BUP Master Thesis Training 2025
The 2025 BUP Master Thesis Training (MTT) was held in Uppsala between 24-27 March. In total 38 students from 29 BUP participating universities took part in the event on-site in Uppsala and online. All ten BUP countries were represented at the event. The central tenet of the event is to offer master students from the Baltic Sea Region the opportunity to come together, interact and network with fellow students and experts in an interdisciplinary and regional setting with the thesis in focus. A focus on academic cooperation and sustainability science are key goals for the BUP, and this is one event by which the BUP looks to facilitate these aims, particularly amongst students.
Objectives of the training
This event aims to give master students from BUP participating universities the possibility to meet and discuss scientific problems with a focus on sustainability in an interdisciplinary and regional context.
The master thesis is at the center of the event, which aims, through all of its activities, to enhance and positively contribute to each student’s thesis and each student’s academic thesis capabilities. To accomplish this objective, the event features a number of feedback sessions- both from fellow peers in a student opposition and from regional experts in a one-to-one session, as well as the chance to present their thesis and lead a discussion.
A new objective for this year’s event was to place a stronger focus on the skills needed for writing and presenting scientific work. The MTT aimed to support this goal with dedicated lectures on "How to successfully write and structure a thesis" and "Presenting and defending your thesis". In addition, the event addressed student wellbeing through workshops on procrastination and mental health.
Participants and supervisors at the BUP Master Thesis Training in Uppsala. Photo: Lara Kerschl
Evaluation MTT
The evaluation was completed by 26 students on-site and 7 supervisors on-site. The form was sent out during the conclusion of the event.
There were many positives elucidated in the evaluation of the event. Of particular note was the individual counselling session with both students and staff reflecting positively, presentations from other students, the academic atmosphere and student oppositions.
The supervisors at the event were positive in their reflections, noting the individual feedback sessions as particularly enjoyable. All supervisors noted that they were able to make a positive contribution to each student’s thesis and appreciated the motivation and interactions with students.
Both the accommodation and meals were also well praised with students noting the central location, good breakfast and good food.
Quotes from the evaluation
”The peer review and supervision were extremely helpful, as was the practice presenting. I really enjoyed the keynote speakers.”
”Talking with other students, sharing the same or similar problems, it gives hope that not only I have this or that kind of problem.”
”I liked the supervisor feedback sessions the most.”
”Learning soft skills that are very often omitted during academic course was the most important aspect.”
Results of the event
The students gave a rating of 9/10 in response to the question of to what extent the MTT has been worthwhile in attending in terms of studies, future aspirations and career.
A number of positive results, particularly in relation to students' theses have been demonstrated. Students were highly appreciative of the individual feedback sessions with an expert, which has led to productive results including; better linking the overall thread in the thesis, discussions about methodologies, tips about writing, motivation and inspiration for the future. The MTT is a chance for students to receive comprehensive feedback on all facets academically, including their thesis, but also generally and for themselves personally, therefore these are key results.
The BUP has a strong focus on cooperation and networking within a Baltic Sea Region setting. Many of the students associated positively with these elements post event, noting their new contacts and connections. It is also valuable to gain perspectives from other countries and cultures which can enrich one's own perspectives too, especially within a sustainability context.
Organiser voice
”Since both of us who were organising the Master Thesis Training did so for the first time, we were not sure what to expect. We wanted to create a program that covered different parts of the thesis process – from how to start writing to how to successfully defend – while also including a focus on mental health. We are happy that it turned out to be a fruitful event for the participants, it is very rewarding as an organiser to hear and read that the students are taking away positive outcomes from it.”
Participant evaluations
- The participants rated their expectations before the event at 6.9/10.
- Participants gave the event an overall 8.6/10 rating.
- Communication between the event staff and participants was rated highly, both before the event, 9.7/10, and at the event, 9.8/10.
- The individual consultation session with their supervisor was rated at 9/10.
All overall ratings were made on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is considered negative and 10 is considered positive.
Voices of participants
Agata Sanecznik - Participant from SWPS University
Before attending, my expectations were low, I didn’t know the BUP before and that is why I didn’t expect much.
I loved the presentations and supervision! I was really afraid of it, but it was an amazing experience!
I will take with me the feedback from everyone who took part in MTT and that fika is the best part of the day.
Alexandra Sanislová - Participant from University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
I don’t like to have expectations because they often lead to disappointment, but I had visited the Swedish academia before, and it was a pleasant experience.
The best part of the MTT was meeting my supervisor from Uppsala and seeing their perspective, which allowed me to look at things from a different angle. Also, connecting with new people, whom I can now call friends, who bring fresh viewpoints to my thesis from their own areas of expertise.
From the event I will take with me that doing bioethics is meaningful, even when we feel like we are living in uncertain times.
Images from the event
Photo: Kiana Islamian
Professor Wijnand Boonstra, Uppsala University, gave the keynote "How to successfully write and structure a thesis".
Photo: Kiana Islamian
Anna Westergren, Uppsala University Student Health Service, held the a procrastination and mental health workshop.
Photo: Lara Kerschl
The participants were given the opportunity to discuss with and learn from eachother during the workshops.
Photo: Lara Kerschl
In between the supervision sessions and workshops the students had time to go for a walk in the botanical gardens.
Photo: Kiana Islamian
Those who wished to could also visit the Tropical Greenhouse that is a part of Uppsala University.
Photo: Lara Kerschl
The students were divided into smaller groups and gave feedback and opposition to each other's theses.