Master Thesis Plan (10cr)

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Content scheduling

First semester (2 ECTS):
- Thesis idea workshop & approved thesis idea, 1 ECTS
- Online course: Basics of information retrieval, 1 ECTS

Second semester (8 ECTS):
- Participation in the joint planning info session of the TERHY Master School
- Planning workshop
- Approved thesis plan, 7 ECTS
- Signed thesis agreement, 1 ECTS

Objective

After completing the course, the student is able to:
· describe the needs, conditions and rationale of the thesis in the context of the organization or project where it is carried out
· retrieve data systematically from both domestic and international databases
· write a theoretical framework for the thesis
· state the aim(s), purpose(s), research task(s) and outcome(s) of the Master thesis
· define development, research and evaluation methodology used in the project implementation
· write a feasible thesis plan and research plan when required
· describe one’s own role as an expert and thesis worker
· discuss issues related to ethics and reliability
· assess and anticipate the possible risks related to the thesis

Content

· Online course on information retrieval (1cr)
· Ideaworkshop
· Planning workshop
· Peer feedback
· Master thesis plan (if necessary, the research plan as attachment)
· Master thesis agreement

Materials

National and international publications related to the thesis topic, as well as literature on development and research methods.

Teaching methods

- Research-based learning
- Peer learning
- Reflective learning

Exam schedules

No examination.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Socio-cultural learning concept as combined with fostering innovation. Learning and applied RDI (Research, Development and Innovation) activities are integrated with the development needs of working life. Sustainable development is taken into account as an integral part of the process.

Completion alternatives

There are no alternative options for completion.

Student workload

First semester (2 ECTS):
- Participation in individual and group supervision sessions, as well as workshops.
- Familiarization with the thesis course description and guidelines.
- Completion of the online course on information retrieval.
- Ideation of the thesis topic, securing a client organization, and building the knowledge base.

Second semester (8ECTS):
- Participation in the planning info session at the beginning of the semester.
- Participation in individual and group supervision sessions, as well as workshops.
- Active dialogue with the client organization.
- Preparation of the thesis plan.
- Signing of the thesis agreement.
- When needed, applying for thesis/research permission and preparing other necessary documents (e.g., information sheet, consent form, data protection notice/statement).

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Accepted: The ideation and planning of the thesis have progressed appropriately. The student has completed the assigned tasks, demonstrating that the plan meets the required criteria (see the thesis course description and the Master’s thesis guidelines in Messi).

Failed: The ideation and planning of the thesis have not progressed appropriately. The student has not completed the assigned tasks, or the tasks do not demonstrate that the plan meets the required criteria (see the thesis course description and the Master’s thesis guidelines in Messi).

Evaluation methods and criteria

Thesis ideation and planning are in accordance with the guidelines. The thesis agreement has been accepted and signed.

Further information

The student schedules individual supervision sessions with their assigned supervisor according to the instructions provided. The student agrees with the client organization on the mode of communication (e.g. email or TEAMS).