be completed in the programme must have been achieved.

For a helpful overview of all the steps you need to take, click here.

The topic may be returned once by written declaration to the supervisor. This declaration must be received by the supervisor by the end of the second month of the processing period.

Tip: Be sure to discuss your potential topic before submitting the final title. If you're really unhappy, it's better to switch to another topic before registering the title.

If you have completed more than the required 9 elective modules (totaling more than 54 credit points), you can select which elective modules should count toward your final grade. Your average grade is calculated based on your mandatory modules, your final thesis, and the first 9 elective modules. By selecting elective modules, you can choose to replace a lower grade with a higher one from an additional completed module.

Please note that this selection can only be made once and is binding. You can find the relevant document “Selection of elective modules for your final grade” under the following link . Although the document provides space for only seven modules, you must still fill in nine modules. You have to submit this document before the submission of your final thesis.

• If the candidate culpably misses the submission deadline, the assignment will be marked 'insufficient' (5.0). In the case of a missed deadline due to illness, an extension will be granted for the duration of the illness.
• If there is another good reason for missing the deadline, the Chair of the Board of Examiners may, after consultation with the supervisor, grant a reasonable extension of time, normally up to one month. The valid reason for the extension must be notified to the Examiner in writing immediately after it arises and must be made credible.

• The Master's thesis must be assessed and marked by both examiners within six weeks.
• The examiners evaluate the work in writing and give reasons for their grades. The final grade of the thesis is the arithmetic mean of the grades.
• If the difference in marks is more than 2.0, or if one of the marks is lower than "adequate", a third examiner will be appointed by the board.
• If two of the three examiners assess the thesis as "insufficient" (5.0), the final grade of the thesis is "insufficient" (5.0). A Master's thesis graded "not sufficient" (5.0) may only be repeated once.

• Normally, once your Master's thesis has been assessed (with at least a 4.0 from both assessors), it's your responsibility to arrange a date for your defense with your supervisors.
• Your supervisor can help you book a room for your defense.
• The Board of Examiners consists of the two examiners and one assessor. The Disputation consists of a 20-minute oral presentation and a 30-minute examination discussion, which must be recorded.
• The disputation is open to the public; the public may be excluded at the student's request.
• The assessment of the disputation counts for 25 percent of the overall assessment of the Master's thesis. It may be repeated once in the case of a grade of "unsatisfactory" (5,0).

Tip: Invite your friends and family to your defense. It's a great way to give them a glimpse into your professional life and celebrate your graduation.

As part of the organization of your thesis defense, you are responsible for reserving a suitable room. Ideally, you will be able to book an available room on any campus of the University of Potsdam, with Golm being the preferred choice. 

We recommend room 0.25/0.26 in building 29 at Campus Golm due to its modern facilities, equipped with 30 seats and suitable audio-visual equipment. You can book the room directly by contacting UP Transfer Services. You can reserve the room by email: haus29@potsdam-transfer.de or by phone: +49 331 977 - 6171.

If room 0.25/0.26 is not available or you would like to reserve another room at the University of Potsdam, the easiest way is to fill out this form of the "Zentrale Raumvergabe" (Central Room Reservation Office). You can also contact them by email: raumvergabeuuni-potsdampde or by phone: +49 331 977 - 1568.

On the day of your defense, you should allow sufficient time for the room to be set up before the start of your defense. It is advisable to arrange the room setup - including tables, chairs, and the projector - at least 30 minutes before the start of your defense. Additionally, plan to remain in the room for about 30 minutes after the defense to manage any necessary follow-up activities. Therefore, it is advisable to book the room for a duration of at least two hours.

If you are nearing the completion of your studies at CLEWS, it's important to take care of the necessary formalities. Under the following link, you will find essential information regarding the completion of your studies, including steps for deregistration and options for transitioning to a PhD program at the University of Potsdam.