The course is the third part in a series of three consecutive courses on applied design research. The overall aim of the courses is to provide the students with the methodological skills and knowledge to plan and carry out their Master’s thesis. Special focus is on applied research, design thinking and design science.

Upon the successful completion of the course, the student:

1) is able to formulate a thesis topic description based on practical company and/or societal challenge
2) is able to apply his/her knowledge on research methods, data collection and analysis as well as research ethics in the creation of a thesis topic proposal and the research design of his/her thesis
3) understands the thesis process and is able to follow it
4) is ready to start working on his/her thesis together with the thesis commissioner and thesis supervisors

Master’s level studies. All material and communication is in English. The course Applied Design Research 2 must be completed before this course. At the end of this course, the student must have a thesis topic approved by the academic head of the program.

1) presentation of possible thesis topics by research groups, companies and other organizations
2) writing a thesis topic description based on a challenge presented by a possible thesis commissioner
3) planning a possible research design for a master’s thesis
4) the thesis process

When the implementation type of the course is CONTACT, ONLINE or BLENDED it is required that the student is present during those teaching hours that are marked in the study schedule. If you are absent more than 25 %, your grade will be lowered by one. If you are absent more than 50 %, the course is failed.

The student demonstrates some understanding of how to formulate a thesis topic description based on practical company and/or societal challenges. The student has some, but limited, understanding of the thesis process. This course unit is part of the master's degree's curriculum. Completion of the course requires master's study entitlement.

In addition to the skills and competences mentioned for Grade 1, the student

demonstrates an understanding of how to formulate a thesis topic description based on practical company and/or societal challenges. The student is able to apply his/her knowledge on research methods, data collection and analysis as well as research ethics in the creation of a thesis topic proposal and in the research design of his/her master’s thesis. The student knows the thesis process and can apply it in his/her own master’s thesis project.

In addition to the skills and competences mentioned for Grades 1 and 3, the student is proficient in applying his/her knowledge on research methods, data collection and analysis as well as research ethics in the creation of a thesis topic proposal and in the research design of his/her master’s thesis. The student knows thoroughly the thesis process and can apply it well in his/her own master’s thesis project.

When the implementation type of the course is contact, online or blended it is required that the student is present during those teaching hours that are marked in the study schedule. If you are absent more than 25%, your grade will be lowered by one. If you are absent more than 50%, the course is failed.