Read thesis guidelines. You can find the pdf of versions of the guide in English and Finnish at the end of this page. 

• Search for thesis topic. If you are planning to do your thesis for a company, more information: Study and educational projects – contracts with organisations outside Aalto University | Aalto University
• Choice and approval of topic. The topic of the thesis is decided in discussions between the student and the possible thesis supervisor. The final choice is always made by the student. Topics may be available in research being conducted at the school or the topic may have to do with themes covered on the courses. The master's programmes may also have their own thesis ‘topic banks’. The master’s thesis topic may also be related to work done during a work placement. In such cases, it is important that the topic and contents of the thesis be discussed also with the possible thesis supervisor before making the topic application. 

• Confirmation of the thesis topic and thesis supervisor is applied on MyStudies. Start your master’s thesis process by creating a thesis record on MyStudies by clicking on “Create a thesis record”.

   NOTE that the approval process may take up to a month!

1. Attend the master’s thesis seminar, if one is organised by your programme. Participation is usually voluntary but recommended.
2. Get to know the thesis evaluation criteria. You can find the evaluation criteria and guidelines in English and Finnish at the end of this page.
3. Thesis template. You can use this template for the thesis: Word Thesis template for all Aalto University schools.
4. Submit the completed thesis to the Turnitin system and to your supervisor. Turnitin is an online platform that reviews the thesis text for originality. Ask your supervisor about their Turnitin practices. For more information see: Turnitin an originality checking and feedback software.
5. Prepare thesis presentation. The thesis process also includes a final thesis presentation which is agreed with the supervisor. The presentation must be held at the latest when applying for the approval and evaluation of thesis.
6. Thesis abstract as a maturity test. The thesis process involves demonstrating conversance with the field and the student's knowledge about the topic, which is done by completing a "maturity test". 
    

As part of the thesis process, you are required to present the final thesis and write a maturity test. 

1. Thesis presentation. See the programme specific requirements and instructions for the thesis presentation. The presentation must be held at the latest when applying for the approval and evaluation of thesis.
2. Maturity test. The abstract of the thesis will serve as a maturity test. The maturity test aims to prove your expertise in the field and topic area of your thesis. Agree the completion of the maturity test with your thesis supervisor before applying for the approval of the thesis. The maturity test is graded either pass or fail.
   
   
   Note: If you have been educated in Finnish or Swedish and have not demonstrated language proficiency previously in a maturity test for a Bachelor's degree, you have to write the maturity test in the language in which you have been educated at the primary and secondary levels (Finnish or Swedish). For more information, please see Maturity demonstration (in the language of education) and contact the planning officer of your programme. 

1. Once you have permission to publish from the supervisor, submit your thesis for evaluation, approval and archiving on MyStudies.
2. Attach the completed, corrected and final version of the thesis to the application and make sure it is the correct PDF/A format. See Aalto University instructions for converting and checking the file format. The thesis file cannot be corrected or changed after the approved thesis has arrived in Aaltodoc publication archive.
3. Check the thesis deadlines and the processing dates in the table below. These deadlines are absolute, and no late applications will be processed. 
    

** Deadline 31.12.2024: Notice the holiday season. Contact your thesis supervisor well before Christmas (24.12.2024).
*** Deadline 31.7.2025: If you are applying for MSc thesis approval and evaluation on deadline 31st of July, contact your thesis supervisor well before mid-June to agree on the schedules during summer holiday season. Also, check that your personal study plan is up-to-date. Contact your programme coordinator or planning officer in any unclear situations.

If you have completed all your studies and master's thesis is your final study attainment, you can submit a request for the degree certificate on Sisu at same time with your application for the approval of your master's thesis.

Before requesting the degree certificate, check that your personal study plan is up-to-date and accepted. Contact your programme coordinator or planning officer in any unclear situations. You can find the specific guidelines and timetables on programme's webpage, under "Graduating".

If you have any questions, please select the contact based on your programme: 

Advanced Energy Solutions, please select the contact based on your major:

• When starting the process, first contact your professor(s), they might already know suitable projects. You can see this list on MyCourses of CHEM professors and keywords describing their expertise.
• Make sure you fulfil the prerequisites to start the thesis process. Plan your final studies so that you can stay on schedule with your thesis. Remember to always ensure that your professor approves of your plans before confirming anything regarding the thesis. 
• Be active! Start thinking about a suitable topic and doing research well ahead. The thesis can be written either for a company or the university, or even abroad. 
• If you have any company connections, do not hesitate to contact them. It is often easier to hire someone you already know. Follow job advertisements: they could either be seeking a master's thesis candidate directly or offering a project where you can explore the potential for integrating your master's thesis. Write a good general application and CV and match them with the position or the company you are applying for. Don't send an open and general application, they do not work very often! If there are no thesis positions available, contact the companies you are interested in directly, and ask about different possibilities they might have to offer. Suggest topics you find interesting and worth looking into.
• When a company expresses interest in having you as a diploma worker, contact your professor for further arrangements. As the negotiations with the company proceed, it is good to keep the professor informed on the matter, since you need your professor's approval on the suitability and scope of your topic. 
• The initial meeting for your thesis is VERY important. It is a meeting between you, the professor and the company representative. Ask for advice for planning it from your supervisor. Before starting your thesis work you need to agree about the schedule, goals, financing and other practical matters, such as the location of your workplace and use of equipment.

The Aalto Thesis Programme was a multidisciplinary, project-based and work-life oriented possibility to enhance participants' professional competences during the thesis process.

The Aalto Thesis projects are currently on a break.

In the programme, 2–4 students from different fields form a team for a 6-month project to solve a work-life partner’s real and complex challenge through their Master’s theses. Application is open for each Project individually, and the selected students receive a grant to support the thesis work.

Sign up for Aalto Thesis mailing list to be the first one to hear about new projects!

More information about the programme: Aalto Thesis: for the student

Working at a company

If you write the thesis for a company, agree on the salary for the work with the company yourself. Depending on the thesis, the company may pay compensation to the department for testing costs etc. Please note that it is always recommended to invite a professor (or another representative of the department) to the negotiations.

Working at Aalto University

Financing can be arranged via a research project (or with a scholarship procured by the department). In this case, the topic is determined according to the needs of the project, and the salary according to collective agreements. Projects can be inquired from professors or researchers.

Grants

Thesis work can also be funded with a grant. In this case, a company donates the funds through the Foundation for Aalto University Science and TechnologyThe financing is tax-free to you and the company. The thesis grant can only be given to a person who is a bachelor of science and has a study right in a master's programme. When you do your thesis work on a grant, you do not have an employment relationship, which means that you are not tied to working hours or a workplace, and you have no obligations other than to complete your thesis. This also means that you will not receive any healthcare or other benefits. Naturally you are still able to use the services offered to students.

No funding

You can also write your master's thesis without funding. The topic needs to be discussed with your supervisor and not be related to a company.

During the master’s thesis project, you will be working independently but receive support from a supervisor and one or two advisors. Ultimately, you are responsible yourself for successfully completing  the master’s thesis project.

Thesis supervisor

The master’s thesis supervisor is usually a professor at Aalto University, as defined in Section 10 of the Aalto Degree Regulations for Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. With the approval of the professor in charge of the student's major, a professor from another Aalto school can also act as the supervisor.

In the School of Chemical Engineering University Lecturer, Senior University Lecturer, Principal University Lecturer, Adjunct Professor and full-time Professor of Practice can also supervise Master’s Theses. The dean can give an individual permission to supervise Master’s Theses to Senior Scientist, Research Fellow, Staff Scientist, Academy Research Fellow and part-time Professor of Practice on request of the department.

The task of the supervisor is to ensure that the thesis meets all aims and requirements set by the School of Chemical Engineering. In the final evaluation statement, the supervisor evaluates the thesis and suggests a grade.

See the list of CHEM professors and keywords describing their expertise.

Thesis advisor

The thesis work requires one or two advisors. The thesis advisor is an expert in the field of the thesis topic and holds at least a master’s degree. If the thesis project involves cooperation with a partner, such as a private company or other organization, the advisor typically represents the cooperating partner. The thesis advisor may also be an Aalto University researcher or doctoral student specializing in the field of the thesis.

The advisor’s tasks include giving practical advice during the thesis project and instructing the student on writing the thesis report. However, the advisor is not responsible for grading the master’s thesis. Since the advisor typically guides the student's daily work, they possess a thorough understanding of the student's workplace performance. Consequently, the supervisor frequently seeks the advisor's perspective on the student's performance throughout the master's thesis project. While the specific roles for each project vary, it's essential to establish and discuss the allocation of responsibilities among the student, advisor(s), and supervisor at the project's outset. Moreover, determining how the student will communicate progress to both the advisor(s) and supervisor is crucial.

Neither the supervisor nor the advisors may be related to the student or be biased in any other way. The selection of the thesis supervisor and advisor must be done in compliance with the Aalto University guidelines on objectivity and impartiality.

Before starting your master's thesis, you need your professor's approval on the scope and suitability of your topic. After this, a kick-off meeting is arranged. Invite the supervisor, advisor(s) and possibly a company representative to the meeting. In this meeting, the schedule, objectives, funding and other practicalities can be discussed and agreed upon.

The supervisor approves the topic and the language of the master’s thesis and one or two thesis advisors. After that the Programme director approves the supervisor. Before submitting the application, you need to:

• be enrolled as an attending student
• have your BSc degree approved
• have your personal study plan (HOPS) for your master’s degree studies approved. Apply for approval for all modules with the note "Approval required". Contact your Planning Officer by email if you need approval for your study plan. 
• have completed possible complementary studies you might have been assigned when admitted to the study programme

Please note that if the thesis supervisor is not from the School of Chemical Engineering, the professor in charge of the major has to confirm that the topic of the thesis relates to your advanced studies.

Submitting the application

• Fill in the starting information in MyStudies "Thesis" -tab.
• Follow the instructions in MyStudies. You will need to fill in information about the thesis, supervisor, topic, language and thesis advisor(s).
• The topic of the master’s thesis should not contain company or brand names in the title, or use any abbreviations except standard abbreviations.
• All revisions and changes to the topic must be agreed upon with the thesis supervisor. The title of the master’s thesis may be formulated to suit the topic; it does not have to be exactly as it was in the application. The title of the thesis should be as clear and concise as possible.

Thesis language

The master's thesis must be written in either Finnish, Swedish, or English. The language used in the thesis determines the language of the student's degree certificate. If the thesis is written in Finnish or Swedish, the degree certificate will be issued in the same language. An English-language translation of the certificate will also be provided. However, if the thesis is written in English, the degree certificate will be issued in both English and either Finnish or Swedish.

When the supervisor agrees that the topic is suitable for a master’s thesis project, you write a research proposal in cooperation with the supervisor and the advisor(s).

The research proposal defines, for instance, the following:

•     background, theoretical framework and research problems
•     objective of the thesis (main objective, interim objectives)
•     research methods
•     timetable and possible budget
•     analysis, synthesis and conclusions

It is often best to frame the main objective of the thesis in the form of a question. The research problem and questions should specify what the work aims to answer. The research proposal should also include some interim goals, such as completing the literature review and analysis sections. The research proposal will be reviewed in the kick-off meeting with the supervisor and thesis advisor(s).

The deadline for the master's thesis should be agreed upon between the student and the thesis supervisor, and it should be no later than one year from the starting date.

The school may also host master's thesis seminars that are often associated with the early stages of the thesis process, including research proposal presentations. These seminars provide an opportunity for students to receive feedback and guidance from other participants at the beginning of the process.

Workload

When the thesis supervisor and the thesis advisor(s) have approved the research proposal for the master’s thesis, the actual execution of the thesis work starts. The total number of hours to be spent on the master’s thesis is about 800, which is usually about five months. Due to special circumstances, such as the student’s personal reasons, other concurrent studies, or the character of the experimental methods, the execution phase may be extended. However, this needs to be agreed upon between the student, supervisor, and advisor(s), preferably already in the kick-off meeting.

Moreover, even if the duration of the master’s thesis project is extended, the student’s total workload shall not exceed 800 hours. At the start of the master’s thesis project, students are recommended to focus on the written material so that the earlier research on the topic may best be put to use to support the research. The original research proposal may be revised slightly as the study progresses.

Supervisor and advisor involvement

The student and the thesis supervisor usually maintain frequent contact at the beginning and end of the research, while contact with the thesis advisor(s) should be frequent throughout the thesis project. The thesis supervisor's primary responsibility is to ensure that the thesis topic is appropriate and that the research proposal provides a framework for successful execution. If questions arise regarding the progress of the work, the student can always contact the thesis supervisor. The thesis advisor(s) typically comments on the student's work periodically throughout the thesis project, and the student and advisor(s) can agree on commenting on the thesis manuscript, or parts of it, whenever convenient.

The advisor(s) should read the manuscript and provide feedback, particularly in light of the goals set by the organization they represent. The student works on the manuscript based on the comments and suggestions made by the advisor(s). Once the quality of the manuscript is at a level the student and advisor(s) feel is suitable, the supervisor will thoroughly examine the thesis manuscript and provide feedback on the corrections and changes needed. At this stage, it is also good practice to discuss the learning outcomes and the evaluation criteria of the thesis. The student must reserve enough time for the examination process, and the supervisor should have 2-3 weeks for reading, correcting, and commenting on the manuscript.

Comments and modifications of the manuscript

When the student has made the corrections and changes suggested by the thesis supervisor, the thesis is resubmitted to the supervisor for approval. The student should work carefully with the manuscript, responding diligently to all of the supervisor's comments, and aiming to produce a final version of the thesis for review to avoid multiple correction rounds. Once the supervisor approves the corrections, they will give the student permission to submit the thesis for evaluation and publication.

Because all thesis projects, as well as students, advisors, and supervisors, are unique, it is important to note that the process with the thesis manuscript can differ from the process described above. However, it is a good practice to agree upon the practicalities and deadlines with the thesis manuscript at the beginning of the master's thesis project.

The master’s thesis process includes a presentation of the finished thesis at a time agreed upon with the thesis supervisor. The presentation, or similar event to showcase the thesis, must be held before the approval and evaluation of the master’s thesis.

The master’s thesis author must write a maturity test to demonstrate conversance with the field of the thesis, and the test must be written before the approval of the master's thesis. As of August 1 2021 the abstract of the thesis is always approved as the maturity test for a master’s degree at the School of Chemical Engineering. The thesis supervisor approves the contents of the maturity test. 

Students who have been educated in Finnish or Swedish and have not demonstrated their language proficiency previously in a maturity test for a Bachelor's degree, shall write the maturity test in the language in which they have been educated at the primary and secondary levels (Finnish or Swedish). The language of the maturity test may be failed if it does not meet the degree requirements. Students are to reserve about 14 days for the language check from the date of receipt of the text by the Language Centre. The maturity test is graded on a pass/fail basis, and its grade does not affect the grade of the master’s thesis. A failed maturity test may be retaken. International students do not need to submit their maturity test for language check. 

If the student is not required to demonstrate language proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, the maturity test may be written in the language of the master’s thesis. The requirement of a maturity test also applies to international students, who usually write their maturity tests in English.

When you wish to submit the final version of your thesis for evaluation, you need to have a permission from the supervisor to submit the thesis. See Evaluation and approval of the master's thesis below.

The correct layout and font settings give the text a clean, easily legible and correctable form. The guideline for using the thesis templatecan be used for help (NB. the guidelines are not written specifically for theses at CHEM, and e.g. do not mention the preface).

•     Use an easily legible basic font such as Calibri or Arial.
•     Use a single column, line spacing 1.5 and justify the text.
•     Set the left margin to 3.5 cm and others to 3 cm.
•     Place the page numbering in the bottom margin and start numbering on the introduction page. In the index, align the headings to the left and the page numbers   to the right. All numbers are written in Arabic numerals unless instructed otherwise.
•     The title is written in font size 16, bolded and justified. The main heading for each chapter is written in font size 14, sub-headings in size 12 and the body text in size 12 (Calibri) or 11 (Arial). In chapter headings, use spacing 36 above the heading and 24 below it. In sub-headings, use spacing 24 above the heading and spacing 12 after it.
•     You may start a new chapter either in the middle of a page or on a new page. Do not start sub-headings on a new page. The heading of a chapter cannot be on a different page than the text that follows it.
•     Always leave a blank line between paragraphs and start the text from the beginning of the line. Figures, tables, schemes and equations are separated from the text with one blank line on each side.

Title page

Abstract

Preface

Table of Contents

List of symbols and abbreviations

•     The list of symbols and abbreviations explains those abbreviations, symbols and terms which are not common knowledge. The used symbols and abbreviations must be explained when they are mentioned for the first time even if the symbol and abbreviation list is included in the thesis.

Introduction

•     Background for the research question: motivation, focus, aims, hypotheses.

Literature review

•     Should support solving the research question: understanding the system, learning from others and their research methodologies. Should also be critical and analytical.

Experimental

•     Exact description of the experimental methods applied, so that the experiments can be repeated by anyone else.

Results and discussion

•     Exact and concise presentation, with focus on the main results (not individual observations).
•     Error analysis and reliability of the results, connections to earlier literature.

Conclusions

• Relative to the research question
• Claims on novelty and suggestions for further research

References

Appendices

All master's theses made at the the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering are stored in electronic format in the publication archive maintained by the Aalto University Learning Centre. For electronic archiving, a copy of the thesis must be submitted in PDF/A format. Please note that only an electronic version of the thesis is needed. Read more about converting a file to PDF/A format. 

The abstract and so-called metadata of all theses is published in the Aaltodoc database. The metadata includes the name of the author, the thesis title (and its translations if required), the name of thesis supervisor and advisor as well as keywords. The full text of all approved theses is archived in the Aaltodoc publication archive.

If you grant permission for publishing, the full thesis text will also be published. The permission to publish is given on the electronic thesis approval application form. If you wish, you can postpone the date of publishing by maximum one (1) year from the date of the thesis approval, i.e. the date of the committee meeting. Hence, you can delay the publishing for reasons related to other publications, patent applications or corporate secrets, for example. Please note, however, that regardless of any delay in the electronic publication, the thesis becomes a public document immediately after its approval and will as such be available as an electronic copy at the Aalto University Learning Centre to anyone interested.

If you choose not to give permission for online publishing, the full text of your master's thesis will only be available offline in the Aalto University internal network, currently at some Aalto University Learning Centre workstations.

The master’s thesis report is a public document which shall be available at the school (Aalto University Degree Regulations section 10). Issues related to the copyright of the master’s thesis report are resolved in accordance with general copyright legislation, and issues on inventions made during the master’s thesis process are resolved in accordance with valid patent legislation.

The master’s thesis report is a public document usually not covered by confidentiality provisions; hence, information which is not seen as covered by the principle of openness and cannot be regarded public must not be included in the master’s thesis report. The thesis may, however, include information about trade or business secrets, patentable inventions etc. In such cases, the author of the thesis and the thesis advisor(s) must agree upon the details included in the master’s thesis.

Aalto University has made a contract template to be used when students agree upon making a master’s thesis in collaboration with an external organisation. It should be noted in particular that the contract is always made between the student and the external organisation and it should be communicated to the thesis supervisor. The contract includes, for instance, provisions on the copyrights of the thesis.

Study and educational projects – contracts with organisations outside Aalto University

When evaluating the thesis, these general principles apply:

1.     Officially, the Degree Programme Committee approves the thesis grade, based on an evaluation report and grade proposal given by the thesis supervisor.
2.     The evaluation covers the student’s entire work during the whole thesis project; hence, it is not sufficient to only evaluate the thesis report.
3.     The student’s development during the master’s thesis project is evaluated in light of the learning outcomes reflected in the evaluation criteria.
4.     Only aspects dependent on the student can have an effect on the evaluation and grading. This means, for example, that if the thesis is delayed due to reasons beyond the student's control (e.g. production stoppage at a factory, delayed service for broken laboratory equipment), the delay must not affect the thesis grade.
5.     The thesis report is a document produced by the student; hence, the advisors’ and the supervisor’s role is only to instruct the student on how to improve the quality of the text, not to rewrite the report. The legibility and quality of the student’s written communication is one of the evaluation criteria for the thesis. Based on this, it is not reasonable to require that an external professional proofreads the thesis manuscript before its evaluation.

The learning outcomes of the thesis, as well as the evaluation criteria and the minimum criteria for each grade, shall be presented at the kick-off meeting of the master’s thesis project. The thesis supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the thesis advisor is aware of the evaluation criteria of Aalto master’s theses, particularly in cases where the student performs their work outside Aalto University.

When you wish to submit the final version of your thesis, you need to have a permission from the supervisor to submit the thesis. The evaluation and approval of a completed master's thesis is applied in MyStudies.

Please note that the thesis you upload in MyStudies system for grading is the final version of the thesis. Make sure you have used the Aalto template. The template is linked in "Practical instruction on writing the thesis". 

You should have a valid and approved study plan in SISU when you apply for approval of your thesis. Contact your Planning Officer by email if you need approval for your study plan. 

After the submission of the thesis, the supervisor has to give their evaluation report within four weeks. With this in mind, students should consider carefully into which of the Degree Programme Committee meetings they are submitting their thesis for approval. See the application deadlines and Committee meeting dates on the Graduation page. 

Evaluation report

The thesis supervisor’s evaluation report follows the Master's thesis evaluation guidelines, including a written statement on the thesis with a proposal for a grade. The supervisor submits this examiner’s report to the Degree Programme Committee. When preparing the report, the supervisor requests statement(s) from the thesis advisor(s).

It is also highly recommended that the supervisor, advisor(s), and the student have a meeting on the evaluation, where the supervisor justifies the given grade, based on the evaluation criteria. In cases where the supervisor has proposed the grade ‘excellent’ (5), ‘passable’ (1), or ‘fail’, the Degree Programme Committee shall, when possible, consult a university professor, adjunct professor, professor of practice, FiDiPro professor or senior university lecturer with expertise in the research field when deciding on the grade. Having familiarized itself with the examiner’s report and any additional statements, the Degree Programme Committee shall decide on the approval of the thesis and its grading. If the Degree Programme Committee does not approve the thesis or the grade, the application is returned to the student.

Since a delay in the writing process may lower the grade, you should avoid delaying the thesis project by taking up other commitments before the thesis is ready.

The statement template for the thesis supervisor is available in English and Finnish.

Students dissatisfied with the grade of their thesis may appeal against the decision in writing to the Aalto University Academic Appeals Board within 14 days of receiving notice of the decision. The appeal must arrive at the university before the closing time of the Registry (at 15.00) on the deadline date.

If the student is notified of the decision by e-mail, the notification is deemed to have been received by the student on the third (3) day after it has been mailed, unless proven otherwise. If the student is notified of the decision by mail, the notification is deemed to have been received by the student on the seventh (7) day after mailing unless proven otherwise.

The appeal is addressed to the Aalto University Academic Appeals Board:

• The Aalto University Academic Appeals Board, Registry, P.O. Box 11000, FI-00076 AALTO
• [email protected] 

The appeal must specify the following:

1.     student name and contact information (address, e-mail address and telephone number)
2.     information of when the student was notified of the decision
3.     decision (incl. name of thesis and name of person responsible for grading)
4.     the change sought with the appeal
5.     grounds for the appeal (copies of documents on which the student bases their appeal, if not already submitted to Aalto University)

Please note that you have to submit the final version of your thesis to the MyStudies system.

If the contents of your thesis, such as the text or a table, is found erroneous after the thesis has been approved, the errors can be corrected on a separate errata page as defined in the Helsinki Term Bank for the Arts and Sciences.

Once your thesis has been approved, it cannot be altered or resubmitted to the MyStudies system. Instead, any errors found in it are collected on an errata page, which lists the page numbers of the errors and gives a corrected version of the text or item. The errata is attached to the thesis metatext in the Aaltodoc publication archive.

Please follow the instructions below.

•     Write the errata and save it in PDF/A format (not PDF/A-3).
•     You can download a Word-format errata template from Aaltodoc.
•     The errata must include the following details: the thesis author and thesis title, page number of the error and a corrected version of the text or item.
•     Please send the errata page to your thesis supervisor to obtain their approval for it.

        - If you cannot reach your supervisor, send the errata to the learning services of your school ([email protected]).
        - Send the supervisor’s approval to [email protected] 

•     Append your approved errata page to the metadata of your thesis on Aaltodoc in accordance with the instructions given on Aaltodoc.

        - If prompted, log into Aaltodoc using your Aalto username and password; you will find the link in the top right corner of the page.
        - If you no longer have a valid Aalto username and password, request a one-time login link from [email protected]
        - Append the errata page to your thesis in Aaltodoc using the form on Aaltodoc.
        - Log out.

•     The errata page is now be visible on Aaltodoc together with your thesis.

CHEM Thesis Info on 27 Nov 2024 Questions and Answers

Thesis info slidesA summary of the Presemo Q&A from the thesis info session will be updated here during early December 2024.

CHEM Thesis Info on 29 Nov 2023 Questions and Answers

Thesis info slides

I am planning to do my thesis at the company where I currently work. How much time should I allocate in total for the thesis in the case that I work, for example, half of the day for company and spend the other half working on the thesis?    
This is something you need to discuss with your employer, supervisor and advisor. The needs vary quite a lot from one thesis project to another and throughout the thesis process. However, the total number of hours to be spent on the master’s thesis is about 800, which is usually about five months, and if you are working on something else, the time required is of course extended.

If I want to start my thesis in 15th of January, what is the deadline for me to get the thesis topic approval from the committee.
If you wish to have yout topic approved in the January meeting (23/1/2024), the deadline for the topic application is 29 December. You can find the deadlines here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering/graduation#10-schedule-for-spring-2024

Will slides be available afterwards?    
Information in the slides can be found here (pdf).

Is it possible to apply for an international internship scholarship, within which we will do our thesis as well?    
According to https://www.aalto.fi/en/other-studies/tech-international-internship#0-internship-grants, the credits you earn must be included in your degree, but this work must be separate from the thesis and included as for example the course CHEM-E0135 International Professional Training (3–5 cr).

If the topic is agreed upon with the company and supervisor, but let's say the next DPC meeting will happen later, is it possible I can already start my thesis then?
Yes it is possible, but it is important to keep in mind that the topic and the supervisor are confirmed only after the DPC meeting (normally the committee accepts the topics and supervisors as proposed).

Is it compulsory to have 4 grades overall in the master's degree for Phd or in the master's thesis in particular?
Please read more about our doctoral programme here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering

Can the supervisor also be the advisor, or do they have to be different persons?    
It is recommended that they are different people. However, in some special cases with a separate approval and with a good reasoning the supervisor may also act as an advisor.

What if one gets a thesis topic from Sweden and the position is not paid? In that case, what should one do? Is it wise enough to connect that professor from another university with your academic advisor for better communication and to have a positive outcome of the offer?    
Functioning lines of communication between the institution offering the thesis position and the supervisor are very important, so promoting communication is a valuable thing you can do. However, Aalto cannot guarantee a positive outcome in any case. The discussion is mostly between you and the outside institution.

Is there any minimum ECTS that i need to cover before starting thesis? Can i start my thesis early    
No, but a completed Bachelor's degree is a requirement.

I have tentative topic for thesis from company where I work at. What should I do next? And how to find supervisor for my thesis?    
Contact possible professors and ask if they could act as a supervisor for your topic. See the list of CHEM professors and keywords describing their expertise: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/view.php?id=34916§ion=2 (requires Aalto login). Research groups can be found at Aalto.fi: https://www.aalto.fi/en/school-of-chemical-engineering/departments-and-infrastructures
After agreeing on the topic with your supervisor, apply for topic approval as instructed above in section Working on your master's thesis.

As a scholarship based student, when is the latest time I can have my thesis defence?    
If you are referring to the thesis presentation, it should be held before submitting the thesis for evaluation. The last deadline to submit the thesis for this academic year is 31 July (the topic must be approved in a previous meeting).

Where can we check the deadline of the next DPC?    
You can check the deadline of CHEM's next DPC at your programme's Student Guide, e.g. for CBME https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering/graduation#10-schedule-for-spring-2024

If I am writing my thesis in school, do I need to look for an advisor also    
It is recommended to have at least one advisor, but in some cases with a special approval and with a good reasoning the supervisor may also act as an advisor.

Could you point us to some grants/scholarships to help us get support for unfunded thesis positions?    
There are some foundations you can apply for grants from. A list can be found for Aalto grants at https://www.aalto.fi/fi/stipendit-ja-apurahat#/ and for external grants at https://www.aalto.fi/en/support-for-studying/grants-and-awards-outside-aalto-university

Is max. 2 the absolute limit for advisors?    
Yes, one supervisor (Aalto professor) and max. 2 advisors.

I am from MS Creative Sustainability Chemical... If I want to pursue my master in business sustainability from business dept. Can I do that or from some other dept.
Discuss with your major/programme responsible professor before proceeding.

How much in advance one should search for topic?    
Depends on your situation. We recommend not getting stuck on finding the "ideal" topic. There is no specific time, but reserve enough time to find a topic that is suitable enough. Keep in mind the application deadlines regarding the topic approval as well: https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering/graduation#10-schedule-for-spring-2024

Is it possible to do a master's thesis as a combination of major and minor studies? If yes, in which faculty I should find the supervisor or group to work?
Yes, but this must be discussed with the major/programme responsible professor.

Can I look for supervising professor from another faculty?
Yes, you can.

I would want to do the research project on a suitable subject before starting my thesis, presumably from the same topic I do my project. I'm planning to slightly postpone my graduation from May to autumn 2024. How does this work? I'm a bit clueless.    
The thesis project, including any experimental work should be discussed with the supervisor. If you are unsure about continuing your studies beyond the expected two years, please contact your major's planning officer.

How to know if a topic is suitable for a CHEM master’s thesis? Are there some requirements?
This is to communicate with the supervisor.

Who is my supervisor when doing the master's thesis (as it says in the guide to agree on the topic with a professor)?
Contact possible professors and ask if they could act as a supervisor for your topic. See the list of CHEM professors and keywords describing their expertise: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/view.php?id=34916§ion=2 (requires Aalto login).
Research groups can be found at Aalto.fi: https://www.aalto.fi/en/school-of-chemical-engineering/departments-and-infrastructures

How should I proceed if I'm planning to start writing my thesis in April-May? I'm writing for my company I'm currently working at.
If you already have a topic and a supervising Aalto professor, apply for the topic approval in the eAge system and have a kick off meeting with the supervisor (and advisors). Remember to check the meeting schedules and application deadlines: https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering/graduation#10-schedule-for-spring-2024

Is there any guidance from the school when doing the thesis work (like in bachelor's thesis) or is it completely self-directed?    
The guidance comes mainly from the Advisor and Supervisor. You can also find guidance on the thesis page https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering/thesis, but the work is indeed more independent than with the bachelor's thesis.

Where should I start with trying to find a thesis topic? Is there somewhere listed some companies that are interested in working with students doing their master's thesis?
When starting the process, first contact your professor(s), they might already know suitable projects: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/view.php?id=34916§ion=2
The thesis can be written either for a company or the university, or even abroad.
You can also look for completed theses in AaltoDoc to get inspiration from them: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/
Some thesis positions are listed in JobTeaser: https://aalto.jobteaser.com

If I would need more help with the thesis than the instructor has time to provide is there a way to get it somewhere else?
Your supervisor and advisor are the main contacts with getting instructions with your thesis.
Starting Point of Wellbeing also offers facilitated co-writing sessions for thesis writing Thesis and Tomatoes: https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/starting-point-of-wellbeing

What amount of instruction should we get during the thesis? Are we only getting help with the laboratory part and forming the research questions for the thesis?
It depends on your supervisor and advisor. The student and the thesis supervisor usually maintain frequent contact at the beginning and end of the research, while contact with the thesis advisor(s) should be frequent throughout the thesis project. You will agree the amount of instruction in the kick-off meeting with your supervisor and advisor.
Please read more in thesis instructions: https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering/thesis#2-working-on-your-master-s-thesis

How can I find a good thesis topic?    
Instructions for Thesis available in the Student Guide at https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering/thesis    

What about graduation?

Instructions for Graduation are available in the Student Guide page of your master's programme entitled Graduation.

CHEM thesis info on 8 December 2021

I will do an unpaid MSc thesis. Do you know the requirements for permission to work in the lab for the non-contract work. Thank you.
 At Aalto, agree with your supervising professor & HR, you need to complete the laboratory safety course for staff members.

I'll do unpaid thesis in another university, I'm from EIT project, Aalto is my second-year university, the university who gives me a position is my first-year university, I want to ask the process
You need to obey the rules from both universities. You may contact the planning officer of your programme.

Who can be a supervisor and how should I ask to be one?
Aalto professor.
You may contact first the professors of your own major/programme (head of the major, other professors teaching courses in your major/programme).

How many advisors can one have, is there a limit?
One supervisor (Aalto professor, in some exceptional cases lecturer) and 1-2 advisors

How long can the thesis work take without it affecting the grade? i.e. if it is already agreed that the thesis would take one year in the beginning (starting first slowly due to courses), is it ok?
This "slower" schedule needs to be agreed well with everybody involved.

How is the thesis work different if working with a company?
The requirements of the thesis are equal no matter where you do it.

Do you have any tips on where to find a thesis position? I don't really have contacts in my field (biotech) and have a hard time finding open jobs
Ville's tip during the event: Look for old master's thesis (relevant to your major/interest) and the instructors there.
Also the summer job contacts are important.

What happens if the thesis is not finished in the time agreed in the contract?
It is quite common that the work contract ends before the thesis is finalized and approved.

Is there anything you can do if you don't know what you should be doing and the advisors are not active?
You may contact your supervising professor or planning officer of your major/programme.

How much time should be preserved for the literature part? I heard one month is typically preserved but manytimes more time is needed in reality?
Usually one month.

If you do a thesis for a company, how do you find a supervisor from the school? Does the supervisor help with the thesis or should you have another supervisor from the company or both? How does confidentiality stuff work with the thesis?
 A good option is to go to talk with the head of the major or other relevant professor from the major. For example if one of the courses is relevant to the possible topic in the company, you may start with the professor of that certain course.

Is it possible to apply to complete your thesis in a foreign institution or university? If so, are there any specific criteria you have to fulfill, and is there a schedule for the application process?
It is possible. The thesis must follow Aalto requirements & processes.

Is it possible to write the thesis for a foreign company, while conducting the research abroad? If so, would it be necessary to apply for a supervisor or a thesis advisor in Aalto?
You always need to have a supervisor from Aalto.

If a company wishes to "order" a thesis from Aalto, how does the payment to the thesis worker work (I've understood that then the salary would come in the form of a grant?)
There is a Foundation that can be used for this: https://www.aalto.fi/en/foundation-for-aalto-university-science-and-technology
Is it true that once you start the project from school side (apply for the topic), you have strictly 6 months time to do the thesis before your grade will start to decrease? So, if the project in for example VTT is estimated to last 6 - 9 months, there is no point to apply before 3 months into the work...?
It depends on the case. Please, agree the schedule with the supervisor in the beginning of the process.

How to find the relevant person in the company to contact?
Open thesis positions, advisors of earlier thesis...

When does School of Chemical Engineering hold the Master Thesis oral presentations seminars or where can I see the dates? Does it has to be done before applying for approval of Thesis? How can I sign myself up for one?
There are no specific oral presentation seminars at CHEM. Each student agrees the presentation of the thesis with the supervisor. This presentation should to be given before applying for the approval of the thesis.

Do you have to strictly wait for the DPC approval of your topic or can you start before that if the topic is agreed on with supervisor and advisor?
You do not need to wait for the approval of the degree programme commitee, but the topic needs to be agreed with your supervisor and it is recommended to apply for the approval of the thesis in time.

Can you do changes to HOPS after starting to write thesis in case of there are still some courses to complete?
Yes you can.  You should have the updated HOPS (personal study plan) when applying for topic approval and the FINAL version of HOPS accepted when applying for the degree.

If the thesis work lasts less than six months, does it affect the final evaluation?
No.

Who does the evaluation?
The official grade is decided by the degree programme committee. The proposal of the grade comes from the supervisor.

Is there a possibility to get enxtensions in the previously agreed work time due to e.g. personal health reasons without the evaluation suffering from this?
Yes. Communicate with your supervisor.

Is it possible to agree on the topic, supervisor and advisor 1 year before writing the thesis?
You may start looking for the position and discuss on the topic early, but it is recommended that you agree on the topic and details when you are ready to start the thesis in following months and your studies are in suitable stage.

What is the official graduation date in papers after I have submit the thesis? Is it the Degree Program Committee meeting day, or the day when I submit the thesis on eAge? Something else?
Something else:
The graduation date will be the application deadline for submitting the thesis for evaluation AND applying for graduation. 

How much earlier does the thesis topic has to be submitted before it being processed by the degree program committee?
See the Admistration schedule and key dates: https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering/graduation

If I want to do material modeling, how large the work load is acceptable, or could publication replace thesis?
To be agreed with your supervisor.

Do you have to have the supervisor confirmed before applying for topic approval?
Yes! The supervisor needs to be included in the process from the very beginning.

Can I start working with my thesis, before getting the topic confirmed?
You need to agree on the topic with the supervisor, but the topic doesn't need to be approved by the degree programme committee before starting.

Do you have to hold the oral presentation before submitting for evaluation of the thesis?
Yes.

If I want to graduate in July, when is my latest apply time?
31.7.2023