Learning outcomes

Master's Thesis Seminar
During the seminar the student is able to
- give a justified definition for her/his research theme and formulate a set of research questions that problematize the theme
- outline a relevant research plan and design
- find relevant literature and research material
Master's Thesis
The student is to write and submit a master's thesis, which shows that the student has the ability of:
- independent information retrieval
- analysis and criticism of data and sources
- independent knowledge production and application and usage of data, research material and sources

Contents

The thesis seminar will continue throughout the second year. Each student is required to present three papers. Participation in the seminar sessions is compulsory, and the students are required to read each other's papers and provide argumented comments on them.

A master's thesis contains 60-80 1,5 spaced pages plus preliminary pages including a table of contents and a list of references. It should demonstrate sound theoretical and methodological knowledge and expertise in an area or issue relevant to the content of the Master's Programme.
The master's thesis will show that the student:
- is able to define and process the chosen research problem
- shows a readiness in academic thinking
- has a command of the theories and research methods in his/her work
- has become familiar with the subject matter of the thesis and the literature of the field of study
- has skills in academic communication
- has a readiness to work persistently and the ability to discern the entire perspective of his/her work
- give constructive criticism
- manage different phases of the research process
- execute research independently

Students will have supervisors from their own major subjects.

Credits from the Master's thesis are recorded in four parts.
The supervisor of the thesis is responsible for the registration of the credits.

1. Thesis studies I (10 ECTS)
The topic of the work is clearly focused and it has been operationalized into a relevant research question and tasks. There is a clear plan concerning the execution of the work and its schedule and the work is demonstrated to be well on its way. Relevant literature has been identified and considerable part of it has been read and thought trough. In the case of empirical work, the materials and methods of the study have been identified and collection of materials and evidence is on the way. Preliminary text, length approx. 6000 words.
2. Thesis studies II (10 ECTS)
The work is progressing according to the plan and this has been demonstrated in tutorials and seminar sessions. The research task, relevant literature and specific research questions have been clarified. In the case of empirical work, the gathering of source materials or data has progressed and first interpretations about them have been drafted. Preliminary text, length approx. 12 000 words.
3. Thesis studies III (10 ECTS)
The work has been drafted into full length manuscript which clearly shows its structure and allows the readers to judge its evidence and coherence of its interpretation and main arguments. The student receives final feedback and advice from the supervisor before starting the final review of the thesis. Preliminary text, length approx. 18 000 words.
4. Thesis studies IV (10 ECTS)
The thesis has been submitted in a publishable and finalized form. The student has taken the required maturity test and passed it. The text has been cleared through the plagiarization test. The thesis is reviewed and graded. Final manuscript length, approx. 18 000 words.

Evaluation and evaluation criteria

Numeric 1-5.
When assessing the general academic level of the thesis, attention is paid to several, interconnected assessment dimensions, as applicable. These include - the justification, definition and structuring of the research task - the command and assessment of the literature and material relevant to the chosen research questions - the definition and gathering of the required research materials - the selection of and justification for the theory, method and perspective - consistency and attention to detail of the analysis - the critical assessment of the observations and results - a scientific manner of presentation and linguistic delivery

Belongs to following study modules