In many Finnish schools, pupils in the 8th or 9th grade complete a dissertation project that focuses on a single municipality. The dissertation project helps the students to learn how to apply the basic knowledge they have acquired during their geography courses. The project also helps the students to connect their geographical knowledge with skills and information they have acquired in other subjects.

Planning and writing a dissertation by yourself helps you develop your writing and language skills. It also aids you in understanding Finnish society and its features. Finally, it teaches you how to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired in different subjects to a specific task.