Procedure for Application and Defense of Master’s Thesis

The topic of the final thesis is selected by the student in agreement with their mentor.

The topic must not be the same or similar to any already defended master’s thesis unless it is based on a significantly different hypothesis.

The topic must also not match or resemble a topic already approved for another student whose thesis has not yet been defended.

The mentor must be a faculty member of the University with scientific credentials in the field of the proposed topic and who is involved in the study program.

The application for the master’s thesis topic is submitted using the prescribed form and must include: the student’s full name and address, proposed thesis title, rationale for the topic, student’s CV, and the mentor’s name. (Form – Master Thesis Topic Application)

The student submits two copies of the application to the Center for Postgraduate Studies.

The Center forwards the application to the Academic-Scientific Council of the relevant department, which decides on the scientific validity of the topic and the student’s eligibility.

Upon receiving approval from the Academic-Scientific Council, the student may begin writing the thesis.

The manuscript of the master’s thesis must include: title page, table of contents, introduction, main body, conclusion, and bibliography.

The title page must contain the following in order: university logo, name of the university (UNIVERSITY OF NOVI PAZAR), department name, centered: author’s name, thesis title, with the note “Master’s Thesis” in parentheses beneath the title. Below that, the name of the mentor must be included. At the bottom of the page, write the place and date of completion. (Example: Master Thesis Title Page).
Download the form here

The table of contents follows, listing the main sections of the thesis along with page numbers.

The introduction should introduce the topic, explain its importance, the reasons for choosing it, and provide an overview of the contents.

In the main body, the student presents the topic, structured into several logical units with appropriate headings and subheadings.

The conclusion presents the findings and results obtained through the thesis.

A bibliography follows, listing all sources used, ordered alphabetically by the authors’ names, with full bibliographic information.

The master’s thesis must be typed using appropriate word processing software.

The thesis must contain at least 40 pages. Page format: A4 (210×297 mm), margins 2.5 cm, line spacing 1.5, font “Times New Roman” size 12. Print on one side only, with mandatory page numbering.

Upon completing the writing of the master’s thesis, the student submits a copy of the thesis manuscript to the mentor for final review through the Center for Postgraduate Studies.

The mentor is obliged to review the manuscript within 15 days of submission and either advise the student on necessary revisions or approve the completion of the research. (Form – Mentor’s Notification of Thesis Completion)

After receiving the mentor’s approval, the student must submit the thesis in electronic form to the university library via email:biblioteka@uninp.edu.rsfor an authenticity check.

If the mentor deems the thesis unsatisfactory, they will invite the student to discuss the objections. If the student fails to make the necessary corrections, the mentor will assign a failing grade, and the thesis cannot be defended at the University.

In that case, the student has the right to propose a new thesis topic.

The time limit for defending the master’s thesis is a maximum of two years from the date the topic was approved. The final version must be submitted to the Center for Postgraduate Studies no later than three months before this deadline.

If the thesis is not defended within that period, the topic becomes void, and the student may reapply for the same topic.

The Department’s Teaching-Scientific Council may, upon the student’s written request, approve a one-year extension for writing and defending the thesis.

The Committee for the Evaluation and Defense of the Master’s Thesis is appointed by the Teaching-Scientific Council of the department. The Committee consists of two faculty members with academic references in the field related to the thesis topic. One member of the Committee is typically the candidate’s mentor.

The Committee is required to submit a Thesis Evaluation Report within 30 (thirty) days from the date the official decision is issued. (Form – Thesis Evaluation)

If the Committee has any objections, the student will be advised to conduct additional research and revise the manuscript accordingly.

If there are no objections from the Committee members, they draft and sign the Evaluation Report and submit three copies to the Center for Postgraduate Studies.

After the Committee gives a positive evaluation, the Center for Postgraduate Studies invites the candidate to submit six bound copies of the thesis in hard cover, burgundy in color with gold lettering, at least five days before the public defense. (Master Thesis)

The date, time, and place of the public defense will be arranged by the Center for Postgraduate Studies in coordination with the Committee and the candidate. The defense is oral and formal.

The public defense is chaired by the President of the Committee. The President initiates the session by presenting the candidate’s basic information. Then, within a maximum of 30 minutes, the candidate presents the thesis content, methodology, and key conclusions. After the presentation, the Committee members ask questions, express comments, and may request further clarifications.

Once the Committee determines the discussion has been sufficient, the President announces the end of the defense,
and the Committee withdraws for a closed deliberation and decision-making.

The President of the Committee publicly announces the result: either “the student did not defend the thesis” (grade 5), or “the student has successfully defended the thesis” and assigns a grade from 6 to 10.

The Committee’s conclusion is recorded in the exam minutes, signed by all Committee members. The President submits the minutes to the responsible staff member no later than the day after the defense.