The main purpose of the thesis work is to expand and deepen knowledge about the conditions and driving forces of the development of society, about the issues that planning deals with, and about the methods that are used.
The thesis work should develop the student’s ability of independent work, and ability to approach an individually chosen topic, define and analyze a problem, and find and critically discuss possible solutions. Through the thesis work, the student is trained in the traditions of the scientific society in terms of work and presentation.
Subject description
Regional planning is a cross-disciplinary subject that covers a broad range of issues. The subject concerns planning on different spatial levels, from the local to the national and cross-national. The field of knowledge includes theories and methods connected to social science as well as to technique and design, and aim towards analyses of societal conditions and societal processes that may be influenced through physical planning or other types of planning.
The cross-disciplinary character of the subject means that choice of problem, choice of theory and choice of method may be connected to varying forms of planning, societal processes and structures. The field of study may concern the organization of state, regional or local sector and cross-sector planning, but also organization of other actors that influence – and are influenced by – planning. The field of study may also concern built and natural structures of varying kinds.