Thesis

All theses produced at Diak are research-based and aimed at developing an area of work. They are usually linked to Diak’s learning environments, workplace development projects and work placement periods.

The thesis can be research-focused i.e. involve a study or report, or a development project, which involves developing, implementing and evaluating new products, practices or processes. A developmental thesis can be produced in the form of a project, product R&D, or a development project.

Theses are mainly produced in pairs or teams of 3–4 students.

Thesis guidelines are provided in the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR).

Thesis work can be carried out in cooperation with an institution, a company or an other organization. For that manner, the student and the “client” are required to sign a cooperation agreement for the thesis work. Please find the form for thesis agreement on the Forms page.

Theses at Diak are workplace-oriented. The work is supervised by a teacher as well as an external expert, usually someone from the world of work.

There are two possible ways to produce a thesis: as a monograph or a series of chapters.

A series can consist of written chapters such as blog posts, interview-based learning assignments or literary reviews. Other possible forms include video and photography, posters, oral presentations in conjunction with professional conferences or training events, and statistical reviews.

A monograph is a single coherent publication, and the most traditional form of a written thesis. A monograph concentrates on a single topic, and the theoretical framework of reference, research questions and methodology are decided in the thesis planning stage.

Your thesis can be considered as research-based if it meets the general criteria for research. Alternatively, it can be a development project or a research and development project leading to a new product, service, model or business idea.