Supporting students with written work
An important goal of the programme is to enable students to independently apply the economic theories and methods they have learned to research problems. The thesis demonstrates students' methodological and technical competence in working with existing academic research, as well as in managing and analysing data.
Have you been asked to supervise a written thesis (such as a term paper, Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis)? You’ll find useful information here.
Lecturers, teaching staff and research assistants from the faculty with a Master's degree are eligible to supervise a semester project. The semester project can be completed in the field of economics, business administration or methodology.
Lecturers, teaching staff and faculty research assistants with a doctorate are eligible to supervise a Bachelor's thesis. The bachelor's thesis can be completed in the field of economics, business administration or methodology.
Lecturers, teaching staff and faculty research assistants with a doctorate are eligible to supervise a Master's thesis. Lecturers who teach courses within the specialisation are generally eligible to supervise Master’s theses in that field (external lecturers are also permitted). If in doubt, please contact studienberatung-wf@unilu.ch.
In addition to teaching the course, your teaching assignment includes supervising semester projects. Supervision of final theses is additionally compensated. (see teaching assignment at the University of Lucerne. Contact: studienberatung-wf@unilu.ch).
The topic can be chosen in consultation with the supervising expert, e.g., by students suggesting a subject area and then narrowing down the topic with the supervising expert. Most lecturers require students to submit a detailed topic proposal before agreeing to supervise the thesis. This usually includes the following:
- Title of the thesis
- Research question(s)
- Practical and/or scientific relevance of the topic
- Theory or literature used
- Methodology and analysis method
- Expected results and implications for science and/or practice
As a rule, at least two meetings are offered, either in person or online:
- An initial meeting to define and narrow down the topic. If both you and the student agree by the end of the meeting, the topic and supervision are formally approved. For Bachelor’s or Master’s theses, the topic agreement is recorded with signatures on a form provided by the student. External lecturers must also have the form signed by the study delegate, Professor Lukas Schmid.
- A concept discussion (typically after about one-third of the planned working time) to ensure the work is progressing in the right direction. Topics for discussion may include: a draft table of contents with estimated page distribution, a draft introduction, description of the approach, initial bibliography, and schedule for completion.
- A third feedback meeting after the thesis has been graded is recommended, especially for Bachelor's and Master's theses, and must be held if requested by the author.
Semester paper: The submission deadline must be agreed with the supervisor. If the semester paper is written in the last semester, it must be submitted by the deadline for Bachelor's and Master's theses at the latest so that it can be taken into account for the degree certificate. The exact dates can be found on the examinations page.
Bachelor's and Master's theses: There are two deadlines per year for submitting theses (May and December; see the examination page for exact dates).
Students submit their theses together with the form to their supervisor. In the case of Bachelor's and Master's theses, the thesis must also be submitted electronically to the Dean's Office.
The general requirements for written work (length, structure, format, references, etc.) are set out in our regulations for semester papers, Bachelor's and Master's theses.
Available upon request from academic student advisors at studienberatung-wf@unilu.ch
