Master’s thesis seminar
BASIC DATA
course listing
A - main register
course code
EAK0015
course title in Estonian
Lõputöö seminar
course title in English
Master’s thesis seminar
course volume CP
-
ECTS credits
6.00
to be declared
not
fully online course
not
assessment form
Pass/fail assessment
teaching semester
autumn
language of instruction
Estonian
English
Study programmes that contain the course
code of the study programme version
course compulsory
EAUI12/26
no
Structural units teaching the course
EA - Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Course description link
Timetable link
View the timetable
Version:
VERSION SPECIFIC DATA
course aims in Estonian
Õppeaine eesmärk on luua eeldused omandamaks baasteadmised arhitektuuri ja urbanistika uurimistöö olemusest ja metoodikast, mõistmaks uurimuspõhise teabe rolli loovtöö alusena ning arendada oskust rakendada asjakohaseid uurimismeetodeid ja teoreetilisi raamistikke magistritöö koostamisel.
course aims in English
The aim of the course is to acquire foundational knowledge of the nature and methodology of research in architecture and urban studies, to recognise research-based knowledge as a basis for creative work, and to practice applying relevant methods and theoretical frameworks in master’s thesis writing.

learning outcomes in the course in Est.
Õppeaine läbiminud üliõpilane:
- selgitab arhitektuuri ja urbanistika uurimistöö olemust ja eesmärki;
- eristab uurimuspõhist teadmist loov- ja disainiprotsessi alusena;
- valib ja rakendab asjakohaseid uurimismeetodeid ning teoreetilisi raamistikke;
- analüüsib kriitiliselt ning sünteesib arhitektuuri ja urbanistika valdkonna asjakohast akadeemilist kirjandust;
- sõnastab uurimisküsimusi ja koostab struktureeritud plaani magistritöö kirjutamiseks.
learning outcomes in the course in Eng.
After completing this course the student:
- explains the nature and purpose of research in architecture and urban studies;
- distinguishes research-based knowledge as a foundation for creative and design processes;
- selects and applies appropriate research methodologies and theoretical frameworks;
- critically reviews and synthesizes academic literature relevant to architectural and urban studies:
- formulates research questions and develops a structured plan for thesis writing.
brief description of the course in Estonian
Õppeaine tutvustab arhitektuuri ja urbanistika uurimistöö aluspõhimõtteid, meetodeid ja teoreetilisi raamistikke. Rõhutades uurimistööd kui loovatöö ja projekteerimispraktika alust, omandavad üliõpilased oskuse kriitiliselt hinnata teadmisi, sõnastada uurimisküsimusi ning rakendada sobivaid metoodikaid oma magistritöö toetamiseks. Loengute, seminaride, iganädalaste ülesannete ja praktiliste kirjutamisharjutuste kaudu loob aine seose teoreetilise uurimistöö ja disainipraktika vahel ning annab üliõpilastele pädevused uurimuspõhise arhitektuuri ja urbanistika töö koostamiseks.
Põhiteemad:
1. Akadeemiline kirjutamine arhitektuuri ja urbanistika valdkonnas
2. Kvantitatiivsed ja kvalitatiivsed uurimismeetodid
3. Eelretsenseeritav publikatsioon kui teaduspõhise teabe komponent
4. Doktoriõpingute uurimistöö arhitektuuri ja linnauuringute valdkonnas
5. Kaasaegsed teadusliku kirjutamise tööriistad
6. Kriitiline mõtlemine ja ühiskonnagruppide kaasamine magistritöö uurimistöös
brief description of the course in English
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles, methods, and theoretical frameworks of research in architecture and urban studies. Emphasizing research as a foundation for creative and design practice, students learn to critically evaluate knowledge, formulate research questions, and apply appropriate methodologies to support their thesis projects. Through lectures, seminars, weekly assignments, and practical writing exercises, the course bridges theoretical inquiry and design application, equipping students with the skills to produce research-informed architectural and urban studies work.
The main themes are:
1. Academic writing in architecture and urban studies
2. Quantitative and qualitative research methods 
3. Peer-reviewed journal article as a component of scientific knowledge
4. Doctoral research in the fields of architecture and urban studies
5. Contemporary tools for scientific writing
6. Critical thinking and societal engagement in master’s thesis research.
type of assessment in Estonian
-
type of assessment in English
-
independent study in Estonian
Magistritöö teoreetilise osa mustandi kirjutamine
independent study in English
Writing a draft of the master’s thesis
study literature
1) Malec, T. E. Architectural research: An academic textbook for students of architecture. Springer, 2025.
2) Lucas, R. Research methods for architecture. Laurence King, 2016.
3) Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. The craft of research (4th ed.). University of Chicago Press, 2016.
4) Kirjalike tööde vormistamine | TalTech
study forms and load
daytime study: weekly hours
4.0
session-based study work load (in a semester):
lectures
1.5
lectures
-
practices
2.5
practices
-
exercises
0.0
exercises
-
lecturer in charge
-
LECTURER SYLLABUS INFO
semester of studies
teaching lecturer / unit
language of instruction
Extended syllabus
Course-teacher pairs of the corresponding version are missing!
Course description in Estonian
Course description in English