Section 1 Mission

The Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT (LUT University) specialises in scientific research and researcher education in its fields of specialisation in technology, business and social sciences and provides research-based higher education. LUT University promotes life-long learning and cooperates closely with high-level universities, companies and the surrounding society, creating a competitive edge and well-being with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences.

Section 2 Degrees

LUT University has the right to award the following first-cycle degrees: Bachelor of Science in Technology, Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Administrative Sciences. The second-cycle degrees are Master of Science in Technology, Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Master of Social Sciences and Master of Administrative Sciences, and the third-cycle degrees are Licentiate of Science in Technology, Licentiate of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Licentiate of Social Sciences, Licentiate of Administrative Sciences, Doctor of Science in Technology, Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Social Sciences and Doctor of Administrative Sciences. The third-cycle degree that students most commonly complete is the doctoral degree. 

Students complete the degrees in accordance with the Universities Act (558/2009, including amendments), which entered into force on 24 August 2009, the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004, including amendments), which entered into force on 19 August 2004, and these degree regulations.

Section 3 Degree programmes

In the field of technology, LUT University offers degree programmes in energy technology, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, industrial engineering and management, environmental technology, physics, and computational engineering. In addition, LUT offers one degree programme in business administration and one in social sciences. The LUT University board decides which school is responsible for each degree programme. The Ministry of Education and Culture has also granted LUT University educational responsibilities in civil and construction engineering.

LUT University’s education leading to a first- or second-cycle degree takes place in bachelor’s and master’s programmes in technology, business administration, and social sciences under the umbrella of the degree programmes above. 

LUT University has one doctoral school which comprises all doctoral programmes in the university's fields of expertise. All of LUT’s doctoral students belong to the doctoral school. Doctoral education is carried out in the university's doctoral programmes and research fields.

Degree programmes may also be organised in collaboration with domestic or international universities based on agreements.

Section 4 Validity period of study attainments

The study attainments included in bachelor’s and master’s degrees may date back no more than seven years. On special grounds, the provost may decide to approve older study attainments based on a proposal by the head of the degree programme. Language and communication studies included in the degree expire in ten years with the exception of the public administration language examination (other official language of Finland), which does not expire. The expiration of language studies applies to courses arranged as of the academic year 2022–2023. However, supplementary studies will not expire.

Study attainments in licentiate and doctoral degrees may date back no more than seven years. On special grounds, the head of the doctoral programme may decide to approve older study attainments. However, supplementary studies will not expire. 

Section 5 Languages of instruction and degrees

The languages of the university's instruction and degrees are Finnish and English. Language instruction may also be provided in other languages. 

Each degree programme curriculum defines the language of instruction for the programme. Assignments are primarily completed in the language of the course or module. 

However, teachers may also provide an opportunity to complete the study attainments in Finnish.

Section 6 Continuous learning

The university organises open university studies and continuing education. The university may organise tailored professional specialisation education subject to a fee for specific student groups. 

Open university students can complete individual modules or aim to become a degree student through the LUT Highway or other special pathways. 

LUT students registered as attending cannot complete open university studies unless the open university web pages state otherwise. 

Heads of degree programmes determine which studies are provided as open university studies and what their quotas are each academic year.

Continuing education is arranged based on needs expressed by customers and the world of work or as customer-specific continuing education programmes and courses. Each school’s academic council decides on the arrangement of continuing education programmes and their ECTS credits.

Alumni who have graduated from LUT University have the right to complete studies after graduation in accordance with the terms defined by the university.

Participation or completion certificates are issued for continuous learning programmes.

Section 7 Tuition fees and scholarship system

Under the Universities Act (588/2009), section 10, subject to exceptions provided by law, universities must charge tuition fees per academic year that cover at least the costs arising from organising the education for students admitted to a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme taught in a language other than Finnish or Swedish. 

The university decides how the organising costs are calculated, how tuition fees are collected, and how scholarships and other forms of assistance are paid.

Section 15 Admissions to bachelor’s and master’s programmes 

The LUT University board decides on the annual student intake.  

The provost annually decides on the admission procedures and criteria and degree programme intake after hearing each school and approves admissions of new degree students.

Students are admitted to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programmes. 

All the university’s students who have been admitted to bachelor's and master’s degree studies, with the exception of students participating in commissioned education, belong to the student union. The student union can also accept other students of the university as its members.

Section 16 Admission of transfer students

The provost annually decides on the admission procedures and criteria for transfer students and the student places available to transfer students in decree programmes after hearing the schools. The provost decides on student transfers after hearing the schools. The transfer process also applies to transfers between LUT University's business, technology, and social sciences programmes.

Section 17 Cancellation of admission

Admission decisions are contingent on the receipt and verification of the applicant’s study attainments in the national database or the required original documents related to the previous degree or copies thereof certified in a country-specifically defined manner. LUT University may cancel an admission decision if an applicant has not submitted the required documents within the timeframe and in the form set by the university or if an applicant’s application contained false information. 

The provost decides on the cancellation of admission decisions.

Section 18 Programme transfers

The head of the degree programme decides on transfers between programmes or specialisations within degree programmes and their procedures and grounds.

Transfers between degree programmes are decided by the dean following a favourable statement by the degree programme head. The dean annually decides on the school's admission procedures and criteria for transfer.

Section 19 Administrative review of admission decisions

Applicants dissatisfied with an admission or transfer decision may request an administrative review of the decision in writing from LUT University’s rector within 14 days of the release of the decision. When decisions are released, applicants must be provided information on how the admission criteria were applied to them and how they can request an administrative review.

Administrative review decisions may be brought before the Administrative Court of Eastern Finland in accordance with the Administrative Judicial Procedure Act (808/2019). No appeals may be made against the administrative court ruling.

Admission decisions cannot be changed to the disadvantage of any admitted student.

Section 20 Supplementary studies

All degree programmes leading to a master’s degree may set non-degree supplementary studies (no more than 60 ECTS credits) as a prerequisite for admission depending on the student’s prior education. The supplementary studies are not included in the degree. 

The above also applies to admissions to scientific licentiate or doctoral studies. Doctoral programmes decide the specific supplementary studies required.

Section 15 Admissions to bachelor’s and master’s programmes 

The LUT University board decides on the annual student intake.  

The provost annually decides on the admission procedures and criteria and degree programme intake after hearing each school and approves admissions of new degree students.

Students are admitted to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programmes. 

All the university’s students who have been admitted to bachelor's and master’s degree studies, with the exception of students participating in commissioned education, belong to the student union. The student union can also accept other students of the university as its members.

Section 16 Admission of transfer students

The provost annually decides on the admission procedures and criteria for transfer students and the student places available to transfer students in decree programmes after hearing the schools. The provost decides on student transfers after hearing the schools. The transfer process also applies to transfers between LUT University's business, technology, and social sciences programmes.

Section 17 Cancellation of admission

Admission decisions are contingent on the receipt and verification of the applicant’s study attainments in the national database or the required original documents related to the previous degree or copies thereof certified in a country-specifically defined manner. LUT University may cancel an admission decision if an applicant has not submitted the required documents within the timeframe and in the form set by the university or if an applicant’s application contained false information. 

The provost decides on the cancellation of admission decisions.

Section 18 Programme transfers

The head of the degree programme decides on transfers between programmes or specialisations within degree programmes and their procedures and grounds.

Transfers between degree programmes are decided by the dean following a favourable statement by the degree programme head. The dean annually decides on the school's admission procedures and criteria for transfer.

Section 19 Administrative review of admission decisions

Applicants dissatisfied with an admission or transfer decision may request an administrative review of the decision in writing from LUT University’s rector within 14 days of the release of the decision. When decisions are released, applicants must be provided information on how the admission criteria were applied to them and how they can request an administrative review.

Administrative review decisions may be brought before the Administrative Court of Eastern Finland in accordance with the Administrative Judicial Procedure Act (808/2019). No appeals may be made against the administrative court ruling.

Admission decisions cannot be changed to the disadvantage of any admitted student.

Section 20 Supplementary studies

All degree programmes leading to a master’s degree may set non-degree supplementary studies (no more than 60 ECTS credits) as a prerequisite for admission depending on the student’s prior education. The supplementary studies are not included in the degree. 

The above also applies to admissions to scientific licentiate or doctoral studies. Doctoral programmes decide the specific supplementary studies required.

Students have the right to complete the studies for their degree in accordance with the university’s degree regulations and curriculum.

Students may simultaneously hold a right to study in two degree programmes in different fields, such as one in technology and one in social sciences. The above applies to students admitted to programmes that started before 1 January 2027.

Students who accept a place in a programme leading to a new degree forfeit any other valid rights to study at the same or a lower education level. This rule applies to students admitted to programmes that start after 1 January 2027, excluding scientific licentiate or doctoral degrees. 

The university's autumn semester starts on 1 August and ends on 31 December. The spring semester starts on 1 January and ends on 31 July.

To maintain their right to study, degree students must annually register as attending or non-attending for all degrees to which they have a valid right to study in a manner decided by the provost. First-year degree students may register as non-attending only if compulsory or voluntary military service, the birth or adoption of their child, or their own illness or disability prevents them from starting their studies. 

More advanced students must register as attending or non-attending every academic year between 1 May and 31 August. Students can register as non-attending for only the autumn semester by 31 August and for only the spring semester by 31 December. Registration as non-attending can be changed to attending at any time during the academic year in question. 

Only attending students may complete studies, have study attainments entered into their records, and graduate. Only attending students are covered by the university’s insurances. 

Non-attending students must take into consideration how their absence affects their study-related benefits. Students registered as non-attending have access to an LUT University username and email account. 

The normative duration of studies for a bachelor’s degree in technology, business, or social sciences is three academic years. The normative duration of studies for a master's degree in technology, business, or social sciences is two academic years.

Students who have been admitted to complete both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees have a right to exceed the aggregate normative duration of the studies by two years. 

Students who have been admitted to complete only the bachelor’s degree have a right to exceed the normative duration of the studies by one year.

Students who have been admitted to complete only the master’s degree have a right to exceed the normative duration of the studies by two years.

The duration of the studies starts when the student first enrols for studies at the university. 

The time of completion shall not include absence due to voluntary or compulsory military service or the birth or adoption of a child. However, such leaves will be included in the duration of the studies if students register as attending during them. The duration of the studies will also continue to elapse if the student is absent during the first year due to the student’s own illness or disability. Other absences of no more than two semesters will not be included in the total duration of the studies if the student registers as non-attending for the duration of the absence. 

For students who fail to register for the academic year, the normative duration will continue to elapse.

The head of a degree programme may, upon application, grant bachelor’s or master’s students an extension if they have not been able to complete their studies within the normative time referred to in section 24. Granting an extension requires that students present a realistic plan, including a schedule and goals, for the completion of their studies. The student's situation in life will be taken into account in granting an extension.

University-wide guidelines govern the application and approval process of extensions. Students may not register as non-attending during an extension. 

Applications for extensions are subject to a processing fee of 50 euros in accordance with the government decree 1082/2009, section 4 (amended 25 April 2024). 

Students who fail to register for the academic year in the manner decided by the provost or register as non-attending for the first academic year without a statutory reason forfeit their right to study.

If such students wish to restart or continue their studies at a later date, they must apply for the reinstatement of their right to study in writing and pay a processing fee for their reinstatement application. Students may request an administrative review of the decision in accordance with section 27 above.

Universities charge a tuition fee from students coming from outside the EU/EEA countries to complete a degree in a language other than Finnish or Swedish. The payment of the tuition fee is a requirement for registration as attending and for a right to study. If students obligated to pay a tuition fee do not pay the fee in the manner declared by the university or by the deadline, they forfeit their right to study. If such students later wish to restart or continue their studies, they must apply for the reinstatement of their right to study in writing after paying the tuition fee and a processing fee for their reinstatement application. Students may request an administrative review of the decision in accordance with section 27 above.

The application for reinstatement is subject to a processing fee of 50 euros in accordance with the government decree 1082/2009, section 4 (amended 25 April 2024). 

Students who have not completed their degree in the time laid down in the Universities Act or during an extension to it forfeit their right to study. 

Students have an opportunity to keep completing their degree upon application in LUT’s open university studies or through a non-degree right to study.After having completed their studies, students may apply for the reinstatement of their right to study in order to graduate. 

Students who accept a place in a programme leading to a new degree forfeit any other valid rights to study at the same or a lower education level. Transfer students who accept a new right to study forfeit their previous right to study based on which the transfer was made.

Students may submit a written request for an administrative review of a decision on the forfeiture of a right to study within 14 days of the date the decision was made known.

Administrative review decisions may be brought before the Administrative Court of Eastern Finland in accordance with the Administrative Judicial Procedure Act (808/2019).

A degree student’s right to study is terminated when the student has completed the related degree and received a degree certificate. 

Students may waive their right to study by submitting a written notification. The notification is binding. The right to study is considered terminated as of the receipt date of the notification. Students who wish to restart or continue their studies later must apply to the university through the regular admissions process. 

The provost issues university-wide instructions regarding the preparation of curricula. Curricula are prepared following the university’s and LUT Group’s strategy. The academic council approves curricula in accordance with guidelines and decides whether to add courses to or remove them from the curriculum during the academic year.

A curriculum presents the learning outcomes and structure of a degree programme and the descriptions and learning outcomes of courses included in the degree.

The provost confirms the university's teaching and examination periods. The teaching and examination periods are announced one academic year at a time, no later than the 30th of November the preceding academic year. 

Courses included in the bachelor’s and master’s degrees may be compulsory, optional, or elective. 

The intermediate specialisation studies in the bachelor’s degree correspond to the general and/or intermediate studies in the Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004), and the core studies in the master’s degree correspond to intermediate or advanced studies and advanced specialisation studies to advanced studies. Elective studies in the bachelor’s degree may include university- or university of applied sciences-level studies, and those in a master’s degree may include master’s-level studies from a university of applied sciences or university. 

The curriculum defines how students complete courses. For justified reasons, the teacher in charge of a course may specify an alternative method and timeframe for completing the course. 

The scope of studies is measured in ECTS credits. One credit refers to an average input of 27 hours of work by a student regardless of the teaching methods or arrangements. Completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in its normative time requires an annual workload of 1600 hours, which corresponds to 60 ECTS credits. 

Students completing a degree may, based on a decision given by the university, transfer credits from studies they have carried out in another higher education institution in Finland or abroad and other prior learning. Students must prove these skills with an oral or written test or in another manner that enables the assessment of the skills.

Credit transfer takes place by substituting or including courses in the degree.

Students submit a credit transfer application. The head of the degree programme or the teacher in charge of the course decides on the transfer of credits. A Language Centre representative decides on credit transfer for language proficiency acquired through non-formal learning. 

Credits for studies completed more than five years ago or language studies completed more than ten years ago will not be transferred. As a rule, studies that exceed the required credit limit will not be included in the degree. 

Credits cannot be transferred for theses or maturity tests. Further provisions on maturity tests are given in section 51.

Students may apply to have applicable credits completed at other higher education institutions transferred toward their bachelor’s degree.

In the master’s degree, students may apply for the transfer of master’s-level credits deviating from the curriculum into their core and advanced specialisation studies. If the master’s degree contains language studies, they may also be completed at a university of applied sciences, provided that they have not been included in a degree from a university of applied sciences. 

Bachelor’s-level studies can be recognised as a master’s degree’s minor, language, or elective studies if they have not been included in a previous bachelor’s degree.

If credits for a course have been transferred to an LUT University degree, the course can neither be completed again at LUT University nor can credits for the course be transferred again. A course completed at LUT University cannot be substituted by transferring credits from a course completed at another educational institution.

Students who are dissatisfied with a credit transfer decision may orally or in writing request an administrative review from the person who made the decision. The request must be presented within 14 days of the date on which the student received the decision.

Students dissatisfied with the administrative review decision request may request an administrative review from the degree board of LUT University within 14 days of the date the decision was made known. No appeals may be made against the final degree board decision.

All students are entitled to study guidance. 

The directors of administrative services and study affairs are responsible for organising study guidance. 
Study guidance aims to help students plan and complete their studies and support students in career planning and finding employment.

University studies require self-regulation and taking responsibility for the progress of one's studies. In addition to autonomous studies, students can take advantage of different study support services.

Students prepare a personal study plan at the early stages of their studies and review and update it. The personal study plan supports goal-oriented studies and graduation within the target time. A student's personal study plan must include the studies defined in the curriculum.

Student Services are responsible for guiding the preparation of the personal study plan. Bachelor's and master’s students’ personal study plans are officially revised at three stages:

• the first year of studies
• the completion of the bachelor’s degree
• the approval of the master’s thesis topic

Bachelor's and master’s students follow the curriculum that is in force when they first register as attending. Students may also follow curricula that enter into force subsequently. When the curriculum or study attainments expire, the student may be assigned to follow the most recent valid curriculum that best corresponds to the studies completed by the student.

The head of the degree programme approves bachelor's and master's students’ study plans that deviate from the curriculum.

Students register for courses in accordance with the schedule and practices defined by the university. If fewer than fifteen (15) students register for a course, the university will re-evaluate how the course will be arranged. Students must be provided the possibility to complete the courses included in the curriculum that is valid when they register.

The university may restrict the number of participants for a course for just cause. The grounds for the limitation and selection of participants are included in the course description.

Students may not re-register for a course they have already completed or substituted.

Examination registrations are separate from course registrations and are provided for in section 39.

The university arranges different types of examinations on courses, such as paper-and-pen examinations, oral examinations, or by utilising Moodle or the electronic examination system Exam. Paper-and-pen examinations and fixed Moodle examinations are arranged according to the prevailing examination schedule. Students are offered three opportunities to complete a final course examination, regardless of the examination mode. The course instructor decides the number of continuous assessment quizzes, oral examinations, and non-final Exam room tests held during the course.

In open university studies, examinations of courses integrated with bachelor’s and master’s education are arranged according to the practices of the course in question. The university’s degree regulations apply also to these examinations.

Students who take an intensive open university course are given two possible dates to take the related examination. These dates are independent of the university examination schedule. Students register for these examinations at least eight days before the examination date.

For continuing education courses, at least one and no more than three examinations are arranged in accordance with these degree regulations. The completed courses are recorded in the university’s student information system.

LUT's guidelines for special examination arrangements apply for students in need of special arrangements to complete examinations.

Students who register for an examination have the right to take that examination. For each course they take, students have the right to take part in three final examinations listed in the examination schedule. Students who fail to pass an examination after taking it three times may apply for an additional retake on a date included in the examination schedule. This limitation to the number of retakes applies to all examinations regardless of how they are arranged. If a student takes part in a final examination more than three times without retake approval, the examination will not be assessed.

Students are entitled to take part in one examination in the examination schedule at a time. In special cases and for justified reasons, students may be given an opportunity to complete two examinations simultaneously. 

Students must register for examinations listed in the examination schedule at least a week before the examination date.

Registration may be cancelled up to two working days before the examination. Failure to cancel a registration will count as a used examination attempt.

Registrations for Exam and Moodle examinations and continuous assessment tests take place following the teacher’s instructions.

Teachers are not obligated to hold an examination for a student who has not registered for one. 

Students must prove their identity when they take part in an examination.

Students have the right to retake a passed examination once on one of the three examination occasions arranged for the course during the academic year in question. If the grade of the examination retake is lower than the original grade, the original grade will remain in force.

The right to attempt improving a grade only applies to the final examination of a course. Students may attempt to improve their grade only if the grade can be improved by retaking the final examination. Continuous assessment tests or other assignments cannot be completed more than once.

For justified reasons and if resources allow, a teacher may allow students to attempt to raise their grade by other means than an examination. Such decisions apply to all students on the course, and the teacher must specify in writing at the start of the course to what type of assessed assignment the retake opportunity applies.

Students who have received the top grade on the assessment scale cannot retake an examination.

Students may not rewrite an approved thesis or attempt to raise its grade.

Grades of courses completed at LUT University cannot be raised by transferring credits from courses completed at other institutions.

A study attainment refers to a dissertation, a licentiate thesis, a master’s thesis, a bachelor’s thesis, a written or oral examination, a presentation, or another completed task included in the university curricula.

Study attainments are evaluated either on the scale excellent (5), very good (4), good (3), satisfactory (2), passable (1) and failed (0), or pass–fail. 

Bachelor's and master’s theses are assessed on the scale 0–5.

Written and spoken proficiency in the national language of Finland other than the student’s first language is graded as good, satisfactory, or fail. 

On the five-point scale where 100 points is the maximum, grade 5 requires 90–100, grade 4 requires 80–89, grade 3 requires 70–79, grade 2 requires 60–69, grade 1 requires 50–59 and grade 0 requires 0-49.

The teacher determines how much the coursework affects the final grade for the course. Students who register for a course but fail to complete its study attainments and do not announce they are abandoning the course receive a failing grade for the course. Students cannot abandon a course after receiving an assessment for any part of the coursework. 

Approved partial study attainments are valid for at least a year from the end of the period in which the teaching of the course is finished.

If the final grade for a bachelor's or master’s thesis is 0, the student must start the thesis process over. If the examiners propose different grades for the thesis, the evaluation will be left to the academic council, which may request a statement from a third examiner. 

Doctoral dissertations and licentiate theses are graded pass/fail. The assessment scale above enters into force on 1 January 2027.

The provisions in these degree regulations apply to the assessment of students in open university studies. The completed courses are recorded in the university’s student information system.

Teachers must release assessment results to students and for study records within 30 days of the completion and submission of the course’s final study attainment that has been submitted accordance with the schedule of the course. For Exam or Moodle examinations which are open for several days, the grades must be made known within 30 days of the closure of the examination. 

Teachers must communicate the results of examinations or other study attainments scheduled for June or July to students within two months, but no later than by the end of August. Teachers must provide students with the results of examinations or other study attainments completed in December within 45 days.

No changes will be made to results in study records unless there is an error in the data. For instance, completed courses will not be removed and grading scales will not be changed.  

Teachers must save participant lists, examination scripts, and other documents related to study attainments and examinations for at least six months of the release of the results.

An electronic plagiarism detector can be applied to the supervision and evaluation of students' work. If the plagiarism detector is a part of the evaluation or supervision process of a course, students cannot deny its use in the evaluation of the course if they wish to have their work assessed. An electronic plagiarism detector is applied to all theses at LUT University.  Students do the checking themselves, and the supervisor interprets the report.

In written study attainments, students are responsible for referencing in accordance with good scientific practice. Teachers must have the opportunity to examine the original sources when assessing students’ study attainments. Students who cite artificial intelligence as a source in study attainments are responsible for saving the original materials and their later availability.  

Teachers always have the right to demand the use of a plagiarism detector if there is reason to suspect cheating.

Pursuant to the Universities Act (558/2009), section 44, students have the right to obtain information about the application of assessment criteria to their study attainments. They shall be given the opportunity to see the assessed study attainment.

Students who are dissatisfied with the assessment of their dissertation, licentiate thesis or corresponding final project, or their master’s thesis or corresponding assignment in advanced studies may request an administrative review of the assessment from the degree board within 14 days of the date the assessment was made known. 

Before the assessment of a study attainment referred to in subsection 2, the author must be provided the opportunity to respond to the statement of the examiner or opponent. 

A student dissatisfied with the assessment of a study attainment other than the one referred to in subsection 2 (e.g., a bachelor's thesis) may request an administrative review verbally or in writing from the teacher who conducted the assessment. 

Students shall submit the review request for a study attainment in writing within 14 days of the day the grade was made known. They also have the right to find out the grounds for giving the grade.

Students dissatisfied with the decision made by the teacher who conducted the assessment may request an administrative review from the degree board within 14 days of the date the decision was made known.

The rector appoints a degree board, which handles appeals concerning study attainments. More members may be appointed to the degree board on a case-by-case basis. The student union appoints its own representative.

Section 47 Bachelor’s thesis

The bachelor’s thesis is the final thesis of the bachelor’s degree and is included in intermediate specialisation studies. The teacher of the thesis seminar or another employee or docent at LUT assigned by the head of the degree programme is the supervisor of the thesis. The supervisor must have a university master's degree. 

During the thesis project, the supervisor must provide students with the possibility to discuss the progress of their thesis and receive feedback. The supervisor may also request a progress report from the student. 

The bachelor’s thesis is prepared in Finnish, Swedish, or English. 

The bachelor’s thesis is a public document.

Section 48 Master’s thesis

The master’s thesis is a course resembling a research project. It is included in advanced specialisation studies and accounts for 30 ECTS credits. 

Students write the thesis in Finnish or English.

Master’s theses are public documents.

Section 49 Supervisors of master’s theses

The primary supervisor of a master’s thesis must have a doctorate and be one of the following:

• an LUT University professor 
• an assistant/associate professor on the LUT University tenure track
• an LUT University docent
• an LUT University employee with a docentship at another university 

In addition to the above, the primary supervisor of a master’s thesis may be a doctoral graduate who is an acting professor or acting assistant/associate professor on the tenure track at LUT University. 

The primary supervisor must be from the student's own degree programme and is in charge of the supervision of the thesis at the university. The director of the degree programme decides on possible exceptions to the above.

During the thesis project, the primary supervisor must provide the student an opportunity to discuss the progress of the thesis and receive feedback. The primary supervisor may also request a progress report from the thesis student.

The primary supervisor confirms the appointment of a secondary supervisor, who must have at least a university master’s degree but does not need to be an LUT employee. 

The examiners of the thesis give a collective statement on the thesis and propose a grade.

Master’s thesis assessments are approved by the dean. If the dean or vice dean are unable to perform this duty, the provost appoints another person to assess the thesis.

Section 50 Approval of a master’s thesis topic

The master’s thesis deals with a topic that the supervisor and the student agree on together. The topic is approved by the primary supervisor. The approval of the topic remains in force for two years from the date of approval.

The bachelor's degree and possible supplementary studies must be completed before the approval of the master’s thesis topic. 

The university provides general guidelines for theses. Schools may issue more detailed instructions.

Section 51 Maturity test

Students must take a written maturity test to demonstrate their language skills in Finnish or Swedish (language maturity test) and how well they know the topic of their thesis (content maturity test). Students take the maturity test in the language in which they have received their compulsory education in Finland. 

The bachelor's-level maturity test is evaluated only in terms of content for students who have received their compulsory education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish. In such cases, the maturity test is taken in English. In addition, for students who have demonstrated their language skills in a previous university degree, the language of the bachelor's-level maturity test will not be evaluated, only the contents.

The maturity test is part of the final thesis (e.g., abstract, introduction, summary of the thesis) or another text closely related to the thesis (e.g., essay, literature review, self-assessment). 

The maturity test is completed in the thesis seminar or the equivalent in a way predefined by the teacher in the course description. Alternatively, the maturity test can be completed in Exam. A maturity test completed in Exam is an essay-like writing assignment based on the final thesis.

Students in the same thesis seminar have equal requirements concerning the completion of their maturity test.

The supervisor of the bachelor’s thesis reviews the maturity test to verify the student’s knowledge of the field of study and the clarity of the language. If Finnish or Swedish is not the supervisor's first language or the supervisor is not otherwise fluent in the languages, the language of the test will be assessed by a native or otherwise fluent Finnish- or Swedish-speaking colleague. The language will not be separately assessed unless the thesis supervisor so requires for a special reason.

The master's degree requires a maturity test in which the students prove that they know the topic of their master's thesis. The maturity test is part of the master’s thesis similarly as in the bachelor’s degree. 

Finnish or Swedish skills are not evaluated in the master's degree if they have been proven in a previous degree or if it is not required of the student (compulsory education completed in a language other than Finnish/Swedish). For students who must demonstrate their skills in Finnish or Swedish in the master's degree, the maturity test is part of the final thesis in the same way as for the bachelor's degree.

Degree programmes issue more detailed instructions to students on taking the maturity test.

Section 52 Language proficiency

Students shall, for their bachelor’s or master's degree, demonstrate a knowledge of

1. Finnish and Swedish required of state personnel in bilingual authorities under the Act on the Knowledge of Languages Required of Personnel in Public Bodies (424/2003), section 6, subsection 1, and that is necessary in the performance of one’s professional duties, and of
2. at least one foreign language that allows following developments in one’s own field and operating in an international environment.

Students who have obtained their compulsory education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish shall, in connection with their bachelor's or master’s degree or in another way, demonstrate only the language skills referred to in paragraph 2 above.

Students who have received their education in Finnish or Swedish but have not completed the required upper secondary syllabus in the other official language of Finland may be exempt by the head of Student Services in accordance with the decision on language skills issued by the vice rector from the proof requirement in subsection 1 due to a lack of prior studies. 

Section 53 Requirements for awarding a degree certificate

A degree certificate can be awarded only when the student has completed the studies included in the degree and acquired the language proficiency referred to in section 52.

To receive a degree certificate from LUT University, students must have completed at least 90 ECTS credits of their bachelor’s degree (including the final thesis) at LUT University.

For the master’s degree certificate, students must have completed at least 60 ECTS credits at LUT, 45 ECTS credits of which are advanced, including a final thesis. 

Bachelor's and master's programmes produced in collaboration with other universities must include at least 60 ECTS credits of studies completed at LUT University. 

The head of the degree programme may, for justified reasons, make an exception to subsections 2 and 3.

Section 54 Bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates

Degree certificates consist of three parts: the certificate page, a transcript of study records, and a Diploma Supplement for international use.

The degree certificate templates are confirmed by the university rector. The rector or a person assigned by the rector signs master’s degree certificates and their Diploma Supplements. Bachelor’s degree certificates and their Diploma Supplements are signed by the rector or provost.

Bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates include the following information:

1) degree and field of education

2) major subject or equivalent module or degree programme

3) possible specialisation studies

4) key degree content

5) language proficiency demonstrated by the student; section 19 of the decree on the knowledge of languages required of personnel in public bodies (481/2003) must be taken into account when mentioning the student’s language proficiency.

The degree certificate includes a transcript of the student’s study records, listing all courses that the student completed for the degree as well as their grades. The transcript shows the weighted average grade of all completed courses, including the final thesis. The average grade of the degree is calculated for all passed courses assessed on a scale of 0 to 5.

If over half of the ECTS credits for a degree have been assessed on a scale other than 0–5, no grade average will be calculated.

Graduates receive a degree certificate in both Finnish and English for degrees completed in another language. For Finnish degree certificates, the university provides an English translation.

The university attaches a Diploma Supplement in English to its degree certificates. The supplement is intended especially for use in an international context. The Diploma Supplement provides information on the university and on the degree’s nature, background, level, content, and position in the education system.

During their studies, students are entitled to request a transcript of their study records as proof of studies they have completed.

Joint degree programmes organised in cooperation with other higher education institutions apply the provisions of this section where applicable and as separately agreed.

Section 55 Bachelor’s or master’s degree passed with distinction

Students can be awarded a passing grade with the mention ”with distinction” for their bachelor’s or master's degree if they have completed their degree in its prescribed normative time, their average grade is at least 4.00, and their final thesis grade is 5. 

Section 56 Licentiate and doctoral degree certificate

The rector or a person assigned by the rector signs licentiate and doctoral degree certificates and their Diploma Supplements. 

Degree certificates consist of three parts: the certificate page, a transcript of study records, and a Diploma Supplement for international use.

Licentiate and doctoral degree certificates include the following information:

1. degree title
2. research field
3. doctoral programme

The degree certificate is accompanied by a transcript of study records indicating the student’s study attainments for the degree and their grades. In addition, the doctoral degree certificate includes information on the doctoral dissertation and its public examination, the opponent, and the custos.

The degree certificate for the degree of Doctor of Science in Technology entitles its holder to the degree of Doctor of Science in Technology, the degree certificate for the degree of Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration entitles its holder to the degree of Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, the degree certificate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy entitles its holder to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the degree certificate for the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences entitles its holder to the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences, the degree certificate for the degree of Licentiate of Science in Technology entitles its holder to the degree of Licentiate of Science in Technology, the degree certificate for the degree of Licentiate of Science in Economics and Business Administration entitles its holder to the degree of Licentiate of Science in Economics and Business Administration, and the degree certificate for the degree of Licentiate of Social Sciences entitles its holder to the degree of Licentiate of Social Sciences.

Section 57 Graduation

Students can graduate from LUT University after they have completed the studies included in their degree in accordance with their personal study plan. Students must register as attending for the semester during which they request graduation. The graduation date is the submission date of the graduation request if all studies required for the degree have been completed and recorded. In other cases, the graduation date is the date when all required study attainments have been recorded.

Bachelor's and master’s degree certificates are, with the exception of the turn of the year and July, awarded within three weeks of the submission of a graduation request or when all of the required study attainments are in the student’s study records.

Licentiate and doctoral degree certificates are, with the exception of the turn of the year and July, awarded within two weeks of the submission of a graduation request or when all of the required studies have been completed and recorded.

Section 58 Objectives of the bachelor's degree

The objectives for the bachelor's degree are aligned with the Government Decree on University Degrees and the Finnish National Framework for Qualifications and Other Competence Modules, level 6. 

Education leading to the bachelor’s degree is based on scientific research and practices in the relevant professional field. It aims to support student learning. The studies should provide students with 

1. knowledge of the intermediate and minor studies included in the degree, or knowledge of the basics of corresponding modules and studies in the degree programme and the ability to follow developments in the field;

2. extensive, advanced knowledge of their field and the capacity for understanding and critically assessing theories, key concepts, methods, and principles;

3. the capacity for scientific thinking and scientific approaches to work, taking ethical viewpoints into account;

4. the ability to apply what they have learnt to their work and international collaboration;

5. the ability to complete master’s-level studies and the ability for continuous learning;

6. good interaction, communication, and language skills and the ability to head activities and projects.

Each bachelor's programme has its own learning outcomes, confirmed by the academic council. These outcomes are described in the curriculum.

Section 59 Scope and structure of the bachelor's degree

The bachelor’s degree amounts to 180 ECTS credits. The university must arrange the studies in a way that enables full-time students to complete the degree in three years.

The bachelor’s degrees in technology, business, and social sciences include

1. general studies, at least 50 ECTS credits; 
2. intermediate specialisation studies, at least 40 ECTS credits;
3. minor studies and/or multidisciplinary modules, at least 20/0 ECTS credits; 
4. elective studies, up to 20 ECTS credits.

Language and communication studies may be included in general studies. The bachelor’s thesis and related seminar are included in intermediate specialisation studies.

The bachelor’s and master’s degrees in technology, business, and social sciences may include internships or work experience that account for up to 12 ECTS credits in total. However, the internship or work experience in the master’s degree in business or social sciences alone may account for no more than 6 ECTS credits. Degree programmes set their own minimum requirements for internships or work experience.

Section 60 Continuing one’s studies from the bachelor’s degree to the master’s degree

Students have a right to complete the master’s degree in the master’s programme in technology, business, or social sciences to which they have been admitted. After they have finished the bachelor’s studies required in the two-cycle degree system, students may go on to complete master’s studies.

Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree under a valid right to study at LUT or an applicable university bachelor’s degree previously in another higher education institution may apply for transfer to a master’s programme corresponding to their previous studies.

The master’s-level admission requirements apply in terms of the student’s qualification and eligibility. Students may be required to complete supplementary studies depending on their prior studies. The head of the degree programme decides on transfers. 

Section 61 Objectives of the master's degree

The objectives for the master's degree are aligned with the Government Decree on University Degrees and the Finnish National Framework for Qualifications and Other Competence Modules, level 7. 

Education leading to the master’s degree is based on scientific research and practices in the relevant professional field. It aims to support student learning. The studies should provide students with

1. a good command of their core and advanced specialisation studies and the basics of their minor studies;

2. a good command of extensive and highly specialised concepts, methods, and knowledge of their field;

3. the ability to apply scientific knowledge creatively, solve problems, develop new solutions, and examine phenomena critically, taking ethical viewpoints into consideration;

4. the ability to operate independently as an expert and developer and/or entrepreneur in their field, also in an international working environment;

5. the ability to go on to complete scientific doctoral studies and develop their skills continuously;

6. excellent interaction, communication, language, teamwork, and project work skills and be able to manage issues and/or lead people. 

Each master's programme has its own learning outcomes confirmed by the academic council. These outcomes are described in the curriculum.

Section 62 Scope and structure of the master's degree

The master’s studies amount to 120 ECTS credits. The university must arrange the studies in a way that enables full-time students to complete the degree in two academic years.

The degree of Master of Science (Technology) includes

1. core studies, 0–47 ECTS credits;
2. advanced specialisation studies, 50–95 ECTS credits;
3. minor studies, 20–24/0 ECTS credits;
4. elective studies, 0–30 ECTS credits;
5. language and communication studies, 0–10 ECTS credits.

The degree of Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration) includes

1. core studies, 42–78 ECTS credits;
2. advanced specialisation studies, 36–54 ECTS credits;
3. minor studies, at least 24/0 ECTS credits;
4. language and communication studies, 6 ECTS credits.

The degree of Master of Social Sciences includes

1. core studies, at least 30 ECTS credits; 
2. advanced specialisation studies, 60 ECTS credits;
3. minor studies and/or multidisciplinary modules, at least 25 ECTS credits;
4. language and communication studies, at least 4 ECTS credits.

Advanced specialisation studies include a master’s thesis that accounts for 30 ECTS credits. 

The bachelor’s and master’s degrees in technology, business, and social sciences may include internships or work experience that may account for up to 12 ECTS credits in total. However, the internship or work experience in the master’s degree in business or social sciences alone may account for no more than 6 ECTS credits. Degree programmes set their own minimum requirements for internships or work experience. 

Joint degree programmes organised in cooperation with other universities apply the provisions of this section where applicable and as separately agreed.

Section 63 Right to complete licentiate and doctoral degrees

Applicants are eligible for doctoral studies referred to in section 2 above if they have a master's degree in technology, business, social sciences, or another field of science or an official or recognised degree of an equivalent level in its country of origin, which the doctoral programme deems as a sufficient basis for scientific doctoral education.

The doctoral programme has the right to require supplementary studies and set minimum requirements for grades from previous studies.

The ability of applicants with a master’s degree from a university of applied sciences to complete a doctoral degree successfully within the degree’s normative duration will be evaluated case by case, taking into consideration the scope (bachelor’s and master’s) and content of the applicant’s prior education. Based on that evaluation, the applicant should be assigned a sufficient amount of supplementary studies, but at least 30 ECTS credits.

Applicants are required to have completed a master's degree in a field relevant to the future dissertation research or to have acquired equivalent knowledge otherwise. If the applicant has not completed major studies in the research field in question, the doctoral programme will decide on the supplementary studies depending on the case. The student must complete the supplementary studies before the preliminary examination process of the doctoral dissertation starts. 
 

A background in scientific studies in technology is required in order to complete a doctoral degree in technology at LUT. Students who lack skills in the field of research or technology in question must complete separately assigned supplementary studies. Students who do not have a Finnish master’s degree in technology or an equivalent technology degree completed abroad may alternatively apply for the right to complete a doctoral degree in philosophy. 

A background in business studies is required in order to complete a doctoral degree in business at LUT. Students who lack skills in the field of research or business in question must complete separately assigned supplementary studies. 

A background in scientific studies in social sciences is required in order to complete a doctoral degree in social sciences at LUT. Students who lack skills in the field of research or social sciences in question must complete separately assigned supplementary studies. Students who do not have a Finnish master’s degree in social sciences or an equivalent social sciences degree completed abroad may alternatively apply for the right to complete a doctoral degree in philosophy.

The rector or a person assigned by the rector decides on the admission of a doctoral student after receiving a statement by the doctoral programme. The doctoral programme confirms the doctoral study plan and assigns supervisors for the doctoral studies if the right to complete doctoral studies is granted. If necessary, an application for doctoral studies may be handled by the academic council of the school in question.

Section 64 Doctoral study guidance

All doctoral students must have at least two supervisors. The requirement of two supervisors applies to applications for doctoral studies submitted after 1 January 2022 or if supervisors are replaced during studies. The coordinating supervisor of doctoral studies has a doctoral degree and is

• an LUT University professor; 
• an assistant/associate professor on the LUT University tenure track;
• an LUT University docent; or
• an LUT University employee with a docentship at another Finnish university. 

As a rule, the coordinating supervisor is responsible for proposing preliminary examiners and the opponent(s), acting as the custos, and seeing to the arrangements related to the public examination of the dissertation unless the supervisors agree otherwise. Secondary supervisors may be persons with a doctoral degree.

The doctoral programme decides whether to replace supervisors. 

Section 65 Aims of scientific doctoral education

The objectives for scientific doctoral education are aligned with the Government Decree on University Degrees and the Finnish National Framework for Qualifications and Other Competence Modules, level 8. 

Education leading to a scientific doctoral degree is based on scientific research and increasing and deepening knowledge of scientific research. It aims to support student learning. The studies should provide students with 

1. in-depth knowledge of their research field, its importance to society, and ethical viewpoints; 

2. extensive knowledge of the development, basic problems, and research methods and theory of their field and of fields of science connected to it, enabling students to follow developments in the field;

3. the ability to apply scientific research methods and generate new scientific knowledge independently, creatively, and with due criticism within their research field;

4. the ability to conduct scientific research independently and work in the most demanding expert jobs in the field, as a developer and/or entrepreneur in an international work environment;

5. the ability to solve complex research and innovation problems and continuously develop one's own skills and those of others;

6. excellent interaction, communication, language, teamwork, and project work skills and the ability to manage issues and/or lead people.

Section 66 Doctorate

The doctoral degree requires approximately four years of full-time studies.

To complete the doctoral degree, doctoral students shall

1. complete the scientific doctoral studies;
2. demonstrate independent thinking and due criticism within their research field;
3. prepare a dissertation and defend it in public.

Students who have previously completed a doctoral or licentiate degree in another field of science must complete supplementary studies in accordance with section 63. In addition, the student shall complete a sufficient amount of studies in the field of research for the degree. 

Students who have completed a licentiate degree in the same field of research only prepare a doctoral dissertation to obtain a doctoral degree.

Section 67 Licentiate degree

The licentiate degree usually requires two academic years of full-time studies.

Students accepted into scientific doctoral studies may complete the licentiate degree by completing the doctoral studies required and preparing a licentiate thesis.

In the licentiate thesis, students demonstrate a good knowledge of their field of research and the ability to apply scientific research methods independently and with due criticism. The university may also accept as a licentiate thesis any number of scientific publications or manuscripts accepted for publication it deems sufficient, or a summary of such publications or a work that meets equivalent scientific criteria. The publications may also include co-authored publications if the licentiate student has independently and demonstrably prepared parts of them.

Section 68 Scope and structure of scientific doctoral degrees 

Scientific doctoral studies are measured in ECTS credits. The studies amount to 30 ECTS credits, which must include studies in the student’s field of research. 

Doctoral studies typically consist of doctoral courses produced by LUT University or other universities or training offered by doctoral programmes or networks, such as seminars or summer schools. The studies may also include methodology studies, scientific literature examinations, independent assignments, and studies that support the development of the student’s identity as a researcher. 

Doctoral studies may also include advanced university studies if their course descriptions mention their suitability for doctoral studies. Other advanced studies may only be included in supplementary studies excluded from the degree.

In the fields of technology and social sciences, the degree must include studies from the modules Research skills and Skills for research impact. The studies above support the achievement of the intended learning outcomes of the doctoral studies.   

Previously completed studies that are suitable for a doctoral degree may only be included in the doctoral degree if they have not been included in any other degree. These studies may date back up to seven years.

The studies included in the degree must be completed before permission is given to defend the doctoral dissertation.

More detailed instructions concerning doctoral studies are available on the student website eLUT.

Section 69 Doctoral study plan

In connection with applying for the right to complete doctoral studies, applicants prepare a doctoral study plan with their supervisors following instructions from the doctoral school. The plan is then approved by the doctoral programme. Doctoral programmes may issue further instructions on the preparation of doctoral study plans.

The doctoral study plan includes the doctoral student's personal study plan. The student is responsible for maintaining and updating it. The doctoral student's personal study plan is reviewed during the studies as needed and for graduation at the preliminary examination stage of the doctoral dissertation in accordance with the doctoral school’s instructions.

Section 70 Doctoral dissertation

A doctoral dissertation must contribute new scientific knowledge to its field. The author explicitly explains the author’s own contribution to the research at the beginning of the dissertation. The doctoral dissertation may be a monograph or an article-based dissertation consisting of peer-reviewed scientific publications on the research topic and a summary of them. 

A doctoral dissertation submitted for examination at another Finnish or foreign university cannot be accepted as such for examination at LUT University. LUT independently assesses whether a doctoral dissertation sufficiently differs from a dissertation submitted for examination at another university. Dissertations prepared within the framework of double degree agreements with partner universities constitute an exception.

More detailed instructions on doctoral dissertations have been compiled and published on the university's intranet and the student website eLUT.

Section 71 Preliminary examination

The dissertation committee makes the decision to initiate the dissertation process, appoints two preliminary examiners, and gives a statement on the dissertation manuscript if needed. A proposal regarding the preliminary examiners is submitted to the dissertation committee by one of the supervisors of the doctoral studies. The proposal must account for the disqualification provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (434/2003, sections 27 and 28) and LUT University's guidelines on the selection of preliminary examiners and opponents, which are available on the university’s intranet.

Both preliminary examiners give their own, independent statement. In other words, they cannot give a joint statement. Preliminary examiners can be replaced if they do not submit their statement within a reasonable amount of time and there is no acceptable reason for the delay, or if other justified grounds exist. The dissertation committee makes decisions concerning the replacement of preliminary examiners.

If the dissertation committee is not able to reach a unanimous decision on the matter or unanimously decides not to initiate the dissertation process or appoint preliminary examiners, the student may withdraw the application for starting the dissertation process or request bringing the matter before the academic council.

Section 72 Permission to defend the doctoral dissertation, opponent(s), and custos

Having received statements from the preliminary examiners, the academic council decides whether to grant permission to defend the doctoral dissertation. 

The academic council appoints one or two opponents to review the dissertation. A person who was previously a preliminary examiner of the dissertation may also be an opponent.

A proposal regarding the opponents is submitted to the academic council by one of the supervisors of the doctoral studies. The proposal must account for the disqualification provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (434/2003, sections 27 and 28) and LUT University’s guidelines on the selection of preliminary examiners and opponents, which are available on the university’s intranet.

If needed, the academic council also decides on replacing the opponent or opponents. 

The academic council appoints the examination's moderator, called a custos. The custos must be qualified to act as the coordinating supervisor of doctoral studies.

If one or both of the preliminary examiners' statements take a negative stand, the academic council interrupts the process. One negative preliminary examination statement constitutes grounds for interrupting the process. 

To restart the examination process, the student must submit an application, a revised manuscript, and a separate summary of corrections to the dissertation committee.

The rector may at any point for just cause interrupt or cancel the examination process or return it to an earlier process stage.

Section 73 Public examination and assessment of a doctoral dissertation

The final, printed version of a doctoral dissertation must be available to the public at the university for at least five business days before the public examination. This timeline enters into force on 1 January 2027. Minor errors discovered after printing but before the public examination of the dissertation may be listed in a so-called errata annex.

Doctoral candidates must defend their dissertation in a public examination. The examination may not take more than four hours.

The academic council decides on the right to use a language other than Finnish or English in the public examination.

Opponents give a written statement on the dissertation and its defence to the academic council after the examination. The statement must include a grade proposal.If there are two opponents, they may each give a statement of their own or one collective one.

The academic council decides on the acceptance and assessment of the dissertation based on the statements by the opponents. Doctoral dissertations are assessed with the grade pass or fail. This assessment scale enters into force on 1 January 2027. 

Any objections to giving a doctoral dissertation a passing grade must be made in writing. Such objections can be made by the opponent(s) or an authorised member of the academic council.

Section 74 Assessment of a licentiate thesis

The academic council appoints at least two examiners for a licentiate thesis. The supervisor of the doctoral studies makes a proposal regarding the examiners. The proposal must account for the disqualification provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (434/2003, sections 27 and 28).

Both examiners must be from outside of LUT and have a doctoral degree. The examiners provide the academic council with a written statement on the thesis within four weeks. The examiners may also prepare one collective statement. 

The academic council decides on the approval and grade of the licentiate thesis based on the examiners’ statements. Licentiate theses are assessed with the grade pass or fail. This assessment scale enters into force on 1 January 2027.

Section 75 Doctoral conferment ceremony

Doctoral students who have completed the doctoral degree may be awarded regalia in accordance with the university's established practice in a conferment ceremony in recognition of their achievement. Doctoral graduates in technology receive a hat, and doctoral graduates in business, social sciences, or philosophy receive a hat and a sword.

In connection with the conferment and also in other contexts, the university may grant an honorary doctorate and related regalia to persons considered worthy of the honour based on their scientific achievements or the promotion of sciences or other areas of culture.

Section 76 Equality between students

All LUT University students and applicants to LUT studies will be treated equally and following the same principles. The LUT University student admission process is open and transparent.

Section 77 Student feedback and complaints

Students are expected to contribute to the development of the university's instruction and other operations by, for example, giving feedback through the feedback channels which are part of the university's quality management system. Feedback is collected on courses and at different stages of studies – at the beginning and upon graduation at the bachelor's, master's, licentiate, and doctoral stages. Students are also asked for feedback during their studies. 

Students may give informal feedback on education to, for example, the head of a degree programme, teachers, study affairs staff, the vice rector, or the provost. Feedback on doctoral studies can, for example, be given to the head of a doctoral programme, the LUT Doctoral School, the vice rector, or the provost.

Individual students or student groups dissatisfied with instruction, guidance, teaching arrangements, or other teaching-related matters may submit a free-form written complaint to the university. Students submit the complaint through the feedback and suggestion channel in eLUT. The feedback is handled according to the feedback channel’s practices. 

Section 78 Misconduct in studies 

Students are expected to know and observe the ethical principles of academic studies. In ethically problematic situations, students will be assisted and guided to make ethically sound choices. All cases of suspected misconduct will be investigated, and any misconduct observed will lead to disciplinary measures. 

Suspected cases of academic misconduct are handled in accordance with the guidelines for misconduct in studies, excluding doctoral/licentiate theses. 

Assistance in an offence is also considered an offence.

Students take examinations individually unless otherwise instructed.

Invigilators have been given instructions on what to do in an alleged case of misconduct.

If misconduct, such as plagiarism, is suspected in a bachelor's or master's thesis submitted for evaluation, the suspected misconduct is handled in accordance with the university's guidelines for academic misconduct in studies.

Suspected violations concerning doctoral dissertations and licentiate theses are handled in accordance with the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity's (TENK) Guidelines for Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR guidelines).  

Section 79 Disciplinary measures

Under the Universities Act (558/2009, section 45, amendment 12.8.2011/954), students may be cautioned if they

• disrupt teaching;
• behave violently or threateningly;
• act under false pretences or otherwise break order at the university;
• refuse to present the drug test certificate referred to in section 43 d; or
• according to the account referred to in section 43d have used narcotics for purposes other than medical treatment in a way which undermines their functional capacity.

If the act or neglect is serious or if the student carries on the inappropriate behaviour referred to above after having been cautioned, the student can be suspended from the university for a fixed period of up to one year.

A student who disrupts teaching, behaves violently or threateningly, or threatens another person's life or well-being can be removed from the teaching space or university event. A student may be banned from attending teaching for a maximum of three days where there is danger that the safety of another student or a person working at the university or in some other teaching facility is threatened as a result of the student's violent or threatening behaviour or where the disrupting conduct of the student makes teaching and associated activities unreasonably difficult.

The president and a member of the teaching and research staff and the student’s practical training supervisor may work together or separately in matters referred to above. The measures must be recorded.

The decision in regard of a caution in writing to a student shall be made by the rector of the university, and in regard of a suspension by the university board.

Before the decision is taken, the deed or neglect causing the disciplinary measure must be specified, the necessary investigation be made, and the student be given an opportunity to be heard in the matter.

The decision on the enforcement of an appealable decision and on the date on which the implementation commences shall be made at the same time as the decision to revoke the student's right to study, to dismiss the student or to ban the student from studies.

These degree regulations will enter into force on 1 August 2026.