Thesis clusters for sustainable transition – for teachers and supervisors

Thesis clusters as an added pedagogical value

Thesis clusters for sustainable transition are an addition to the regular thesis process. Students conduct their thesis projects within the framework of their respective courses and degree requirements, while simultaneously participating in an interdisciplinary setting where multiple theses explore the same overarching sustainability challenge.

For supervisors and teaching staff, this provides an opportunity to offer students a richer learning experience without having to organise or manage the process themselves. Wexsus takes responsibility for that.

How does this affect the supervisor's role?

The role of the supervisor and the assessment process remain unchanged.

• Students develop their research questions in dialogue with their supervisor.
• Theses are assessed according to the course's established criteria.
• Societal stakeholders have no influence over grading or assessment.

The Thesis Cluster functions as a complementary and supportive learning environment, not as an alternative academic structure.

What does it mean in practice?

Your responsibilities as a supervisor remain the same.

What is added is that students participate in joint activities organised by Wexsus, where they have opportunities to:

• discuss their research themes with students from other disciplines
• engage with societal stakeholders
• test tools and approaches for analysing complex sustainability challenges

Wexsus is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating these activities.

Pedagogical benefits

The thesis clusters can help students:

• develop the ability to place their discipline-specific knowledge within a broader context
• strengthen their collaborative and interdisciplinary competencies
• deepen their understanding of complex societal challenges

This can enhance the quality of students' analysis and contextualisation while preserving academic independence and disciplinary rigour.

Themes and disciplinary diversity

The themes are developed through dialogue between Wexsus, societal stakeholders, and participating universities during the spring preceding the thesis period. They are framed as open challenges rather than predefined assignments, creating space for disciplinary depth, methodological freedom, and independent inquiry.

There are no prescribed methods within the thesis clusters. Methodological choices and theoretical frameworks remain the responsibility of the student and are determined within the requirements of each programme and discipline.

How can you encourage students to participate?

You can:

• introduce the thesis clusters during information sessions or thesis kick-off meetings
• encourage students with an interest in sustainability challenges to apply
• refer students to Wexsus for practical questions regarding participation and programme structure

All administration and coordination are managed by Wexsus.

Why get involved?

The thesis clusters strengthen the connection between education, research, and societal challenges in West Sweden. They create a framework in which students can engage with complex sustainability challenges in collaboration with external stakeholders while maintaining academic integrity and fulfilling all course requirements.