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The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering comprises 13 research fields confirmed by the Academic Committee of the School. The research fields and their descriptions can be found here: /en/doctoral-education/research-fields-and-supervising-professors-school-of-electrical-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 the doctoral students as independent researchers and experts of their research fields. Communication skills are supported by providing tools for mastering the national languages of Finland.

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 an examiner for a doctoral thesis.

General research studies - Intended learning outcomes

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 skill, project management skills, leadership and pedagogical skills and to work successfully in academic and other professional positions.
• communicate professionally in the national language(s)

Research field studies - Intended learning outcomes

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.

The 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 transferrable skill studies.

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

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

The courses included in the research field studies of the doctoral degree must be doctoral level
courses or master level courses suitable for the doctoral degree. The doctoral level courses are
indicated with the letter L in the course code (e.g. ELEC-L1234) and suitable master level courses are
typically indicated with the letter E in the course code and with the letter D in the end of the name
of the course (ELEC-E1234 Interesting course D). Also 2 master level courses, without the letter D in
the end of the name of the course may be included in the degree (ELEC-E1235 Another interesting
course).

In the general research field studies of the doctoral degree, doctoral level courses (letter L in the
course code) are suitable for the module. Also other courses indicated to be doctoral level courses
(e.g. with the letter D in the end of the course name) can be included in the general research studies
module. Additionally, language studies in Finnish or Swedish can be included in this module
(maximum 6 ECTS).

Compulsory courses

Examples of other courses suitable for the general research studies

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

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

Compulsory courses

No compulsory course

Other courses suitable for the research field studies (examples)

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

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 supervising professor and the doctoral programme committee of the School of Electrical Engineering. 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 of the doctoral thesis

After successfully defending their doctoral thesis, the doctoral student 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 and to formulate research questions.
• employ scientific research methods to create new scientific knowledge independently.
• make 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 that the doctoral student has chosen and that has been approved by the supervising professor and the doctoral programme committee of the School of Electrical Engineering. The approval of the thesis includes a presentation of the thesis at the department after an examination process. The accepted forms of licentiate theses are monographs and article-based licentiate theses.

Intended learning outcomes of the licentiate thesis

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

• discuss and present knowledge related to the field of research
• independently and critically apply scientific research methods

A licentiate 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 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.

Based on a national agreement on flexible study rights (JOO), a student who has a right to complete a degree at a Finnish university (home university) may apply for a fixed-term right to pursue studies at another Finnish university (target university). The flexible studies must be included in the student's degree at the home university. Students may apply for a JOO study right for an individual course or module (e.g. a minor). The agreement covers both bachelors, master’s and doctoral students.

Doctoral students can apply at any time, but it is advisable to apply within the application periods, preferably during the term before the course begins. At the latest, apply four weeks before the course registration begins.

Please note: Aalto will resign from the JOO agreement

By decision of the president of the university, the Aalto University will resign from the inter-university agreement on flexible study rights (JOO agreement). Aalto’s resignation will be effective from 1 January 2026, which means that no new approvals for JOO studies will be given after 31 July 2025. The JOO study rights granted prior to this date will remain valid as granted.

Department of Applied Physics (School of Science) and Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering (School of Electrical Engineering) have entered into a study cooperation agreement with the Faculty of Science of University of Helsinki as of 14 October 2021. The agreement applies only to doctoral students in the research field of Applied Physics (SCI) and research fields of Photonics and Nanotechnology and Radio Science and Engineering (ELEC).

How to apply and more information about the courses

Additional information

• Please note that courses with the level of intermediary studies from University of Helsinki cannot be included in your doctoral degree in Aalto.
• If the course you wish to take in University of Helsinki is not in your study plan in Aalto, please discuss first with your supervising professor. Either the study plan including the course or a separate approval by your supervising professor should be included in the application.

Questions?

• Questions about the study plan →  please contact the Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering at doctoral-sci-elec@aalto.fi.
• Questions about the application process →  please contact sari.salmisuo@aalto.fi.