Avhandling

Avhandling is a scholarly term used in Swedish and Norwegian to denote a formal research paper that presents original findings. It is typically associated with higher education and is most commonly required for certain doctoral degrees, and in some contexts for licentiate degrees. The word refers to the written work itself, not the oral examination that may accompany it. In Finland Swedish usage, the concept is similar, even as local degree labels may differ.

A standard avhandling is a substantial document that outlines a research problem, frames it within existing literature, and demonstrates original contribution through methods and analysis. It usually includes an abstract, introduction, literature review, theoretical or methodological framework, data or experiments, results, discussion, conclusions, and a bibliography. Appendices may contain supplementary materials, data sets, or additional analyses. The exact structure can vary by discipline and institution but remains focused on clear argumentation and evidence.

The publication and examination process typically involves submission to a university faculty or department, followed by evaluation by one or more examiners or a doctoral committee. For doctoral or licentiate degrees, the avhandling is often presented in a public disputation or defense, where the candidate answers questions from opponents and demonstrates the validity and significance of the work. A successful defense and favorable committee verdict grant the degree.

Terminology varies by country: avhandling generally refers to a doctoral (and sometimes licentiate) dissertation, while a master’s thesis has its own designation (for example, masteroppgave in Norwegian). Avhandling may also be published as part of a dissertation series or in academic journals.