Course syllabus - Thesis for the Degree of Master in Innovation and Design

Objectives

The course aims to let the student show her/his ability to plan, implement and report an independent work in the field of innovation and design. The aim is also that students deepen their ability to think critically and integrate acquired knowledge, experience and skills and thereby further deepen their understanding of a topic related to the field of innovation and design.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student shall:
 
1. to be able to identify and define a societal or organizational challenge in the area of innovation and design
2. be able to discuss and evaluate the need for further knowledge related to the area
3. be able to use theories along with relevant methods to analyze data the intention of generating knowledge in innovation and design
4. be able to plan, evaluate and critically discuss their own work based on ethical considerations, and from the perspective of sustainability
5. be able to critically analyze, evaluate and discuss the creation of knowledge in innovation and design from several perspectives in a systematic and scientific way
6. give a clear account of and discuss their conclusions, the knowledge and arguments underlying these conclusions
7. be able to evaluate the thesis conclusions in relation to the identified need for knowledge and motivate further knowledge needs in the area

Course content

In this course, students will produce a degree project under instructor supervision. The thesis project should be based on a societal or organizational challenge. In the thesis the student develops or uses a relevant theoretical framework and research methods to collect data, which is analyzed and presented in a thesis and in an oral presentation. 

Specific requirements

30 credits of completed courses at advanced level in the main field of study Innovation and design, including 10 credits in research methods. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course A/English course 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 3.

Examination

Written assignment (INL1), 7 credits, (examines the learning outcomes 1-4), marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Written assignment (INL2), 18 credits, (examines the learning outcomes 1-7), marks Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG)
Seminar (SEM1), 5 credits, (examines the learning outcomes 6 and 7), marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course completely overlaps with PPU501 Master Thesis Work, Innovation and Design and ITE500 Thesis for the Degree of Master in Innovation and Design.