Master's Thesis, part 1. (10 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Objective

The student is able to identify development needs and problem areas in his/her own field of study and work, and knows how to design a research plan for the master’s thesis. He/she knows how to review relevant literatures from various academing sources critically and establish a theoretical framework to be applied in the empirical study.

Content

- Process and procedures for the master's thesis
- Master's thesis topic and statement of the thesis problem as as a proposal
- Drafting and presentation of the master's thesis research plan
- Source-critical information retrieval
- Academic writing
- Literature review and the formulation of a theoretical framework

Materials

Stevens, J., & Crawford, S. 2014. Project reporting instructions. Adapted from Raportointiohje [Reporting instructions] by Liukko, S., & Perttula, S. 2013. JAMK University of Applied Sciences’ open learning materials. Accessed on 12 March 2014. Retrieved from http://oppimateriaalit.jamk.fi/projectreportinginstructionsJAMK's thesis-related directions in the Study Guide School-specific directions on Elmo StudentOnline study materials on information retrievalOther relevant materials.

Completion alternatives

An approved thesis proposal and research plan, an approved literature review chapterAn approved literature review chapter including theoretical framework

Student workload

Thesis seminars24 h Independent study 246 h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The course is graded as Pass/Fail, marked as “S (Pass)” and “0 (Fail)”. If the student does not meet the minimum criteria set for the course, the grade is 0 (Fail).

Pass (S)
The student
• is able to identify development needs and problem areas in his/her own field of study and work in cooperation with working life
• develops an appropriate research plan
• knows how to retrieve, process and critically evaluate information, theories, concepts, methods and principles from his/her own field
• is able to compile a evidence-based/research-based body of knowledge in a literature review chapter and cite sources in accordance with JAMK's instructions

The thesis is evaluated summatively following its completion and presentation, on a five-point scale according to thesis-specific criteria: 5 (Excellent), 4 (Very good), 3 (Good), 2 (Satisfactory) and 1 (Sufficient).

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree

Further information

The first part of the master's thesis process.