Abstract:

Most undergraduate degree programmes have a subject called Final Degree Project (FDP) and it is usually the last academic requirement that students must complete in order to obtain their degree. The FDP is an opportunity for students to apply and demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during their study programme. It is important to note that the exact regulations and requirements for the FDP may differ among universities and countries. Some programmes may have alternative or equivalent options to the FDP, such as internships. The amount of European credit transfer and accumulation system (ECTS) associated with an FDP may vary depending on the university and the specific academic programme. In many cases, an FDP may represent a significant number of ECTS, often between 6 and 12 ECTS, although this may vary. It is therefore essential to check the specific regulations of the higher education institution and the study programme the student is enrolled in to understand the exact details of the FDP.

However, what is common to all students who have to start their FDP is the uncertainty of how to approach its development. For this reason, the aim of this article is to propose a methodology for the development of an FDP that will help both students and lecturers, especially novel ones. The steps of the methodology include:
(i) choice of topic;
(ii) literature review;
(iii) definition of the problem or research questions;
(iv) statement of objectives;
(v) methodology;
(vi) data collection;
(vii) data analysis;
(viii) interpretation of results;
(ix) writing the document;
(x) revision and correction;
(xi) final delivery and
(xii) oral presentation.

The proposed methodology, apart from being a guide to facilitate the FDP development process, it also contributes to the quality and validity of the work performed, provides clarity and focus, and facilitates time management.

Keywords:

Final degree projects, methodology, development.