Master’s Thesis Assessment Criteria

  1. A master’s thesis must be written by the applicant himself or herself, and research results must be independently and individually produced. The content of a thesis cannot include portions that, without permission, encroach upon the originality or ideas of previously published papers or research by anyone other than the applicant.

  2. Students receiving master’s degrees must possess the fundamental research ability needed for their courses and field of study, and the ability necessary to undertake work that calls for a high level of specialization. A master’s thesis must demonstrate with clear and distinct writing that a student has acquired these abilities.

  3. The content of a master’s thesis must have a defined level of academic value recognized in a student’s courses and field of study, and a thesis will receive a high score if it is recognized as making a major contribution to the development of academia.

  4. A master’s thesis will be written in the language specified by a student’s courses and field of study. Additionally, the thesis will include, in appropriate chapters, the background and aims of the research, the state of previous and related research, the position and significance of the research, and the conclusion. Additionally, the title must be written in the same language as the thesis.

  5. Each course and field of study evaluates the thesis after deciding on assessment items appropriate for the research field from among the below assessment items. Further, each course and field of study may add assessment items as needed.
    ● The topic selected and the research method for the topic are appropriate.
    ● Relevant texts have been accurately understood.
    ● Data, archival materials, etc., have been appropriately collected and handled in  accordance with the selected research method.
    ● A basic literature review and consideration of previous research were covered appropriately.
    ● The paper provides original analyses, interpretations, proposals, etc., which cannot be found in existing research.
    ● The main point of the argument is clear and a solid logical progression is evident.
    ● Arguments are made using an appropriate writing style and the paper is well-formed overall.

  6. Master’s theses are assessed according to the following criteria:

    (1)  A thesis that does not fulfill any of the assessment items set by the student’s courses and field of study is given a grade of F.
    (2)  A thesis that does not adequately fulfill several of the assessment items set by the student’s courses and field of study is given a grade of B or C. Further, grades of B or C are given depending on the extent to which a paper fulfills each of the assessment items.
    (3)  A thesis that generally fulfills the assessment items set by the student’s courses and field of study and is recognized as excellent is given a grade of A.
    (4)  A thesis that excels in nearly all the assessment items set by the student’s courses and field of study and is recognized to meet a high standard is given a grade of S. Additionally, in the event of an S, a supplementary explanation providing the reasons behind that assessment will be given at a faculty meeting.