You may develop a thesis topic or idea based on lectures, discipline-specific literature, scientific publications, or your own experiences. Academic subjects introduce potential research topics, for example, in information sessions, dedicated courses, research group presentations, and on their websites.
Once you have identified a topic that you consider suitable, contact your personal study plan (PSP) counsellor or another designated contact person in accordance with the practices of your degree programme. Discuss your thesis topic and potential supervisors. As a rule, two supervisors are appointed for a thesis, at least one of whom must be a member of the UEF staff. Thesis supervisors are required to hold at least a higher university degree (i.e. Master’s degree).
After identifying suitable supervisors, you should discuss your research topic in more detail (selection of topic, scope, and implementation), agree on supervision arrangements and a schedule, and complete a supervision agreement.
Before commencing the thesis, it is important to prepare a research plan, which will guide the progress of the thesis process. In addition, determine whether a separate research permit is required for your thesis.
The above instructions are general in nature. You must always check the specific practices and guidelines of your own degree programme and act in accordance with them.
UEF Library to support your thesis process:
UEF Library offers the course Information Skills (1 ECTS), which is recommended for students working on their thesis. The course can be included in elective studies if it is not a compulsory course in the curriculum of the degree programme.
The course covers, among other topics: the basics of research data management, information retrieval from discipline-specific databases and data archives, the use of open science in working life, the basic use of the Zotero reference management software, citing different types of sources, thesauri, and the use of artificial intelligence in assigning keywords for one’s own thesis.
For more detailed information, see the discipline-specific course description in the study guide and register for the course in Peppi (link opens in a new tab).
Students are also encouraged to explore the library’s materials on data management and to take advantage of the opportunity for personal guidance in the use of information resources and databases. Further information is available on the library’s website (link opens in a new tab).