General description
Research and analysis track.
The course is offered at the University of Tampere.
Learning outcomes
Students should be able to:
- identify a research topic and formulate a research question that furthers the knowledge within a field relevant to higher education management
- conduct a thorough literature review and present the results of the review in an evaluative manner
- conduct a comprehensive study in accordance with the scientific practices pertaining to the methods chosen, including collecting, analysing and presenting the results in accordance with the ontological and epistemological foundations of the theoretical perspectives employed
- make a well-argued empirical, theoretical, and/or methodological contribution to the chosen research field from a scientific study
- be able to provide implications for practice as well as for future research
- defend the research conducted, and evaluate and discuss other’s research in a constructive and critical manner
- present results of a scientific study to an audience outside of the specific area of expertise.
Contents
- Developing a research project (formulation of research topic and research questions)
- Research methods in theory an practice
- Developing the analytical framework
- Selection and review of literature
- Academic writing: How to write a master’s thesis
- Individual guidance through the research topic
- Presentations of own research proposals and results
Teaching methods
| Teaching method | Contact | Online |
| Personal instruction | 20 h | 0 h |
| Independent work | 690 h | 0 h |
| Seminar | 40 h | 0 h |
Guided Readings, lectures and workshops.
Teaching language
EnglishModes of study
- Degree Programme Students
- Other Students
- Open University Students
- Doctoral Students
- Exchange Students
Lectures, workshops and group work 40 hours
Supervision 20 hours
Paper and presentation 690 hours
Total 750 hours
The master’s thesis is an academic study attainment. When students write their master’s theses they should observe sound scientific practice and ethical principles of studying and conducting research as befits the learning outcomes described in the curriculum.
When a student submits a master’s thesis for examination, s/he is expected to know and observe the sound scientific practice appropriate to the level of the degree s/he is completing. Please see the guidelines on the learning outcomes in degrees at different levels at https://intra.uta.fi/portal/documents/159280/362455/htk_tutkintojen_opseissa_ohje_15102014_en.pdf/29275e5f-a8c6-4e0a-ad65-5fded4a1b316
From 1 August 2015 and in order to ensure sound scientific practice, the text of all master’s theses will be checked by the supervisor in the Turnitin plagiarism detection software before grading.
Evaluation and evaluation criteria
Numeric 1-5.The master’s thesis is evaluated based on the following factors: • the way the student has applied the main concepts, theories and disciplinary perspectives from the field of higher education research as introduced during the programme, • the coherence of the thesis, i.e. the way in which the student has linked research questions with the theories and concepts, the empirical analysis, and the main conclusions, and • the relevance of the thesis topic.
Belongs to following study modules
2018–2019
