Syllabus

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing the course, the student is able to

1. Understand what a Master’s thesis is in their study programme/major;
2. Interpret the Master’s thesis guidelines, processes, and timelines relevant for their study programme/major and apply them to their own thesis process;
3. Plan and execute an independent thesis project.

Credits: 3

Schedule: 02.09.2024 - 16.05.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Pirjo Kääriäinen, Emilija Veselova

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Thesis Seminar is a mandatory course for all Master’s students at the Department of Design in their 2nd study year. The student starts their thesis journey by registering for Thesis Seminar, which will support their work throughout their thesis process. During the first sessions of the course, students familiarise with the thesis guidelines and different types of theses, define their thesis topic, find a supervisor and advisor, and prepare their Thesis Plan. Students work and complete Part 1 and Part 2 by following the schedule of the path they have registered in. The course ends with a Part 3 presentation, before the student submits their final thesis.   The course is organised twice a year: during the periods I-V, and periods III-V. The course activities are organised partly by the Department of Design (joint sessions), and partly by the programmes/majors to support their students’ specific thesis contents.

  Thesis Seminar is one of the four joint courses compulsory for all MA students at the Department of Design, others being INTRO, Design Culture Now and Design Research (1st year).

Assessment Methods and Criteria

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  100% active attendance of all six thesis seminar sessions, completion of course assignments, and the thesis Part 3 presentation are required to pass the course. 

   

Workload

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  The course is taught on campus twice a year: during the periods I-V and during the periods III-V. The course includes lectures, pre- and in-class assignments, a thesis plan proposal presentation, and a thesis Part 3 presentation.

  Workload: 81 h

  • Contact teaching 28 h
  • Independent work 42 h
  • Personal reflection 10 h
  • Giving course feedback 1 h

   

DETAILS

Study Material

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  The Master's Thesis Guide of the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-design/thesis. Additional materials are available in MyCourses.

Substitutes for Courses

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Substitutes for Courses

Prerequisites

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Teaching Language: English

  Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn I - Spring V
  2024-2025 Spring III - V
  2025-2026 Autumn I - Spring V
  2025-2026 Spring III - V

  Registration:

  Registration in Sisu. Min. 5., max 120 students. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture, https//www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-at-aalto-arts  

Description