Dissatisfaction with the assessment of a thesis and the review procedure

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Like other studies, the first-cycle degree thesis, the bachelor’s thesis, is examined and assessed by a teacher. The examiner draws up a written assessment report and grades the thesis. 

The second-cycle degree thesis, the master’s thesis, is assessed by two examiners in a manner determined by the faculty council. The examiners submit a reasoned written grade proposal to the dean. The dean then decides on the approval and grade of the thesis. The specifics of the faculty’s assessment procedures are decided by the faculty council. The thesis and its assessment become public following the decision-making process.

Suspension of the assessment procedure for a master’s thesis
Request for administrative review of the assessment of a bachelor’s thesis
Request for administrative review of the assessment of a master’s thesis

Suspension of the assessment procedure for a master’s thesis

The student will be informed of the grade proposal and its justification before the dean decides on the approval and grade of the thesis. According to section 43 of the Regulations on Degrees and the Protection of Students’ Rights at the University of Helsinki, students have the right to request in writing that the assessment of their thesis be suspended. The request must be submitted no later than 12.00 on the day before the date of approval. This will ensure the suspension of the assessment procedure. The most common reason for a request for suspension is the student’s wish to improve their thesis to obtain a better grade.

The examiner who took part in the assessment will be notified of the suspension of the assessment procedure. When a student resubmits their thesis for assessment, the previous examiner can serve again as examiner for the revised thesis. 

Request for administrative review of the assessment of a bachelor’s thesis

Students may submit a request for administrative review of the assessment of their bachelor’s thesis to the teacher responsible for the assessment. See Students dissatisfied with assessment, the review procedure and Protection of students’ rights and review procedures.

Request for administrative review of the assessment of a master’s thesis

Students may submit a request for administrative review of the assessment of their master’s thesis to the University’s Academic Appeals Board.See Students dissatisfied with assessment, the review procedure and Protection of students’ rights and review procedures.

See also the Instructions for Students

You will find related content for students in the Studies Service.

Protection of students’ rights and review procedures

The purpose of acts, decrees, decisions and instructions pertaining to degrees and studies is to ensure the equal and uniform treatment of students, their access to information, and the protection of their rights. On this page you will find information on the protection of students' rights and review procedures.