Overview info about MSc thesis, MSc internship and MSc research at WUR (details and documents are in separate articles)

Intro

The MSc thesis and MSc internship are part of all Master programmes at Wageningen University. In some programmes, you can replace the MSc internship with an MSc research practice or another internship-replacing assignment.

The binding rules around these courses are described in the Education and Examination Regulations (EER for academic year 2025-2026) (PDF document), particularly article 46.

MSc-thesis

The MSc thesis is an independent research project in which you demonstrate your ability to apply the knowledge and skills you acquired during your studies. You conduct your thesis under supervision of a WU chair group.
To information about:

• Finding a thesis topic
• Learning agreement and OSIRIS process
• Supervision and assessment
• Course guide and rubric

→ Go to MSc Thesis information and documents (support article)

MSc Internship

The MSc internship allows you to apply and develop your competences in a professional context outside WU, gaining relevant work experience in a potential field of employment. The internship takes place at an external organization such as a company, public institution, research organization, or NGO.

To information about:

• Finding an internship
• Learning agreement and internship contract
• Travel policy for internships abroad
• Supervision and assessment
• Course guide and rubrics

→ Go to MSc Internship information and documents (support article)

MSc Research Practice

The MSc research practice is an alternative to the MSc internship in some programmes. You conduct a research project at a WU chair group with similar learning outcomes as an internship.

Important:

• Are you planning to complete your MSc Research Practice before August 31st, 2026? You can in that case initiate the administrative process for your research practice below, latest April 30, 2026
• Are you planning to complete your MSc Research Practice in the new academic year, i.e. from August 31^st onwards? You can only do so in exceptional situations. To be able to start the administrative procedure for the Research Practice, you need prior permission from the examining board. Please check the article Permission Research Practice for the procedure.

To information about:

• When a research practice is possible
• Learning agreement and OSIRIS process
• Supervision and assessment
• Course guide and rubrics

→ Go to MSc Research Practice information and documents (support article) 

The OSIRIS process

Once you've found yourself a chair group and WUR-supervisor for your MSc thesis, internship or research practice, you as student will start the administrative processes by registering the information in a Learning Agreement. All relevant administrative information is registered in Osiris and, where required, approved by the supervisor. Also the (final) thesis, reflection reports (for internship and research practice) and assessment forms are registered in Osiris using this process.

This article (external link) provides information on how you can start the OSIRIS process.

Comparing the three course types

*Extensions to 30 or 36 EC may be possible depending on your programme (see the article on MSc-internship)

Need More Help?

General questions:

Contact your study adviser for programme-specific requirements and study planning. Check the Study Handbook for course descriptions and requirements:

• all MSc theses (external link)
• all MSc internships (external link)
• all MSc research practices (external link)
• all MSc programmes (external link)

For specific questions contact the thesis/internship/research practice coordinator of your chair group.