Master's Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences (CCIS) is jointly organized by the School of Electrical Engineering and the School of Science. The CCIS programme’s core courses provide a strong foundation in computer science, communication engineering, and information science. In addition, students can immerse themselves in one of the specialization tracks or focused majors.

In CCIS, education is based both on scientific research and industrial state of the art. Students gain in-depth knowledge in one major. They learn how to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods independently. Students interested in pursuing doctoral studies after their M.Sc. degree can easily transfer to the Helsinki Doctoral Education Network in Information and Communications Technology (HICT). Students acquire professional language and communication skills. All students are encouraged to include international, multidisciplinary, and entrepreneurial components as part of their studies.

Code: ELEC3030
Credits: Long (60 credits) or compact (40 credits) major
Professor in charge: Tapio Lokki (ELEC)
Professors: Ville Pulkki (ELEC), Lauri Savioja (SCI), Vesa Välimäki (ELEC)
Abbreviation: AAT
Pääaine suomeksi: Akustiikka ja audioteknologia
Huvudämne på svenska: Akustik och ljudteknik
School: Electrical Engineering (coordinator) and Science

The major in Acoustics and Audio Technology gives fundamental knowledge about acoustical phenomena, human hearing and audio technologies, and also facilitates the students to apply the knowledge in practice.

The fields of electroacoustics, room and building acoustics, noise, musical acoustics, spatial sound and audio signal processing are focused in the studies. A central field in the studies is technical psychoacoustics studying human hearing mechanisms, which is a cornerstone in the development of acoustical and audio technologies for human listeners. The fields together constitute the field of communication acoustics, where there exists always a human listener at the end of the acoustic communication channel. Digital signal processing is currently an important tool in acoustics and audio engineering, and the teaching also emphasizes the understanding of its general principles and of fundamental audio processing algorithms.

The target of the major is that the students could use their learning outcome flexibly in different tasks in industry and in academia. For example, the student should know why and how modern lossy audio codecs (mp3, AAC) work, or he/she should be able to measure, understand the perceptual aspects, and design the acoustics of a class room or a noise barrier. Some exemplar fields where the students are foreseen to be competent are sound recording and reproduction, audio coding, music technology, acoustic measurements, active noise cancellation, audio signal processing, room and building acoustics, and environmental noise. If the student wants to work as a certified acoustics consultant in Finland, at least 10 cr on building technology courses is required.

The research conducted in Aalto University in the fields of this major has focused on following topics: spatial sound reproduction, concert hall acoustics, synthesis of musical instruments and natural sounds, loudspeaker and headphone reproduction, spatial sound psychoacoustics, digital filtering of audio signals, and modeling of room acoustics. The University is facilitated with world-class acoustical laboratories: three anechoic chambers, a standardized multichannel listening room, a variable acoustics room, sound-proof listening booths, workshops and tools to reproduce immersive audiovisual environments.

The major can be completed either as a long (60 cr) major or a compact (40 cr) major. Students taking the compact major are required to also take a master level minor (20-25 cr). Students taking the long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.

The major consists of 35 cr of compulsory courses and 5 or 25 cr of optional courses depending on the choice between long and compact major.

All the major courses are intended to be studied during the first year of master’s studies. The course ELEC-E5600 Communication Acoustics is a recommended prerequisite to the other major courses.

Courses

You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu Help).  
 
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner). 

You will find recommended study schedules under Planning your studies.
Departmental study advisors:
Antti Ojapelto, room 1143 (Maarintie 8), room B333 (Konemiehentie 2), tel. +358 50 560 9741, [email protected]
Janani Fernandez, [email protected]
Timo Dönsberg, tel. +358 40 7532 046, [email protected] 

Code: ELEC3029
Credits: Long major (60 credits)
Professor in charge: Olav Tirkkonen
Professors: Riku Jäntti, Stephan Sigg, Jukka Manner, Patric Östergård, Risto Wichman, Jyri Hämäläinen, Antti Oulasvirta, Yu Xiao, Visa Koivunen, Sergiy Vorobyov
Pääaine suomeksi: Tietoliikennetekniikka
Huvudämne på svenska: Datakommunikationsteknik
Abbreviation: CE
School: Electrical Engineering

The major in Communications Engineering gives a solid understanding of Internet, wireless and communications ecosystems - from concepts, technologies and methodologies perspective. Education includes both theoretical and practical aspects of Communications Engineering, preparing the students for a successful career in industry, research organizations or in postgraduate studies without forgetting the professional language and communications skills learned during the education. Students are encouraged to include international, multidisciplinary, and entrepreneurial components as part of their studies.

The major consist of compulsory part and optional part. The optional part offers five different expertise areas: Cloud and network services, Wireless communications, Wearable computing and ambient intelligence and Human-centric Systems.

You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu Help).  
 
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner). 

Compulsory courses (30 cr)

Optional courses (30 cr)

Recommendation: Select 20 - 30  cr from one of the following expertise areas:

Cloud and network services

Wireless communications

Wearable computing and ambient intelligence

Human-centric systems

Other optional courses (Choose to fulfill 60 credits):

You will find recommended study schedules under Planning your studies.

Study Coordinator: Mika Nupponen

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +358 50 365 0542
Maarintie 8, room 2540

Code: SCI3042
Extent: Long (60 credits) or compact (40 credits) major. Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20–25 credits). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.
Responsible professor: Petri Vuorimaa
Abbreviation: CS
School: School of Science

Computer Science is the study of computing and software systems that are nowadays deeply embedded in our daily life across different fields: industry, commerce, healthcare, media, and art to name a few. The major in Computer Science is grounded in leading-edge computing research at Aalto University and offers a deep understanding on the design and analysis  of advanced software and computing technologies. Graduates from the major master the theory and practice of advanced computing across a broad spectrum of systems, from Internet-scale distributed platforms to emerging quantum computing infrastructure.

Available study tracks:

• Algorithms, Logic, and Computation
• Big Data and Large-Scale Computing
• Software Systems and Technologies
• Web Technologies, Applications, and Science

Major core courses

The major consists of core courses, track compulsory courses, and major optional computer science courses. The purpose of the core courses is to ensure that all students in the major have a solid basic knowledge of computer science and software technology topics. The track courses provide deeper understanding of a specific topic and sufficient background knowledge for the Master's thesis in the track's area. After the core and track compulsory courses, most students will be left with quite a few credits for other computer science courses.

Students have to select at least five courses from the major core course list, including the compulsory core course(s) defined by the track. The core courses can also be done as part of the Bachelor studies, which reduces the number of core course required at the Master level. Students who have completed equivalent courses at another university can be excused from taking the core courses with agreement of the professor in charge of the study track.

Professor in charge: Petteri Kaski
Extent: Long (60 credits) or compact (40 credits) major as CS track. Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20-25 credits). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.
Abbreviation: Algorithms

Objectives

The Algorithms, Logic, and Computation study track equips students with a strong methodological and mathematical foundation that covers the modelling, design, and analysis of advanced algorithms and computing systems from massively distributed infrastructure to quantum computing. In addition to skills in advanced programming and automated reasoning, you gain understanding of the foundations of cryptography and computational complexity theory. Studies in the track form an excellent basis for pursuing a doctoral degree, and competitively selected students can start working toward their doctoral degree already during their master’s studies.

Learning Outcomes

• Students can design, analyse, and implement novel, efficient algorithms for a wide range of computational problems and models of computing.
• Students can formalise computational problems, classify them according to their computational complexity, and use such classifications as a guidance in choosing the right methodology for tackling hard problems.
• Students can build modern cryptographic primitives based on computational hardness assumptions.
• Students master fundamental techniques in computational logic and are able to solve computational problems using state-of-the-art algorithms and tools for automated reasoning.
• Students can model and specify complex systems in a rigorous way, and use computational techniques to verify and synthesise such systems.

Content and Structure

The major consists of core courses, track compulsory courses, and optional computer-science courses. The purpose of the core courses is to ensure that all students in the major have a solid basic knowledge of computer science and software technology topics. The track courses provide deeper understanding of a specific topic and sufficient background knowledge for the Master's thesis in the track's area. After the core and track compulsory courses, most students will be left with quite a few credits for other computer-science courses.

Students have to select at least five courses from the major core course list, including the compulsory core course(s) defined by the track (bolded). The core courses can also be done as part of the Bachelor studies, which reduces the number of core course required at the Master level. Students who have completed equivalent courses at another university can be excused from taking the core courses with agreement of the professor in charge of the study track.

In addition to the major core courses, the students have to take the track compulsory course(s).

The track optional courses listed below are recommended but not required. The rest of the credits for the major can consist of any Master-level computer science courses.

Major core courses, compulsory major core course bolded

Track compulsory courses (select at least three, 15 credits)

Track optional courses

Professor in charge: Linh Truong
Extent:  Long (60 credits) or compact (40 credits) major as CS track. Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20-25 credits). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.

Objectives

The track on big data and large-scale computing provides the students with a strong background to cope with the challenges arising from the growth of data and information in our society. The track covers a wide range of topics in data management, data processing, algorithmics, data science, and data analysis. The teaching and instruction of the students is conducted by the leading experts in the focus areas of this track. Excellent students interested in pursuing doctoral studies after their M.Sc. degree can transfer to the Helsinki Doctoral Education Network in Information and Communications Technology (HICT).

Learning Outcomes

The track aims to educate professionals who are capable of dealing with the different aspects of big data and large-scale computing. The graduates of the track will be able to cope with the main big data challenges:

• collecting and storing data,
• dealing with data complexity and heterogeneity,
• developing efficient algorithms to process large datasets,
• utilizing scalable frameworks for different types of batch and streaming data processing,
• building data-intensive scalable systems in cloud platforms,
• employing distributed and parallel computing for data processing and data services,
• discovering patterns and hidden structure in the complex and large datasets,
• building models and making inferences from data-in-motion and data-at-rest,
• learning to visualize large datasets and
• designing data governance policies and techniques for large-scale data systems.

Content and Structure

The major consists of core courses, track compulsory courses, and optional computer-science courses. The purpose of the core courses is to ensure that all students in the major have a solid basic knowledge of computer science and software technology topics. The track courses provide deeper understanding of a specific topic and sufficient background knowledge for the Master's thesis in the track's area. After the core and track compulsory courses, most students will be left with quite a few credits for other computer-science courses.

Students have to select at least five courses from the major core course list, including the compulsory core course(s) defined by the track (bolded). The core courses can also be done as part of the Bachelor studies, which reduces the number of core course required at the Master level. Students who have completed equivalent courses at another university can be excused from taking the core courses with agreement of the professor in charge of the study track.

In addition to the major core courses, the students have to take the track compulsory course(s).

The track optional courses listed below are recommended but not required. Note that course substitution/replace will be considered case by case but courses for bachelor level (course code starts with CS-C****) will be likely rejected. Students should be carefully checked this condition.

Major core courses, compulsory major core courses bolded

Track compulsory courses (select at least three, 15 credits)

Track optional courses

Professor in charge: Mario Di Francesco 
Extent:  Long (60 credits) or compact (40 credits) major as CS track. Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20-25 credits). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.
Abbreviation: SST

Objectives

The Software Systems and Technologies track covers a wide range of topics on software systems, including mobile and cloud computing, energy efficiency of computing, novel networking technologies, and pervasive applications built on top of this basic foundation. The focus of the program is on applied computer science building on a solid software systems technology background. In this track it is also possible to study advanced learning technologies for education.

The students graduating from the track will have a strong technical background on many of the modern core technologies for mobile and cloud based applications. Students interested in pursuing doctoral studies after their M.Sc. degree can easily transfer to the Helsinki Doctoral Education Network in Information and Communications Technology (HICT).

Learning outcomes

The graduates of the Software Systems and Technologies track will be able to create and analyze large software systems. The main areas of software systems covered are mobile and cloud computing, energy efficiency of computing, novel networking, and pervasive applications. The track focuses on applied computer science building on a solid software systems background. It is also possible to study advanced learning technologies for education through this track.

Content and structure

The major consists of core courses, track compulsory courses, and optional computer-science courses. The purpose of the core courses is to ensure that all students in the major have a solid basic knowledge of computer science and software technology topics. The track courses provide deeper understanding of a specific topic and sufficient background knowledge for the Master's thesis in the track's area. After the core and track compulsory courses, most students will be left with quite a few credits for other computer-science courses.

Students have to select at least five courses from the major core course list, including the compulsory core course(s) defined by the track (bolded). The core courses can also be done as part of the Bachelor studies, which reduces the number of core course required at the Master level. Students who have completed equivalent courses at another university can be excused from taking the core courses with agreement of the professor in charge of the study track.

In addition to the major core courses, the students have to take the track compulsory course(s).

The track optional courses listed below are recommended but not required. The rest of the credits for the major can consist of any Master-level
computer science courses.

Major core courses, compulsory major core course bolded (min 25 credits)

Track compulsory courses (15 credits)

Track optional courses

Professor in charge: Petri Vuorimaa
Extent: Long (60 credits) or compact (40 credits) major as CS track. Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20-25 credits). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.
Abbreviation: WEB

Objectives

Web may be the most important invention in the field of data processing since the invention of the computer itself, when the influence on society and business life is considered. The teaching in the Web Technologies, Applications, and Science track handles subject areas of web services and web content in a versatile way. The students learn to develop content to the web and control the technologies related to presenting and transferring that data.

One relevant learning goal is the ability to develop web services to the users. In the deeper level this entails intelligent services and applications. Other core content is related to developing web services to machines. On the higher levels than XML, the WWW is based on the semantic web technologies, where the core issues are presenting the knowledge, logics and inference. Human labor, structural data or different methods of automatic annotation (structural or statistical methods) are used to create these kinds of structures.

Content and structure

The major consists of core courses, track compulsory courses, and optional computer-science courses. The purpose of the core courses is to ensure that all students in the major have a solid basic knowledge of computer science and software technology topics. The track courses provide deeper understanding of a specific topic and sufficient background knowledge for the Master's thesis in the track's area. After the core and track compulsory courses, most students will be left with quite a few credits for other computer-science courses.

Students have to select at least five courses from the major core course list, including the compulsory core course(s) defined by the track (bolded). The core courses can also be done as part of the Bachelor studies, which reduces the number of core course required at the Master level. Students who have completed equivalent courses at another university can be excused from taking the core courses with agreement of the professor in charge of the study track.

In addition to the major core courses, the students have to take the track compulsory course(s).

The track optional courses listed below are recommended but not required. The rest of the credits for the major can consist of any Master-level
computer science courses.

Major core courses, compulsory major core courses bolded

Track compulsory courses

Track optional courses

Code: SCI3046
Extent: Long (60 credit) or compact (40 credits) major. Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20-25 cr). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.
Responsible Professor: Perttu Hämäläinen
Abbreviation: Game
School: School of Science

Objectives

The objective of the major is to educate programmer-designers* that understand both technology and the player’s point of view, and can thus 1) participate in overall game design and 2) take responsibility of the myriad design decisions that are not necessarily communicated in a design document and only arise during implementation.

The students will learn about game design, development, production, and technology using a project-oriented, hands-on with minds-on approach. The project courses emphasize interdisciplinary and collaborative work. The teacher network includes both game industry professionals and game scholars.

* You may also substitute “engineer” or “computer scientist” for “programmer”.

Learning outcomes

• Deepening of technological expertise already built during Bachelor level studies (compulsory technical courses on computer graphics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence)
• Building a wide set of cross-disciplinary design, production, and teamworking skills (compulsory Department of Art and Media courses, especially Game project, during which multiple games are developed). 
• Deeper understanding of each student's specific areas of interest (large selection of elective courses that can be included in the personal study plan).

The Game Design and Development major is organized in collaboration with Department of Art and Media of Aalto ARTS, which has an M.A. in New Media “sibling major” with the same name. Computer and video games is a multidisciplinary field, and the M.Sc. and M.A. majors share a large portion of the courses. The obligatory courses differ, however, and the CCIS students should expect to work in a more technical role, e.g., when creating a joint thesis game with ARTS students. Multidisciplinarity is also emphasized by the high flexibility of elective studies, where one can include, e.g., 3D animation, interactive storytelling and interaction design in addition to computer science.

Students take the Major compulsory courses. In addition, they take Major optional courses. Listing of optional courses is not exhaustive. Additionally, students may choose courses from all Aalto schools according to the personal study plan. It is strongly suggested that students venture outside their comfort zone and do not, for example, take a course in web software development if they already possess the equivalent skills and knowledge.

Courses

Major compulsory courses

^{*) If the student has already included ELEC-D7011 in a previous degree, the student should take instead take ELEC-E7852 Computational Design and Interaction.}

Recommended optional courses

(Students may also suggest others as game design is a multidisciplinary field).

Code: SCI3097
Extent: Long (60 credits) or compact (40 credits) major. Students taking a compact major also have to take a minor (20-25 cr). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.
Responsible Professor: Lauri Savioja
Other professors involved in planning and teaching the major: Antti Oulasvirta (deputy), Perttu Hämäläinen (deputy), Janne Lindqvist, Marko Nieminen, Johanna Viitanen, Nitin Sawhney
Appreviation: HCI
School: School of Science (coordinator) and Electrical Engineering

Objectives

Human-computer interaction is a field concerned with the design and study of interactive computing systems for human use. HCI experts study opportunities in computing technology. They innovate novel ways to use it, they design user interfaces and engineer the enabling hardware and software, and they produce empirical knowledge to inform decision- making concerning technology.

Master’s studies in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) prepare future experts and leaders who use advanced methodology and technology to innovate and improve information technology for the benefit of people. The aim of our new HCI major is unique in Europe: It combines rigorous courses in computational and engineering disciplines, such as AI and and visual computing, with spearheads in user interface technology and interface design, yet building a strong competences in interaction design.

Highlights of the curriculum include:

• Skill set recognized globally in competitive industry positions and PhD programmes,especially in areas cross-cutting design, interaction, and AI
• An interdisciplinary orientation with strong emphasis on computer science and engineering but including contributions from psychology and design
• Competences complementing computational and engineering sciences, in particular in creative design, prototyping, and evaluation of interactive systems using advanced technologies
• Interaction with world-class research faculty across departments at Aalto 
• Learning to learn in the area of HCI; a life-long learning attitude
• Strong specialization on a technical topic and a capstone course supporting students to achieve their potential at internationally benchmarked level on realistic problems
• Soft skills, including meta-cognitive skills, scientific literacy and writing skills, critical thinking, presentations, and teamwork.

The education builds on recognized research efforts on HCI at Aalto University. CSRankings positioned Aalto as #3 in HCI research in Europe in 2021 (source: csrankings.org).

Learning Outcomes

With this degree, students can pursue careers in interactive technology where they lead design, engineering,, research, or management. They are well-equipped to approach modern design problems including technical challenges in intelligent systems, interface technologies, modeling, robotics, and communications and networking. At the same time, they are knowledgeable about the human and social factors affecting the success of interactive systems. They know how to address them in practical interdisciplinary development processes in business context. They have technical skills to experiment and prototype innovative interactions as well as the meta-cognitive skills to drive visions of interactive technology, critically evaluate different approaches to interaction, and to develop competences further by following advanced research literature.

Overall structure:

• Basics: HCI, design thinking and methods for engineering and computer science students; User-centered methods, user research, and strategic usability in software engineering
• Technical specialization: Analysis, modeling, and computational solution of HCI problems; Novel forms of interactive technologies and media, such as AR and VR; Interactive applications and systems, including their development, engineering, and design
• A capstone project and (optional) research immersion including interaction with worldclass faculty and companies.

Student Experience

During the first year, students learn core methodologies and techniques in the design, study, and analysis of interaction. During the second year, they start to specialize on a technical topic. Students can flexibly build their study plans consisting of core and elective courses. The core courses provide a strong foundation in design, empirical methods, and theories of HCI. The elective courses allow a student to organize studies around selected themes of technical topics in HCI. A seminar on advanced topics is offered to final-year students. During the last year, they complete a capstone project, often with an external client (industry or academic), and write a Master's thesis for a company or an academic group.

Courses

Major compulsory courses (min. 35 cr for the long major, min. 25 cr for the compact major)

^{*) Participation may be limited, please see attendance requirements.}

Mandatory capstone course for both long and short majors

In-depth specialization

In-depth specialization is custom-tailored and approved via HOPS. The student choose a list of specialization courses with the following constraints:

• An HCI course must be accompanied by a matching technical course from the offerings of CCIS. For example, to specialize in interactive machine learning, we recommend an extracourse on information visualization with an in-depth course on machine learning

Exemplary topics and courses:

We also recommend the following in-depth seminar: 

Code: SCI3044
Extent: Long major (60 credits). Compact major is not offered. Students who want to take a minor are encouraged to include it in elective studies.
Responsible Professor: Pekka Marttinen
Professors:
SCI: Vikas Garg, Alexander Ilin, Alex Jung, Juho Kannala, Samuel Kaski, Maarit Käpylä, Jouko Lampinen, Harri Lähdesmäki, Heikki Mannila, Pekka Marttinen, Jussi Rintanen, Juho Rousu, Arno Solin, Aki Vehtari
ELEC: Paavo Alku, Tom Bäckström, Lauri Juvela, Mikko Kurimo
Abbreviation: Macadamia
School: School of Science

Objectives

The major in Machine Learning, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Macadamia) gives a strong basic understanding of modern computational data analysis and modelling methodologies. It builds on the strong research at the Departments of Computer Science and Information and Communications Engineering. The methods of machine learning and data mining are applicable and needed in a wide variety of fields ranging from artificial intelligence to process industry, mobile communications and social networks. Recent spearhead application areas  include bioinformatics, digital health, natural language processing, computer vision, multimodal interfaces, and human-in-loop AI.

The major provides an excellent basis for doctoral studies as well as industrial research and development work. Teaching and supervision for Macadamia students is given by an enthusiastic and experienced group headed by world leaders in this research field who also participate in the activities of the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI). Excellent Macadamia students can continue their studies in the Helsinki Doctoral Education Network in Information and Communication Technology (HICT).

Learning Outcomes

1.  The student is able to formalize data-intensive problems in data science and artificial intelligence in terms of the underlying statistical and computational principles.
2. The student is able to assess suitability of different machine learning methods for solving a particular new problem encountered in industry or academia, and apply the methods to the problem.
3. The student can interpret the results of a machine learning algorithm, assess their credibility, and communicate the results with experts of other fields.
4. The student can implement common machine learning methods, and design and implement novel methods by modifying the existing approaches.
5. The student understands the theoretical foundations of the machine learning field to the extent required for being able to follow research in the field.
6. The student understands the opportunities that machine learning offers in data science and artificial intelligence.

The students have to take the seven compulsory courses unless they already have the same knowledge.  In addition, they include courses from the major optional courses list, some of which can be taken multiple times.  Also other optional courses may be included per agreement with a person in charge of the major.

Major compulsory courses 30-35 credits

Major optional courses (choose 25-30 credits)

^{Also other optional courses may be included per agreement with the person in charge of the major.}

Code: SCI3084
Extent: Long major (60 credits). Compact major is not offered. Students who want to take a minor are encouraged to include it in elective studies.
Responsible professor: Tuomas Aura
Other professors: Chris Brzuska, Mario Di Francesco, Janne Lindqvist, Linh Truong, Antti Ylä-Jääski 
Abbreviation: Security
School: School of Science

Study programme

Studies in the Security and Cloud Computing major give students a broad understanding of the latest and future technologies for secure mobile and cloud computing systems. Students will gain both practical engineering knowledge and theoretical insights into secure systems engineering, distributed application development, network and service architectures, and cloud and mobile platforms. We believe in combining theoretical knowledge and security expertise with product development skills. The studies are also closely linked with research at Aalto University. The graduates are well prepared for international industrial R&D jobs, security engineering and consulting, various expert roles, and doctoral studies at Aalto University and internationally.

Learning outcomes

Security-major aims to educate professional engineers who are able to take on the most demanding R&D tasks and drive the development of future products and services. More specifically, the learning outcomes are the following:

• Students have the theoretical understanding of information security and practical skills for designing and analyzing secure computing systems.
• Students understand the architectural principles of distributed services and applications. They are able to design, analyze and implement distributed, cloud and mobile computing systems.
• Students have in-depth knowledge of their chosen thesis topic and are able to apply it to solving technical and scientific problems.
• Students have strong software development skills and other technical and professional skills that enable them to take key roles in an industrial research and development environment, and they are qualified to continue to doctoral studies in academia.

Structure and content

The major covers fundamental concepts, methods and the latest technologies on secure systems engineering, distributed application development, ubiquitous computing, network and service architectures, and cloud and mobile computing platforms. The studies are closely bound to the research done by the teachers, for example, on the Internet of Things, pervasive and ubiquitous computing, cloud platforms and services, cloud platform security, and network security. Special attention is paid to security and privacy issues as they are critical requirements in developing and deploying services in open networks and distributed systems. The teaching methods combine theory with hands-on exercises and software development on cloud platform and mobile devices. Students also practice writing and presentation skills and learn to follow the latest research.

Learning methods

Engineers must be able to apply theoretical knowledge to real world engineering tasks. Therefore, the program combines theoretical studies with continuous hand-on exercises and projects where the new knowledge is applied. Much of the students’ time is spent on group and individual assignments that train problem solving, secure system design, and software engineering skills. In the courses that involve classroom teaching, it takes varied forms from traditional lectures and exercise sessions to discussion of group projects and student presentations. All students participate in a seminar course where students learn to write a technical or research article and present their own work.

The studies include opportunities for networking with local and European companies. Many of the teachers have industry background, and our partner companies contribute to some courses and projects. The partner companies also host summer interns, and majority of the master’s thesis projects are done in industry in paid projects.

Major compulsory courses

These courses are compulsory, unless already included in the student’s previous studies. Students who have studied similar content at another university or have specific personal learning goals should contact the responsible professor of the major to discuss their personal study plan.

Major optional courses

Students should choose enough other master-level courses to meet the required number of credits for the major. The courses listed below are especially recommended. Please follow announcements about special courses with annually changing topics and teaching periods. Other master-level courses on relevant topics, including computer science, mathematics, communications technology and entrepreneurship may be included with prior agreement of the responsible professor of the major.

Code: ELEC3049
Extent: long major (60 cr) or compact major (40 cr)
Responsible professor: Esa Ollila
Professors: Visa Koivunen, Sergiy Vorobyov, Risto Wichman, Esa Ollila, Filip Elvander
Abbreviation: SPDS
Pääaine suomeksi: Signaalinkäsittely ja datatiede
Huvudämne på svenska: Signalbehandling och datavetenskap
School: Electrical Engineering

In Signal Processing and Data Science major you will learn to extract useful information, discover patterns, and make predictions from large amounts of signal or data, especially involving physical sensors and systems, like communication systems or energy distribution networks. With the learned toolbox of knowledge on signals and systems modelling, data science and machine learning, you can make devices, systems and entities smarter and more environmentally friendly. You get to apply your theoretical skills in wireless communications, radar systems, biomedical engineering and in various other fields. The major gives good grounds to work in companies, research organizations or to continue towards a doctoral degree.

The major consists of a compulsory part and an optional part. The major can be completed either as a long (60 cr) or compact (40 cr) major. Students taking a compact major take also a master level minor (20-25 cr). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.

^{Other courses can be included with permission from the responsible professor.} 

Code: SCI3043
Extent: Long (60 credits) or compact major (40 credits). Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20–25 cr). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.
Responsible professors: Casper Lassenius
Abbreviation: SSE
School: School of Science

Digital products and services are crucial to economies, societies and human well-being. For companies and other organizations, they offer exponentially expanding opportunities for new functionality and capabilities beyond traditional product boundaries. Students of Software and Service Engineering learn how to design, develop, and manage digital products and services that create business value and satisfy user needs within modern organizations. Students learn how to tackle wicked, real-world problems taking human, societal and organizational factors into account.

Students are encouraged to ensure that they have technical knowledge of software development, e.g, by combining the major with a technical minor, or by including technical courses, such as web software development or full-stack development in their studies.

The major has three tracks making it possible to specialize in software engineering, service design and engineering, or enterprise systems.

SSE offers both long and compact majors. The following tracks are available:

1. Software Engineering
2. Service Design and Engineering (SDE)
3. Enterprise Systems

All the students majoring software and service engineering take the major common courses (10 credits). In addition, they take courses according to their study track. It is strongly recommended that students also participate in the Portfolio in Software and Service Engineering course (CS-E4920)

Major common courses 10 credits

^{* If the course has been taken as part of the B.Sc. studies, it can be substituted with any optional courses of the track the student is studying. If the student has taken a similar course at another institution, the professor should be contacted for discussing possible substitution.} 

Professor in charge: Casper Lassenius
Other professors: Jari Collin
Extent: Long (60credits) or compact major (40 credits). Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20–25 credits). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.

Objectives

For most companies and organizations, developing and managing information systems has become increasingly critical for how the companies create and capture value, how they work with partners and users, and how they secure competitive advantage. The Enterprise Systems track provides its students the knowledge, competences, and skills they will need to act successfully in the industry and society to tackle these challenges and opportunities.

Learning outcomes

After completing the track, the students should be able to understand the opportunities of digitalization in industrial applications and related domains and to turn these opportunities to actual business value by defining, creating, deploying, and managing relevant information systems. They will have the skills needed to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams including business and technology experts.

Structure

Students are expected to take the major common courses and track compulsory courses. In addition, they take courses from the track optional course list. It is strongly recommended that students also participate in the Portfolio in Software and Service Engineering course (CS-E4920).

Major common courses (10 credits)

Track compulsory courses (15 credits)

Track optional courses

^{* If any of these courses have been taken as part of the B.Sc. studies, they can be substituted with any elective courses of the track. If the student has taken similar courses at another institution, the professor should be contacted for discussing possible substitutions.} 

Professor in charge: Marjo Kauppinen, Marko Nieminen and Johanna Viitanen
Extent: Compact (40 credits) or long (60 credits) major. Students taking a compact major also take a minor (20–25 credits). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.
Abbreviation: SDE

Objectives

Digital services and software form an integral part of modern everyday life. The Service Design and Engineering (SDE) track is for students who want to specialise in developing human-centric digital services and analysing their impact on business and society.

The SDE track focuses on collaborative software and service design, where understanding customer and user needs is essential. The track provides theoretical and practical means for working with customers, users, and other stakeholders throughout the whole lifecycle of digital services. Students learn to work in multidisciplinary teams where they create innovative, and commercially viable solutions. They apply user-centred and software engineering methods to support design and evaluation activities.

After completing their studies, students can work in design and engineering companies, industry, public organisations, and startups. Typical roles include product owners, software developers, user interface and interaction designers, usability specialists, user experience managers, service designers, project managers, and business analysts. The track also provides a good starting point for doctoral studies.

Learning outcomes

In the SDE track, students learn to

1. discover and analyse customer, user and business needs
2. apply methods  from software engineering, service design and user-centred design in practice
3. define an an efficient design process for the needs of a company and projects
4. collaboratively develop digital services that create customer and business value
5. create innovative service concepts in multidisciplinary teams
6. critically evaluate service concepts and digital services
7. build up a strong conceptual foundation for continuous learning.

Content and structure

Service Design and Engineering Compact Major 40 credits

The compact major of the SDE track consists of two major common courses. In addition to these courses, the Design Project is the only compulsory course. Students can also select courses from the track optional course list. It is strongly recommended that students also participate in Portfolio in Software and Service Engineering course (CS-E4920). Combined with personal discussions with responsible professors of the track, this course supports students in finding their individual study and career profile.

It is strongly recommended that students select a minor that emphasises multidisciplinarity. Students taking the SDE track who wish to focus on entrepreneurship are recommended to take the Startup Minor as their minor.

Major common courses (10 credits)

Track compulsory course (5 credits)

Track optional courses (25 cr)

^{* If any of these courses have been taken as part of the B.Sc. studies, they can be substituted with any elective courses of the track. If the student has taken similar courses at another institution, the professor should be contacted for discussing possible substitutions.} 

^{In addition to the above, courses from the other tracks of the SSE major can be included as optional courses. Also other optional courses can be included per agreement with a professor in charge of the track.}

Service Design and Engineering Long Major 60 credits

The long major of the SDE track consists of two major common courses. In addition to these courses, the Data-Driven Concept Design is the only compulsory course. Students can also select courses from the track optional course list. It is strongly recommended that students also participate in the course Portfolio in Software and Service Engineering (CS-E4920). Combined with personal discussions with responsible professors of the track, this course supports students in finding their individual study and career profile.

Students selecting the long major focus on various aspects of digital service design including user-centred design, business and customer analysis combined with software engineering. Students with a  long major have the possibility to tailor the major personally in collaboration with their supervising professor. Additionally, the long major lays a proper foundation for doctoral studies in the field.

Students taking the SDE track who wish to focus on entrepreneurship are recommended to take the Startup Minor as part of their elective studies.

Major common courses (10 credits)

Track compulsory course (5 credits)

Track optional courses (45 cr)

Courses that strengthen the multidisciplinary contents of the studies are especially recommended. These include, for instance, the following courses. The student shall make sure that participating in those courses is possible.

Also other optional courses can be included per agreement with a professor in charge of the track.

Professor in charge: Casper Lassenius
Other professors: Marjo Kauppinen
Extent: Long (60 credits) or compact (40 credits) major. Students taking a compact major also take a minor (20–25 credits). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.

Objectives

Software is at the core of most developed economies and organizations. The software engineering track is intended for students who want to become proficient in developing and managing development of software systems and services in real-world organizations, big and small. 

The track combines theoretical studies with a large number of practical assignments done both in groups and as individuals, providing opportunities not only to understand but to apply the various methods and tools taught. Many of the assignments are either done for industrial customers representing real-life organizations or based on cases from industry. Many courses use lecturers from industry to provide practical viewpoints to the subjects studied.

Software engineering majors typically work in industry in roles such as Scrum Master, team lead, software architect, project manager, test lead, process engineer, or product owner. Students of software engineering are recommended to take a technical minor in computer science, but the major can also be fruitfully combined with e.g. strategic management, organizational development, or occupational psychology and leadership. The long major gives students the possibility to study software engineering more in-depth, giving the possibility to focus on a specific area of interest. This lays a good foundation for expert roles in industry, or for PhD studies in software engineering.

Learning outcomes

In the software engineering track, students learn the processes, methods and techniques used in professional software development in organizations and projects of various sizes. Core subjects include various software development activities, such as requirements engineering, design, implementation, testing and deployment, as well as supporting activities including project management, organizational development, and configuration management.

Software Engineering long major (60 credits)

The long major in software engineering gives students the opportunity to specialize in software engineering to help become software engineering experts in industry, as well as lays a good foundation for graduate studies. Students of the long major have the possibility to tailor the major personally in collaboration with their supervising professor.

The students take the major common courses and track compulsory courses. In addition, they take courses from the track optional course list. It is strongly recommended that students participate in Portfolio in Software and Service Engineering course (CS-E4920).

Major common courses (10 credits)

Track compulsory courses (15-18 credits)

Track optional courses

^{* If the course has been taken as part of the B.Sc. studies, it can be substituted with any optional courses of the track. In the case the student has taken similar courses at another institution, the professor should be contacted for discussing possible substitutions.
In addition to the above, courses from the other tracks of the SSE major can be included as optional courses. Also other optional courses can be included per agreement with a professor in charge of the track. 
It is recommended to take most of the software engineering specific courses (Software Engineering, Software Design and Modelling, Software Processes and Projects, Requirements Engineering, Software Architectures, and Software Testing and Quality Assurance) during the first year of studies. Their content is to be applied in practice on the Software Project 3 course during the second year.}

Software Engineering compact major 40 credits

The compact major aims at teaching students the main elements of software engineering to give them a sound foundation for future careers in industry.

The students take the major common courses (10 credits) and track compulsory courses (10–13 credits). In addition, they take courses from the track optional courses list. Students taking a compact major must have a minor (20–25 credits).  It is strongly recommended that students also participate in the Portfolio course in Software and Service Engineering (CS-E4920).

Major common courses (10 credits)

Track compulsory courses (10-13 credits)

Track optional courses

^{* If the course has been taken as part of the B.Sc. studies, it can be substituted with any optional courses of the track. In the case the student has taken similar courses at another institution, the professor should be contacted for discussing possible substitutions.
In addition to the above, courses from the other tracks of the SSE major can be included as optional courses. Also other optional courses can be included per agreement with a professor in charge of the track.      
It is recommended to take most of the software engineering specific courses (Software Engineering, Software Design and Modelling, Software Processes and Projects, Requirements Engineering, Software Architectures, and Software testing and Quality Assurance) during the first year of studies. Their content is to be applied in practice on the Software Project 3 course during the second year.} 

Code: ELEC3068
Extent: long major (60 cr) or compact major (40 cr)
Responsible professor: Mikko Kurimo
Professors: Paavo Alku, Tom Bäckström
Abbreviation: SLT
Pääaine suomeksi: Puheen- ja kielenkäsittely
Huvudämne på svenska: Tal- och språkbehandling
School: Electrical Engineering

The purpose of the major is to provide the students with basics of speech and language processing and the ability to apply those in various fields of science and technology. Speech and language processing utilizes signal processing, mathematical modeling and machine learning for statistical language modeling and for speech analysis, synthesis, recognition, and coding. Speech and language technology is an interdisciplinary field where knowledge of signal processing and machine learning can be combined with the modelling and measuring of human behavior, for example, in speech production and perception. Recent applications and research priorities are, for example, speech recognition and synthesis, dictation, subtitling, machine translation, language learning, large-scale video data indexing and retrieval, speech coding and quality improvement as well as medical research of the human voice.

This major offers excellent opportunities also for postgraduate studies.

The major consists of a compulsory part and an optional part. The major can be completed either as a long (60 cr) or compact (40 cr) major. Students taking a compact major also take a master level minor (20-25 cr). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.

Students who have a long major (60 credits) choose 30 credits of elective studies. Students who have a compact major must choose a minor (20-25 cr) and 25-30 credits of elective studies. Altogether major, possible minor and electives have to be 90 credits.

As elective studies, students can complete a minor and/or take individual courses. Individual elective courses can also be taken from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities through Flexible Study Right (JOO).

Entrepreneurial and multidisciplinary Aalto studies are recommended. Foreign students are encouraged to take Finnish courses.

Also studies completed abroad during student exchange can be included in the elective studies (exchange studies can also form an international minor or be included in the major). Work experience completed in Finland or abroad can also be included in elective studies (SCI students max. 10 credits, ELEC students max 5 credits, excluding HCI major students). More information about practical training you can find under Other studies.

In general, elective studies must be university or university of applied sciences level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.

Students are required to complete a master's thesis, which is a research assignment with a workload corresponding to 30 credits. The thesis is written on a topic usually related to the student's major and agreed upon between the student and a professor who specializes in the topic of the thesis. The supervisor of the thesis must be a professor in Aalto University. The thesis advisor(s) can be from a company or from another university. Thesis advisor(s) must have at least a master’s degree.

Master’s thesis work includes a seminar presentation or equivalent presentation. The student is also required to write a maturity essay related to the master’s thesis.

The master’s thesis is a public document and cannot be concealed.

Read more about writing the master's thesis under Thesis.

Students taking a compact major must have a minor (20–25 credits). Students taking a long major are encouraged to include a minor in elective studies. Bachelor level minors may be accepted. The minor is confirmed in the Personal Study Plan (HOPS).

More information on Aalto University’s minor subjects is in Aalto Minors page.

Compulsory language studies are included as part of the Finnish bachelor’s degree for students who have studied in Finland and whose language of education is Finnish or Swedish. If the language studies have not been completed in the student’s bachelor’s degree, the student must take 2 ECTS in the second national language and 3 ECTS in one foreign language, including both oral and written proficiency.

Students who have received their education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish, or received their education abroad, are required to complete only 3 ECTS in one foreign language, including both oral and written proficiency. Relevant courses (marked with 'o' and 'w') are offered by the Aalto University Language Center.

Students who have received their education abroad and who already have excellent command of English (e.g. English as their first language) may choose 3 credits of Finnish courses instead, hence not covering the requirement of oral/written proficiency but meeting the language requirement of the degree. If this applies to you, please contact the student services for further advice.

Compulsory Foreign Language studies are offered by Aalto University Language centre.

School of Science:
Application for the exemption from the obligatory foreign language requirement