How to Plan and Write a Master‘s Thesis

Requirements for Registration
English Philology
In order to be permitted to register for the MA thesis, 70 credits from obligatory and elective modules from the degree course must have been completed successfully, 30 credits of which have to come from English Philology.
(Als Voraussetzung zur Zulassung zur Masterarbeit müssen Pflicht-, Wahlpflicht- und Wahlmodule des Studiengangs im Umfang von 70 C, davon im Umfang von 30 C aus dem Fachstudium der Englischen Philologie, bestanden sein.)

Step by Step
1. Think about a (number of) possible topic(s)
2. Find a (potential) supervisor
3. Discuss topic and second examiner with your supervisor
4. Register for completion module most relevant to you: M.EP.06a Anglophone Literature; M.EP.06b North American Studies; M.EP.07a Linguistics; M.EP.07b Medieval Studies

Step by Step
5. Register for thesis (you, your supervisor, and second examiner have to sign the form), await admission (use form)
6. Start writing your thesis once admitted
7. Attend completion module
8. Write thesis (80-100 pages) and do oral exam in completion module (near submission)
9. Submit thesis in written and digital form to exams office (details on information sheet)

Timeline
You can register for the thesis anytime provided you fulfil the requirements
After thesis registration, you have 6 months to complete the thesis but you can submit before the deadline
The topic can be returned within the first four weeks, the title can be altered (details on information sheet)
The thesis can be repeated once

Timeline
An extension of 6 weeks can be granted but no later than 4 weeks before your submission deadline
Bear in mind: the day you submit decides whether you stay within the standard four semester-study period
The thesis assessment period should not exceed 8 weeks (to be discussed with supervisor if nexcessary)
If you complete your degree within the first four weeks of a new semester, you can reclaim your semester fees, see Dates and Deadlines for Students: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/47743.html

Timeline
Result: calculated as arithmetic mean between supervisor and second examiner grades
Examination office enters grade into FlexNow
You can read your examiners’ reviews in the examination office upon request up to one year after grade was entered into FlexNow

What‘s a Good Topic?
‘Focus and Research Modules‘ M.EP.09a (Anglophone Literature), 09b (North American Studies), and 09c (Linguistics) help you think about methodology, theories, and approaches to your thesis
You should be interested in your topic
Ideally you have attended relevant lectures and seminars throughout your studies
Before approaching a potential supervisor, make a list of good points and questions to bring to the meeting

Manage Your Time
Make a plan
Balance research time and reflection
Share and test ideas
Eat and sleep regularly, see friends
Make back-ups

Forms
Available on: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/209430.html
Information sheet for application for registration of MA thesis
Requirements for registration
Registration form for MA thesis
Examiners of the thesis