SOCIAL PROJECT AS THESIS

Within the social project as thesis initiative, students develop, implement, and defend projects that aim to solve a specific social problem

One key aspect of the initiative is service-learning, an educational approach that integrates academic education with its practical implementation that benefits society. In this case, students don’t just write theoretical papers, but apply the competencies they acquired at university to solve real-world issues for various communities, non-profit organizations, or governmental bodies. In the process, students integrate this experience into their personal and professional growth.

GOALS

For students
Provide a chance to demonstrate their professional competencies within a socially-relevant product, service, or solution.
For the university
Establish stronger connections with local and professional communities and fulfill its “third mission.”
For society
Gain measurable and sustainable benefits from the implemented project.

This thesis format is available to students whose professional competencies can be used for public benefit:

Accessible IT solutions for non-profits, assistive technologies for people with disabilities, etc.

Business models for social enterprises, fundraising strategies, business processes optimization for non-profits, etc.

Inclusive urban environment, branding for social initiatives, etc.

Research for a particular area or social group, etc.

Communication strategies aimed to attract public attention to a social issue, etc.

Educational programs for non-profits, production optimization for sustainability, etc.

SOCIAL IMPACT
The project has to aim to solve an existing problem backed by data and/or request from a partner organization (stakeholder)
PARTNERSHIP
The project has to be conducted in partnership with an external organization (non-profit, governmental, or action group) that formulates the request and acts as a beneficiary of the project
INTEGRATION WITH AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
The project has to be clearly connected to the student’s specialization in terms of methodology and expertise
MEASURABLE RESULTS
The project needs to have concrete, measurable qualitative and quantitative KPIs
SUSTAINABILITY
The project needs to be planned in a way that makes its results applicable after it’s implemented (it shouldn’t be a one-time solution)