Student Guide

Aalto Bachelor's Programme in Science and Technology

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Planning your studies

Planning your studies is key in ensuring that your studies progress smoothly and your most important tool for it is a personal study plan (HOPS). Degree requirements and the curriculum guide you when making the study plan. A personal study plan is a tool for planning the contents and timing of the studies towards your degree. Once your HOPS has been approved, you can be sure that the courses and study modules you have selected meet the degree requirements.

Personal study plan in the Sisu system

The study plan is created and updated in SISU – Student Information System. You can log in with your Aalto account.

Follow the SISU instructions when doing the study plan.

Frequently asked questions about creating the personal study plan in Sisu

Practical training

The purpose of getting work experience is to develop and deepen the knowledge and skills gained during studies. Having work experience also helps in picturing the job opportunities after graduation and creating connections to working life. Practical training is not a mandatory part of your degree but very much recommended.

From work experience that relates to your field of study, you can get 1–10 ECTS, which can be included in your elective studies.

More information and submitting the application: JOIN.trai - Practical Training (in MyCourses).

Normative and maximum durations of degrees

Universities Act (558/2009) and the amendment of the previous Universities Act (556/2005) include regulations regarding the normative duration of studies for university degrees, the duration of the right to study and extensions of this right. The stipulations apply to students who were granted the right to pursue a degree on or after 1st August 2005.

The student is considered to start the degree studies on the date when he/she accepts the study place in the university. The normative duration of studies for the Bachelor of Science degree is three years and for Master of Science degree two years.

Those students who were granted the right to pursue both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees have the right to complete the degrees in a time exceeding the normative duration of studies by a maximum of two years (altogether seven years).

The duration of studies is not affected by military service, conscription or maternity/paternity or parent leave. In addition, the duration of studies does not include an absence of a maximum of two terms for which the student has registered as non-attending. Should the student fail to register for attendance or non-attendance, this term or these terms shall be included in the duration of studies.

If a student has not completed their degree in the maximum duration of studies, but wants to finish the studies, it is possible to apply for extension. The extension can be granted, if the student can present a study plan on how to complete all the missing study modules within a reasonable time. An approved study plan specifying the courses and schedules must be attached to the application. The decision on the duration of the extension shall be made taking into consideration the previously completed studies and the estimated duration of studies specified in the study plan. Additionally, any previous extension will affect the decision.

For further information, please contact the planning officer of the programme.

Aalto University policy on extension to duration of studies

Aalto University policy on extension to duration of studies

Student Guide illustration, applications, instructions and guidelines

Application for extension to the right to study

Application for extension to the right to study

Student Guide illustration, applications, instructions and guidelines

Changing the major subject within the programme

Students of the Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology are directly admitted to one of the study options of the programme which is also the major of the BSc degree. Students have the possibility to change the major within the programme after the first year of studies.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer

Student Guide illustration, applications, instructions and guidelines

Sisu instructions: front page

The front page of Sisu instructions for students

Sisu instructions main page illustration

Where to get guidance and support?

Guidance and support for study planning, study wellbeing, and career reflections for Aalto students.

Student guide illustration, supporting your studies

Support services for students

Support services for students

Student guide illustration, support for studying

Studies at other Aalto schools or in Finnish universities

As an Aalto University degree student you can complete studies also outside your own field of study. Some of the studies require an application while other studies are open for all Aalto students. You can complete either individual courses or a minor outside your own field of study.

Student guide illustration, other studies

Exchange studies

Information for students about exchange studies.

Student guide illustration, exchange studies

Other studies

Study possibilities at Aalto, in Finland and internationally.

Student guide illustration, other studies

Student newsletters

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