The topic of study as well as the approach are agreed upon by the student and the supervisor together. The chosen thesis supervisor has demonstrable expertise in either the topic of the study or the approach, or both. The thesis demonstrates knowledge of the field and makes an original contribution to new media theory and/or practice. The thesis also may contain empirical and digital-methodological components. Finally the student may complete his or her thesis requirements with a new media project, and a write-up that places the project in a new media lineage and discourse. All theses must conform to the formal norms and rules set out for the M.A. thesis.
For more details, see “Thesis Guidelines Media Studies” and "Thesis Regulations Media Studies" on the website for students of the Master's in New Media: http://www.student.uva.nl/mnm/object.cfm/972D7C58-1321-B0BE-686BA06DA6EBF1CA.