The benefits of thesis in higher education studies – Alumni perspective

Authors

• Hannu Kotila Haaga-Helia ammatillinen opettajakorkeakoulu
• Liisa Vanhanen-Nuutinen Haaga-Helia ammatillinen opettajakorkeakoulu
• Kimmo Mäki Haaga-Helia ammatillinen opettajakorkeakoulu
• Altti Lagstedt Haaga-Helia ammattikorkeakoulu
• Aki Taanila Haaga-Helia ammattikorkeakoulu
• Pirjo Aura Haaga-Helia ammatillinen opettajakorkeakoulu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54329/akakk.115627

Keywords:

higher education degree, thesis, benefits

Abstract

The research of theses in higher education have focused on student’s professional growth, supervision, evaluation and completion of thesis work. This article examines the experiences of higher education graduates, alumni, about thesis and its benefits.

The data was collected via alumni survey, which was done in spring 2020. The target group had graduated from the University of Applied Sciences two years earlier. This article is based on data of 644 alumni and, as sub-data, on the responses of graduates of the three largest degree programmes (n=296). The data were analysed by descriptive statistical methods and, in addition, the associations between the variables were tested. The open-ended questions were analysed by thematic content analysis.

According to the results, the form of thesis (research, functional or diary) was related to the perceived benefits. Thesis was most beneficial to development of expertise. In the thesis process following competencies were emphasised: scientific writing, systematic information processing, information retrieval and justification of activities.