We would like to emphasise that the University operates on the principle that the force majeure circumstances, caused by the temporary quarantine and resulting in some major difficulties when preparing one’s final thesis (e.g. regarding collection of empirical data, experiments in the laboratory, research in the archives, etc.), should not affect the defence and evaluation of the final thesis.
If you are currently preparing a (final) paper, you can use electronic resources to write your thesis.
Study programme committees are currently reviewing and, if necessary, updating the formal requirements and the evaluation and defence process of your degree thesis, which will ensure objective and fair evaluation in the near future. Each student’s situation will be responded to individually and in a flexible way, enabling to modify topics the final thesis, research aims and methods (if needed), which could be successfully implemented having in mind today’s conditions. We would also like to note that in such case you will be informed by the study programme committee or faculty administration staff.
How to effectively write a thesis
We understand that after the beginning of distant learning, you have a lot of questions about how all of this will affect the writing and defense of your thesis. We hope that most of the answers have already reached you If you still have unanswered questions and are experiencing anxiety greater than most of your friends and others around you, here are some recommendations.
- Check your university email. We know that checking university email is probably not a daily habit. However, during this period all the instructions for writing the final thesis are sent there, as well as instructions for remote defense. So, if you feel worried about not knowing something, check your VU email first.
- Contact your supervisor if it fails, contact the administration. The supervisor is your main guide when writing your thesis. Yes, this situation is also new to him, he may not know all the answers, but he will advise where to get them. If you have problems communicating with the supervisor, contact your faculty administration.
- You do not have to write the whole thesis before showing it to the supervisor. You may be scared that you have not done "enough" to show it to your supervisor. However, writing a thesis is part of the learning process, so it is normal not to understand something, feel stuck or unsure, if it is written well. This requires a supervisor to help in such situations. Contact him or her.
- If your supervisor writes you a letter or calls you, answer. No matter how bad it is. First, it will let him know that you are alive and well. Second, we want to help you overcome all difficulties and defend your thesis. Even if you have not started writing yet, you still have time, so take advantage of it and dare to ask for help.
- Theoretical work in science is just as important as empirical. If you had to change your empirical research into a theoretical one and the primary vision of your thesis cannot be realized, you are likely to feel frustrated, feel injustice. Pay more attention to substantiate the relevance of the topic, describe the problem, perform a more detailed literature analysis. Consult your supervisor for the best result. Theoretical work can open up new possibilities. In the future you will be able to do a better empirical research in master’s or doctoral studies!
- Use calls and video chats to communicate. You may be accustomed to communicating with your supervisor via email. However, in this period when there is no opportunity to meet face-to-face, such communication may not be very effective, as it increases the likelihood of misunderstandings. Letters are suitable for file-sharing, technical notes. Debatable questions and comments in your thesis are best clarified by calling. If necessary, explain to your supervisor how to use Ms Teams, Zoom, or other platforms. Call your supervisor at least once a week.
- Take advantage of electronic library resources. VU library has opened home access to even more databases where you can find both articles and books. If you cannot find all the necessary material you need, contact the subject librarians. All information about library services during quarantine can be found here.
- Leave some time for the supervisor to read your thesis. Remember that professors have several students who need their advice, so they have to divide their time for each of you. To get enough attention for your thesis, send it in parts. Indicate what you have changed, so that the supervisor does not have to read the same thing a second time. Send the final version at least a few days before submitting the work unless you have agreed otherwise.
- A well-prepared working environment will help you concentrate and maintain productivity. Quarantine required adaptation from everyone, so it is normal that things are not as they were. That include decreased productivity levels. It will be easier to concentrate if you create a working environment: maintain a similar rhythm of the day as much as possible, have a place, time and even clothes for work. More tips for working from home can be found in the Survival Package section. Productivity-enhancing tools, such as the free Ms Office 365 apps available here, also increase productivity.
