The master’s thesis is a 30-credit entity that also includes the maturity test and presentation of the thesis. The master's thesis is a piece of applied research and is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the degree programme. The key goal of the master’s thesis is solving a problem relevant to the field of study based on existing scientific knowledge in compliance with the principles of responsible conduct of research.
Master's thesis process
You will find detailed information, instructions and deadlines related to the master's thesis process from this section.
- Read thesis guidelines. You can find the pdf of versions of the guide in English and Finnish at the end of this page.
- Search for thesis topic. If you are planning to do your thesis for a company, more information: Study and educational projects – contracts with organisations outside Aalto University | Aalto University
- Discuss the thesis topic with the supervisor and ask for a written approval. The written approval can be either a screenshot of an email conversation (containing full topic of thesis) or a topic agreement form completed by the supervisor. You can find a template for the form at the end of this page.
- Submit the application for the thesis topic in eAge system. After you have supervisor's approval for thesis topic, you can apply thesis topic approval. You can find the deadlines to submitting thesis topic applications under Thesis deadlines.
The thesis topic, thesis language and the thesis supervisor and advisor(s) are approved by the degree programme committee. The thesis topic and the completed thesis cannot be approved at the same degree committee meeting. The approved topic is always valid for one year.
- Attend the master’s thesis seminar, if one is organised by your programme. Participation is usually voluntary but recommended.
- Get to know the thesis evaluation criteria. You can find the evaluation criteria and guidelines (in English and Finnish) at the end of this page.
- Thesis template. You can use this template for the thesis: Word Thesis template for all Aalto University schools.
- Submit the completed thesis to the Turnitin system and to your supervisor. Turnitin is an online platform that reviews the thesis text for originality. Ask your supervisor about their Turnitin practices. For more information see: Turnitin an originality checking and feedback software.
- Prepare thesis presentation. The thesis process also includes a final thesis presentation which is agreed with the supervisor. The presentation must be held at the latest when applying for the approval and evaluation of thesis.
- Thesis abstract as a maturity test. The thesis process involves demonstrating conversance with the field and the student's knowledge about the topic, which is done by completing a "maturity test".
As part of the thesis process, you are required to present the final thesis and write a maturity test.
- Thesis presentation. See the programme specific requirements and instructions for the thesis presentation. The presentation must be held at the latest when applying for the approval and evaluation of thesis.
- Maturity test. The abstract of the thesis will serve as a maturity test. The maturity test aims to prove your expertise in the field and topic area of your thesis. Agree the completion of the maturity test with your thesis supervisor before applying for the approval of the thesis. The maturity test is graded either pass or fail.
Note: If you have been educated in Finnish or Swedish and have not demonstrated language proficiency previously in a maturity test for a Bachelor's degree, you have to write the maturity test in the language in which you have been educated at the primary and secondary levels (Finnish or Swedish). For more information, please see Maturity demonstration (in the language of education) and contact the planning officer of your programme.
- Once you have permission to publish from the supervisor, submit the thesis approval and evaluation application in eAge.
- Attach the completed, corrected and final version of the thesis to the application and make sure it is the correct PDF/A format. See Aalto University instructions for converting and checking the file format. The thesis file cannot be corrected or changed after the approved thesis has arrived in Aaltodoc publication archive.
- Check the thesis deadlines and the processing dates in the in the table below. These deadlines are absolute, and no late applications will be processed. You will be notified via eAge once the thesis has been approved and evaluated by the degree committee meeting.
Deadlines for thesis topic/ thesis evaluation application | Degree programme committee meeting date |
---|---|
Fri 30.12.2022 | Mon 23.1.2023 |
Mon 27.2.2023 | Mon 20.3.2023 |
Mon 24.4.2023 | Mon 15.5.2023 |
Mon 29.5.2023 | Mon 12.6.2023 |
Mon 31.7.2023 | Mon 21.8.2023 |
Mon 25.9.2023 | Mon 9.10.2023 |
Mon 20.11.2023 | Mon 11.12.2023 |
Fri 29.12.2023 | January 2024 |
If you have completed all your studies and master's thesis is your final study attainment, you can submit a request for the degree certificate at Sisu at same time with your application for the approval of your master's thesis. You can find more information under 'Graduation'.
If you have any questions, please select the contact based on your programme:
Nordic Masters, SELECT, EIT-ES, EIT-MANU, EIT-UM, EMC | Joint Masters Team ([email protected]) |
MEC | Helena Suonsilta ([email protected]) |
GIS, REC, SPT, CS, USP in REE | Suvi Jämsä ([email protected]) |
GEO, CIV, WAT, EMMEP | Harri Långstedt ([email protected]) |
Advanced Energy Solutions, please select the contact based on your major:
Industrial Energy Processes (CHEM) | [email protected] |
Energy in Buildings and Built Environment (ENG) | [email protected] |
Energy Conversion Processes (ENG) | [email protected] |
Energy Systems and Markets (ELEC) | [email protected] |
Additional information
Aaltodoc publication archive
Aaltodoc publication archive consists of full text materials produced in the university, such as theses, journal articles, conference publications and research materials produced by the schools of Aalto University.

Errors in approved theses are corrected on an errata page
Instructions on the use of errata page

Aalto Thesis: For the student
Aalto Thesis is a challenge-based and work-life oriented possibility to enhance your professional expertise and multidisciplinary teamwork skills during the Master's thesis process.

Turnitin - an aid for skilful writing and prevention of plagiarism
Turnitin - an aid for skilful writing and prevention of plagiarism
