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

Intro

The MSc research practice is an alternative to the MSc internship in some Master programmes at Wageningen University. During a research practice, you conduct a research project at a WU chair group that has similar learning outcomes as an internship.

Important: From September 2026 onwards, things are likely to change regarding the research practice (decision pending). The proposal is that the research practice can only be approved by Examining Boards in exceptional cases where students can demonstrate they cannot find a suitable internship after multiple attempts. Contact your study adviser to discuss whether a research practice is possible for your situation.

The binding rules around the MSc research practice 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 research practice process, from finding a project to final assessment.

Step 1: Orientation and finding a research practice

Before you start looking for a research practice, check with your study adviser whether a research practice is possible within your MSc programme and your specific situation. If approved, check which chair groups can supervise a research practice within your programme. You can find this information in the Study Handbook (external link) under your programme description.

Ways to find a research practice project:

• Find research practice opportunities via WUR career platform @ Student Career Services (external link).
• Attend thesis/internship 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:

• Obtain approval from your Examining Board (if required for your programme)
• Check the mandatory knowledge requirements for your chosen chair group in the Study Handbook
• Discuss your research practice plans with your study adviser
• Ensure you meet any programme-specific study progress requirements
• Verify that your research practice project meets academic level requirements

Step 2: Preparation and learning agreement

Once you have found a research practice project 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 Research Practice Course Guide - Part A (attached to this knowledge article)  - see section 2 "Preparation".

Step 3: During your research practice 

Your research practice typically takes 16 weeks of full-time work (24 ECTS). Some programmes allow extensions to 30 or 36 ECTS - check with your study adviser. During this period, you:

• Complete your research practice plan (first few weeks)
• Work on your research project at the chair group
• Have regular meetings with your supervisor
• Participate in a progress evaluation meeting (before 1/3 of your research practice period)
• Reflect on your personal learning goals throughout the research practice
• Write your scientific report and reflection report
• Give an oral presentation

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

• How research practice projects are allocated to students
• Requirements for reports (format, length, structure)
• Guidelines for literature references
• 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 Research Practice Course Guide - Part A (attached to this knowledge article)  - see section 3 "During your research practice".

Step 4: Final Assessment

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

• General professional competences - collaboration, communication, professional attitude
• Domain-specific competences - applying knowledge from your MSc programme
• Scientific report - written report on your research project
• Oral presentation - presentation of your results
• Oral defence - final discussion about your research practice
• Reflection report - reflection on your learning goals and professional development (pass/fail)

You submit your final research practice 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 (attached to this article).

More information:

• MSc Research Practice Assessment Rubric (attached to this knowledge article) - shows detailed grading criteria for each component
• MSc Research Practice Course Guide - Part A (attached to this knowledge article) - see sections 5 "Completion of your research practice"

Course Guide

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

Download: MSc Research Practice 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 research practices at WUR (external link)

Common questions

• Can I do a research practice in my programme?
  • It is planned from September 2026, research practices require Examining Board approval in exceptional cases. Discuss this with your study adviser.
• Can I extend my research practice beyond 24 ECTS?
  • Check with your study adviser whether your programme allows extensions to 30 or 36 ECTS.
• What if I encounter delays?
  • See sections 5 "Completion of your research practice" in the course guide for procedures regarding force majeure or insufficient results.
• What's the difference between a research practice and a thesis?
  • A research practice has similar learning outcomes to an internship (professional development focus) while a thesis focuses on independent research skills.