In a joint degree programme, moving between two different universities creates a special need to be careful when planning studies and scheduling courses. Plans made at the beginning of the academic year regarding, for example, elective course choices may and will most likely change, but keep in mind that studies completed at a steady pace usually lead to better results than an unbalanced schedule.
We encourage you to communicate openly and well in advance about falling behind in your studies, or or if you recognize challenges in maintaining study motivation, struggle with coping or overwhelmedness with courses. Help is available, as long as you dare to ask for it.
Getting started with Sisu
Study information system Sisu's tools, especially the personal study plan (also known as HOPS), timeline and study calendar help you visualize not only your study year at Aalto, but also the number of credits for the courses you will and need to take at the partner university. The study plan is unique for each student and can be updated according to the choices made during the academic year.
You will learn about Sisu, making a study plan and registering for courses during the orientation week, but you can always turn to the programme study coordinator if you are unsure or need help.
Sisu instructions: front page
The front page of Sisu instructions for students
Quick guide on how to create a personal study plan on Sisu
How to create a personal study plan (HOPS) on Sisu
Frequently asked questions in joint degree programmes
Yes. At Aalto University, it is possible to complete additional courses (more than the normative and mandatory 60 ECTS + possible language course) that will not included in the degree. These courses will appear on your Aalto transcript or records when you graduate, but not on the actual degree certificate. Note that additional courses should only be taken if you have the energy and time to complete them.
Transferring the credits of the partner university is an administrative process that is done between the administrative staff of the universities. In other words, the student does not have to do anything to transfer the credits. Aalto University strictly follows the received transcript and cannot influence which credits are included or excluded. The partner university's course grades are converted to Aalto's grading scale 1-5 according to the scaling table agreed in the partner agreements (excl. failed courses at the partner university, which Aalto cannot transfer).
Support for study skills and well-being
Challenges encountered during studies are not uncommon, and Aalto University has many different support services at your disposal. Please note that many of the services also operate remotely and students studying abroad at a partner university can use Aalto's services in the normal way, only virtually.
Student Services psychologist group
The Student Services psychologist group comprises Aalto’s study psychologists and the career counselling psychologist.
Support for career design and employment
Completing your Master's degree and entering working life can cause a lot of questions and emotions from uncertainty to excitement. Reflecting on one's own interests and strengths is a continuous process, but also a process that benefits from special time dedicated to it or even reflection with an outsider. At Aalto University, the dedicated Career Services and working life experts support you in not only career planning, but also in preparing for job search and finding employment in Finland.
Career Design for Students
Career design is an experimental approach for creating a meaningful career path in the constantly changing world of work.
Aalto JobTeaser (external link)
Aalto JobTeaser portal for job ads, career events and guidance