Leiden University · Faculty of Humanities

Thesis & Research Supervision

Assessment Standards

These standards apply to all four programs I supervise (BAIS, BAKS, MAAS, MAIR), with expectations set by level. Program-specific details are in your program overview.

Assessment Criteria

There are five criteria in the Faculty assessment form. The first four, which relate to the written thesis, are assessed by both readers. The fifth, Learning Skills, relates to the research process and is assessed only by your supervisor (first reader). To pass, you need at least satisfactory on each of the five criteria. Programs may weight the criteria differently.

Knowledge and Insight

Thesis sections: Introduction, Literature Review

  • A clear, well-motivated research question that shows insight into the key debates and methods of the field
  • A critical review of existing research that shows what remains unresolved and shows originality

Application of Knowledge

Thesis sections: Analytical Framework, Findings

  • Critical analysis of primary and/or secondary sources
  • Appropriate research methods, applied effectively
  • A clear justification of why the methods suit the research question
  • Transparent data management, reproducible where applicable

Reaching Conclusions

Thesis sections: Conclusion & Discussion

  • Well-founded conclusions that follow from the analysis and answer the research question
  • Discussion of the contribution to existing knowledge
  • Honest assessment of limitations, alternative explanations and directions for future research

Communication

Assessed across: Entire thesis

  • Readable academic writing with correct spelling, grammar and terminology
  • A clear, logical structure with effective transitions
  • Consistent citations in a recognized style (see your program overview for requirements)
  • Professional formatting and presentation

Learning Skills (Process)

Assessed by: Supervisor (first reader), based on the research process. See your program overview for how it is weighted.

  • Independence throughout the research process
  • Planning and time management
  • Responsiveness to supervisor feedback
  • Participation in thesis group (if applicable)

Example Thesis Structure

Adapt this structure to your topic and method.

I. Introduction

  • Research question
  • Puzzle and motivation
  • Proposed research plan
  • Roadmap of the chapters

II. Literature Review

  • Review of relevant scholarship, organized by answer where possible
  • What remains unresolved and why it matters

III. Analytical Framework

  • Research design, data sources and methods
  • Methodological concerns and scope conditions

IV. Empirical Findings

  • Presentation and analysis of results
  • Organized by theme, case or research sub-question

V. Conclusion and Discussion

  • Summary of research and key findings
  • Research contributions
  • Limitations and alternative explanations
  • Directions for future research

VI. Bibliography

VII. Appendices (if applicable)

Grade Descriptors

Grade Level Description
9–10 Distinction Outstanding work with excellent understanding of the field, original thinking, and a rigorous, persuasive argument
8–8.9 Merit Excellent understanding, independent thought, and a strong, well-supported argument
7–7.9 Merit Good to very good work, with most criteria met convincingly
6–6.9 Pass Satisfactory understanding and a reasonable argument, with minor shortcomings in some areas
5.1–5.9 No grade issued The faculty does not issue grades in this range
3–5.0 Fail Inadequate understanding, with substantial omissions or weaknesses
1–2.9 Ungradable No significant grasp of the material, or work that is irrelevant, incomplete, or plagiarized

BA vs MA Expectations

The criteria are the same at both levels. The expected depth is not.

Dimension BA (BAIS, BAKS) MA (MAAS, MAIR)
Research question Clear and focused, with a reason from the literature that the answer is not obvious Situated in the field’s theoretical debates, with advanced understanding of them
Literature review Engages with key scholarship and shows what remains unresolved Synthesizes a broader literature within theoretical frameworks
Methodology Appropriate and clearly explained More sophisticated and well justified, with methodological reflexivity
Analysis Sound application of chosen methods Deeper analysis and careful interpretation of findings
Independent contribution Shows capacity for independent research Sustained independent inquiry at an advanced scholarly level
Word count 10,000 (±10%) Up to 15,000, excluding footnotes and bibliography (MAAS) / 15,000 hard max, all elements included (MAIR)

A strong BA thesis shows that you can carry out independent research competently. A strong MA thesis shows deeper scholarly engagement and the capacity for sustained independent research.

Thesis Assessment System

Both readers grade the thesis independently in the Faculty’s digital assessment system, and the two readers have to agree on the final grade. When the two grades differ by two points or more, or when the readers cannot agree, the Board of Examiners appoints a third examiner. The grade is registered in uSis only after you have uploaded the final version of your thesis to the Student Repository.