The formal requirements for writing a bachelor’s thesis at WU can be found <link https: www.wu.ac.at en students my-degree-program bachelors-programs business-economics-and-social-sciences bachelor-thesis _blank>here... (currently available only in German).
All of WU’s formal requirements also apply to theses written at the Institute for Multi-Level Governance and Development.

Generally, it is up to the student to suggest a topic for a master’s thesis. Individual faculty members are responsible for different thematic areas, however. For more information, please see the faculty members’ pages.

The thesis supervisor bases his or her acceptance decision on a written thesis proposal. The written proposal includes the following elements:

• A cover sheet with a working title and your personal data

• A preliminary outline (depicting the basic structure of the paper)

• A one-page description of the proposed project (including the theories and methods you plan to apply and a preliminary research question

• A tentative bibliography of literature you plan to consult

You also need to provide your name, address, telephone number, and email address, as well as the name of your preferred thesis supervisor.

Students who have previously attended a course at the Institute will be given priority. Other students need to explain in detail why they want to write their thesis at the Institute in their project proposal.

Acceptance decisions are made by thesis supervisors only.

• Definition of terms: The thesis must include clear and understandable definitions of the most important terms used.

• Theory: The thesis must include an appropriate review of the theoretical background behind the problem under investigation. This is usually a discussion of one or more applicable theoretical approaches.

• An adequate and clear methodology: Description and discussion of the methods used.

When writing a bachelor’s thesis, keep the provisions of academic law and intellectual property and copyright laws with regard to plagiarism and academic malpractice in mind.  

Plagiarism is the use of parts of texts, ideas, or arguments from other authors and claiming them as your own work. This includes the appropriation and use of text passages, theories, hypotheses, findings, or data, whether directly, paraphrased, or translated from another language, without properly referencing the original source and identifying the material as a quotation.    

Ghostwriting is also considered academic malpractice, as is the invention or falsification of data or results.  

If plagiarism or another form of academic malpractice comes to light during the grading process, consequences include a failing grade on the work and a cancellation of the supervision agreement. If plagiarism or another form of academic malpractice becomes known after grading or after completion of the student’s degree program, the thesis grade will be declared invalid and the author’s academic degree revoked, among other consequences.

The formal requirements for writing a master’s thesis at WU can be found <link https: www.wu.ac.at en students my-degree-program bachelors-programs business-economics-and-social-sciences bachelor-thesis _blank>here....
All of WU’s formal requirements also apply to theses written at the Institute for Multi-Level Governance and Development.

Generally, it is up to the student to suggest a topic for a master’s thesis. Individual faculty members are responsible for different thematic areas, however. For more information, please see the <link https: www.wu.ac.at en mlgd staff _blank>faculty members’ pages. The thesis supervisor bases his or her acceptance decision on a written thesis proposal. The written proposal includes the following elements:

• A cover sheet with a working title and your personal data

• A preliminary outline (depicting the basic structure of the paper)

• A 2-4 page description of the proposed project (including the problem to be investigated, a preliminary research question, theories and methods you plan to apply, a preliminary time schedule, and any problems you foresee, e.g. access to data/field research/necessary stay abroad, etc.)

• A tentative bibliography of literature you plan to consult

You also need to provide your name, address, telephone number, and email address, as well as the name of your preferred thesis supervisor.

Students who have previously attended a course at the Institute will be given priority. Other students need to explain in detail why they want to write their thesis at the Institute in their project proposal.

Acceptance decisions are made by thesis supervisors only.

We recommend close contact with your thesis supervisor even during the thesis proposal writing stage. A successfully completed proposal forms the basis for a good master’s thesis. Supervision involves written feedback by email and regularly scheduled meetings, giving the supervisor the opportunity to provide advice and support to help the student improve his or her work.

• Definition of terms: The thesis must include clear and understandable definitions of the most important terms used.

• Theory: The thesis must include an appropriate review of the theoretical background behind the problem under investigation. This is usually a discussion of one or more applicable theoretical approaches.

• An adequate and clear methodology: Description and discussion of the methods used.

When writing a master’s thesis, keep the provisions of academic law and intellectual property and copyright laws with regard to plagiarism and academic malpractice in mind.  

Plagiarism is the use of parts of texts, ideas, or arguments from other authors and claiming them as your own work. This includes the appropriation and use of text passages, theories, hypotheses, findings, or data, whether directly, paraphrased, or translated from another language, without properly referencing the original source and identifying the material as a quotation.  

Ghostwriting is also considered academic malpractice, as is the invention or falsification of data or results.  

If plagiarism or another form of academic malpractice comes to light during the grading process, consequences include a failing grade on the work and a cancellation of the supervision agreement. If plagiarism or another form of academic malpractice becomes known after grading or after completion of the student’s degree program, the thesis grade will be declared invalid and the author’s academic degree revoked, among other consequences.