Master’s thesis corresponds to 30 ECTS in total. General regulations on the objectives of Master’s studies in universities of applied sciences as well as regulations on the objectives of the thesis itself are specified in detail in the Government Decree on Universities of Applied Sciences (352/2003, section 7 a (16.6.2005/423) and section 10 (16.6.2005/423).
The general objective of Master’s studies in universities of applied sciences is to provide the student with
1) extensive knowledge of the field in question required for developing working life as well as theoretical knowledge required for being able to work in expert and supervisory duties in the field
2) an in-depth view of the field of study in question and its position in the labour market and in society as well as the ability to follow and understand the development research and professional practices in the field
3) the ability to practice life-long learning and to develop constantly one’s professional competence
4) good communication and language skills required in working life and
5) abilities required for international communication and professional activities.
The objective of the advanced professional studies is to give students an opportunity to deepen their theoretical knowledge by applying theory into practice. The studies also develop students’ analytical skills, project management skills, social skills as well as their ability to take part in R&D work.
The objective of the thesis is to develop and demonstrate students’ skills of applying theoretical knowledge and using the chosen methods to specify and solve workplace problems. The thesis also demonstrates students’ ability to work independently in demanding expert duties.
The Master’s thesis is a development task or applied research based on previously taken courses, previous theoretical research on the topic and knowledge acquired in working life. The thesis aims at solving a problem or a challenge occurred in working life. The purpose is to generate, produce and develop competence for the needs of developing local working life as well as for more general development needs. At its best, a Master’s thesis produces new interdisciplinary information and know-how as well as develops working life and the field in question in an innovative way. In Master’s studies students’ competences develop right from the beginning of the studies.
Students writing their Master’s thesis take a research and development approach to the thesis. Master’s thesis can be characterized as a development project with a research perspective.
The information produced in Master’s theses of universities of applied sciences can be understood through the following levels:
A Master’s thesis should cover all these levels. In other words, mere description of the development task is not enough. What is essential is the development actions taken as well as analyzing the theoretical foundations of those actions and evaluating the development task. This is carried out through careful documentation and reporting of the process.