Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

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

Teaching methods

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

Location and time

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

Learning materials and recommended literature

Appropriate research methodology literature
Current literature in the field

Alternative completion methods of implementation

N/A

Internship and working life 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.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

N/A

International connections

Approved performance requires international source literature.

Student workload

30 cr corresponds to 810 hours of student work

Content scheduling

Suositellaan opinnäytetyön suorittamista kolmessa lukukaudessa

Further information for students

The primary guidance method for the thesis is group guidance (e.g., seminars and workshops), with the option to arrange individual guidance as needed. Some workshops are mandatory. For more details, see Moodle.

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.

Artificial intelligence can serve as support for a thesis but not as the author. More detailed guidance on using AI and citation instructions can be found on the Student Dashboard.

Assessment methods and criteria

Seminars, workshops, opponent, maturity test, Turnitin

Evaluation scale

0-5

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).