Final stage of the programme
Master’s Thesis
The Master’s thesis applies scientific methods and findings to specific challenges and questions in sustainable urban development.
Purpose
Independent scientific research
Students develop a research question, apply suitable scientific methods and critically evaluate the resulting approaches or solutions within the relevant boundary conditions.
Through the thesis, students demonstrate the ability to conduct scientific research and problem analysis independently, structure a research topic, and plan, conduct and present a research project.
A Master’s thesis can be started when only modules totalling 12 CP or less remain to be completed — a maximum of two 6-CP modules.
Thesis process
From topic to submission
01Identifying a topic
Students identify possible topics themselves. Suggested topics may be available through potential supervisors. Lecturers in the degree programme can act as supervisors; TU Darmstadt lecturers may supervise in cooperation with a VGU lecturer.
Topics should fit the broad field of Sustainable Urban Development and require agreement from the proposed supervisor.
02Preparing the proposal
After an initial discussion with the supervisor, students prepare a proposal containing:
- the research question;
- a short presentation of current scientific knowledge / state of research;
- research design, including data and resources, methodology, work steps and time plan;
- an overview of expected results.
After agreement on the research question and methods, the supervisor prepares the final assignment and forwards it to the Faculty Assistant. The study office coordinates the official start and submission instructions.
03Supervision
Students should clarify the supervisor’s usual practices for consultation and support. Regular consultations may be offered after important work steps, but using these opportunities is the student’s responsibility.
The Master’s thesis remains primarily autonomous work with supervision. Students should prepare their own results, questions and next-step ideas before consultations and allow sufficient time when arranging appointments.
04Problems and extensions
If unexpected problems arise — for example unavailable data — students should contact their supervisors promptly to identify possible ways forward.
Where necessary, an extension may be requested from the Dean of Studies with the supervisor’s support. Illness-related requests require the relevant certificate. The legacy SUD guidance states that extensions may total a maximum of three months.
Resources