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The competences that can be expected from a Master in a discipline that can be admitted to the Advanced Master’s Programme.

The master’s dissertation is conceived as a student’s personal study. The conducted research aims at the development and application of an analytical, synthetic, integrated and problem-solving capacity at academic level, of scientific reporting (academic publication) and communication (presentation of results, discussion during counseling meetings, introducing scientific arguments in discussions) and of independent work. The master’s dissertation aims at the realization of the following objectives with regard to the functioning in a research environment and the acquisition of research competences:   
 
The student has to acquire the following final competences by preparing and defending his master’s dissertation: the student has to be able to 

1. define a research problem; 
2. formulate clear research questions; 
3. set up an appropriate methodology; 
4. carry out a critical literature study; 
5. collect data meticulously (using existing data sets or data obtained by lab or field work and/or surveys); archive data 
6. process data in a correct way; 
7. analyze data in a critical way; 
8. make a concise synthesis; 
9. draw up a final manuscript – scientific report; 
10. show the necessary independence, motivation, dedication and initiative while obtaining final competences 1-9; 
11. give a clear oral presentation of the results of the work; 
12. argue in a well founded manner during the discussion.

The master’s dissertation is a  scientific study on a subject within the context of the study programme in order to complete the master programme. The master’s dissertation is an individualised assignment in which the student, upon completion of his/her studies, shows evidence of having acquired and being able to apply academic knowledge, research competences and a research attitude. Apart from a scientific research attitude, the master’s dissertation also focuses on self-motivation, problem-solving capacity and creativity, as well as the student’s general critical reflecting attitude. The master’s dissertation is a personal study of a subject the student chooses in consultation with the promoter. It is a thorough introduction to scientific research in an advanced and specialised domain of water technology. The master’s dissertation is conducted in one of the companies or research laboratories involved and can also be very practice-oriented. In that case, the counselling is provided by an academic promoter on the one hand and a tutor from the company or research laboratory involved on the other hand.  The subjects are related to one of the topics that have been dealt with during the study programme.  The master’s dissertation results in a scientific report that is being submitted for defence.
The master’s dissertation is a written and systematic reflection of the scientific research conducted.
 
The manuscript contains the following parts and is similar to the structure of a scientific publication:

• Preface 
• Table of contents 
• List of abbreviations
• Abstract of the master’s dissertation
• Introduction
• Relevant literature: should contain only what is necessary to understand the work with a focus on a critical synthesis
• Methodology (trivial methods should not be explained)
• Results: raw data can be delivered in an electronic format
• Discussion
• General conclusions
• Recommendations for further research
• List of references
• Appendices (only in an electronic format)

More information about the practical organization of the master’s dissertation can be found on the website of the study programme.