• Independently acquire theoretical and methodological knowledge that is used to gain an advanced understanding of domain of Innovation Sciences in the context of both organisations and society at large;
• Independently plan and conduct an academic research within the domain of Innovation Sciences in a creative way; 
• Independently apply knowledge, research methods, and problem-solving abilities with the aim of making both a scientific and professional contribution to the domain of  Innovation Sciences;
• Demonstrate to have insight into the complex interactions between science, innovative technology and society and to be able to reflect critically upon the roles of science and technology in organisations and society;
• Demonstrate the academic and professional skills related to Innovation Sciences in an empirical academic research project;
• Apply knowledge and understanding in such a way that he or she demonstrates a professional approach to the research project;
• To communicate the conclusions of the research as well as the knowledge, reasons and considerations underlying these conclusions, to an audience of specialists (mandatory) and non-specialists (optional);
• Conduct a full research cycle within a restricted amount of time.

During the Master’s thesis, students will specialise in a subject that fits with current research themes within Innovation Studies, that are posted on the IS-website.  Depending on their ambition and interests, students focus on one of these research themes and develop their own research question, with support from their supervisor. The student draws on the content of the courses in the IS programme.
The research can (partly) take place in an organisation other than the university, depending on the data needed to answer the research question In general, a wide range of firms and institutions are possible locations to perform parts of your MSc thesis, including those in other countries. The first step, however, is to select a research theme and the concomitant supervisor.