Thesis in Creative Wellbeing: Development ProjectLaajuus (25 cr)

Objective

After completing the course the student
- can critically evaluate and apply research information

- can use the chosen methods to analyse and solve problems in working life

- can work independently as an expert in demanding contexts in which he/she is managing his/her own and possibly coordinating also the others’ work in a target-oriented way

- can communicate and network in his/her own field and in international environment

- can take into account communal and ethical perspectives of own profession.

Content

The essential part of Master-level studies is a thesis of 30 credits,which in Creative Wellbeing Programme is a development project ( 25 ects). The thesis work starts normally immediately at the beginning of the studies, and it passes through the entire study period, although it is possible that the thesis will follow other studies if necessary. The thesis is integrated with the Research and Development Methods course that preceeds it, formulating 30 ects as a whole.

The thesis is implemented as a development project with a research-based approach and a close connection to practical work. The student carries out his/her development work at his/her workplace, in RDI projects of the Turku University of Applied Sciences, in working life connections or in a manner agreed with the supervisor. The thesis is based on commission, if possible. It is preferable that the thesis is based on an assignment.

The thesis relies on in-depth information gathering and analysis, and the development process utilizes relevant research methods following principles of good scientific practice. The thesis includes documenting and reporting on development activities. The student will become familiar with the methodological skills necessary for development and reporting in the course on research and development methods.

Working consists of the following steps:

1. Presentation of the thesis idea

2. Thesis plan

3. Thesis agreement

4. Implementation, related research information and documentation of the work in accordance with industry practice and in a meaningful way for the thesis

5. Participation in a group supervision (“thesis learning café”) and individual guidance of the thesis

6. Presentation of the results after completion of the thesis

7. Maturity test: The student must write a maturity examination in the field of the thesis. This demonstrates awareness with the subject and the linguistic competence. If the (excellent) competence of the school education language has already been assessed in previous studies, the maturity test will only serve as a test the professional expertise. The maturity test is evaluated on a scale approved/ failed.

8. Ensuring that there is no plagiarism in the thesis and evaluation of the thesis.

Learning methods: Research and development project; participating seminars, and in individual and group tutoring.

Pedagogical methods: Teachers tutoring Master thesis studies act as contact persons, bridge-builders enabling students to become part of project community. Mentoring and feedback from peer students in small groups is organized in order to support student’s active and responsible participation during Master thesis studies. Working life partners are involved in assessment of student’s Master thesis process. The Thesis process as a whole (incl. the methodological part) includes 30 study credits which equals 810 workhours, i.e. app. 20 weeks of full time studying.

The thesis will be evaluated using scale 1–5, applying the evaluation criteria of TUAS Master School. The assessment focuses on RDI-process and reporting on it orally and in writing. TUAS staff is responsible for the summative assessment at the end of the process, and the assessment will be done by two supervisors.