Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- plan, carry out and evaluate a service development project within a given timeframe by applying appropriate methods
- manage and transform work contexts that are complex, unpredictable and require new strategic approaches
- identify and formulate problems and solutions critically, independently and creatively
- use the specialised problem solving skills required in research and innovation in order to develop new procedures and knowledge and to integrate knowledge from different fields
- take responsibility for contributing to professional practice and knowledge
- carry out and manage project tasks, take initiatives, adopt a developmental approach to work and initiate and implement change processes

Teaching methods

Thesis workshops
Supervision in small groups
Individual supervision

A Canvas learning environment is used to support the implementation.

The thesis process progresses as a collaboration between the student, its commissioner and the supervisors. Students’ work is guided through workshops and personal tutoring.

Learning materials and recommended literature

See https://libguides.laurea.fi/SID

Co-operation with working life and/or RDI

Thesis commissioner
Stakeholders of students R&D projects

Forms of internationality

International student group

Students workload

The extent of the master thesis is 30 ects. One credit equals approximately 26.7 hours of work performed by the student.

Content and scheduling

The aim of the Master’s thesis is to develop the students’ ability to carry out a demanding research and development project independently. The aim is to allow students to deepen their ability to apply theories in practice, their analytical skills, their project management and R&D competence and their social skills. According to the Government Degree (423/2005), the aim of the Master’s thesis is to develop and demonstrate students’ ability to apply research data, to use selected methods for analyzing and solving work life problems and to carry out demanding specialist tasks independently.

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

Thesis evaluation criteria

The quality requirements of the University of Applied Sciences Master’s degree thesis comply with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The thesis is evaluated from the perspective of three dimensions: workplace development, research-orientated approach, as well as independence and creativity:

Workplace development:
- workplace orientation
- cooperation with workplaces
- management of the development process and methods
- applicability of the results to workplaces

Research orientated approach:
- research-orientated settings
- knowledge basis of the thesis
- application of research methods
- reporting

Independence and creativity:
- independence and responsibility of the thesis process
- creativity and problem-solving preparedness
- independent thinking
- innovative or expanded transferability of the thesis results (Table 1).

The thesis is evaluated by the supervisor and another teacher. A workplace representative may also assess the applicability of the thesis. The student receives a written opinion on their thesis, prepared jointly by the teachers who evaluated the thesis.