Validation of thesis

Have you already completed a thesis, bachelor's thesis, or other final project, either in Finland or abroad? If so, you may apply to have it validated and included as part of your degree at Arcada.

What does validation mean? 

Validation means that we recognise your prior learning and competences, but the process requires you to demonstrate that you meet Arcada's requirements for a thesis. The decision on the validation of a thesis is made by the degree programme director.

Three categories

As a rule, only part of a previously completed thesis can be validated. The student is therefore required to complete a scientific or academic written assignment, such as an academic essay, a development project, or an equivalent piece of work.

Category 1

If you have already completed a thesis within a profession or field that does not differ significantly from the traditions and practices of your current professional specialisation, the 15 credits awarded for a thesis (30 credits for a master's degree) may be distributed as follows:

• Validated thesis: 10 credits (20 credits for a master's degree)
• Academic written assignment: 5 credits (10 credits for a master's degree)

Category 2

If you have completed a thesis within a profession or field that differs substantially from the methodological and academic traditions of your current degree programme, the 15 credits awarded for a thesis may be distributed as follows:

• Validated thesis: 5 credits (10 credits for a master's degree)
• Academic written assignment: 10 credits (20 credits for a master's degree)

Category 3

In exceptional cases, if the learning outcomes required for full validation of the thesis have been achieved, the entire thesis may be validated:

• Validated thesis: 15 credits (30 credits for a master's degree)

How the process works

1. Apply for validation in good time

• Submit the validation application form (can be found on this page), the examiner is the degree programme director.
• Ideally, apply at the beginning of your studies (during your first year of study).
• Submit your application no later than six months before your planned graduation date.

2. Demonstrate your prior learning

You should be prepared to present your previous thesis and discuss it with the degree programme director in order to demonstrate that:

• you have a good command of academic writing and research methodology;
• you understand the purpose and significance of a thesis.

3.  Complete a supplementary assignment.

The decision on the validation of a thesis is made by the degree programme director.

If the topic of your previous thesis is closely related to your current degree programme:

• Validated thesis: 10 credits
• Academic written assignment: 5 credits

If the topic of your previous thesis differs substantially from your current degree programme:

• Validated thesis: 5 credits
• Academic written assignment: 10 credits

In both cases, participation in thesis supervision is mandatory.

When does the process start?

Supervision related to thesis validation usually begins twice a year (in January and August). Please check the schedule with your degree programme director.

Why consider writing a new thesis instead?

• Writing a new thesis gives you the opportunity to deepen your expertise within your current field of study or profession.
• In addition, you will further develop your research and academic writing skills, which are valuable for future studies and your professional career.
• Important: Some universities require a certain number of credits within a specific subject area for admission to master's degree programmes. In some cases, validated theses may not be accepted for this purpose, which could affect your eligibility for further studies.