KDK3910 Bachelor Thesis Course description

The bachelor’s thesis in art and design - art and dissemination programme option is based on a chosen area of specialisation and comprises the following two parts:  

• a practical-aesthetic and written theory work
• an oral and visual presentation

Research methodology and how to write a thesis

The bachelor’s thesis is based on a chosen area of specialisation within the field of art and dissemination. Art theory is a key aspect of the course. During the work on the bachelor’s thesis, the students shall develop the ability to reflect in an academic context and put their practical training into writing.

The bachelor’s thesis:

In the bachelor’s thesis, the student explores a research question. The bachelor’s thesis shall be based on the student’s own practical creative production in a dissemination perspective. The students shall use the practical and theoretical expertise they have acquired throughout the programme of study in the bachelor’s thesis.

The course starts off with the preparatory project Professional Identity - Exhibition and Portfolio. 

Passed the course KDK3000 Art, Dissemination and Context.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has broad knowledge of important topics, theories, issues, processes, tools and methods relating to the field of art and dissemination
• has an interest in society and is innovative in his/her knowledge of the field
• has good knowledge of research and development work in the field

Skills

The student:

• is capable of identifying, formulating, structuring and carrying out projects in art and dissemination both independently and together with others
• is capable of applying project-based work methods and developing adapted specific contexts
• is capable of applying theory of science and methodology, and relevant theories and methods in the field to his or her own work
• is capable of seeing and discussing his or her own professional practice in relation to current trends, relevant theory, specified framework conditions, the field of practice and communicating his or her own professional expertise
• is capable of demonstrating his or her own expertise in writing, orally, in digital formats and in other relevant forms of expression

General competence

The student:

• is capable of participating in different art productions and developing dissemination strategies in art dissemination in the private and public sector
• is familiar with new ideas and innovative processes
• is capable of applying art and methodology theory, and theory of science
• is capable of planning and carrying out varied tasks and projects that take place over time, alone or as part of a group, and in accordance with ethical and ecological requirements and guidelines
• is familiar with exploratory and experimental methods for ideation and problem solving, and can present field-related problems and tests orally and in writing and in other relevant forms of expression
• has insight into relevant academic and professional ethical issues and has developed his or her ability for critical thinking
• has knowledge of project management and innovation in the field

The course starts off with the preparatory project Professional Identity - Exhibition and Portfolio (individual and group work) that focuses on different dissemination strategies with an emphasis on practical-aesthetical work in relation with theoretical reflection.

Most of the work with the thesis will take the form of independent work in supervision situations and through process-oriented writing linked to research methodology work. The students will be given responsibility for their own learning and for organising and carrying out the work.

In order to be permitted to sit the exam in the course, the following compulsory coursework must have been completed and approved:    Project Professional Identity - Exhibition and Portfolio (individual and group work):

• A portfolio (individual work)
• A group exhibition (individual and group work)

The bachelor project:

• submission of a written project outline with progress schedule
• give a talk on testing of an art project at a seminar for fellow students and lecturers with a talk on the research question and research design  

The required coursework is compulsory and assessed as approved/not approved.

Compulsory attendance at teaching activities: The student cannot be absent for more than 20% of the course.

See the teaching plans for more information about coursework requirements.

The exam in the course is twofold:

1. Practical-aesthetic and written work (counts for 60% of the final pass grade)

• a practical-aesthetic work
• a reflective and analytical written paper (max. 7,000 words)

1. Oral and visual presentation (counts for 40% of the final pass grade).

The paper shall comply with the guidelines for written assignments and the relevant syllabus shall be used in the paper. The result of part 1 of the exam can be appealed. The result of part 2 of the exam cannot be appealed.

Absence - fail

Students who do not take the exam due to valid absence, or who are awarded an F grade for the bachelor’s thesis, can register for a resit/rescheduled exam.

If the student is taking the resit exam, the bachelor’s thesis that was given an F grade in the ordinary exam must be significantly reworked/improved. If the student is taking the rescheduled exam, the bachelor’s thesis must be submitted pursuant to agreement with the faculty administration.

A grade scale with grades from A to E for pass (with A being the highest grade and E being the lowest pass grade) and F for fail is used for the final assessment. Both parts of the exam must be awarded the grade E or better in order for the student to pass the course.

Both parts of the exam will be assessed by one internal and one external examiner.