According to the Act on the Universities of Applied Sciences (Universities of Applied Sciences Act 932/2014, 4 §), the mission of the universities of applied sciences is to provide higher education based on the requirements of working life and its development as well as on research, art and culture for professional expert tasks and to support the student’s professional growth. Moreover, their mission is to pursue RDI and artistic activities serving the education provided by them, fostering working life and regional development, and renewing regional economic structures. When carrying out their mission, universities of applied sciences shall promote continuous learning.
One of the goals of the studies for the Bachelor’s Degree is that those who have earned the Degree have wide practical basic competencies and the theoretical foundations for working in expert assignments in their own field (Valtioneuvoston asetus ammattikorkeakouluista 1129/2014). In the thesis, the student applies competencies achieved through their studies to the requirements of working life. This reflects the student’s ability to perform independent expert tasks in their own educational field. Moreover, the thesis often works as a bridge to working life: many students find a job because of the thesis process.
In most cases, theses written at the Universities of Applied Sciences represent applied research and development serving their own operational areas. Theses strengthen the interaction between the University of Applied Sciences and the economic and working life in the region, reflecting the quality of the working life connections and R & D activities of the University of Applied Sciences.