Step-by-step information about the MSc thesis at WUR including course guides, OSIRIS process, and assessment.

Intro

The MSc thesis is part of all Master programmes at Wageningen University. During your thesis, you conduct an independent research project that demonstrates your ability to apply the knowledge and skills you acquired during your studies.

The binding rules around the MSc thesis are described in the Education and Examination Regulations (EER for academic year 2025-2026) (knowledge article), particularly article 46. In addition, the course guide (internal link) describes the practical implementation of those rules.

This article guides you through the thesis process, from finding a topic to final assessment.

Step 1: Orientation and finding a thesis topic

Before you start looking for a thesis, check which chair groups can supervise a thesis within your MSc programme. You can find this information in the Study Handbook (external link) under your programme description.

Ways to find a thesis topic:

• Find thesis subjects via WUR career platform @ Student Career Services (external link)
• Attend thesis information meetings of your programme or related chair groups, visit chair group websites, or contact thesis coordinators directly. Your study adviser can help you explore your options.

Requirements before you start:

• Check the mandatory knowledge requirements for your chosen chair group in the Study Handbook
• Discuss your thesis plans with your study adviser
• Ensure you meet any programme-specific study progress requirements

Step 2: Preparation and learning agreement

Once you have found a thesis topic and supervisor, you start the process in OSIRIS (external link)

Subsequently, the first step is to complete a learning agreement in OSIRIS (first discuss the contents with your supervisor). The learning agreement includes:

• Your research proposal and planning
• Personal learning goals
• Supervision arrangements
• Evaluation moments
• Expected completion date

More information:

MSc Thesis Course Guide - Part A (internal link) - see section 2 "Preparation of your thesis"

Step 3: During your thesis

Your thesis typically takes 24-26 weeks of full-time work (36 ECTS). During this period, you:

• Write and get approval for your research proposal
• Carry out your research project
• Have regular meetings with your supervisor
• Participate in a progress evaluation meeting (before 1/3 of your thesis period)
• Present your research in colloquia or seminars
• Write your thesis report

Each chair group may have additional guidelines about topics such as:

• Safety regulations and access to facilities
• Requirements for the thesis report (format, length, structure)
• Guidelines for literature references and data management
• Specific timelines for presentations and report submissions

Ask your supervisor or thesis coordinator for your chair group's specific course guide (Part B), which is usually available on the chair group's Brightspace site.

More information:

MSc Thesis Course Guide - Part A (attached to this knowledge article) - see section 3 "The MSc-thesis project"

Step 4: Final Assessment

Your thesis is assessed by two independent assessors, with one acting as examiner who determines the final grade. The assessment is based on four components:

• Research performance - your work process, independence, and problem-solving
• Research report - quality of your written thesis
• Oral presentation - your colloquium presentation
• Oral defence - the final discussion about your thesis

You submit your final thesis report in OSIRIS, typically 10 working days before the oral defence.

The assessment criteria for each category, as well as descriptions of what is expected from you for a certain grade, are described in the assessment rubric (PDF document)

More information:

• MSc Thesis Assessment Rubric (attached to this knowledge article) - shows detailed grading criteria for each component
• MSc Thesis Course Guide - Part A (attached to this knowledge article) - see sections 4 "Thesis activities" and 5 "Completion of your thesis"

Course Guide

For complete information about all aspects of the MSc thesis, including learning outcomes, ethical guidelines, data management, and procedures for delays. This course guide is the authoritative source for all thesis procedures and requirements at Wageningen University.

Download: MSc Thesis Course Guide - Part A (attached to this knowledge article)

Need More Help?

Questions about your specific situation?

• Contact your study adviser for programme-specific requirements or study planning questions
• Contact the thesis coordinator of your chair group for practical arrangements and topic-specific questions
• Check the Study Handbook for course descriptions and requirements: overview of all MSc-theses at WUR (external link)

Common questions

• Can I extend my thesis beyond 36 ECTS?
  • Check with your study adviser whether your programme allows extensions to 39 ECTS
• What if I encounter delays?
  • See section 5 "Delays" in the course guide for procedures regarding force majeure or insufficient results
• Are there specific courses I must complete first?
  • Check "Mandatory knowledge" in the Study Handbook under your chosen thesis course code