20 Submission & Assessment
20.1 Submitting your final thesis
Submit your final thesis no later than the first-opportunity deadline (see Timeline & Deadlines):
- Upload on Canvas (required — the thesis is checked for plagiarism here)
- Email to me and the second reviewer
- Ensure I have access to your final data file and syntax via the shared surfdrive folder
20.2 How your thesis is assessed
Your thesis is evaluated by two reviewers: me (first reviewer) and a second reviewer. Both use the official assessment form (available on Canvas).
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Time to grade | Two weeks (10 working days) after submission deadline |
| Final grade | Average of first and second reviewer |
| Disagreement | If assessors differ by more than 2 points, or one fails and the other passes → third assessor assigned by the Examination Board (binding) |
| Passing grade | ≥ 5.5 |
20.3 Resits and late submission
Failing to submit at the first deadline is treated the same as missing an exam — you have used one exam opportunity.
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Not submitted at first deadline | First exam opportunity used; one resit available |
| Submitted but grade < 5.5 | One resit available |
| Resit submitted but grade < 5.5 | Failed the course; may be eligible for a second resit in the next academic year (see below) |
| Not submitted at first deadline AND resit | Failed the course; may be eligible for a second resit in the next academic year |
20.3.1 Second resit (next academic year)
In limited circumstances, you may be eligible for a second resit in the following academic year (deadline: end of November). This requires re-enrollment and tuition fee payment. Eligibility is assessed by me and the thesis coordinator. Contact your study advisor.
20.4 Where to find formal regulations
The formal Regulation Ma thesis governs all MA theses at the Faculty of Social Sciences. It is available on VUnet. For the vast majority of students, these regulations remain in the background — we find a good working relationship without needing to consult them. They become relevant if serious disagreements arise.
20.5 Getting help
| Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Academic/personal difficulties | Study advisor: vu.nl/en/student/contact-student-guidance-and-support/academic-advisors-fss |
| Financial support for delays | Profileringsfonds: vu.nl/en/student/finances/profile-fund |
| Ethics self-check questions | rerc.ssc@vu.nl |