The MSc Thesis (afstudeerproject) is an important part of the course of studies in the MSc programme in logic. It is an opportunity for independent research in a clearly defined research area under the guidance of one or more staff members of the ILLC. The thesis work is supposed to give the student the opportunity to learn about the subject matter, research practice, writing techniques and standards of scientific behaviour.

You should start looking for an appropriate thesis supervisor and topic in your third semester. For Fast Track students this means you should start looking in your first semester, or, if you are in the semi-Fast Track, in the second semester.

Finding a topic and a supervisor is not an easy task, so you need to start early. Make it a habit to regularly attend research seminars to find out what topics people work on, what they find interesting, and what they consider important open questions. Browse through the webpages of ILLC staff members to find out what they have been publishing on recently. Also think back to some of the classes you found interesting and did well in: maybe a lecturer mentioned an advanced topic for which there was no time in class but that could lead to a thesis topic. Your mentor can also help you find out which staff members might have interests close to your own and thus might be good supervisors.

You should discuss possible thesis topics with several ILLC staff members. A decision should be made roughly seven months before the intended graduation date.

Typically, the thesis supervisor is an ILLC staff member. Guest professors or other researchers associated with the ILLC can be supervisors too, but in that case, the student needs a co-supervisor from the ILLC (as contact for the MSc administration).

As soon as you and your prospective supervisor agree on a topic you should officially register for writing the thesis. After that you can start the work on the MSc thesis.