The procedure for the defense and application of master's theses will be adapted to the students of the University of Montenegro (UCG), so that they will have an easier and more meaningful approach to the preparation of their master's theses, say the higher education institution.
UCG announces administrative assistance and relief, and introduces the institute of assistant mentor (co-mentor), which should essentially help postgraduates with the topic. These are distinguished experts from practice, who have the academic title of Doctor of Science.
Vice Chancellor for Teaching at UCG Veselin Mićanović he said that the changes to the master's study rules mainly refer to more detailed clarifications of the procedures, so that students can understand them better and apply them sooner.
"... The goal is also to reduce the possibility of possible misunderstandings in administrative processes. Additionally, it will include changes to the application form for master's thesis topics, as well as the introduction of novelties that will contribute to the quality of master's studies at the University level," said Mićanović.
In addition to the changes to the application form for the Master's thesis topic, the novelty, according to "Vijesta", is the engagement of "prominent experts from practice with the title of Doctor of Science, as well as alumni with the same title who can perform the role of co-mentors".
Mićanović emphasizes that the role of a co-mentor is to help students better understand the topic they are working on in their research master's thesis.
According to him, these are experts who are appointed in the case of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary Master's thesis topics. They, as well as mentors, provide the student with help when preparing a research paper in the domain of their narrow field.
“This will significantly strengthen the link between the academic community and the labor market, enriching the student experience and preparing students for future professional challenges. Also, an integral part of the rules will be the master's thesis form, i.e. a document that sets technical standards for writing a master's thesis, which will facilitate the process of writing a master's thesis for students and contribute to the standardization of the technical quality of master's theses within all organizational units of the University. The prepared changes reflect the University's effort to adapt to contemporary challenges and needs of students, while promoting ethical values, as well as an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach in higher education," said Mićanović.
He also states that, when applying for a master's thesis topic, students will also have to submit proof of having completed a course on academic integrity.
"The introduction of a mandatory course on academic integrity emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in an academic context. This course will enable students to better understand what an academic offense is, how to avoid matching the text with other sources and how to correctly cite literary sources, which is essential for preserving the integrity of their scientific research work," he told "Vijesti".
Director of the Center for Quality Improvement of UCG Svetlana Perović she said that the course "Academic Integrity 2" is intended for students who are "starting to write their first written papers".
"During the course, students can become familiar with the basic characteristics of academic writing, proper reference to literature through quotation, paraphrase and summary, in order to avoid plagiarism and other forms of violation of academic integrity," said Perović.
She emphasized that it is not a classic course, but that it is available to every student on the university website.
"...It is important that the student passes it and thus helps in writing the master's thesis. The course is free. Please note that amendments to the Master's Study Rules are in progress, and students and the general public will be notified of their adoption and application through the official website of the University of Montenegro", concluded Perović.
New master courses
Mićanović told "Vijesta" that from September, future master's students will have the opportunity to choose two new study programs at the University: Information Security in English and Protection and Management of the Marine Environment.
The Agency for Control and Quality Assurance of Higher Education (AKOKVO) approved accreditation for those two study programs at the end of last year.
Mićanović said that both programs last for two years and amount to 120 credits.
"As Information Security offers a multidisciplinary approach in this field, it will take place at four faculty units of the University of Montenegro, at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Science and Mathematics, Economics and Law, in coordination with the Center for Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies. "Protection and management of the marine environment will take place within the framework of the Maritime Faculty of Kotor", said Mićanović.
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