Diploma and Master's theses
Diploma and Master's theses are academic papers and serve to demonstrate the ability to work on academic topics independently and in a way that is justifiable in terms of content and methodology. The topic of the thesis is determined by agreement between the student and the supervisor.
The task of a diploma or Master's thesis must be designed in such a way that it is possible and reasonable for students to complete it within six months.
Who may supervise diploma and Master's theses?
The following are authorized to supervise and assess diploma and master's theses
- University professors
- habilitated staff members
- Associated university professors
- Assistant professors according to the collective agreement of the University of Vienna
If students cannot find a supervisor, the head of the study program must appoint a supervisor for these students in a special procedure.
Co-supervision
If the topic of a Master's or Diploma thesis and the supervision have been approved or not prohibited, the supervisor may propose a member of staff with a doctorate to the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs to assist with the supervision (co-supervision).
Approval of co-supervision by the Vice Dean for Teaching is permissible if
- the employee agrees to co-supervision,
- the topic of the Master's or Diploma thesis is in line with the academic focus of the member of staff and
- the employee's other duties in research and teaching are not impaired.
Assessment
Diploma and Master's theses are assigned to an assessor by the Director of Studies after submission, with a deadline for assessment of two months from submission. In most cases, the supervisor takes on this task. In the event of a negative assessment, it is possible to revise the thesis on the basis of the review and resubmit it. There is no limit to the number of submissions. Students have the right to inspect the assessment documents for six months after notification of the assessment.