# BI master thesis agent Deadlines, grading criteria, formal requirements, data rules, AI rules and contacts for the master thesis at BI Norwegian Business School, for the classes of 2025-2027 and 2026-2028, with notes for the economics major. ## How to answer - You answer questions from master students at BI Norwegian Business School about the master thesis. - Answer from the sections of this agent. Quote the source line of each section you use, with its date. - Ask which class the student is in when the answer differs between the class of 2025-2027 and the class of 2026-2028. Deadlines differ a lot. - If the sections do not answer the question, say so. Then name the right contact from the section on who to ask. - The Student Portal and the student's Canvas room decide when they differ from these sections. This agent is not an official BI service. - When a student asks for feedback on a draft, use the checklist for that delivery and the grading criteria. Say which criterion each comment concerns. - BI holds the student responsible for all content they submit. Text generated by AI must be declared, and planned AI use should be discussed with the supervisor. - If the student finds an error or wants to send feedback to Andreas Kostøl, offer the thesis_feedback tool, or the Feedback button at https://andreaskostol.no/teaching/student-agents/. Show them the text before sending. ## Where to look - [references/01-deadlines.md](references/01-deadlines.md) - Class of 2025-2027: the process at a glance (`process-2025-2027`, 2025-2027) - Class of 2025-2027: submission deadlines and what happens if you miss one (`deadlines-2025-2027`, 2025-2027) - Class of 2026-2028: the process at a glance (`process-2026-2028`, 2026-2028) - Class of 2026-2028: deadlines, extensions and retakes (`deadlines-2026-2028`, 2026-2028) - Class of 2026-2028: supervisor allocation and the Supervision Framework (`new-process-2026-2028`, 2026-2028) - Changing topic, supervisor or partner (`changes`, all) - [references/02-criteria.md](references/02-criteria.md) - Library Assignment (class of 2026-2028) (`criteria-library`, 2026-2028) - Thesis Proposal: grading criteria (`criteria-proposal`, all) - Preliminary Thesis Report: grading criteria (`criteria-ptr`, all) - Final Thesis: grading criteria (`criteria-final`, all) - Oral Adjustment: aims (`oral-aims`, all) - Oral Adjustment: format and schedule (`oral-format`, 2025-2027) - Oral Adjustment: how to prepare (`oral-preparation`, all) - [references/03-format-data-ai.md](references/03-format-data-ai.md) - Formatting: font, margins, line spacing and front page (`format`, all) - References and citation style (`references`, all) - Data and personal data (`data`, all) - Company data and confidentiality (`confidentiality`, all) - Use of AI tools (`ai`, all) - [references/04-groups-supervision-economics.md](references/04-groups-supervision-economics.md) - Thesis groups (`groups`, all) - Double degree students from Católica (UCP) (`double-degree-ucp`, all) - Working with your supervisor (`supervision`, all) - Finding a topic (`topic`, all) - What a master thesis in economics is (`economics-thesis`, all) - The structure of an economics thesis (`economics-structure`, all) - Four kinds of economics thesis (`economics-kinds`, all) - [references/05-support-contacts-gaps.md](references/05-support-contacts-gaps.md) - Library support (`library`, all) - Who to ask about what (`contacts`, all) - What this agent does not know (`gaps`, all) - [references/06-checklists.md](references/06-checklists.md) - Checklist: Thesis Proposal (`checklist-proposal`, all) - Checklist: Preliminary Thesis Report (`checklist-ptr`, all) - Checklist: Final Thesis (`checklist-final`, all) - Checklist: Oral Adjustment (`checklist-oral`, all) The same content is served as MCP tools at https://andreaskostol.no/mcp/thesis. --- # Deadlines and the thesis process ## Class of 2025-2027: the process at a glance | Semester | Thesis seminar | Registration | Assessment and deadline | |---|---|---|---| | 1st | Thesis Seminar 1, September/October | | | | 2nd | Thesis Seminar 2, February. Thesis Seminar 3, April | Register plans for thesis: mid-March 2026 | Thesis Proposal: 15 June 2026 (retake, Business Analytics and Data Science: 30 September 2026) | | 3rd | Thesis Seminar 4, October | | 20% of your study time is allocated to thesis work | | 4th | Thesis Seminar 5 (optional), January/February | Register any changes to plans: 10 January 2027 | Preliminary Thesis Report: 15 January 2027. Final Thesis: 20 May 2027. Oral Adjustment: 9 to 25 June 2027 | The final grade is published no later than 1 July 2027 (slide 10 of the same deck). For the economics major, Thesis Seminar 4 is on Friday 6 November 2026, 14:00 to 16:00, and is recorded. ## Class of 2025-2027: submission deadlines and what happens if you miss one All deadlines are at 12:00, in the middle of the day. | | Thesis Proposal, 2nd semester | Preliminary Thesis Report (PTR), 4th semester | Final Thesis, 4th semester | |---|---|---|---| | Standard deadlines | 15 June | 15 January | 20 May | | Fail/Retake | 30 September | 1 June | 20 November | | Postponement (illness) | 30 September | 15 February | 20 November | | Business Analytics / Data Science | 30 September | 15 January | 20 May | Rules for all students, as stated on the slide: - If you need to postpone the PTR until February due to illness, you can still deliver the final thesis on schedule. - If you don't pass the PTR until June, you have to delay submission of the final thesis until 20 November. The Oral Adjustment will then be held 3 to 5 weeks after submission. - Applications for extensions must be made at least one month before the original deadline, except in the case of illness. Special categories: - A double degree student who can document an exceptionally heavy workload may apply for a short extension of the PTR to February. The final thesis is still delivered on schedule. - All double degree students may apply for an extended deadline for the Final Thesis to 1 September. The Oral Adjustment is then held 3 to 5 weeks after submission. Note on an older version: the deck of 17 August 2026 gave 1 December as the retake and illness date for the final thesis. The update of 8 October 2026 says 20 November. Use 20 November and check the Student Portal. ## Class of 2026-2028: the process at a glance The class of 2026-2028 follows a new thesis process. The thesis is the course MST 1001 Master thesis. | Semester | Seminar and timing | Registration | Assessment and deadline | |---|---|---|---| | 1st (MST 1002) | Thesis Seminar 1, late September or early October | | | | 2nd (MST 1003) | Thesis Seminar 2, late January. Library session, late February or early March. Thesis Seminar 3, late March or early April | Register plans for thesis: mid-March 2027 | Library Assignment: early March. Thesis Proposal: 15 June 2027 | | 3rd (MST 1004) | Thesis Seminar 4, early September. Online modules by agreement with your supervisor | Register any changes to plans: 25 November 2027 | Preliminary Thesis Report: 30 November 2027 | | 4th (MST 1005) | Thesis Seminar 5, late January or early February. Thesis Seminar 6, optional | | Final Thesis: 22 May 2028. Oral Adjustment: June 2028 | The standard final-thesis date of 20 May falls on a weekend in 2028 and is moved to Monday 22 May 2028. The period for the Oral Adjustment is to be confirmed in January 2027. In the third semester, 25% of your time is allocated to work on the thesis. What each seminar covers: - Seminar 1: the thesis process and submission dates, what a master thesis is, writing as a thesis group, a visit from the library and a visit from careers advisers. - Seminar 2 (2 to 3 hours): the supervisor allocation process, presentation of faculty and projects with their expertise and methods, finding a thesis partner. - Library session (2 hours): teaching by library staff and preparation for the compulsory library assignment. - Seminar 3 (1 to 2 hours, before supervisor allocation): the Thesis Proposal, project description, problem formulation, literature review and the role of AI, the online modules, how supervision works and the Supervision Framework, and possible connections to the internship. - Seminar 4 (1 to 2 hours, recorded for students on exchange): the Preliminary Thesis Report, research design, data collection, measurement, modelling, writing and AI. - Seminar 5: the Final Thesis and the Oral Adjustment. - Seminar 6 (optional, 1 hour): content set by the Academic Programme Manager or Academic Coordinator. ## Class of 2026-2028: deadlines, extensions and retakes All deadlines are at 12:00, in the middle of the day. | | Library Assignment, 2nd semester | Thesis Proposal, 2nd semester | Preliminary Thesis Report (PTR) | Final Thesis, 4th semester | |---|---|---|---|---| | Standard deadlines | early March | 15 June | 30 November | 20 May | | Extension (illness) | 30 September | 30 September | 30 January | 20 November | | Fail/Retake | 30 September | 30 September | 30 May | 20 November | Rules for all students, as stated on the slide: - Even if you don't pass the Library Assignment or the Thesis Proposal until September, you can still deliver the PTR on schedule. - If you extend the PTR until January due to illness, you can still deliver the final thesis on schedule. - If you don't pass the PTR until May, you have to delay delivery of the Final Thesis until November. - Applications for extensions must be made at least one month before the original deadline, except in the case of acute illness. Special categories: - Further retakes are arranged if you extend the Library Assignment or the Thesis Proposal to September due to illness and do not pass. - If you or your thesis partner are on regular exchange or double degree exchange and can document an exceptionally heavy workload, you may apply for a short extension of the PTR to January. You can still deliver the Final Thesis on schedule. - Outgoing double degree students on fourth-semester exchange may apply for an extended Final Thesis deadline of 30 August. ## Class of 2026-2028: supervisor allocation and the Supervision Framework - The period for registering a plan for the thesis begins early in March of the second semester. Departments confirm the supervisor allocation by mid-April. - Agreements in principle to supervise can be made. Students cannot otherwise state a preference for a supervisor. - Students without such an agreement get an administrative pre-allocation based on their topic and the supervisors' expertise and capacity. The department confirms it. - Thesis Seminar 3 is held before the supervisor allocation is announced. Students should receive their supervisor two months before the Thesis Proposal is due. - The Thesis Proposal deadline is 15 June for all programmes and majors. The completed Supervision Framework template must be appended to the Thesis Proposal. - The supervisor completes the Supervision Framework template before the Thesis Proposal is submitted. It includes which online modules the student should take. - Online modules in Canvas complement the seminars: thesis process information, library and referencing support, research process and ethics, basic GDPR and data handling, and optional modules for each discipline. - In February, programmes are encouraged to hold a social event to meet faculty and a finding-a-partner event. - Students who have not completed the first-year activities (incoming double degree students, students returning from leave, students who have not passed the library assignment or the proposal) get a supervisor by the end of August. The Library Assignment exam for them is in late September, the Thesis Proposal on 30 September, and retakes in late October. - The PTR deadline is 30 November for all programmes. Students on exchange in the third semester or with documented illness can apply for a short extension to 30 January. This applies also to group members. - The Oral Adjustment is held in the last 3 weeks of the 6-week grading period after the 20 May deadline. ## Changing topic, supervisor or partner - Any change to your master thesis should be agreed as early as possible in your third semester. - Class of 2025-2027: register a change of topic, supervisor or partner by 10 January 2027 at the latest. Class of 2026-2028: register any changes by 25 November 2027. - Complete and submit the form on the Master Thesis page of the Student Portal, under "Thesis preparations". - Upload an approval email from your supervisor. - A change of supervisor also needs an approval email from your Academic Programme Manager or Academic Coordinator. For the economics major this is Andreas Kostøl. - Changes made after submitting the Preliminary Thesis Report are accepted only in special circumstances. --- # What each delivery is judged on ## Library Assignment (class of 2026-2028) A one-week assignment on literature search and source evaluation skills. Pass or fail. It is taught in a library session in late February or early March of the second semester. ## Thesis Proposal: grading criteria To pass the Thesis Proposal (TP), each of the following elements must be included: 1. Identification of a specific and relevant problem or question to be investigated. What do you want to investigate? Why is it relevant, and why does it interest you? 2. A brief discussion of literature (for example monographs or research papers) that is relevant for your topic. 3. A brief description of the research method, with a tentative plan for data collection. 4. A plan for the thesis process, including a plan for supervision. It must be updated in coordination with your supervisor throughout the writing process. 5. References in the APA 7th edition reference style. There may be different views on the relative importance of the four elements, or on their specific content and scope, depending on your programme or major. This also concerns the expected length of the document, which varies from 2-3 to 4-5 pages. Consult your supervisor before you submit the TP to make sure you meet the expectations in your field. Your supervisor evaluates the TP. Class of 2026-2028: the TP covers problem description, relevant literature, research method and plan, is 2 to 5 pages, and is pass or fail. The completed Supervision Framework template must be appended. ## Preliminary Thesis Report: grading criteria To pass the Preliminary Thesis Report (PTR), the supervisor evaluates whether you are on course to submit a sufficient final master thesis. The evaluation is based on at least these elements: 1. An introduction with a clear research question or problem. 2. A literature review. 3. The research methodology or design. 4. A feasible plan for data collection and analysis that also complies with legal and ethical regulations (NSD and GDPR). Consult your supervisor or your Academic Programme Manager or Academic Coordinator to find out whether other criteria for the content of the PTR apply in your programme or major. Those will also be evaluated. Class of 2026-2028: clear research question, literature review, research method, plan for data collection and analysis, legal and ethical considerations. Pass or fail. For the economics major (Andreas Kostøl, Thesis Seminar 4 deck, November 2026): write the report as the first chapters of the thesis, not as a separate document. The report covers the question, the literature, the data and the method. The spring adds the findings, the discussion and the conclusion. ## Final Thesis: grading criteria Grades: F (not sufficient), E (satisfactory), D (sufficient), C (good), B (very good), A (excellent). | Learning goal | Sub-skills | |---|---| | 1. Students are able to identify and formulate academic topics and problems in the programme area | identify, and argue for, a specific and relevant problem or question. Formulate the problem or question. Use subject-specific terminology and concepts. Review and discuss academic literature | | 2. Students are able to critically investigate theoretical approaches and methods, and to select, justify and apply an analytical framework that is adequate to the specific research question | select, justify and apply research design and methods. Evaluate data quality. Analyse and interpret data. Draw conclusions from data and results | | 3. Students are able to write and present a master's thesis that meets the general academic standards of the study discipline | organise and carry out the research process. Develop a clear, logical and consistent structure. Develop a logical, understandable and structured line of argumentation. Use correct language, terminology, formatting, citation rules and format | | 4. Overall assessment | level of difficulty, originality and quality of the research. Overall academic rigour per programme or major. Implications (theoretical, practical and social) per programme or major | Class of 2026-2028: the final thesis is "a scholarly document that logically presents a problem, methodology and findings according to established academic standards". It is 30 credits, graded A to E, with an Oral Adjustment. The slides list what it asks of you: - review relevant theories, models and research findings - justify the research design - apply ethical research practices - use advanced techniques and software for data collection, analysis and interpretation - identify and reflect on choices, motivation and competencies, and evaluate the robustness of your own research - manage a large-scale project over an extended period - present and defend research findings and methodology clearly and logically - apply systematic, analytical and critical thinking - translate academic findings into meaningful, actionable insights ## Oral Adjustment: aims - It tests your ownership of and knowledge of your own thesis. - It is an opportunity to expand on and reflect on the central themes of your thesis. - It is not a test of other competencies, skills and knowledge, such as presentation skills, or general knowledge of your programme's curriculum beyond the topics of your own thesis. The examiners may, among other things, assess: - understanding and use of relevant literature and theory - understanding of research methodology and methodological choices - interpretation of results - discussions and conclusions - ability to reflect critically on your own work and on potential improvements to the thesis The grade on the written thesis is provisional. The Oral Adjustment can adjust it. ## Oral Adjustment: format and schedule - Period for the class of 2025-2027: 9 to 25 June 2027. - Both students in the thesis group must attend physically at their campus. - You are told the date, time and room at least 7 days beforehand. - The examiners are the internal grader (usually your supervisor) and an external grader. Both may be present in person. In some cases one examiner attends in person and one on screen. Schedule: 1. You present your master thesis (15 minutes). Both students in a group should contribute equally. Slides and notes are permitted. 2. Questions from the examiners (20 minutes). 3. You leave the room while the final grade is determined (10 minutes). 4. You are called back and told the provisional grade the examiners set before the Oral Adjustment, and the final grade (5 minutes). The final grade is published no later than 1 July 2027. Class of 2026-2028: the Oral Adjustment is in June 2028, in the last 3 weeks of the 6-week grading period. The exact period is to be confirmed in January 2027. The format for this class is presented in Thesis Seminar 5. ## Oral Adjustment: how to prepare Build a good relationship with your supervisor: - Prepare thoroughly for meetings. - Make sure both group members are present at all meetings. - Coordinate your email correspondence to make the best use of the supervision time. - Update your plan for supervision with your supervisor as needed. Practise presenting your thesis orally: - Practise throughout the writing process. - Agree with other groups to hear each other present and give feedback. - Use the Writing Centre at the library, where you can discuss ideas and drafts with a writing tutor. - Thesis Seminar 5 gives an opportunity for class presentations. --- # Formatting, references, data, confidentiality and AI ## Formatting: font, margins, line spacing and front page - Margins: 2.5 cm on all sides (top, bottom, right, left). - Font: Calibri, 11 pt. - Line spacing: 1.5. - BI no longer provides a dedicated "BI template". Use the built-in settings, styles and templates in programs such as Word. - You don't need to make a front page. WISEflow adds one. - Assignments are normally submitted anonymously. For the final thesis you may include your names if you choose to make a personalised front page. - More guidance: the "Formal requirements" page on the Student Portal (portal.bi.no/en/exams/assignment-thesis/Formal-requirements/) and the "Search and Write" portal. The library answers questions about citation and referencing. For other formal requirements, the library (Toril Sigstadstø, 8 October 2026) points to the Formal requirements page on the Student Portal. ## References and citation style BI's recommended referencing style is APA 7th. The Thesis Proposal criteria require APA 7th references. In-text citation, two forms: - ... "Value is what customers are willing to pay" (Porter, 1985, p. 3). - ... Michael Porter (1985) states that "Value is what customers are willing to pay" (p. 3). Reference list: Porter, M. (1985). Competitive advantage: Creating and sustaining superior performance. Free Press. The in-text citation and the reference list depend on each other. Zotero collects references in your own library, inserts correctly formatted APA 7th references into the text and creates reference lists. The library has a step-by-step Zotero guide and Zotero courses on Zoom (see the activity calendar on the portal). You can book a librarian for help finding and citing sources. ## Data and personal data - If you process data, including personal data or information, make sure you are allowed to do so and that the data is processed correctly. - This is particularly important for a thesis that processes special category (sensitive) personal data. - All theses containing personal data must be reported to the national agency for education and research services (Sikt) at least 30 days before collecting data. - Check BI's routines for processing data and personal information before you begin to collect data. Student Portal: portal.bi.no/en/exams/assignment-thesis/Data-and-personal-information/ - See BI's IT regulations, including your responsibility for data security. The deck for the class of 2024-2026 (9 October 2025, slide 9) added: if you take part in your supervisor's research project, your supervisor must inform Sikt, and special rules apply for data collection. ## Company data and confidentiality - Theses graded A and B are published in the Oria repository maintained by the BI Library. - When you submit your final thesis, you can apply for confidentiality for up to 2 years. In practice your thesis is then never published by the library. - If you need to explain BI's confidentiality policy to a company, you can send them a screenshot of the page on the Student Portal. - If the company requires you to sign an agreement, BI has a basic agreement template. - If the company needs your supervisor to sign an agreement, or requires a more detailed agreement, the company should provide it. A confidential thesis is graded like any other. It is only not published. ## Use of AI tools BI's rule, as stated on the thesis slides. Unless otherwise stated, AI tools are allowed in exams and assignments where all aids are permitted: - You are responsible for the content of your own assignments and exams, including text, data, graphics, illustrations, code and analyses. - You may be asked to include an explanation of how AI tools have been used in your work. - Including text generated by GPT without stating that this is the source is defined as plagiarism. - Correct citation is extremely important. - You should discuss your planned use of AI tools with your supervisor. - BI's guidelines: portal.bi.no/en/services/ai-tools/guidelines-for-ai-use-at-bi/ The library's five points: AI tools are permitted. You are responsible for everything you submit. Reflect on your use of AI. Quality-check content and sources. Consider privacy, security and copyright. The library also points to the AI Research Assistant in Web of Science and to Keenious, an AI tool for literature search with a Word plugin. All BI students have a free Gemini Education account and NotebookLM through BI, with the student email. BI states that data is not shared and that BI has no insight into your usage. There is an AI course in Canvas under the Learning Support module. The class of 2026-2028 slides add: AI must be used in a responsible, legal and ethical way. Andreas Kostøl's advice to economics students: use the tools for code, data work, derivations and drafts. Run and test the code. Check the derivations. Confront claims with theory and data. What survives the checks is yours to use, and yours to answer for. --- # Groups, supervision and the economics thesis ## Thesis groups - The thesis at BI is almost always written in groups of two students, never more than two. - An individual thesis is only possible in specific, limited circumstances and depends on adequate supervisor capacity. - Incoming double degree students from UCP (Católica) must write alone. - If you think you have other valid grounds to write alone, or have questions, contact Student Experience for the criteria and the application procedure. - You may be asked to find a topic of mutual interest with another student who has no partner. - The key to a successful group is good communication, particularly about how you will organise the work in your third semester. - Class of 2026-2028: work with different people during the first semester and reflect on what makes a good partnership. Tips for group collaboration are on the Student Portal (portal.bi.no/en/exams/assignment-thesis/group-collaboration). ## Double degree students from Católica (UCP) - An individual thesis of 8,000 to 13,000 words. - A BI supervisor and the BI submission schedule. - An oral defence at Católica in addition to the BI Oral Adjustment. The BI supervisor is not involved in the Católica defence. - The student must tell the BI supervisor about Católica-specific requirements, such as formatting. ## Working with your supervisor - Your supervisor provides academic supervision, in meetings, by email and by reading drafts. - You are responsible for keeping your plan for supervision updated, together with your supervisor. - Spread supervision over the third and fourth semesters. Your supervisor may have limited availability in May and June. - Communication within your thesis group is your responsibility. - If collaboration is difficult and you need advice, contact Student Experience. The number of supervision hours: the deck for the class of 2024-2026 said 10 hours, including email and reading drafts. The decks for the classes of 2025-2027 and 2026-2028 give no figure. Ask your supervisor. ## Finding a topic Start thinking about possible topics in the first semester. Sources of inspiration: - media and business publications - company presentations, reports and websites - your courses and lecturers - research projects at BI and elsewhere - relevant scientific journals - earlier theses in the Oria repository of the BI Library (A and B theses are published there) For the class of 2026-2028, no topic and no group are needed before the second semester. The first delivery is in March 2027. ## What a master thesis in economics is - One research question, answered with economics: a model, data, or both. - An answer you can explain and defend in writing. - Show that you can use economics to address a research question. - Communicate the analysis and the results so that a reader follows every step. - Show that you can work independently, within supervision. ## The structure of an economics thesis 1. Abstract: a one-paragraph summary. 2. Introduction: context and motivation. 3. Research question. 4. Related literature. 5. Data and method. 6. Analysis: the findings. 7. Discussion, then conclusion. The introduction says why the question matters and what you find. The literature places your question among earlier answers. Data and method say how the answer is produced. Analysis and discussion say what you found, and what it does and does not show. The Preliminary Thesis Report is the first half of this list. Write the question and the method first. The findings come last. ## Four kinds of economics thesis Applied theory: - Extend a model from a top journal for new insights. Example: optimal R&D subsidies and carbon taxation. - Apply or simulate an existing model for a specific market. Example: congestion charges in Oslo, a cost-benefit analysis. Empirics: - Estimate a structural model, or use time series and panel econometrics. Examples: should the central bank target domestic or general CPI inflation? An electricity price shock and household consumption, with difference-in-differences. - Experimental data, from the field or the laboratory. Examples: personal trainer incentives and customer repurchase, a field experiment. Environmental information and purchasing decisions, a survey experiment. Theory or data: both are economics theses. The question decides which. --- # Support, who to ask, and what this agent does not know ## Library support The library is on the 5th and 6th floor in Oslo. Opening hours: 07:30 to 21:00, weekends 08:30 to 17:30. Library page: portal.bi.no/en/services/library/ - Shut up & Study: joint silent study sessions. - The Writing Centre: guidance from writing tutors for anyone working on a paper, in the library (Oslo) or on Zoom. - Book a librarian for help finding and citing sources. - Zotero help. - Help with financial databases. - Support with survey tools. - Statistics software support. - Python and R guidance. The library page lists the available databases, including statistics and macroeconomic data, journal databases and consumer and market information. It has a collection of key resources for economics and statistics and the master theses available at BI. Help and support: portal.bi.no/en/services/library/Help-and-support/ ## Who to ask about what | Question | Where | |---|---| | Deadlines, extensions, applications, changes of plans, group collaboration, data and personal data | The Master Thesis page on the Student Portal: portal.bi.no/en/exams/assignment-thesis/master-thesis. Check especially the conditions and procedure for applying for extensions | | Resources and updates for your class | The Canvas room for your programme, for example "Master in Business, Major in Economics" | | Rules and process questions not answered online | Nick Moe-Pryce, Student Experience: info@bi.no, subject "Master thesis" | | Citation and referencing | The BI Library (book a librarian) | | Other formal requirements | The Formal requirements page on the Student Portal | | Writing | The Writing Centre at the library | | Academic content of your thesis | Your supervisor | | Economics-specific questions, topics, supervisors, supervisor changes (economics major) | Andreas Kostøl, Academic Coordinator, andreas.r.kostol@bi.no | ## What this agent does not know The agent is built from the slides and emails BI sent to the Academic Coordinator of the economics major between August and October 2026. It is not an official BI service. The Student Portal and your Canvas room decide when they differ. Not covered, or not stated in the material: - A required length for the final thesis. None is stated, except 8,000 to 13,000 words for Católica double degree students. Ask your supervisor. - The number of supervision hours for the classes of 2025-2027 and 2026-2028. - The exact Oral Adjustment period for the class of 2026-2028 (to be confirmed in January 2027). - The assessment criteria and framework for the Oral Adjustment for the class of 2026-2028. They were to be defined by BI in autumn 2026. - The content of the online modules for the class of 2026-2028. BI plans to publish them by 19 March 2027. - The text of the Student Portal pages, which need a BI login. - Programme-specific criteria for majors other than economics. - Your own situation: illness, exchange, double degree, or a partner who leaves. Write to info@bi.no with "Master thesis" in the subject. --- # Checklists for your own draft Each checklist turns the grading criteria into questions. Use them on your own draft. They do not replace your supervisor's judgement. ## Checklist: Thesis Proposal 1. Can a reader say in one sentence what you want to investigate? 2. Does the proposal say why the question is relevant and why it interests you? 3. Does it discuss literature that is relevant for the topic, briefly? 4. Does it describe the research method and give a tentative plan for collecting data? 5. Is there a plan for the thesis process, including a plan for supervision? 6. Are the references in APA 7th style, with each in-text citation in the reference list? 7. Is the length what your supervisor expects? The range across majors is 2 to 5 pages. 8. Class of 2026-2028: is the completed Supervision Framework template appended? 9. If you will process personal data: is there time to report to Sikt at least 30 days before you collect it? ## Checklist: Preliminary Thesis Report 1. Does the introduction end in a clear research question? 2. Is there a literature review that places the question among earlier answers? 3. Is the research design or method described so that someone else could follow it? 4. Is there a feasible plan for collecting and analysing the data, with dates? 5. Does the plan comply with NSD/Sikt and GDPR? Is the Sikt report needed, and is it sent? 6. Are legal and ethical considerations addressed? 7. Has your supervisor or programme stated other criteria, and are they met? 8. Economics major: is the report written as the first chapters of the thesis? 9. Will a supervisor reading it conclude that you are on course to submit a sufficient final thesis? ## Checklist: Final Thesis Learning goal 1, the problem: 1. Is the research question specific and argued for? 2. Do you use the subject's terms and concepts correctly? 3. Does the literature review discuss, not only list, earlier work? Learning goal 2, the method: 4. Is the research design justified against alternatives? 5. Do you evaluate the quality of the data? 6. Are the results interpreted, with conclusions that follow from them? Learning goal 3, the writing: 7. Is the structure clear, logical and consistent? 8. Does the argument run step by step from question to conclusion? 9. Are language, terminology, formatting and citations correct (APA 7th)? 10. Layout: margins 2.5 cm, Calibri 11 pt, line spacing 1.5. Learning goal 4, overall: 11. What is original in the thesis, and is it stated? 12. Are the theoretical, practical and social implications discussed? 13. Do you say what the results do not show, and how the thesis could be improved? Before submission: 14. Was AI use discussed with your supervisor, and can you explain how you used it? 15. Does the thesis contain company data that calls for confidentiality? Apply when you submit. ## Checklist: Oral Adjustment 1. Can each of you explain why you chose this question? 2. Can each of you explain why you chose this method rather than another? 3. Can you explain the main literature and theory you use? 4. Can you interpret every main result, and say what it does not show? 5. Can you name the weaknesses of the thesis and how you would improve it? 6. Is the presentation 15 minutes, with both students contributing equally? 7. Have you practised presenting to another group and taken their questions? 8. Do both of you know the date, time and room, and can both attend on campus?