Course content

The master’s thesis in Art and Crafts must demonstrate that the candidate is capable of working independently, creatively, and based on research. The project must be grounded in both practical, exploratory and creative processes, as well as theoretical and research-based perspectives that are relevant to the field of Art and Crafts in the context of the teaching profession. The master’s thesis is an independent work informed by critical, ethical, and methodological considerations. Supervision is a central and mandatory part of the course.

The master’s thesis can be structured in two ways:

• A written approach: a purely written, academic research thesis
• A practical, creative and exploratory approach: a project that combines practical creative work with a written dissertation

In both cases, the student must justify their methodological and epistemological choices in the thesis and demonstrate how these choices shape the research design. The difference between the two approaches lies in how the research is conducted and communicated. The written thesis is based on textual analysis and theoretical discussion, while the creative thesis is based on exploratory work through material, technique, and form.

In theses with a practical, creative and exploratory component alongside a written component, a practical, exploratory, and creative work is combined with a written work. The practical creative part must be documented, examined, and presented in such a way that it complements the written part, and vice versa. Both constitute distinct parts of the thesis but are mutually dependent and assessed as a whole.

Approximately half of the study period is devoted to the practical, creative work, while the expected scope of the written part is halved compared to a purely written master’s thesis without a practical component. The physical outcomes must be presented in an exhibition that communicates process, reflection, and result - and supplements the written text’s research design. The written thesis and the practical presentation (exhibition) may be supplemented with digital, auditory, or audiovisual documentation (for example, in the form of a multimodal log).

Regardless of the chosen approach, the master’s thesis must demonstrate an understanding of the core tasks of the Art and Crafts subject: practical, exploratory, and creative work through materiality, tools, technique, and procedures, where aesthetic learning and pedagogical and didactic dimensions are central. The student must demonstrate reflection on the connections between practice, exploration, theory, and research considering the role of Art and Crafts in education and society.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, the student has:

• deep knowledge of exploratory, creative, and research-based practice in Art and Crafts,
• an understanding of how materiality, tools, techniques, and procedures influence creative processes, aesthetic learning, and subject didactic perspectives,
• insight into the relationship between research design, theory, method, empirical data, and analysis,
• knowledge of the epistemological and ethical frameworks for research and development work in the field of Art and Crafts.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, the student can:

• formulate and delimit a research question and develop a feasible research design,
• plan, carry out, document, and explore a research or development project,
• analyse and reflect on their own findings, practices, and creative processes in light of relevant theory,
• critically assess how theory, method, materials, tools, and process influence the research process and outcomes,
• communicate research work and results in written, oral, and visual forms.

General Competence

Upon completion of the course, the student can:

• use supervision actively and reflectively as support in their own professional development,
• participate in professional dialogue and collaboration with fellow students, supervisors, and peers on research and development work,
• work independently, responsibly, and with ethical awareness in research and development projects,
• explore and apply current theory in the academic and research field to contribute to new thinking and innovation (aesthetic, pedagogical, and subject didactic renewal),
• contribute to professional, pedagogical, and didactic development in the field of Art and Crafts,
• communicate research and development work to the professional community, education, and the public.

Learning methods and activities

The master’s thesis is carried out individually and combines independent research work with either creative or theoretical development work, depending on the chosen approach. The work takes place over one semester and requires a high degree of independence, reflection, and continuity. The learning methods include:

Independent Work and Supervision

• Students work independently on their own project throughout the semester (either with a focus on practical, exploratory and creative research work - or on theoretical and written research work).
• Supervision is conducted individually and/or in groups. A minimum of five supervision sessions is mandatory.
• The student submits a project plan at the beginning of the project period, which must be approved by the supervisor before further work continues.

Academic Community and Seminars

• Seminars and reflection sessions are organized where students share work in progress, give and receive peer feedback, and discuss practical, methodological, and theoretical challenges.
• The seminars contribute to developing an academic community and strengthen the ability for critical reflection and dialogue - and are intended to support both the practical-exploratory, written, and creative work.

Presentations and Milestones

• During the process, the student must present their project at a midterm seminar (orally and/or visually) to receive academic feedback.
• At the end of the semester, the work is presented in its near-final form. This may include written text, creative work, and relevant documentation (such as an exhibition, presentation, or multimodal log).

Administrative and Academic Framework

• A written agreement is made between the student, supervisor, and department, regulating the master's process and clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
• The student is responsible for establishing necessary contacts and collaborations with external institutions in consultation with the supervisor

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory activities according to the course description

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

It is recommended that all Art and Crafts courses in the fourth and fifth years of the primary and lower secondary teacher education program are passed.

Required previous knowledge

Passed Art and Crafts 1 and Art and Crafts 2 (a total of 60 ECTS credits).

Course materials

The final reading list will be published on Canvas before the start of the semester.