DoD Master’s Thesis Seminar 2024-

Participating in the thesis-related activities:

• Participate in the Thesis Seminar sessions and thesis clinics organized by the Thesis Seminar course and/or programs/majors.

Finding an advisor:

• If you do not have one yet, work on getting a thesis advisor. You should discuss with your supervisor, program/major head, and other faculty who would be suitable advisor(s) for you. A supervisor and an advisor can be the same person, so ask your supervisor if they also can/want to be your advisor. 
• Once you find your advisor, you need to inform your supervisor and add the advisors and their contact information to your MyStudies thesis record.

Working on the Part 1:

• Work to complete the Thesis Part 1 and request support and guidance from supervisor and advisor.
• Part 1 builds the introduction, background, and methodology parts of the thesis document. It consists of a Thesis Plan described in the Thesis Guide and a conceptual framework. 
• If you are using the practice-led research approach, Part 1 can also include practice-driven explorations along with framing of your research. Work with your supervisor and advisor to understand how Part 1 can effectively support your thesis work.
• Part 1 document contains the tentative title of the thesis, student name, program and major, thesis supervisor and thesis advisor(s), extent of thesis, goals set for the research of the thesis, description of the artistic component if the thesis is an artistic work, definition of the thesis scope, methodological choices (a tentative plan on the ways of seeking solutions to the research questions or a description of the starting points and goals of artistic work), language of thesis, planned timetable for thesis completion and financing plan if required by the topic of the thesis. Check Part 1 evaluation criteria and talk with your supervisor and advisor to make sure you have covered the necessary elements.
• Part 1 of the thesis is equal to 10 ECTS or 270 hours of work. 
• It is submitted as a written document according to the program/major's instructions and or based on agreement with the supervisor.

Part 1 submission format

• Part 1 submission document includes:
  • Title page:
    • Student name, student number 
    • Provisional title
    • Supervisor
    • Advisor(s)
  • Table of Contents:
    • Presents the content of the thesis, maximum three levels in depth (levels 1, 1.1, and 1.1.1)
  • Introduction (~2 pages): 
    • What is this thesis about? Why have you chosen this topic? What is its significance, and what are its aims? What could this thesis contribute to debate and practice in your field of design?
  • Background (~4-5 pages): 
    • Review of this topic. What do we know already? What angles, conceptual frameworks and methods have been used? What is the current state of knowledge?
  • Your theoretical/conceptual framework (~1-2 pages): 
    • How do you approach your topic? You can draw on previous literature on the topic, or argue for a different approach.
    • What theoretical or methodological frameworks you ground your work in?
  • Methods (~2-3 pages): 
    • How will you carry out the work? What are you planning to do? How will you collect/make your material? How will you treat/analyze it? How will the methods you are considering help you produce the evidence and analysis that your thesis needs?
  • Timetable with a rough allocation of working hours that fit your thesis path (1-2 pages).
  • List of references
• Part 1 submission format:
  • 10-20 pages (approx. 400 words/page, minimum = 4000 words, maximum = 8000 words)
  • Use the font Times New Roman or equivalent, 12 points, 1,5 spacing.
  • The document can include up to visual material. 
  • Use proper academic text and style. 
  • Use APA referencing style for in-text citations and the List of References.

After submitting Part 1:

• Your supervisor will evaluate the Part 1 submission according to the Evaluation criteria described in the ARTS Master's Thesis Guide 2022, see Appendix 2.
• If no changes are needed to pass Part 1, you will directly receive 10 ects. Your supervisor will give you some feedback on your submission.
• If your Part 1 submission is not sufficient according to the evaluation criteria, your supervisor will inform you what changes you need to make to pass Part 1.