To complete their Master of Science degree, students majoring in computer science have to write a Master's thesis (called pro gradu in Finland) of 40 credits, as well as pass a maturity test.

The degree regulations of the Faculty of Science (10 April 2008, Article 9) stipulates: The advanced module of the major subject includes a pro gradu thesis that should show the student's ability for scientific thinking, command of scientific methods, conversance with the topic of the thesis, and aptitude for scientific communication. The Master's thesis plays a major role in the university degree.

The thesis is written for the sub-programme whose syllabus the degree will follow. Furthermore, courses should be selected so that they support the topic area that the student is interested in sufficiently.

The minor-subject thesis for the advanced module in computer science as a minor subject extends to 20 credits and does not include a maturity test in computer science.

Students can start writing their thesis once they have completed their BSc degree and have completed mostl compulsory advanced courses as well as all essential courses on the thesis topic. The sub-programmes may have their own requirements for which courses to complete before starting with the thesis work. While writing their theses, students must be registered as present at the university.

Maturity exam

Maturity exam is a mandatory part the MSc degree. In practice, the Maturity exam is the Abstract of the Master's thesis. The student is entitled to receive oral or written feedback from the maturity exam from the advisor/supervisor. Teaching administration will mark down the maturity exam to student's records at the same time when the Master's thesis is approved without any input from the advisor/supervisor.

Tools to work with

• The department latex and bibtex styles for theses (in Finnish). You can find the LaTex-templates in this directory (you will need tktltiki.cls, tktl.bst, babelbst.tex, englbst.tex, engl_malli.tex (your main text), lahteet.bib (your references), plus figure files etc).
• Template for theses in OpenOffice (odt) format (first in Time New Roman and second in Century Schoolbook L fonts; template by M. Pervilä)
• Template for abstract in rtf format

Finding information

• The library classification ACM Computing Classification System.
• Google Scholar
• Databases, search engines and collections that are based on reference information are often useful when searching for scientific data. CiteSeer is popular. Here are some other examples:
  • Digital Bibliography & Library Project (DBLP)
  • Collection of reference lists in the area of computer science (in BibTeX form)

Grading of the MSc Thesis

Factors that affect the grade in the evaluation of the MSc thesis are gathered in the table. 

Forms

When you start your MSc thesis, please fill inthis form about your thesis topic:

• suomeksi
• på svenska
• in English

Abstract page is available in: word (doc) and html.

Note that the department has started to use ACM Computing Classification System version 2012:  select 1-3 concepts from the hiearchical list so that they appropriately portray the content area of your thesis. Selecting (clicking) the concept generates a concept pair that is to be included in your thesis abstract, e.g.  "Information systems --> Data encryption". If the relevance for the concept in your thesis is high, you should make it  boldface; if average, use italics; and if low, use standard font.  

Note that you should fill in the Abstract the slot Kumpula Science Library, serial number C- and leave some blank after the "C-" for the library to fill in the serial number. Partly filled English template is also in rtf format.

Thesis grants

It is possible to apply for a Thesis grant from the Department of Computer Science. Please note that:

• You cannot work (even part-time) if applying for the grant -- it is expected that you work full-time for your Thesis
• Your Thesis should be completed during the grant
• The grant is tax-free and 1500 e or 2000 e, to be payed 250 e per month for 6 or 8 months.

Application period is open throughout the year. Your application needs to  provide the following information:

• your name and student id
• grant start month and end month
• sum (1500 e or 2000 e)
• declaration that you will not work during the MSc Thesis process
• 1-2 page description of your Thesis topic
• a detailed plan and timeline for completing the Thesis.

The Head of Department is responsible for every grant decision. Applications are evaluated based on the academic performance (CS course average should be over 4/5) and the studies (including minor and other studies) in the finishing stages.

Applications should be submitted to the Head of Studies, opintoesimies [at] cs.helsinki.fi.