Study Guide

Objective

After completing this study unit, the students will be able to
• critically evaluate and apply research knowledge and research and development 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 principles of research ethics and ethical guidelines of their professional field
• evaluate the implementation and results of their research and development project and reflect on development of their own competences during it
• communicate of their research and development project and its results to different target groups through appropriate channels

Content

An essential part of Master-level studies is a Master's 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 Master's thesis module is divided into two study units in the curriculum:

- Development work methods and design 5 ECTS (1st semester)
- Implementation and reporting of the development project 25 ECTS (2nd ja 3rd semester)

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 relevant research methods are used during the development process, following principles of good scientific practice and research ethics. The thesis includes documenting and reporting on research and development activities (a thesis report).

Implementation and reporting of the development project study unit on the 2nd and 3rd semester includes the following steps:

• Presenting the research and development plan for the thesis (thesis plan) in a seminar meeting (and for a commissioner)
• Preparing a thesis agreement, once the thesis supervisor (and a commissioner) has approved the thesis plan
• Implementation of the development activities, 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 seminar”) to present and discuss the thesis and in individual supervision meetings at the critical phases of the process
• Reporting on the implementation and results of the research and development work in a written thesis report, following the instructions of the degree programme
• Giving feedback on another student's thesis at the pre-examination phase
• Presentation of the implementation and results in a seminar 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
• Publishing the thesis on the Theseus platform

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 ("thesis plan", for short) 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 2024:
- 17.1.2024 at 15-18
- 31.1.2024 at 15-18
- 28.2.2024 at 15-18
- 10.4.2024 at 15-18
- 15.5.2024 at 15-18


Dissemination seminar for Master's Thesis presentations (for those who wish to graduate in June: 29.5.2024 at 13-18.

Further information

More detailed information is provided in the itslearning course platform: YCDMVS23/22 Master's thesis 2024

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

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