Master's ThesisLaajuus (30 ECTS)

Objective

The master’s thesis aims to develop and demonstrate the ability to apply scientific knowledge and use the chosen methods of working life for analyzing and solving problems, and readiness for independent and demanding expert work.
The student concentrates on working unsupervised and carries out the Master's Thesis project. The student deepens his or her professional knowledge and expertise and learns to take responsibility for projects. The student learns to evaluate his or her own expertise and complements the expertise appropriately. During this process the student applies the data search methods relevant to his or her own field of study, adapts previously acquired information with new information and creates new solutions and interpretations. The student will learn to perceive details as parts of a larger context. The student knows how to write a report to describe, analyse and clarify the process and the results of the project.
For the degree the students have to write the maturity test, which indicates familiarity with the research field and also Finnish or Swedish language skills.

Content

-applying theory into practice
-argumentation and justification of the choices made
-innovation, planning
-methods
-reflection
-data management
-problem solving
-independent working skills
The purpose of the Master's Thesis project is to enhance the student’s problem solving ability, creativity and independent working skills. The project is carried out as a scientific, operational or artistic development task, and it always includes a written report. It can be a design project, a development project, a survey, an assessment project or an operational or artistic unit. The project uses research results and applies proven work and research methods.
Connected to the professional studies, the Master's Thesis project is carried out as an individual project. The student is guided in the final year project by a teacher from the degree programme together with other expert instructors, and nowadays often an instructor from the working life. The purpose of the Master's Thesis project is to enhance the student’s professional expertise and enable him or her to be employed in expert positions.
The stages of the Master's Thesis project include selection of subject, scope definition, project planning, data acquisition, material collection and analysis, development and realisation of ideas, assessment, and report writing. Even though there are similar features in the process, the Master's Thesis project is always one of the kind, since the student, subject and field are different. The Master's Thesis project is terminated by a maturity test where the student proves his or her expertise in the subject matter and in Finnish language. (Stipulated in statute 352/2003 on universities of applied sciences.)
The Master's Thesis project , being part of the practical research and development work of Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, is often carried out as a part of wider, diversified projects of the school or the surrounding community.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Theoretical arguments are limited. Use of terms and definitions is insufficient. Defining of the topic is mainly made by the instructor. Management and use of methods and working practices is mostly inadequate and inconsistent. The work will benefit the company satisfactorily. The student needs support during the process at various stages on keeping schedule, or the job is not on schedule. The work and management of the subject shows some professionalism. The language and style is uneven, and it has breaches in style and listings. Oral presentation relies heavily on pre-produced material.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Theoretical arguments are appropriate and clear, use of terms and definitions is explicit. Defining of the topic and goals is structured and usage of methods is appropriate. The work will benefit the company in some extent. The student has done work independently and with cooperative process keeping time schedule at different stages. The student is able to assess his/her development of skills in relation to the sector-specific competencies. The student's work shows the development of expertise and professionalism. Written report is structured and language is fluent and appearance excellent. Oral reporting is instructive, interactive and meant for target group. Work has plenty of resources.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Theoretical arguments are based on critically selected knowledge. Use of terms and definitions is analytical and varied. Defining the topic is clear and justified. Goal setting is excellent, and methods and use and management of work are innovative and independent. The work will benefit extensively company and the work and its results are relevant for working life. The student is self-directed and has acted in a responsible manner.The work will benefit extensively the company and the work and its results are relevant for working life. The student is able to assess his/her development of skills in relation to the sector-specific competencies and research in his/her field. The linguistic form of the report is excellent. Student is able to successfully communicate the results to multiple stakeholders, showing the ability to think critically and further developing expertise. Sources have been used in a commendably diverse way and critically.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Theoretical arguments are limited. Use of terms and definitions is insufficient. Defining of the topic is mainly made by the instructor. Management and use of methods and working practices is mostly inadequate and inconsistent. The work will benefit the company satisfactorily. The student needs support during the process at various stages on keeping schedule, or the job is not on schedule. The work and management of the subject shows some professionalism. The language and style is uneven, and it has breaches in style and listings. Oral presentation relies heavily on pre-produced material.