Thesis Preparation

The main goal of the thesis preparation is to write a proposal for your master thesis project, which must be linked to at least one of the AES disciplines. The proposal (template will be provided) contains a review of relevant literature and resources, the research questions/objectives, hypotheses and methodology including data and software plan, a risk assessment, an ethical reflection, and a project planning.

The module consists of:

• Learning about research, writing and communication skills and how to execute the different components of a thesis research during multiple (online) sessions. ~15%

• Performing a review of relevant literature and other resources to describe the state-of-the-art in the proposed thesis topic and identify gaps to be addressed in the thesis; Define the scope of the thesis, specifically what is in scope and what is out of scope (and therefore will not be addressed in the thesis); ~50%

• Formulating the research questions, hypotheses, and research plan. ~15%

• Propose an initial project planning (with Gantt-chart) that shows the sequential tasks/actions and times allocated for each task that is planned to be completed. Anticipate on possible risks and how these will be dealt with to prevent delays. Define the milestones in your planning (dates for the midterm, green light meeting and final presentation/defence) and plan regular reviews with your supervisor for feedback; ~5%

• Write a reflection on the societal relevance and ethical implications of the research project, based on the AES Ethics learning line of (your) research project. ~10%

• Perform a constructive peer review in week 8 on the thesis proposal of 2 fellow students, using the relevant assessment criteria of the AES MSc thesis proposal rubric. Students are grouped thematically, and within their group are assigned randomly to review 2 peers. ~5%

• Oral presentation (10 minutes + discussion) in week 10 to peers and supervisors. Presentations in thematic sessions of 4 students. Peers and supervisors give feedback based on provided criteria.

• Thesis preparation Final Review Meeting in week 10, which serves as the kick-off of the Thesis project in case of a Pass.

• The thesis proposal should provide the insight into what exactly will be studied and why, how the research is theoretically founded, how the research procedure and (data) analyses will be carried out, the timetable and the potential risks and mitigation options of the study.

Note about planning: The thesis project has a nominal duration of 20 weeks. If the project is planned over a period longer than 20 weeks, there should be valid reasons* to be approved by the supervisor and this should be visible in the planning; the actual time to be spent on the thesis project is fixed to 20 weeks (i.e., 840h). If there are delays due to unforeseen circumstances* during the execution of the thesis project, the planning can still be adjusted in consultation with the supervisor(s).

* Examples of valid reasons: illness, family circumstances, not being able to work full-time (job, extracurricular activities, top sports)

Note about graduation with a company: The thesis proposal is to be developed in consultation with the direct supervisor(s) at TU Delft. If the thesis project takes place at a company, the graduation agreement of TU Delft must be signed by student and company. The agreement cannot have a start date before the official start of the thesis project. The company supervisor may only take an advisory role in the thesis preparation.