Keywords

Learning outcomes

After completing the thesis a student:

- learn to focus on the specific phenomenon in cultural studies
- learn to define the phenomenon at hand, form a research question and write an independent, theoretical and empirical research on the topic
- is able to show her/his familiarity on particular research area and methods
- is able to indicate her/his ability to process and report a research topic

Contents

The student will write and present a Master's thesis with solid theoretical and methodological basis in the area relevant to the programme.
Credits from the pro gradu thesis are recorded in four parts. The supervisor of the thesis is responsible for the registration of the credits.

1. Thesis studies I (5 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 for example 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 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 of 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.

4. Thesis studies IV (10 ECTS)
The thesis has been submitted in a publishable and finalized form. The student has taken the required maturity tests and passed them. The text has been cleared through the plagiarization test. The thesis is reviewed and graded.

Teaching methods

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 guideline on the learning outcomes in degrees at different levels issued by the University of Tampere Doctoral School: https://intra.uta.fi/portal/documents/159280/362455/htk_tutkintojen_opseissa_ohje_15102014.pdf/8c8044f5-b127-42b8-9ee8-9d99277d0877
(see also: https://intra.uta.fi/portal/documents/159280/5e9e2e46-ce8f-480b-8181-1c93e173a84c)

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

Belongs to following study modules

2018–2019

Teaching

Archived Teaching Schedule. Please refer to current Teaching Shedule.

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