• 2022-09-13: Room number(s) and directions are added to the contact details below.
• 2022-09-09: The Master Thesis Lab is being updated: we will have a limited number of desktop computers ith specialized software, and several laptop-based desks with external screen and peripherals. During this process the existing access registrations to the computers may be locked. We apologize for the inconvience.
• 2022-09-01: The online booking widget was updated, and now requires both the (short) statistical consultation question, as well as an indiciation of previous contact. The online booking widget is now fully functional.
• 2022-08-28: Our new shortened website is live. Some information is rearranged, or has moved to our Brightspace module. We have added an online meeting scheduler (see below). This module is not fully functional yet. If you do not see any options or advisors on multiple days, please email us directly for meeting/consulstation request. The Dutch information page is coming soon! 

The MTL offers a quiet and partially supervised office space, with desks available to connect your own laptop to provided external screen, mouse and keyboard. In addition, a limited number of desktop PCs (Windows) is available to host specialized software for (meta) data analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. We provide several laptop desk spaces with external monitors. In addition, there is a limited number of desktop computers, each with all the necessary software (Word, Excel, SPSS and other specialized software).
The work spaces have adjustable seats and tables and are especially designed for working comfortably for extended periods of time.

Eating and drinking is not allowed in the Lab and long discussions may distract others. Please use the meeting area for those purposes.
We trust you to keep this area clean and tidy!

It is not possible to reserve a desk or a computer in advance.

You can ask our expert colleagues for a dialogue regarding the general thesis process, as a sounding board when in doubt about supervisor comments, (statistical) strategy, or when you find yourself in a more general stressful thesis-related situation. Issues regarding ethics, open science, programming, and more can be addressed via our interactive discussion board so that others can also learn from it, or you can contact us individually through the MTL email. For language or literature support we can assist in coordinating appointments with expert colleagues. You can book statistical consultation (by appointment only) with one of our experts directly through the meeting wizard online (see below), in which we show live updates of (limited) availability.

Please be aware that the MTL provides support and advice, but does not and will not take a supervising position at any time. Final responsibility for all substantive communication and synchronization towards the final thesis lies with you and your supervisor. We kindly ask you to use the MTL services, facilities and time respectfully.

What we do and what we don't do

We do:

• Give advice on how to structure the time spent on your thesis;
• Give advice on general lay-out;
• Help to think about the consequences of your choices;
• Help you with practical SPSS of R problems;
• Make an appointment with the statistical advisors (e.g. for more advanced SPSS or other statistical problems);
• Make an appointment with the staff members of the Master Thesis Lab who are specialized in qualitative research;
• Give you information on where to find information about various aspects of writing your thesis.

We don't:

• Read (parts of your) Master Thesis;
• Give advice concerning the specific and specialist content of your thesis;
• Provide critical comments on the content of your thesis;
• Act as a substitute for your thesis supervisor (also not when your supervisor is not available during a longer period);
• Take responsibility for your choices with respect to any part of your thesis. 

When you are writing your Master's thesis, you might want to have a look at some examples. In the Leiden University Repository there are Master's theses from students from all FSW institutes.

Experts on methodology and statistics from different institutes, are available to you for consultation.

Availability per advisor is limited to 2 hours per week and within fixed hours, usually between 13:00 and 15:00. Due to other (teaching) obligations, consultation time slots may vary per semester or block. 

You can book appointments of 45 minutes via the module below. All statistical consultation are in room 6.C05, in the hallway next to the elevator, or as specified by the advisor.

The statistical consultant provides you with an advice fitting to your research question, timeframe and ability. You are completely free to follow up, ignore or discuss the advice with your thesis supervisor. 

The MTL does not communicate with your thesis supervisor about the (amount of) support or advice given.

You can book a stats consultation meeting directly below. To send a request, an informative description of your questions is required.

Please allow your fellow students to also book a consultation meeting by considering the following:

• book (only) one appointment at a time, to not clog the calendar
• should a followup meeting be needed, please book with the original consultant
• upon required cancellation, do so ahead of time, to allow your fellow student to use the time slot (the booking system currently does not allow for new student bookings if less than 24h in advance!)
• use the consultation time well: fill in your question(s) seriously and prepare for the meeting
   

Email:

scriptieatelier@fsw.leidenuniv.nl. Please note that we will check if you are a registered master thesis student prior to (accepting) a meeting.

Statistical consultation:

appointment for consultation directly through the online module above.

Physical location: We are located on the 6th floor.

Only the blue-door elevators go here. Take the one on the library side of the building, which takes you direcly to the correct side of the 6th floor.

You can also take the stairs from the 5th floor. These are "hidden"  behind the double white doors in the central hallway on the 5th floor. Taking the stairs, go up to the left; this will take you to the correct side of the 6th floor.

6C02 -> consultation room in the staircase hallway
6C05 -> main MTL (with desks) -> 6c05

You can join the MTL facilities by registering for the "Master Thesis Lab" course in uSis. This will enroll you automatically in the MTL Brightspace module, in which we (start to) collect and provide structured questions and answers from our experience and interactions throughout the years. It also enables you to contact the MTL and connect to fellow thesis students.