Study Guide

Objective

After completing this course, the students will be able to
• critically evaluate and apply research knowledge
• use the chosen methods to analyse ja solve problems in working life
• work independently as an expert in demanding contexts in which he/she is managing his/her own and possibly also the others’ work in a target-oriented way
• communicate and network in his/her own field and in international environment
• take into account communal and ethical perspectives of his/her professional field

Content

An essential part of Master-level studies is a thesis of 30 credits. The thesis process starts immediately at the beginning of the studies, and it continues through the entire cycle of studies.

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.

In Master’s programmes in Culture and Arts, the thesis is divided in two parts:
- A 5 credits course Development work methods and design (1st semester), and
- Implementation and reporting of the development project, 25 credits (2nd ja 3rd semester).

Implementation and reporting of the development project (25 ECTS) includes the following steps:
• Presenting the thesis plan and finalizing it making use of feedback
• Thesis agreement
• Implementation, related research activities and documentation of the work in accordance with industry practice and in a meaningful way for the thesis
• Participation in group supervision sessions (“thesis learning café”) and individual guidance of the thesis
• Presentation of the results after completion of the thesis
• 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.
• Ensuring that there is no plagiarism in the thesis and evaluation of the thesis

Materials

Relevant methodology guides, and prior research and professional literature on the topic of a student's thesis.

Teaching methods

- Seminar meeting for presenting thesis work during the process and in the end of it
- Discussions in seminar meetings
- Giving and receiving peer feedback on the thesis
- Individual tutoring meetings with thesis supervisors

Content scheduling

During the Implementation and Reporting of the Development Project study unit (= Master's thesis, for short) students:
- present a research and development plan for their Master's thesis in a seminar
- do fieldwork, i.e. implement the planned research and development activities for their thesis
- report on their research and development work, i.e. write their thesis report
- present a disposition and a draft of the Introduction chapter in a seminar
- give peer feedback on a fellow student's masters thesis at the pre-examination phase
- give a presentation of their thesis project and its results in the end of the process (Dissemination Seminar)
- write a maturity examination, i.e. a media release or an online article on their thesis project


Seminar meetings take place once a month during the 2nd and 3rd semester.
Seminars on spring semester 2023:

- WED 18.1. at 16–18/19 (depending on the number of participants)
- WED 8.2. at 16–18/19
- WED 8.3. at 16–18/19
- WED 12.4. at 16–18/19
- WED 3.5. at 16–18/19

WED 31.5. at 14–18/19 Dissemination seminar for Master's Thesis presentations (for those who wish to graduate in June; including YCDMVS21 group)

Further information

More detailed information is provided in the itslearning course platform: YCDMVS22 Master's thesis

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Thesis is evaluated according to the general Master's thesis evaluation criteria in Turku UAS.