Guide for Doctoral

Students

Committee for Research Affairs and Doctoral Education

Edited by:
Anneli Ahvenniemi
Ida Björkbacka
Johanna Söderholm
Ingeborg Rask

Otaniemi, 1 August 2007, updated 22 June 2010

The guide is available on

http://www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/guide
CONTENTS

FOREWORD 3

1. COULD YOU BECOME A DOCTORAL STUDENT? 4

1.1 Purpose 4
1.2 Qualifications 5
1.3 Links to research programmes and the study environment 6
1.4 Schedule 7
1.5 Licentiate or doctorate? 7

2. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 8
2.1 Strategics and organisation of research activities 8
2.2 Research ethics 9
2.3 Organisation of research activities 9
2.4 The link between research and tuition 10
2.5 Research activities in international interaction 11
2.6 The impact of research 11
2.7 Intellectual property rights and utilising research results 12

3. DOCTORAL STUDIES 14
3.1 Degrees and the objective of doctoral education 14
3.2 Management of doctoral education at Helsinki University of Technology 15
3.3 Eligibility for doctoral studies and prerequisite knowledge 15
3.4 Applying for the right to pursue doctoral studies 17
3.5. Assessment of the applicants and granting the right to study 18
3.5.1 Full-time and part-time doctoral studies 19
3.5.2 Continuing your studies after obtaining a Licentiate of Science
(Tech.) degree 20
3.5.3 Registering at the School of Science and Technology 20
3.6 Structure of doctoral degrees 21
3.6.1 Theoretical studies 22
3.6.2 Thesis 24
3.7 Personal study plan for doctoral studies 24
3.7.1 Internationalisation as a part of the study plan for doctoral
students 25
3.7.2 Confirmation of degree requirements 25
3.8 Doctoral studies guidance 25
3.8.1 Supervisor 26
3.8.2 Instructor 26
3.9 Thesis 27
3.9.1 Licentiate thesis 27
3.9.2 Doctoral dissertation 28
3.10 Grading and diplomas for doctoral degrees 30

4. FINANCING DOCTORAL STUDIES 31

4.1 National doctoral programmes 31
4.2 Assistantships 31
4.3 Research projects at the School of Science and Technology 31
4.4 Financing research teams 32
4.5 Scholarships and grants 33
4.6 Student financial aid 34

1
ANNEXES

Annex 1 Postgraduate research fields at the Aalto University School of Science

and Technology

Annex 2 National doctoral programmes supported by the Ministry of Education

and Culture coordinated by the Aalto University School of Science and
Technology and other doctoral programmes in which the School of Science and
Technology is involved

Annex 3 Government Decree on University Degrees 794/2004

Annex 4 Degree Regulations of the Aalto University School of Science and

Technology
2005

Annex 5 Aalto University School of Science and Technology

Dissertations Committee instructions for doctoral dissertations

2
 FOREWORD

You are holding a copy of the Guide for Doctoral Students. It has been written for
those who are planning to embark on doctoral studies at the Aalto University
School of Science and Technology (the former Helsinki University of Technology). I
hope that this guide will help you on your way to the degree of Doctor of Science in
Technology. The faculties at the School of Science and Technology have also
issued guides and regulations of their own, which will complement this booklet.

The first chapter of this guide, “Could you become a doctoral student?, provides
general information about doctoral studies and will be useful for anyone considering
taking the doctoral degree. I would like to thank my predecessor, Professor Mauri
Airila, who allowed us to use his text as a basis for the first chapter of this edition.
Professor Airila's original text can be read in Tekniikan alan väitöskirjaopas (Guide
for Doctoral Dissertation in Technology, in Finnish) published in 2002 by the
university administration. The second chapter gives an overview of the research
activities at the School of Science and Technology. More detailed instructions on
completing doctoral studies are provided in chapter three. The purpose of this
chapter is to give useful information about the different stages in doctoral studies.
The final chapter explains possible ways to fund your doctoral studies.

Following the redesign of the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in

Finland, doctoral training is also undergoing a considerable transformation. The
European Education Area is a vision being realised through guidelines such as the
principles of the Bologna Process; doctoral studies are also affected by it. In spring
2006, the Ministry of Education and Culture issued its report on the development of
doctoral education in Finland. The report states, among other things, that a doctor's
degree should provide good qualifications not only for a career in research, but in
other demanding expert positions as well. Collaboration between doctoral
education and business and industry is being further emphasised. There is also an
increasing focus on international mobility, and it is recommended that doctoral
students include a period of study or research abroad. The School of Science and
Technology observes and implements the European and national guidelines on
doctoral education and applies them in developing its own educational activities.

The research activities at the School of Science and Tehnology are of a very high
standard and cover a wide spectrum of fields, which guarantees an excellent
environment in which to pursue a doctoral degree. The research conducted at the
School of Science and Tehnology is among the best in the world in many areas,
and the Centres of Excellence in Research produce results that are the best in the
world. Nearly all significant fields of technology are represented at the School of
Science and Tehnology. Talented and motivated doctoral students are a major
resource fuelling the research activities.

In order to develop our activities even further, we welcome any feedback either
concerning this guide or in general on doctoral studies at the university. Please
send your comments to jatko-opiskelijanopas(at)tkk.fi.

I would like to bid you a very warm welcome to our university and wish you all the
best in your doctoral studies!

In Otaniemi in August 2007

Outi Krause, Vice-Rector

3
1. COULD YOU BECOME A DOCTORAL STUDENT?

1.1 Purpose

Doctoral education at the Aalto University School of Science and Technology is

doctoral education and it is scientific in nature. In studies leading to the
Licentiate or Doctor of Science (Technology) degree, the student “becomes
conversant with the development, basic problems and research methods of
his/her own field of research” (Government Decree on University Degrees,
Section 21, 794/2004).

Doctoral education is exclusively researcher training, in which learning is

integrated with research, following the basic idea of the university. This age-old
principle still seems a valid method that enables profound understanding of
issues better than any other method of learning. Therefore, the training and
experience of researchers is still considered an advantage when being
employed by industry, consultancies, the government, and anywhere in
education, even if the position as such is not directly linked with research. A
good relationship between industry and the university also requires that the
research carried out within industry involves doctoral-level researchers.

In the future, the knowledge and skills gained through a doctorate will be in
increasing demand in business and industry and public administration. As the
Finnish economy becomes increasingly knowledge-intensive, the educational
requirements for the work force will escalate. New jobs are mainly created
within fields that require high skill levels, and can produce innovations.
Therefore, the significance of a doctoral education will grow in several
disciplines. Hence, as the importance of top expertise becomes crucial, industry
will employ a substantially larger proportion of doctoral graduates than it does
at present. To meet this demand, it has been proposed that the number of
doctoral degrees awarded in the field technology be increased substantially.!

Those of you intending to become professional researchers are well-advised to

begin your doctoral degree as early as possible and complete it quickly. There
is no reason to make the doctoral dissertation your main scientific publication or
your life work. Instead, the dissertation is meant to be like a “driving licence” for
the academic community, its purpose merely being to show that the researcher
is capable of independent scientific work. Those of you who complete your
doctorates at an early age will have the opportunity to begin your actual
research career at a time when you are at your most creative. To speed up
doctoral studies and to improve the quality of dissertations, universities have
established national doctoral programmes with funding from the Ministry of
Education and Culture. Attending a national doctoral programme is a
particularly recommended option for those of you who are planning to embark
on an academic research career after completing your doctorate. Some
faculties at the School of Science and Technology also have their own graduate
schools or student researcher positions funded by the university. Doctoral
students at the School of Science and Technology can also apply for
researcher training scholarships.

!
Tohtorinkoulutuksen kehittäminen. Opetusministeriön työryhmämuistioita ja selvityksiä
2006:3. Tekniikan alan korkeakoulutuksen ja tutkimuksen kehittäminen. Opetusministeriön
työryhmämuistioita ja selvityksiä 2005:19.

4
 With the internationalisation of companies, the number and level of challenges
will also increase. Participating in foreign exchange during doctoral studies
provides you with the competence to meet the business demands of
internationalisation. In terms of their key technologies, companies strive to
remain at the forefront of development. Therefore it may be necessary for them
to produce scientific research on their core business areas in collaboration with
universities. Continuing scientific education prepares you well for this, to
operate in the vanguard of technology. When working in the technology
industry, there may be situations in which you have to be able to adopt scientific
thinking and have the readiness to collaborate with universities or research
institutes. With researcher training, it will be easier to understand the culture
and rules of academic research than with only a first degree.

A doctor’s degree will provide excellent qualifications, not only for a research
career, but also for other demanding expert positions. For such positions,
doctoral studies are often an advantage. A doctoral degree will increase the
value of any CV and add extra weight when interviewed for a position.
However, when selected for a position, the degree alone cannot guarantee
success; you must prove your competence through action. Industry is more
interested in robust know-how than formal degrees. Yet the ever-increasing
amount of international activities places more emphasis on academic degrees
as well. In many countries, it is customary to involve experts with a doctoral
degree in such areas as commercial negotiations, to add further credence to
technical arguments.

1.2 Qualifications

At the School of Science and Technology particular attention is paid to the

quality of dissertations. Thus, it is by no means automatic that every doctoral
student completes the doctorate. Your potential is comprised of academic
talent, patience, ability to cope with a heavy workload, and perseverance. To
succeed in doctoral studies you need to have all of these qualities. It is also
important that you could be part of an inspiring research group with a
competent leader.

You should begin by critically assessing your potential to successfully complete

doctoral studies. Your supervising professor is the person with whom to discuss
these issues. To avoid wasting time and effort and causing yourself frustration,
you must be realistic about your potential. On the other hand, once the decision
to embark on doctoral studies has been made, there is no reason to
procrastinate or be hesitant – you should focus on simply completing the
project.

Doctoral studies often coincide with a busy and possibly difficult time in your
life. You should have enough income for accommodation and a reasonable
standard of living, you should make your mark career-wise, and yet at the same
time your children might be small and family-life would need time and effort,
too. Be honest about the whys and wherefores, and make sure your motivation
is well-grounded and genuine. If your motivation is right, many practical
obstacles are much more easily negotiated.

The search for funding for doctoral studies is a real practical problem. During
the most intensive periods, you must be able to concentrate on your research
work more or less full time. If you also have a job, or work on a research project

5
 or teach at a research institute or university, you will only have limited time and
energy left for pursuing doctoral studies on the side. When holding an Academy
of Finland tenure, or funded by a grant, or in a national doctoral programme,
there is enough time allocated to research, but your income may be moderate
compared to the general level in your professional field. See Chapter 4 for more
details on scholarships and grants for doctoral students.

It is recommended that those employed by industry choose their topics so that

the employer is able to see its value and is prepared to be flexible to support
the rapid completion of the studies. However, in industrial research, the
question of confidentiality may present a problem. This is in direct conflict with
the premise of openness in scientific research. Dissertations are public by law.
Hence you cannot discuss matters in a dissertation which should be kept
confidential under the rules of industrial secrecy. You should settle issues
related to the confidentiality of research findings in research institutes at an
early stage of research preparation, when other issues are also being agreed
upon.

1.3 Links to research programmes and the study environment

It will be of considerable advantage to you if your dissertation topic can be

linked to a larger research project. Usually a larger project has already defined
a research problem, from which more detailed, specific targets for an individual
dissertation can be derived, speeding your progress.

Finnish and EU-wide research programmes involve a lot of other types of

research and analyses than merely scientific research. Challenging
programmes will, however, include segments that provide excellent topics for
doctoral dissertations. For example, the technology programmes of Tekes (the
Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation) encourage
researchers to write doctoral theses, since this would help create a more
profound and permanent knowledge base in Finland.

National technology programmes offer a good research forum, particularly for

doctoral students working in industry; the interests of the student and the
employer are likely to meet in a high-quality research environment.

Training for researchers is most efficient if you can work in a group with
members who have a variety of experience. Graduate schools are one such
group. Swapping experiences and discussing problem situations can, in such a
context, take place naturally on a daily basis. Try to avoid working alone. You
should maintain close and regular contact, particularly with your supervisor and
instructor, to ensure that you agree on the main research foci and hypotheses
to be used throughout the research process. Those of you who conduct your
doctoral studies within a commercial workplace may have only limited contact
with the research world. In such a case, you would benefit by spending short,
exclusive periods (perhaps a couple of months) doing research in a university
environment. If you work in a commercial enterprise, you should, at the very
least, regularly attend research seminars at your university.

It is also recommended that doctoral students spend time abroad. This will
promote the international interaction of your research and give you a wider
perspective into your work.

6
1.4 Schedule

You should approach doctoral studies as a series of projects that have a plan,
schedule and budget. Life-long learning as such is a process which has to be
divided into smaller projects with intermediate goals, a definite time plan, and
allocated resources. Doctoral studies and education leading to a licentiate’s or
doctor’s degree would therefore be one project in the larger process. For a full-
time student, the normative duration of the licentiate is two years and the
doctorate four years. “Study projects” that span a decade do not really meet the
criteria for a degree project. On the contrary, constant awareness of
uncompleted work will sap energy that you could put to better use in other
areas. If completing the doctorate within four years seems too challenging, it
might be a good idea to consider completing the licentiate first. After that, you
should plan a new two-to-three year project for completing the doctorate.
However, when choosing the topic and method for the licentiate, bear in mind
the next step and choose something you can continue in your doctoral studies.

If full-time study seems impossible even at the planning stage, you can
consciously time your studies according to the time realistically available or
schedule the commencement of the project later. The main thing is to avoid
slowly progressing studies that may take up energy needed for other activities.

1.5 Licentiate or doctorate?

According to Government Decree 794/2004, the dissertation is to produce new

scientific knowledge within the field of research. A doctoral dissertation is,
therefore, clearly a scientific publication. The data presented in it must be
based on proper scientific research, and the documentation must be done
following good scientific practice. The dissertation may be either an article
dissertation or a monograph.

In terms of time and as an intellectual effort, a doctoral dissertation is more

demanding than a licentiate. Although you may be provided with a topic already
determined by your research group, the production of new scientific information
requires deep familiarity with the topic. It is not realistic to expect, even in the
best of circumstances, that the dissertation could be ready for preliminary
examination in less than two years from the beginning of the project. However,
two years is enough for a hard-working student to complete a licentiate degree.

Before embarking on the actual writing of the dissertation, you should make an
informed decision, based on discussions with your supervisor, on whether the
topic, the available time, and your other capacities would better warrant a
licentiate or a doctorate.

7
2. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

2.1 Strategics and organisation of research activities

In its strategy approved in December 2006, the School of Science and

Technology defines its profile focusing on providing top-level technology
research and high quality education for master’s and doctor’s degrees in all
main fields of engineering and architecture. The strategy describes the basic
task and vision of the School of Science and Technology as follows:

The mission of the School of Science and Technology

The basic task of the School of Science and Technology is
• to conduct scientific research
• to provide top-level teaching linked with research and
• to promote education in science and the arts.

The School of Science and Technology fosters freedom in science, the arts and
teaching. It operates in fields in which research has both scientific and
technological significance, and its activities support Finland’s success in the
international economy.

The vision of the School of Science and Technology

The School of Science and Technology is an internationally respected and
attractive university known for its excellent achievements in research and
teaching, its ability to renew itself, and its social impact. It is a trendsetter in its
field in cooperation with universities of excellence and innovative corporate
partners. Its students, researchers and teachers are chosen from among the
best in all countries.

The School of Science and Technology chooses its research fields according to
the scientific challenges they offer and based on their technical impact. Finnish
industry operates in a global market and it looks for the necessary expertise
from what are considered to be leading universities and research institutes all
over the world. As far as selecting fields and determining scientific standards
are concerned, our viewpoint is international. In many technical fields, the
School of Science and Technology is the only university-level research and
teaching unit in Finland. The strategy of the School of Science and Technology
has this to say about research activities:

During its strategy period 2007–2015, the university will intensify its research
particularly in the theme areas of strategic national clusters of excellence
defined by the Science and Technology Policy Council, i.e. energy and the
environment, metal products and mechanical engineering, the forest cluster, the
information and communications industry and services, and health and well-
being. The aim is to utilise the existing strengths of the School of Science and
Technology and the Otaniemi science community in these research sectors
efficiently and to achieve an internationally high level of research during the
strategy period.

Along with nationally important research sectors, the School of Science and
Technology will also support new research. Selection of research projects will
take into account scientific standards, technological relevance, challenging
targets, partnerships with comparative international research and business and
industry, and the needs of Finnish business and industry in global competition.

8
 You can read more about the strategy in the following pages:
http://www.tkk.fi/en/about_tkk/strategies/index.html
http://www.aalto.fi/en/about/strategy

2.2 Research ethics

The School of Science and Technology has undertaken to observe ethical

guidelines and principles in its research activities. Doctoral students must take
these into account in their own research work. They should take note of and
assimilate sound, scientific practice generally and in their chosen field.
Consequently, instructors and doctoral students will do well to discuss matters,
especially at the start of their guidance relationship, and identify any ethical
issues and practices related to the research subject.

Ethical questions relating to scientific research in Finland are addressed by the

National Advisory Board on Research Ethics established by the Ministry of
Education and Culture in 1991. The board’s task is to promote discussion,
distribute information, initiate moves and make statements in relation to
research ethics.

The ethical guidelines Good scientific practice and procedures for handling mis-
conduct and fraud in science (http://www.tenk.fi/ENG/Function/htkeng.pdf),
published in 2002 by the advisory board define sound scientific practice and the
infringement of it from a multidisciplinary standpoint as far as possible. The aim
of the guidelines is to promote sound scientific practice, and prevent scientific
fraud in all organisations practising research. Different scientific fields have
more detailed ethical norms proper to each, for example about the relationship
between the researcher and the research object. More information may be
obtained from the Finnish National Advisory Board on Biotechnology (BTNK),
scientific associations, and several professional organisations. The National
Advisory Board on Research Ethics home page
http://www.tenk.fi/ENG/function.htm provides links and contact information for
such organisations and their guidelines, including other publications and
guidelines relating to research ethics.

2.3 Organisation of research activities

The university consists of the following faculties that are responsible for
research activities and tuition:
1) Faculty of Electronics, Communications and Automation
2) Faculty of Information and Natural Sciences
3) Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
4) Faculty of Chemistry and Materials Sciences

The faculties are divided into 25 departments that form operational units for
financial administration. The School of Science and Technology has about 250
professors who serve as leaders for the research activities within their own
fields of research in the departments. As a rule, the professors obtain research
projects for their research fields, assign the researchers, guide research, and
are responsible for upholding research traditions. There are more than 120

9
 doctoral research fields at the School of Science and Technology, covering
almost every field of technology.

In the faculties there are also several separate units that pursue research: the
BIT Research Centre (Business Innovation Technology), the Metsähovi Radio
Observatory and the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (YTK, in
collaboration with other Finnish universities). There are also separate units
outside of the faculties: the Low Temperature Laboratory and Helsinki Institute
for Information Technology – HIIT (in collaboration with the University of
Helsinki). The School of Science and Technology takes part with other Finnish
universities in research at Helsinki Institute of Physics – HIP. The university
also collaborates with the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) in the
research performed in the Millimetre Wave Laboratory of Finland - MilliLab.
Doctoral students can carry out research not only at the faculties and its various
institutes but also at other research centres such as VTT, or while employed in
industry.

There are nine research institutes in the School of Science and Technology
bringing together the expertise of interconnected research fields. They pursue
and coordinate research activities in their fields, especially for any large-scale
joint projects beyond the limits of their own departments and faculties. Institutes
coordinate and arrange tuition, using the intellectual and material resources of
their laboratories. A key part of a research institute’s activity involves keeping
up with developments in its field, maintaining contacts with industry, universities
and research institutions, and promoting international cooperation in their area
of specialisation. Many doctoral students work on projects managed by these
research institutes.

The School of Science and Technology, in order to strengthen its high-level

research activities while investing in the development of interdisciplinary
research fields, continually seeks and encourages new, top-level units and
groups. Out of the 41 Centres of Excellence in research selected and financed
by the Academy of Finland, seven are based at the School of Science and
Technology. The University is also a partner in two other Centres of Excellence.
Five of the total of 40 Academy Professors appointed by the Academy of
Finland work at the School of Science and Technology. In order to encourage
young researchers, the University has twice selected Outstanding Junior
Research Groups headed by holders of doctoral degrees for two-year periods.
It is expected that they will develop into world-class research groups within a
few years. The School of Science and Technology also bestows a “Doctoral
Dissertation of the Year” award for a doctoral dissertation that stands out
among those defended each year.

2.4 The link between research and tuition

The high-level scientific research work and artistic activities of the School of
Science and Technology are the basis of higher education. Research and
education are linked by beneficial interaction so that phenomena become
comprehensible. The School of Science and Technology strives to utilise the
most recent research results as fast as possible in doctoral education in
particular, but also in the advanced courses within master’s degree studies in
engineering and architecture. The university supports the organisation of
researcher training courses, especially by offering grants that facilitate inviting
lecturers from abroad.

10
 A big part of the research activities at The School of Science and Technology
consist of doctoral education. The doctoral education offers scientific
researcher training that has become more goal-oriented in recent years. The
School of Science and Technology coordinates 12 national doctoral
programmes financed by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Additionally, it
is involved in doctoral programmes coordinated by other universities (see
Annex 2). Our doctors are equipped with a solid foundation of scientific
knowledge in technical disciplines, built on mathematics and the natural
sciences. Their skills do not become obsolete but allow lifelong learning.
Graduates equipped with this qualification occupy the most demanding jobs in
the technical, business life, and scientific spheres.

2.5 Research activities in international interaction

Science and research, also in technical fields, are by their very origins
international, and international research cooperation is a requirement for
obtaining and spreading the most recent knowledge. The School of Science
and Technology, in accordance with its vision, seeks cooperation with top-level
research teams all over the world. The university’s researchers publish results
in the most highly-regarded international publications, actively take part in
international conventions, and take responsibility for organising them.
International cooperation also forms part of researcher training.

The School of Science and Technology has several international level research
teams who are leaders in their fields. Among the outstanding examples are the
seven research teams selected for national programmes for the Centres of
Excellence mentioned above.

The university’s international research cooperation focuses on Europe. The

School of Science and Technology actively participates in projects in the EU
framework programmes and in several ESA, CERN, COST and Eureka
research projects. This type of cooperation is continually developing outside
Europe, including in the USA, Japan, and elsewhere in Asia. The emphasis is
on investment in researcher and lecturer exchange, and on the potential for
doctoral students to work abroad. Other top-level professors, researchers, and
doctoral students from abroad are recruited into these university research
teams, as far as possible. The School of Science and Technology takes part in
the Finland Distinguished Professor programme (FiDiPro) by which top-level
experts from abroad are recruited to work in Finland.

2.6 The impact of research

The social impact and cultural significance of the School of Science and
Technology lies in research and educational activities. The knowledge these
activities provide is critical for building our future. The research activities are not
limited solely to those that lead to immediate technical advantages. Instead the
aim is to make scientific and technological breakthroughs. Through high-level
research and education we wish to ensure that those graduating from the
School of Science and Technology are prepared to meet the challenges of
society.

11
 The strength of the School of Science and Technology is in the wide scope of
its tuition and the multidisciplinary nature of its technical fields. Research
activities concentrate on solid basic research in natural and technical sciences,
and on research creating new technological knowledge and skills. The School
of Science and Technology promotes the development of technology and
architecture, the application of scientific knowledge, and technology transfer. Its
activities sustain the competitive edge of Finnish industry internationally,
generate new opportunities in key industrial cluster areas in cooperation with
other universities, research institutions, and business interests, and promote
entrepreneurship.

The impact of the scientific research and higher education is evident in

Otaniemi’s technology community, Finnish society and the international
scientific community. The Otaniemi science campus, built around the School of
Science and Technology, is the cornerstone of Finland’s competitiveness on a
national level. The University’s collaboration with various players in the Helsinki
metropolitan area also helps utilise international technology expertise.

2.7 Intellectual property rights and utilising research results

One of the aims of the School of Science and Technology is to carry out high-
level scientific research and have results published in international publications
and presented at global conventions. They are also utilised for university tuition
at bachelor-, master- and doctoral levels. These activities also aim at utilising
inventions in the broadest possible way in society. All theses at the School of
Science and Technology are public.

Doctoral dissertations are published and defended in a public examination of

the doctoral dissertation. When starting your research, you should always
check the conditions and time limits set by the sponsor of the research for the
publication of its results.

When seeking outside financing, the School of Science and Technology

undertakes to respect agreements by which the research results, and the right
to their use, are transferred to a party to the agreement. In publicly-funded
projects, for instance in those funded by Tekes (The Finnish Funding Agency
for Technology and Innovation), researchers must comply with the sponsor-
defined terms regarding the results ownership and access rights. The
researchers involved in the project sign a written agreement by which they
assign the rights in the results to the School of Science and Technology to the
extent determined by the sponsor terms and conditions and by the agreements
entered into with other external cooperation partners.

Even in contract research, the aim is to give researchers the possibility to

publish results. However, the need to protect the confidentiality of the business
secrets of parties to the agreement is always taken into account. The School of
Science and Technology tries to ensure that research funded by external
funding is done in the research focus areas of the university. Projects
completely unrelated to the focus areas are undertaken only for special
reasons.

The Otaniemi International Innovation Centre at the Aalto University supports

researchers and units in practical matters, such as research agreements and
utilising research results. The Centre handles the administration and marketing

12
of intellectual property and supports new businesses. It also reviews
documentation relating to the research documents and obtains approval for
them on the University’s behalf. Details about the Centre and about copyright
and inventors’ rights and turning innovations to commercial advantage can be
found online at the Centre’s home page http://oiic.tkk.fi.

13
3. DOCTORAL STUDIES

3.1 Degrees and the objective of doctoral education

The doctoral education at the Aalto University School of Science and

Technology is built on a master’s degree and doctoral studies are always part
of doctoral education. The doctoral degrees taken at the School of Science and
Technology are generally Doctor of Science (Technology) and Licentiate of
Science (Technology), which is a pre-doctoral postgraduate degree. The
doctor’s degree can be pursued directly after a master’s degree without first
earning a licentiate degree. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy can be pursued
in special cases. The School of Science and Technology does not offer a
Licentiate of Philosophy degree.

The normative duration of study for a Licentiate of Science (Technology)

degree is two years. The normative duration of study for a Doctor of Science
(Technology) degree, or a Doctor of Philosophy degree, is four years. Students
who cannot pursue full-time studies, or need considerably longer than
normative duration of study, should divide their studies into shorter project
entities.

The purpose of doctoral studies is for the student to acquire more profound
scientific knowledge and skills in scientific research and their practical
application than is provided by master’s degree studies. The key element in
doctoral studies is acquiring the skills required in research and the application
of research results. High-level research is a key requirement for doctoral
studies and researcher training.

The objective of postgraduate education (Degree Regulations of the Aalto

University School of Science and Technology, Section 34) is that the student:

1) becomes well-versed in his/her field of research and its social significance

and gains knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific research
methods independently and critically within his/her field of research and to
produce new scientific knowledge;

2) becomes conversant with the development, basic problems and research

methods of his/her own field; as well as

3) gains such knowledge of the general theory of science and of other

disciplines related to his/her own field of research as enables him/her to
follow developments in them.

In the fields of architecture and landscape architecture, the aim of postgraduate

education is, in addition to the aims listed above, that the student is conversant
in depth in the position of artistic expression in approaching his/her research
topic.

14
3.2 Management of doctoral education at Helsinki University
of Technology

The management of doctoral education at the School of Science and

Technology is the responsibility of the Vice Dean in charge of research and
doctoral education, who is also responsible for the general outlines of doctoral
education at the School of Science and Technology. The Vice Dean creates
and issues guidelines on doctoral education and assesses the current state of
it. S/he is supported by the Committee for Research and Doctoral Education, of
which s/he is the Chair.
(http://www.tkk.fi/fi/yleista/organisaatio/toimikunnat/jatkokoulutustoimikunta/ in
Finnish)

As of 1 August 2009, all faculties will implement their doctoral education in the
form of doctoral programmes, which will include all doctoral students of the
School of Science and Technology. There are five of these programmes:
• Doctoral programme in Electronics, Communications and Automation,
• Doctoral programme in Information and Natural Sciences
• Doctoral programme in Industrial Engineering and Management
• Doctoral programme in Engineering and Architecture
• Doctoral programme in Chemistry and Materials Science

The Dean of the faculty administering the programme appoints a director who is
in charge of the programme and of the enhancement of doctoral education. In
addition, each programme has a steering group chaired by the director of the
programme. The secretarial duties of the steering group will be the
responsibility of the coordinator, who prepares and coordinates the practical
issues of the programme together with the director.

3.3 Eligibility for doctoral studies and prerequisite knowledge

To be eligible for doctoral studies at the School of Science and Technology,

students must

1. hold a master’s degree in technology, architecture or landscape architecture

granted by a Finnish university
2. hold a master’s degree granted by a Finnish university providing them with
the knowledge base required for the research field applied for
3. hold a degree granted by a university abroad corresponding to the Finnish
Master of Science in technology, architecture or landscape architecture and
providing them with the knowledge base required for the postgraduate
research field applied for.

The knowledge base and skills required for doctoral studies shall be
demonstrated by a master’s degree. As a rule, to be eligible for doctoral studies
at the School of Science and Technology, the student should hold a university-
granted master’s degree which corresponds to the Master of Science in
technology, architecture or landscape architecture granted by the School of
Science and Technology. The degree should provide the student with the
knowledge base required for the postgraduate research field applied for.

Students holding a master’s degree earned abroad are eligible for doctoral
studies at the School of Science and Technology provided their master’s

15
degree qualifies them for equivalent doctoral studies in the country where the
degree was earned. In addition, their combination of degrees (B.Sc + M.Sc)
must correspond to a Finnish master’s degree in a technical discipline. Such
degree combinations earned in Europe are recognised at the School of Science
and Technology in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process (3+2
years). Applicants with a previous degree not in line with the principles of the
Bologna Process are, as a rule, required to hold a Master of Science degree.

In individual instances, the admissions committee may be heard regarding the

eligibility of an applicant.

The new Universities Act which came into effect at the beginning of 2010 will
extend eligibility for scientific doctoral education to those with an applicable
polytechnic master's degree. The potential of such applicants for successful
doctoral studies at the School of Science and Technology is assessed by the
faculty case by case. Granting the right to study requires the faculty to determine
the applicant’s need for supplementary studies.

If the faculty deems the applicant with a polytechnic master's degree in an

applicable technical field as having potential for completing the doctoral degree, the
applicant will be assigned a sufficient amount of supplementary studies to allow
him or her to start the doctoral studies. The extent of supplementary studies may
not, however, exceed 60 cr. If the extent of necessary supplementary studies
exceeds this maximum, the applicant will be advised to first pursue the master's
degree at the School of Science and Technology before applying for a right to
pursue a doctoral one.

International applicants with a previous technical degree corresponding to a

Finnish polytechnic degree are subject to the same rules as those with a Finnish
polytechnic degree.

To be approved for doctoral studies, an applicant must have adequate

knowledge in his or her confirmed research field, gained through, for example,
courses toward the major or courses in the advanced module within the
Master’s studies, or the equivalent. When necessary, the faculty will set
prerequisites for admission into the doctoral programme. Students may gain the
prerequisite knowledge, for instance, by earning the credits for them by taking
exams related to master-level courses at the School of Science and
Technology.

Successful candidates for doctoral studies must have earned the master’s degree
with an average grade of 3.0/5 and completed the master’s thesis with the grade of
3/5. Those with a master’s degree earned in accordance with the degree
regulations of 1995 or at an earlier time when the bachelor's and master's degree
were not pursued separately, are required to have completed the courses towards
their major, which form the basis of eligibility for doctoral studies, with an average
grade of at least 3.0/5.

The same requirements apply to degrees earned elsewhere in Finland or abroad.

Students who fail to meet these minimum grade criteria but are otherwise suitable
for doctoral studies may improve their grades by taking courses, or the Faculty
may set prerequisites for doctoral studies.

In addition to courses taken at the School of Science and Technology, the

faculty may, on the proposal of the professor in charge of the postgraduate

16
 research area and on the professor of the studies in the supplementary field,
recognise corresponding courses taken at other universities.

It is also possible to complete doctoral studies in a field/faculty other than the

one in which the master’s degree was obtained. Persons wishing to pursue
doctoral studies in another field on account of job experience gained in that
field, or interest in it, can discuss the necessary prerequisites for entry as a
doctoral student with a professor in that field of research.

3.4 Applying for the right to pursue doctoral studies

Students apply for one of the doctoral programmes of the School of Science
and Technology (please see also 3.2). The applicants file an application with
the faculty in charge of the postgraduate research field, where the professor in
charge must work. The application deadlines for the doctoral programmes will
be published on the faculty web pages.

The doctoral programmes in Chemistry and Materials Sciences and

Engineering and Architecture have two annual application cycles: at the ends of
April and October. Applicants of the spring and autumn cycles will be informed
of the admission decisions by the end of June and December respectively.

The doctoral programme in Industrial Management and Engineering only has

one annual application cycle with the deadline at the end of April, while the
doctoral programmes in Electronics, Communications and Automation and that
of Information and Natural Sciences accept applications throughout the year.
The meeting schedule of the doctoral programme steering groups depends on
that of the Faculty Councils: as a rule, they meet two weeks prior to each
Faculty Council meeting. The applications for the programmes are due 10 days
prior to the relevant steering group meeting.

Before submitting the application, each applicant must contact the professor in
charge of their postgraduate research field.

An applicant who has earned a master’s degree at the School of Science and
Technology must submit
• a complete application form (available at:
• http://www.tkk.fi/en/studies/forms_and_guides/doctoral);
• a curriculum vitae;
• a preliminary study plan;
• a preliminary research proposal and schedule for its completion. The
proposal must include the signatures of the applicant and the
professor in charge of the postgraduate research field applied for;
• proof of other scientific activity (publications, conference papers etc.);
• a funding plan and
• any other supporting documents, such as the statement of the
professor in charge of the postgraduate research field confirming the
applicant's aptitude for doctoral studies.

17
 Applicants with a master’s degree earned at another institution are required to
provide, in addition to the above mentioned,

• a certified copy of the diploma and transcript of record, and their

translations, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English;
• An English abstract of the master's thesis
• proof of proficiency in Finnish, Swedish or English if the applicant is
not a native speaker of or educated in any of them (read more about
the language requirements at
www.tkk.fi/en/prospective_students/welcome_to_tkk/language_require
ments) and
• special reasons for applying for the right to pursue a Doctor of
Philosophy degree, where applicable.

Those applying for the right to study toward a doctoral degree should present a
personal study plan, which helps them to achieve their academic goals and
allows the doctoral degree to be earned in four years. The plan should include a
list of the courses to be taken and a research proposal, and it must be signed
by both the applicant and the professor in charge of the postgraduate research
field. The research proposal should pay particular attention to realistic
scheduling and to the suitability of the topic for the research field. In addition,
the plan should include an account of the possible funding sources.

Those applying for the right to study part time should prepare a study plan for
no more than 8 years. They are also recommended to discuss with the
professor in charge whether the doctoral research is linked with their current
work and whether the employer is able to support them in undertaking intensive
doctoral studies, for instance, alongside their primary duties.

Students wishing to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy must give special reasons

for their request. These may include, for instance, the multidisciplinarity of the
research topic or the student’s principal research interest being non-technical.

3.5. Assessment of the applicants and granting the right to

study

The professor in charge of the postgraduate research field selected by the

student goes through the study plan with the applicant. At the same time, the
professor also aims to establish whether the student has sufficient and up-to-
date basic knowledge of the research field. If needed, the professor may set
prerequisites for admission into the doctoral programme. The professor also
goes through the funding plan for the doctoral studies in the application phase
and assesses the student's aptitude for doctoral studies, the suitability of the
thesis topic for the research field, comments on the adequacy of the
supervising resources and prepares a statement regarding the student for the
steering group of the doctoral programme.

When signing the research proposal of the student, the professor commits
him/herself to supervising the dissertation.

The criteria for assessing the potential doctoral students are:

• prior academic success
• potential for a researcher career: research-related work experience,
conference presentations, newspaper articles etc.

18
 • suitability of the research topic: relevance of the topic for the research
focus area of the department
• research proposal: the original contribution of the research to the
theory and practice of the field; the feasibility of the research proposal
(its quality, workability, organisation)
• time management and resources: the feasibility of the study plan and
the time available for the doctoral studies in the next four years
• other grounds presented by the applicant.

The decision regarding the right to study for a doctoral degree rests with the
faculty in the case of applicants who have obtained a master’s degree in
technology, architecture or landscape architecture at the School of Science and
Technology or at another Finnish university. In the case of applicants with
master’s degrees other than in technology, architecture or landscape
architecture earned either in Finnish universities or abroad, the decision rests
with the Executive Dean on the proposal of the faculty. Each applicant is
informed of the admission decision in writing.

Those granted the right to study towards a doctoral degree are simultaneously
granted the right to study towards both the Licentiate of Science in Technology
and the Doctor of Science in Technology degrees. One of these is marked as
the primary right. Since the School of Science and Technology does not grant
Licentiates of Philosophy, those pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy may only be
granted the right to study towards the Doctor of Philosophy.

When granting the right to pursue doctoral studies, the faculty confirms the
professor in charge of the research field, and appoints another professor
responsible for the study module in the supplementary field. The faculty may
set prerequisites for admission into the doctoral programme. Within six months
of the right to study toward a doctoral degree being granted, the faculty
confirms the degree requirements applicable to the student, or the studies
counted toward the modules of the doctoral degree.

In addition, the faculty approves the topic of the doctoral dissertation, assigns a
supervisor and one or more instructors for it, and decides on the language of
the thesis.

In the first year of doctoral studies, the student is automatically enrolled as

present at the University. The study attainments register shall also contain a
note on whether the student studies on a full- or part-time basis. After the first
year, the doctoral student will be sent information regarding the enrolment by e-
mail each spring. The credits earned can only be entered into the register if the
student has enrolled as present.

For more details about the application process, please consult persons
handling doctoral affairs in the individual faculties:
http://www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/guidance/contact

3.5.1 Full-time and part-time doctoral studies

Students are entered into the register either as full-time or part-time doctoral
students. Registering as a part-time doctoral student will in no way affect the
students’ right to study. Students may change their status during the enrolment

19
period, if the intensity of the studies has changed and the study plan has been
adjusted accordingly.

The purpose of defining students as either full-time or part-time students is to

help to clarify the statistics on doctoral students and to get a more realistic
picture of the length of doctoral studies.

The classification of students into full-time and part-time students is carried out
along the following principles:

Full-time doctoral students' personal study plans are drawn up with the view
to allowing the doctorate to be earned within four years of the right to study
towards a doctoral degree being granted. The studies may comprise the
licentiate degree, the normative duration of study of which is two years and
which will be included in the normative duration of study of the doctoral degree,
four years. Typically full-time students receive funding from a national doctoral
programme; the group also includes the majority of those receiving research
project funding. If the student works for a research institute or an enterprise and
is carrying out full-time research for a doctoral dissertation and his or her study
plan has been drawn up for four years, he or she will be classified as a full-time
doctoral student.

Part-time doctoral students: If the above criteria are not met, the student will
be classified as a part-time doctoral student. The study plan of a part-time
doctoral student is drawn up to serve doctoral studies that will last longer than
four years but no more than 8 years. A part-time doctoral student typically has a
main occupation outside the School of Science and Technology which does not
include scientific research for the doctoral dissertation.

3.5.2 Continuing your studies after obtaining a Licentiate of Science

(Tech.) degree

Students completing a Licentiate of Science (Technology) at the School of

Science and Technology may continue studies in the same faculty to obtain a
Doctor of Science (Technology) degree (research for doctoral dissertation). The
intention to continue studies must be reported to the professor and the faculty’s
office. At this point, the student should check whether the topic of the doctoral
thesis was approved in conjunction with the licentiate degree, or whether it
must be re-approved. The topic of the dissertation must be approved by the
faculty if it differs from that of the licentiate degree. If the postgraduate research
field changes, or if the licentiate degree was obtained from another faculty, then
it must be processed through the faculty.

3.5.3 Registering at the School of Science and Technology

Students approved for doctoral studies are automatically registered as present

during their first study year. However, the students with an international degree
shall come in person to International Student Services to register there for the
first time. After the first registration, doctoral students are sent an email
regarding registration each spring. Students must report their attendance or
absence for each academic year as determined by the university (Act
794/2004, Article 18c). For each academic year doctoral students must report

20
 whether they will be present full-time, or part-time, or absent (see Section
3.5.1.). Only students reporting as present will be entitled to pursue studies.

Students not registering during the registration period lose the right to study.
After omissions of this kind, students must pay a readmission fee to Student
Services.

Doctoral students enrolling as present may, if they wish, join the Aalto
University Student Union (AYY) by paying the membership fee for doctoral
students. Payments must be received during the registration period and the
payment receipt must be stamped at the Academic Affairs. Doctoral students
are offered the option of joining the Student Union only immediately after being
granted the right to pursue doctoral studies. They cannot join the student union
at any later time after the closure of the registration period. Doctoral students
do not receive a student card.

For more information about the Aalto University Student Union click on:
http://www.ayy.fi

For more information about registering for the academic year click on:
http://www.tkk.fi/en/studies/academic_year_and_enrolment

3.6 Structure of doctoral degrees

A doctoral degree consists of theoretical studies and research work. The

emphasis is on research work. The structure of doctoral degrees is illustrated in
Diag. 1. The extent of studies is measured in ECTS credits, so that studies
completed in one academic year, an average of 1600 hours work, is the
equivalent of 60 ECTS credits. The normative duration of the Licentiate of
Science (Technology) degree is 2 years.

The normative duration of the Doctor of Science (Technology) degree is 4

years. If theoretical studies are completed in conjunction with the licentiate
degree, the doctoral dissertation is the only further requirement.

21
 Dissertation

Licentiate thesis

Research field: Studies in

T, 30–40 cr supplementary field:
S, 10–20 cr

Scientific practices and principles: Y, 5–15 cr

Diagram 1. Structure of doctoral degrees

3.6.1 Theoretical studies

Theoretical studies belonging to doctoral studies amount to 60 ECTS credits

and are completed in the form of modules. The studies consist of three
modules: research field (Module T, 30–40 ECTS credits), studies in a
supplementary field (Module S, 10–20 ECTS credits), and scientific practices
and principles (Module Y, 5–15 ECTS credits).

The requirements for doctoral modules include seminars, literature on which

one is later examined, and courses. The courses approved for doctoral studies
are generally marked in the Study Programme with the letter L or P, indicating
courses eligible for doctoral studies. Language studies are not approved for a
doctoral degree. In some instances, scientific writing courses can be approved
as part of theoretical studies for a doctoral degree.

The literature on which one is later examined is chosen as far as possible in

accordance with the personal study objectives of each student, taking into
account an adequately broad coverage of the entire scientific field. The
literature can be examined in several sections to be agreed with the supervisor
individually. The professor determines the number of credits based on the
scope and difficulty of the literature. The number of pages of literature on which
one is to be examined and the equivalent number of credits should be entered
on the form for degree requirements.

22
The doctoral modules may also include courses completed before the master’s
degree was completed if they were not counted toward the master’s degree.
Doctoral courses to be completed in other universities can also be included in
the modules.

3.6.1.1 Research field

The research field module amounts to 30–40 ECTS credits, and consists of
theoretical studies related to the field. Students select their research field from
the list of postgraduate research fields (Annex 1). The same professor is never
responsible for both the research field module and the supplementary studies
module.

3.6.1.2 Studies in a supplementary field

Module S, studies in supplementary field, amount to 10–20 ECTS credits.

Studies in the module support the research field and the writing of the thesis.
This module comprises studies in another postgraduate research field or
studies drawn from several research fields that form one entity. Module S
studies can be taken at other universities but also in such cases the professor
responsible must be from the School of Science and Technology.

If a student’s postgraduate field is very wide in scope (involves several

professorships) the studies in the supplementary field (Module S) can also be
drawn from the research field confirmed for the student. However, the same
professor is never responsible for both the research field module and the
supplementary studies module.

3.6.1.3 Scientific practices and principles

The degree also includes Module Y, scientific practices and principles (5-15
ECTS credits). The objective of these studies is to give the students knowledge
of the basic scientific concepts and introduce them to the key characteristics of
research and scientific knowledge and to the most important research methods
of their field. In addition, students learn to apply the principles of good scientific
practice to their research, know the central scientific publication series of their
field and are able to prepare an appropriately structured thesis.

This module may include studies in research methodology, research ethics, and
the history and philosophy of science as well as academic writing. Part of the
module can consist of learning about university practices, such as tuition and
research work guidance. It can contain preparatory tasks of a scientific kind
related to the research project, as well as presentations at scientific
conventions in the field. However, students cannot count the research work
itself toward the requisite theoretical courses. The module may also include
pedagogic studies. However, the YOOP study entity on university teaching
organised by the Aalto University Teaching and Learning Development Unit can
not as a whole be counted toward the doctoral degree. Studies counted toward
Module Y vary from faculty to faculty according to the needs of various research
fields.

23
 The following courses are examples of those applicable to the Practice and
principles of science module (some courses may have prerequisites):
Kon-41.5000 Tieteentekijän peruskurssi (5 cr) L
Kon-41.5167 Patentit (3 cr) L
Maa-29.3360 Patentti-, tekijänoikeus- ja tavaramerkkioikeus (2-4 cr) L
Mat-1.3011 Tieteen historia I (2 cr) L
Mat-1.3012 Tieteen historia II (3 cr) L
Mat-1.3016 Tieteen historia I&II (5 cr) L
Mat-1.3013 Tieteen filosofia I (2 cr) L
Mat-1.3014 Tieteen filosofia II (3 cr) L
Mat-1.3015 Tieteen filosofia I&II (5 cr) L
S-81.1000 Electrical Engineering Forum (1-2 cr) L V
S-96.1020 Sähkötekniikan historia (3 cr)
T-0.7050 Johdatus tietotekniikan jatko-opintoihin (2 cr) L
T-76.5753 Oikeus tietoyhteiskunnassa (4-6 cr) L
TU-0.3100 Johdatus tieteenfilosofiaan (3 cr) L
TU-53.1310 Advanced course on knowledge and competence
management (4 cr) L
Yhd-102.3311 Miten tutkimme tulevaisuutta? (6 cr) L

3.6.2 Thesis

Research work is the key part of the doctoral degree. A licentiate thesis is
necessary for a licentiate degree. For the doctoral degree students are required
to write and publish a doctoral dissertation and to defend it in public. If the
theoretical studies have been completed in conjunction with the licentiate
degree, all that is required for a doctor’s degree is a dissertation. The faculty
approves the topic of the thesis, appoints a supervisor and one or more
instructors, decides the language of the thesis, and decides about the
evaluation and approval of it. You can find further details about the theses in
Section 3.9.

3.7 Personal study plan for doctoral studies

Students granted the right to study towards a doctoral degree are required to
prepare a personal study plan listing the theoretical courses to be taken and a
plan on the implementation of the research. A study plan serves to ensure that
the objectives of doctoral education will be reached, and that the studies will
progress within the period planned. A further objective of the plan is to ensure
that the studies and the research work itself form a logical entity.

The starting point of the study plan is the normative duration of four years and
the learning outcomes set for the doctoral degree. The plan must contain the
modules and courses intended for the degree (see 3.6.1), a research proposal,
any conferences or seminars related to the research and details on the thesis
itself. The plan should take into account the degree requirements and include
the possible visits abroad (see 3.7.1).

Students should update the plan regularly and discuss the thesis progress once
a year with the supervising professor. This requirement applies to those who
have been granted a right to study on or after 1 August 2009. Other students
are offered similar guidance provided they present their research proposal to
the supervising professor. If the student does not prepare a study plan or

24
 contact the supervising professor, the professor is not obligated to follow up on
the progress of the student’s studies.

3.7.1 Internationalisation as a part of the study plan for doctoral

students

Because international scientific interaction is an integral part of doctoral studies

and research, it is recommended that students complete a portion, preferably at
least six months of studies/research work at a university abroad. Doctoral
students in EU projects, for example, can network internationally and become
part of first-rate teams. Doctoral students can also apply for EU Researcher
training positions in other EU universities. The positions available for
researchers are listed by country on the European researcher’s mobility portal
http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess. The Otaniemi International Innovation Centre
(OIIC) operates a support service for research funding and researcher
agreements related to EU projects and European research projects in general.

Study abroad is possible under student exchange programmes, or agreements

made with universities abroad based on the international connections of
professors within their own field of science or on the student’s own initiative.
Doctoral exchanges are usually organised with the help of supervisor contacts.
It is best to contact the supervisor and the faculty to get advice on the foreign
universities worth attending. You can find general information about planning
exchanges, exchange destinations, financing opportunities, and travel
arrangements online at:
http://www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/mobility/ (in Finnish)
http://www.tkk.fi/fi/opinnot/jatko-opinnot/rahoitus/kv (in Finnish)

3.7.2 Confirmation of degree requirements

Having received the application by the student, the faculty confirms the
requirements for the doctoral degree on the proposals of the professor in
charge of the research field and of the professor in charge of the studies in the
supplementary field. The confirmation is to be done within 6 months of the right
to study being granted. A separate form for this purpose is downloadable from
the faculty web pages at:
http://www.tkk.fi/en/studies/forms_and_guides/doctoral

The degree requirements specify the doctoral courses counted toward the
requisite theoretical studies and other components of the degree.

If the confirmed degree requirements undergo significant changes before the

degree is completed, the faculty must reconfirm the degree requirements of the
student before granting him or her a doctoral degree.

3.8 Doctoral studies guidance

The supervisor and instructor/s confirmed by the faculty council are responsible
for giving guidance regarding doctoral studies and the related research work.

25
The supervisor and the instructor help the student to gain not only the scientific
knowledge of the research field but also the necessary professional skills. The
aim is to provide the new doctors with good oral and written presentations skills,
language proficiency, communication skills, managerial, organisation and
negotiation skills as well as awareness of the principles of good scientific
practice and intellectual property rights. In addition, students are recommended
to enhance their skills in an area of interest, such as business and
entrepreneurship or pedagogic expertise. Career planning helps the students to
focus on enhancing those skills that are most relevant for them.

The School of Science and Technology Career Services advise and educate
students on areas relevant in professional life. A career psychologist will help
doctoral students to define their goals, whereas the Otaniemi International
Innovation Centre and the Aalto University Teaching and Learning
Development unit offer services and education for them.

3.8.1 Supervisor

The doctoral dissertation is made under the supervision of the professor in

charge of the research field selected by the student. Supervisors of doctoral
dissertations must have the rank of a university professor. On reasonable
grounds, an Academy Professor working at the university, or a professor of the
School of Science and Technology who is on leave of absence but engaged in
other tasks at the university, may act as a supervisor, if so disposed.

The supervisor specifies the scientific direction and level of difficulty of the
research, ensuring with the faculty’s help that it is related to the research field,
and that the doctoral studies meet the degree regulations of the Aalto University
School of Science and Technology. Supervisors support and encourage
doctoral students, advise them on seeking guidance and assist them with
financial arrangements if needed. The supervisors also help students in career
planning and are often the Custos at the public examination of the doctoral
dissertation. If necessary, a doctoral dissertation supervisor can on occasion
act as an instructor.

Students should review their doctoral study plan and the progress of their
studies and research regularly, at least once a year, with their supervisor. This
requirement applies to those who have been granted a right to study on or after
1 August 2009. Other students are offered similar guidance provided they
present their research proposal to the supervising professor. If the student does
not prepare a study plan or contact the supervising professor, the professor is
not obligated to follow up on the progress of the student’s studies.

3.8.2 Instructor

Instructors of licentiate theses and doctoral dissertations shall be professors, or

have completed at least the same level of degree as for which the person being
guided is studying. A docent or a researcher, for example, may act as an
instructor. Instructors are experts in the subject area and in the research
methods. The task of instructors is to guide research at a practical level.
Instructors also take care that doctoral students take on and internalize sound
scientific practice and research ethics, both generally and in their field. This
involves a discussion, at the beginning of the guidance relationship when

26
 research ethics issues and ethical practice relating to the subject are
addressed. Research ethics are discussed in more detail in Section 2.2.

Students must be certain from the outset that instructors have both the time and
interest to offer guidance – instructors must be ready to discuss, comment on
manuscripts, etc. Personal support and encouragement is also important.

3.9 Thesis
3.9.1 Licentiate thesis

Students must demonstrate in their licentiate thesis a sound, in-depth

knowledge of their research field and an ability to apply scientific research
methods independently and critically. The thesis may be in the form of a
monograph, or a combination of articles, or other work that satisfies the
equivalent scientific criteria. Research of the literature related to the research
field that demonstrates a sound and critical grasp of the research subject can
also be approved as a licentiate thesis.

The research topic should be related to one’s own field of research that has
been agreed with the instructor before starting. Research topics and methods
will naturally differ depending upon the field of research.

Doctoral students, independently but in collaboration with and guided by their

supervisors and instructors, write their licentiate thesis in conjunction with or
after the completion of the theoretical studies. Doctoral students submit an
application for the approval of the topic of their licentiate thesis to the faculty’s
office. The faculty assigns a supervisor and one or more instructors. It also
decides the language of the thesis and assigns the examiners.

3.9.1.1 Approval of a licentiate thesis

For their licentiate thesis to be approved doctoral students must first request the
faculty in writing that it be examined and use the form intended for the purpose.
The form and thesis in the correct format are then submitted to the faculty
office. Generally, the supervising professor finds a suitable examiner for the
thesis through personal contacts. The faculty assigns one or two examiners
from outside the School of Science and Technology and requests an opinion of
the supervisor and the examiner/s.

Examiners prepare a written opinion about the research, and submit their
opinions to the faculty. If there are two examiners, they may submit a joint
opinion. The licentiate thesis is approved at a meeting of the faculty council,
based on the opinions submitted by the examiners. Doctoral students
dissatisfied with their evaluation may apply to have it rectified by the Board of
Appeal. The examination of the licentiate thesis shall not without special
reasons take longer than two months from when the manuscript and application
were submitted to the faculty.

The number of copies required varies from faculty to faculty. Each doctoral
student sees to the printing and possible publication of the thesis. Official

27
copies must be printed on A4-size paper and bound in green-tinted covers. The
thesis must be bound before it is submitted to the faculty for public viewing. The
licentiate thesis is a public thesis and must remain accessible at the faculty. A
presentation event is arranged at the faculty during which the author presents
his/her licentiate thesis.

When the doctoral student has completed all the theoretical studies needed for
the Licentiate of Science (Technology) degree and the faculty has approved the
licentiate thesis, the doctoral student can apply for a diploma at the faculty. The
faculty can approve the licentiate thesis and the degree at the same Faculty
Council meeting.

3.9.2 Doctoral dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is drawn up of a research topic related to the student’s

research field. The topic is agreed with the supervisor before starting. Doctoral
students prepare their doctoral dissertations either in conjunction with the
theoretical studies or after them, or independently with the guidance of a
supervisor and instructor after their licentiate degree is completed. Doctoral
students must submit a request to the office of their faculty in order to obtain
approval for the topic of their thesis. The faculty assigns a supervisor and one
or more instructors for the thesis.

As a doctoral dissertation may be approved a monograph or a sufficient number

of publications, or manuscripts accepted for publication dealing with the same
set of problems and a summary of them, or some other work that meets
corresponding scientific criteria. Publications may include also joint publications
if the independent contribution of the author can be demonstrated.

A publication here is taken to mean a refereed (peer reviewed) scientific article

which has been published or accepted for publication, in a scientific journal or
other refereed printed work. If the dissertation consists of several articles, they
shall deal with the same scientific question or set of questions. The summary
shall contain an explanation of the research subject, the most important results
achieved by the candidate, and a list of the articles mentioned above; if
necessary it should elucidate the articles further.

The general quality requirements for dissertations which the writer of a

dissertation shall pay special attention to are:

1. The dissertation shall contain new scientific knowledge in the field it

represents. The dissertation shall clearly set forth the new findings. The new
scientific knowledge presented in the dissertation, or in the articles constituting
it, shall be up to date. The candidate’s own contribution to the research shall be
clearly stated.

2. Methods, experimental setups, measurements and the data presented

in a dissertation should withstand the scrutiny appropriate for scientific
research. The research findings and the analysis of results shall be so
explained and described that they can be replicated and confirmed.

3. The doctoral candidate shall present the results and conclusions

clearly and in such a way as to meet the scientific demands. The research
shall be set in the correct frame of reference by referring to the research results

28
and methods of other researchers relevant to the candidate’s research;
particularly important are references to the latest published results, not
forgetting primary sources. The dissertation should avoid verbosity; a concise
style is appropriate for scientific presentation. Matters of opinion or emotional
reactions are inappropriate to scientific style.

The Dissertations Committee of the School of Science and Technology has

compiled detailed instructions for those intending to pursue a doctoral thesis.
The instructions can be accessed online at
http://www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/instructions_for_dissertations. The
instructions contain information relating to doctoral dissertations and the public
defence, for instance how permission to publish is requested and processed,
the steps to be taken before the defence, and how to distribute the doctoral
dissertation. Doctoral students should become acquainted with these
instructions before starting on their doctoral dissertation.

3.9.2.1 Approval of doctoral dissertation

The Dissertations Committee of the School of Science and Technology

oversees general standards for doctoral dissertation. Students must request
permission from the faculty before a doctoral dissertation manuscript can be
published. As soon as the manuscript is ready, the supervisor looks for the
suitable preliminary examiners, and for someone else suitable to act as an
opponent. The faculty assigns two preliminary examiners and decides the
language of the thesis. Preliminary examiners are sought from outside the
School of Science and Technology, and in addition preferably from abroad.

The faculty submits the doctoral dissertation manuscript and an extract from the
minutes to the Dissertations Committee for its opinion. The committee then
acquires and deals with the statements of the preliminary examiners. Getting
permission to have a doctoral manuscript published depends on how soon the
preliminary examiners give their opinion, how much the manuscript needs
correcting, and if another statement must be requested from the supervisor or
preliminary examiner(s) before the dissertation committee gives its statement to
the faculty. Processing the request to publish must take no longer than four
months from when the manuscript and application were submitted to the faculty
(Degree Regulations of the Aalto University School of Science and Technology,
Article 42). Faculties grant the permission to publish after obtaining expert
statements and the statement of the Dissertation Committee.

Following the public defence, the opponent(s) must submit a written statement
on the dissertation and the defence to the faculty within two weeks for the
purpose of having the thesis approved and evaluated. The author is offered an
opportunity to reply to the opponent’s statements and other comments in
writing. The faculty then decides on approving the dissertation, and what grade
to award. Dissertations are evaluated using the following grades: Pass with
distinction, Pass, and Fail. Students dissatisfied with the grade awarded for
their doctoral dissertation may appeal the decision to the Board of Appeal within
14 days of being notified of the Faculty Council decision.

29
3.10 Grading and diplomas for doctoral degrees

The grades used for accepted study attainments are: Excellent (5), Very Good
(4), Good (3), Very Satisfactory (2), or Satisfactory (1). In addition, for well-
founded reasons, accepted study attainments of some courses can also be
given the grade pass. This must be mentioned in the information on the course
in the university curriculum. Study entities forming part of the degree are graded
as being either Pass or Pass with distinction.

A grade can be Pass with distinction if the credit-weighted average grade for
the module courses is at least 4.0. If over half of the module’s ECTS credits are
not included in the calculation, the professor in charge of the module decides
the grade. Doctoral dissertations are graded as either Pass or Pass with
distinction.

The faculty issues a diploma for doctoral studies when the studies are
completed. To be issued a diploma, a student must have enrolled as being
present at the School of Science and Technology. The Executive Dean
distributes diplomas at a graduation ceremony held about once a month.
Faculty offices inform doctoral students when a decision of their graduation has
been made, and invite them to attend the graduation ceremony.

The diploma for a degree of Licentiate of Science contains the following:

• type of degree completed
• name of research field
• name of licentiate thesis, grade and supervisor

The diploma for a degree of Doctor of Science contains the following:

• type of degree completed
• name of research field
• name of dissertation, grade, supervisor, date on which publicly
defended, and information about the opponent
• possible completion date and place of a technical licentiate degree

A person who earns the rank of doctor of science at the School of Science and
Technology is entitled to receive the regalia approved by Council (the doctor of
science hat and the embroidered ribbon to be attached permanently to the
tailcoat (for men), or the oval brooch (for women) at a ceremonial conferment of
degrees. A person earning the rank of Doctor of Philosophy at the School of
Science and Technology is entitled to receive the doctor of philosophy hat. The
Executive Dean decides of the arrangement of the conferment ceremony. The
ceremony is celebrated typically every second year.

30
4. FINANCING DOCTORAL STUDIES
Doctoral students have various alternatives to finance their studies and doctoral
dissertations. It is worth discussing this with, for example, the professor
supervising your studies.

4.1 National doctoral programmes

Doctoral students studying in national doctoral programmes receive a basic

salary financed by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Frequently, such
students work in a project within an operational unit through which it may be
possible to obtain payments in accordance with the regulations of the Aalto
University School of Science and Technology. In Annex 2, you will find a list of
the national doctoral programmes coordinated by the School of Science and
Technology, and other doctoral programmes that the university is involved in.

4.2 Assistantships

Assistantships are intended for doctoral students. Besides pursuing doctoral

studies, assistants are responsible for giving tuition – but not in the form of
lectures – offering advice and guidance for students, sharing in educational
planning and development, and in other tasks related to activities at the School
of Science and Technology.

The tasks of assistants are arranged as far as possible so that doctoral

students have three months during the year to pursue research, primarily
during times when no teaching is given. The research period may also be split
into two shorter periods.

Assistants are nominated to their posts for a period lasting three years. For
more information about the assistantship, please see the regulations
concerning teacher’s positions of 9 December 2002:
http://www.tkk.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/tyopaikat/tkkn_opettajan_virkoja_koskeva_joht
osaanto.pdf (in Finnish).

4.3 Research projects at the School of Science and

Technology

The School of Science and Technology primarily employs its own doctoral
students for university research projects. Doctoral students can work as
researchers in a faculty, a separate unit, or a research institute. Private
enterprises often form the second party in research projects. The research work
is described in greater detail in Section 2. You can find out more about research
projects from a professor in your research field.

31
4.4 Financing research teams

The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES) supports
a broad range of research activities at universities and research institutions.
The work of TEKES is aimed at developing internationally competitive
technology products and production methods of a high quality. Financing can
be granted to individual research projects, projects related to technology
programmes, and to international projects and their preparation. You can find
out more about the financing potential of Tekes at
http://www.tekes.fi/eng/tekes/rd/default.htm.

The Academy of Finland funds high-level scientific research, acts as an expert

on science and scientific policy and confirms the standing of science and
research work. It uses several ways to finance research for various purposes.
The Academy grants money for research posts and high-level research
projects and for promoting science, for example through researcher education
or international cooperation between researchers. The Academy of Finland
grants funding to the best researchers and research teams and to the most
promising young research talents. There are two application cycles each year
and each form of funding is available only once a year. International grant
applications can be available at other times. Funding is fixed-term, and funding
decisions are based on the scientific evaluation of applications. You can get
details about Academy of Finland funding possibilities at: http://www.aka.fi/en-
gb.

The European Union funds research through its framework programmes. Calls
for applications for the current, 7th Framework Programme were opened at the
end of 2006, and the framework programme will run until the end of 2013.
There will be a significant increase in framework programme funding. The
School of Science and Technology has succeeded well in obtaining EU
funding.

Usually, the accountable project leaders of international projects at the School

of Science and Technology are professors, and doctoral students would do well
to discuss with their professor about taking part in a research project.

Marie Curie Actions funding for EU researcher training and researcher mobility
will increase through the new framework programme on research. The grants
will be available to networks, and for researcher training positions sought by
universities. Doctoral students can apply for researcher training positions either
in another university or in an enterprise outside Finland. No further EU funding
will be offered to individual doctoral researchers. Researcher training positions
will be advertised on a portal: http://www.aka.fi/eracareers. National doctoral
programmes in Finland can also apply for additional funding as coming from the
Marie Curie Actions fund.

Students can discuss international research financing terms, application cycles

and preparing a good application with a research liaison officer at Otaniemi
International Innovation Centre (OIIC). For details on other international funding
sources, please see the web pages at:
http://www.tkk.fi/fi/yleista/kansainvalisyys/kansainvalistymisen_rahoitus_mahdol
lisuuksia

32
4.5 Scholarships and grants

Aalto University School of Science and Technology researcher training

scholarships
Helsinki University of Technology awards scholarships for full-time doctoral
studies every year. The scholarship is worth EUR 18,000 per one academic
year, (12 months) (2010–2011). The scholarship can also be awarded for a
shorter period.

The purpose of the scholarship is to support doctoral students in launching and

completing their studies or to provide supplementary funding in a situation
where, for example, project funding has temporarily run out. The system is
intended to contribute to internationalisation activities in particular, and so
scholarships are also awarded for conducting part of research and studies
abroad. The scholarships are not intended for the continuous funding of
doctoral studies. As a rule, the scholarship may be awarded to the same
person only once. The application period for the scholarship is in the spring of
each year. For further information, please visit:
www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/financingstudies/tkkscholarships

Research Foundation of the Aalto University School of Science

Technology grants
The Research Foundation of the Aalto University School of Science
Technology awards grants for doctoral studies abroad. The application period
is usually in the spring of each year, and application forms are available at:
www.tkk.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/apurahat/tukisaatio (in Finnish).

Aalto University School of Science and Technology incentive

scholarships for doctoral students
The Aalto University School of Science and Technology awards incentive
scholarships to doctoral students according to the following principles. The
criteria are applied to those who have fulfilled the requirements as of 1 January
2002. Note that applicants are eligible for only one of the last three
scholarships mentioned below.

• 1 000-euro scholarship for doctoral students who have completed the

theoretical studies required for doctoral degrees within two years after
completing their master’s degree (60 credits/45 old credits), as
stipulated by the degree regulations in force.
• 1 000-euro scholarship for completing the licentiate degree, for students
who have completed the licentiate degree within three years after
completing the master’s degree, or for students who have completed
the licentiate degree under the age of 28.
• 1 000-euro scholarship for an approved doctoral dissertation, or
• 2 000-euro scholarship for completing the doctoral degree, provided the
degree was completed within five years after completing the master’s
degree, or
• 3 000-euro scholarship for completing the doctoral degree, provided the
degree was completed under the age of 30.

The total study time is calculated excluding any maternity and parental leave
and national military or non-military service. However, if the scholarship is age-
dependent no deduction is granted. Scholarships are granted based on an
application made by the person in question. Application forms can be
completed online at

33
 http://www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/financingstudies/tkkscholarships.

You should submit your application to the office of your home faculty, which will
confirm the theoretical studies you have completed and other required
information. The Office of Academic Affairs makes the final decision to grant a
scholarship. You will be notified about the decision, and the sum awarded will
be paid into the bank account you have indicated on the application form.

Trusts, foundations and other sources of funding

• Finnish Cultural Foundation (http://skr.fi/english/welcome.html)

• Academy of Finland (http://www.aka.fi/en-gb)
• Sitra (http://www.sitra.fi/en)
• Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion
(http://www.kolumbus.fi/tes)
• University of Turku’s TURA database
(http://www.utu.fi/hallinto/tutkimuspalvelut/turatiedotus.htm [fi])
• NordForsk – Advisory Body on Nordic Research Policy
(http://www.nordforsk.org/index.cfm) (Nordic countries)
• EU Community Research and Development Information Service
online (http://www.cordis.lu/en/home.html)
• Marie Curie Actions fund
(http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp6/mariecurie-
actions/indexhtm_en.html) (Europe)
• CIMO
(http://www.cimo.fi/Resource.phx/cimo/mainpage/mainpage.htx)
• DAAD (http://www.daad.de/en/index.html) (Germany)
• Fulbright Center (http://www.fulbright.fi/) (USA and Canada)

4.6 Student financial aid

If you are permanently living in Finland you might be entitled to student

financial aid. The eligibility criteria are available on the webpage of The Social
Insurance Institution of Finland (see below). Doctoral students at the School of
Science and Technology can apply for student financial aid at the university
(http://opintotuki.tkk.fi, in Finnish). A total of 70 months of student financial aid
is available for all studies at the School of Science and Technology. A
maximum of 46 months of the financial aid can be used for doctoral studies.
The income limits for student financial aid more often than not disqualify one
from getting it for doctoral studies. Income limits are subject not only to taxable
income and income on capital, but to untaxed scholarships such as research
grants obtained during one’s studies. Benefits deductible from tax such as
labour market subsidies or sickness allowances have an impact on limits
(except for the student financial aid itself). You can learn more about income
limits for student financial aid online at http://www.kela.fi/in/internet/english.nsf -
> Financial aid for students.

34
ANNEXES

Annex 1

Postgraduate research fields at the Aalto University School of Science and

Technology
www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/researchfields

Annex 2

National doctoral programmes co-financed by the Ministry of Education and

Culture and coordinated by the Aalto University School of Science and
Technology and other doctoral programs in which the School of Science and
Technology is involved
www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/graduate_schools

Annex 3

Government Decree on University Degrees 794/2004

www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/2004/en20040794.pdf

Annex 4

Degree Regulations of the Aalto University School of Science and Technology

2005
www.tkk.fi/fi/opinnot/opintohallinto/tutkintosaanto/index.html (in Finnish)

Annex 5

Aalto University School of Science and Technology Dissertations Committee

instructions for doctoral dissertations
www.tkk.fi/en/studies/doctoral/instructions_for_dissertations

35