The Doctoral Programme in Engineering consists of seven research fields including spatial planning and transportation engineering; real estate economics; geoinformatics; civil engineering, water and environmental engineering; mechanical engineering; and energy technology.
The research fields can be found here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/doctoral-education/research-fields-and-supervising-professors-school-of-engineering 

Education objectives and intended learning outcomes of the programme

After completing the degree the doctoral student is able to carry out independent and original academic research.

Doctoral education at Aalto University is conducted within a multidisciplinary international academic community that provides opportunities for field-specific and multidisciplinary research, as well as for various forms of education and learning. High quality education, transferable skills training, and network-building ensure the development of doctoral students as independent researchers and experts of their research fields. 

The education prepares doctoral students for academic careers at top-level institutions. It provides competencies to pursue various career paths also outside of academia, for example working at demanding expert positions or as entrepreneurs.

The doctoral degree is a requirement to serve as a thesis advisor for doctoral students and as examiner for a doctoral degree.

Intended learning outcomes for General research studies

Depending on the studies chosen for this module, the doctoral student will be able to:

• to comprehend and conscientiously address the fundamental ethical and sustainability considerations associated with their research.
• choose and apply appropriate research methods to the research question at hand
• adhere to the principles of responsible conduct of research (RCR) in both their research work and interactions within the research community
• work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and international environment, engaging with diverse stakeholders. 
• proficiently present their research in both scientific and professional settings. 
• identify, utilize and communicate their transferable skills, such as communication, interpersonal, project management, leadership and pedagogical skills, to work successfully in academic and other professional positions. 
• to communicate professionally in national language(s)

Intended learning outcomes for Research field studies

After completing this module, the doctoral student will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced discipline-specific knowledge 
• identify essential research methods for their own research and apply them proficiently.
• disseminate research findings through relevant research forums and to the wider public.

General research studies prepare students for research work, the application of research results and to learn the principles of responsible conduct of research. General research studies can include transferable skill studies.

Research field studies and doctoral thesis help students to gain comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of their research field and prepares them for the dissemination of research findings. 

If the student does not want to finish the doctoral degree, the licentiate degree can be completed as an intermediate degree. The licentiate degree consists of an approved licentiate thesis and the same 40 ECTS of studies as for the doctoral degree.

Planning the studies

Based on the Degree Regulations on Doctoral Education, doctoral students must prepare a doctoral personal study plan (DPSP), which includes plans for the contents, scope and duration of their studies, research, supervision, funding and career. Students who wish to deviate from the confirmed curriculum of their programme must obtain approval for their doctoral personal study plan.

In addition to the courses taught at the School in Engineering, the degree can include other courses taught in Aalto University or other universities, as agreed in the doctoral personal study plan of the student (DPSP).

* These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to [email protected]. More information at aalto.fi.

** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe. More information LINK XXXXX.

** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe. More information LINK XXXXX.

In addition, Research field studies might include, for example, general and specific studies related to student’s thesis topic. Courses are found in MyCourses, SISU or courses.aalto.fi, and doctoralcourses.fi.

Research field studies need to be post-graduate courses (advanced level) or other studies eligible for doctoral degree. No credits are given for doing research.

Post-graduate courses are marked letter D in the course name, with letter L in the course code or as "doctoral" in the course description. For example:

• EEN-E2004 Mass Transfer D
• MEC-L1001 Design Science

The doctoral thesis is written on a topic related to the research field that the doctoral student has chosen and that has been approved by the doctoral programme committee of the School of Engineering and the supervising professor. The approval of the thesis includes a public defence after a pre-examination process. The accepted forms of theses are monographs and article-based doctoral theses.

Intended learning outcomes for Doctoral thesis

After successfully defending their thesis, doctoral students will demonstrate the ability to:

• plan, execute, and report on their research and manage their data in accordance with established standards of academic research.
• proficiently search for, critically evaluate, apply, and synthesize existing knowledge; formulate research questions; and employ scientific research methods to create new knowledge. 
• independently carry out research that generates novel insights and theoretical advancements in their own field of research.
• make syntheses and critical assessments required for addressing and resolving complex problems in the realms of research, innovation, and societal challenges.

A doctoral thesis is a public document and is kept for public display at the university. All thesis works are public in Finland (law 621/1999). 

The licentiate thesis is written on a topic related to the research field approved for the student.

As a licentiate thesis may also be approved a number of scientific publications or manuscripts vetted for publication deemed sufficient by the university which deal with the same set of problems and a paper summarising the findings or some other work which meets corresponding scientific criteria. The publications may include co-authored publications if the author's independent contribution to them can be demonstrated.

Intended learning outcomes of licentiate thesis

In a licentiate thesis, the student shall demonstrate 

• good conversance with the field of research
• and the capability of independently and critically applying scientific research methods.

A licentiate thesis is a public document and as such, it shall be kept available electronically at the university. All thesis works are public in Finland (law 621/1999).

The degree structure of the programme in Sisu also includes a module called “Extracurricular studies”. This module will not be included in the doctoral degree, but it can be used to register for courses which the doctoral student wishes to take in addition to their degree studies.