MA Thesis Presentations
Master’s studies at Aalto conclude with a thesis project (30ECTS). Theses can be roughly divided into two categories: artistic and scientific. Some degree programmes may also comprehend additional categories, such as production-based or pedagogical theses.
Some examples:
After completing the Thesis Seminar, students conduct their masters thesis within their program. Students in all programs at Aalto ARTS follow these guidelines:
- Download Master’s Thesis Guidelines for Aalto ARTS (pdf)
- Note: info about changes to presentation format during exceptional situation spring 2020
Page 6 of the guidelines:
After a thesis is submitted and before it is graded, the thesis is presented in a public examination session. Usually, the thesis must be submitted for examination about one month before the intended date of examination, but during the summer, the examination time may be longer. The programs inform their students of the thesis submission deadlines and examination session dates. The department organises at least 4 public thesis examination sessions per year.
Graduation dates
Check your programme Into page (under ‘Graduation’) for the complete list of dates for graduation. Once all requirements are completed, it’s possible to apply for and complete graduation on dates that are not tied to the thesis presentation dates.
Four thesis weeks per academic year
From autumn 2018 onwards, we will consolidate thesis presentations in all programs within the Department of Design on four intensive weeks, twice in autumn and twice in spring. All MA programs in design will follow this schedule. NOTE that for students who miss the hand-in deadline the next chance for presenting is in the next presentation week!
Schedule for academic year 2019-2020 – Note: info about changes to presentation format during exceptional situation spring and autumn 2020
| Spring 2020 Thesis Presentation Week | ||||
| Hand-in thesis | Presentations | Electronic application deadline for graduation | Date of graduation | Graduation ceremony |
| 27 Apr | 25-29 May (last week of Per V) |
29 Jun | 29 Jun | 9 Sept |
Schedule for academic year 2020-2021
| Autumn 2020 (2 thesis presentation weeks) | ||||
| Hand-in thesis | Presentations | Electronic application deadline for graduation |
Date of graduation | Graduation ceremony |
| 21 Sept | 19-23 Oct (last week of Per I) |
23 Nov | 23 Nov | TBC |
| 9 Nov | 7-11 Dec (last week of Per II) |
31 Dec | 31 Dec | TBC |
| Spring 2021 (2 thesis presentation weeks) | ||||
| Hand-in thesis | Presentations | Electronic application deadline for graduation | Date of graduation | Graduation ceremony |
| 15 Mar | 12-16 Apr (last week of Per IV) |
24 May | 24 May | TBC |
| 10 May | 7-11 Jun (first week of summer) |
28 June | 28 June | TBC |
Schedule for academic year 2021-2022
| Autumn 2021 (2 thesis presentation weeks) | ||||
| Hand-in thesis | Presentations | Electronic application deadline for graduation |
Date of graduation | Graduation ceremony |
| – | 25-29 Oct (last week of Per I) |
– | – | – |
| – | 13-17 Dec (last week of Per II) |
– | – | – |
| Spring 2022 (2 thesis presentation weeks) (*may change) | ||||
| Hand-in thesis | Presentations | Electronic application deadline for graduation | Date of graduation | Graduation ceremony |
| – | 11-15 Apr (last week of Per IV) |
– | – | – |
| – | 6-10 Jun (first week of summer) |
– | – | – |
Archive of previous presentation weeks:
2019-2020 4th MA Thesis Week program (25-29 May)
2019-2020 3rd MA Thesis Week program (6-8 Apr)
2019-2020 2nd MA Thesis Week program (25-29 Nov)
2019-2020 1st MA Thesis Week program (21-25 Oct)
2018-2019 4th MA Thesis Week program (23-29 May)
2018-2019 3rd MA Thesis Week program (8-12 Apr)
