scriptie

Scriptie is a substantial written assignment required to complete a degree in many Dutch-language higher education programs. The term is commonly used in the Netherlands and in Flanders, and it is generally equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s thesis. For doctoral study, the final written work is typically called a proefschrift and has different requirements.

A scriptie centers on an original research question or a systematic review of existing literature. It presents the aims, theoretical framework, methodology, data collection and analysis, results, and a discussion that leads to conclusions. The work is prepared under supervision and submitted for assessment to an examination committee; in many programs an oral defense or presentation accompanies the written submission. Institutional guidelines typically govern formatting, citations, language, and ethical standards, including plagiarism checks.

Typical structure includes a title page and abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, results or findings, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendices. Length and scope vary by program, level of study, and institution. Some programs require the scriptie to be publicly accessible through the university library or an online repository.

A scriptie serves as evidence of the student’s ability to conduct independent research, synthesize information, and communicate clearly. It is distinct from a doctoral dissertation in depth and originality, and from shorter essays or term papers. The specifics depend on national and institutional rules.