Master’s Thesis (30 cr)

Objective

The student is able to plan, implement and evaluate a thesis in cooperation with working life. The student is able to critically and effectively apply the research and expert knowledge of the field and follow the research ethics. The student is able to choose appropriate research and development strategies and methods to address the development needs and solve challenges of working life. In their work, the student is able to take initiative, act innovatively, and demonstrate good development and change management abilities, applying the principles of sustainable development. The student is able to work independently as an expert, developer and reformer of the field and to build collaboration with working life in order to produce useful information and develop its operations. The student is able to make justified decisions during the different phases of the thesis process. The student is able to produce a written thesis report according to good research and development reporting and shows ability for professional communication nationally and internationally. In the maturity test, the student independently demonstrates solid knowledge and skills associated with the thesis’ subject area and is able to communicate the results in a professional manner.

Content

• Selection and analysis of the topic
• Formulating a research or development plan
• Research permission
• Agreement on thesis collaboration
• Implementation of the research or development process
• Thesis reporting and maturity test

Location and time

Seminars and workshops according to the schedule
The supervisor of the thesis announces the implementation of the seminars
The workshop schedule is presented in Moodle: YAMK-opinnäytetyöprosessi

Materials

Appropriate research methodology literature
Current literature in the field

Teaching methods

Independent study
Group guidance such as seminars and work shops
Individual guidance
Opponent

Employer connections

The thesis is based on working life and is done under the supervision of a working life supervisor, as agreed. The main responsibility for supervision and assessment lies with the supervising teacher.

International connections

Approved performance requires international source literature.

Student workload

30 cr corresponds to 810 hours of student work.

Content scheduling

It is recommended to complete the course by the end of the second study year.

Further information

The primary form of supervision of the thesis is group supervision (eg. seminars and workshops), in addition to which individual supervision can be agreed.

The assignments and MATERIALS prepared by the teacher are works in accordance with the Copyright Act (404/61) for which the teacher has copyright. Assignments AND MATERIALS may not be used except in their own studies. Their public distribution is only allowed with the permission of the teacher.

Other students' works are confidential.

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

For the assessment criteria, please refer to the master’s thesis assessment criteria (Appendix - THESIS ASSESSMENT CRITERIA).

Assessment criteria, good (3)

For the assessment criteria, please refer to the Master’s thesis assessment criteria (Appendix - THESIS ASSESSMENT CRITERIA).

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

For the assessment criteria, please refer to the Master’s thesis assessment criteria (Appendix - THESIS ASSESSMENT CRITERIA).

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

For the assessment criteria, please refer to the Master’s thesis assessment criteria (Appendix - THESIS ASSESSMENT CRITERIA).

Assessment methods and criteria

Approved completion of the thesis requires planning, implementation and reporting phases. Participation to seminars and workshops at different stages of the thesis process.
Opposing

See thesis evaluation framework.

Objective

The student is able to plan, implement and evaluate a thesis in cooperation with working life. The student is able to critically and effectively apply the research and expert knowledge of the field and follow the research ethics. The student is able to choose appropriate research and development strategies and methods to address the development needs and solve challenges of working life. In their work, the student is able to take initiative, act innovatively, and demonstrate good development and change management abilities, applying the principles of sustainable development. The student is able to work independently as an expert, developer and reformer of the field and to build collaboration with working life in order to produce useful information and develop its operations. The student is able to make justified decisions during the different phases of the thesis process. The student is able to produce a written thesis report according to good research and development reporting and shows ability for professional communication nationally and internationally. In the maturity test, the student independently demonstrates solid knowledge and skills associated with the thesis’ subject area and is able to communicate the results in a professional manner.

Content

• Selection and analysis of the topic
• Formulating a research or development plan
• Research permission
• Agreement on thesis collaboration
• Implementation of the research or development process
• Thesis reporting and maturity test