Maturity Test (0cr)

Learning objectives

The maturity test is a learning experience for the student, designed to help develop their communication skills. Its purpose is also to serve as a demonstration of the student’s competencies as well as a tool for presenting their thesis. Through the maturity test, the student demonstrates familiarity with the field of their thesis and proficiency in language of school education, in accordance with the Finnish Government Decree on Universities of Applied Sciences Degrees (A1129/2014, § 8). A maturity test completed in the student’s language of school education (Finnish, Swedish or English) also serves as evidence that the student possesses the legally required excellent oral and written skills in that language. This achievement is recorded on the student’s certificate.

Contents

At Haaga-Helia, the maturity test is a written assignment in the form of an essay, a media release, or an internal staff communication. The maturity test is not an exam answer.

Starting from September 1, 2023, students write the maturity test based on the field of their thesis. The maturity test serves as the abstract of their own thesis.

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

The maturity test is written under supervised conditions, for example during at electronic examination “Exam” session or a retake examination session. The student arranges the writing of the maturity test in coordination with thesis advisor. The maturity test may be written either by hand or on a computer, depending on thesis advisor’s decision. If the test is handwritten, the handwriting must be clearly legible. Uppercase and lowercase letters, punctuation marks, and compound words must be distinctly recognizable. If the test is typed, the computer must not be connected to the internet, and automatic spell-check or grammar-check tools must be disabled. The student is not allowed to bring a USB drive or a mobile phone to the writing session. The maturity test must be completed within a maximum of 1 hour and 55 minutes. Thesis advisor retains the maturity test for six months.

Starting from September 1, 2023:
Thesis abstract is written during the final phase of the thesis. If the thesis is completed as a pair project, each student writes their own abstract, and the supervisor selects which abstract will be published as part of the thesis report. The abstract text must not be generated using artificial intelligence or language models. Thesis advisor may require the maturity test to be written under supervision if there is justified reason to believe that the student has not adequately demonstrated the core competencies described above.

Learning materials

A detailed description of the text types and guidelines for writing them can be found on Haaga-Helia’s bachelor thesis website.

Lähtötaso ja sidonnaisuudet muihin opintojaksoihin

The thesis has been completed.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The maturity test is evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis according to Haaga-Helia’s assessment criteria for the maturity test. Thesis advisor reviews both the content and the language of the maturity test. A failed maturity test must be retaken.

Further information

See detailed instructions on Haaga-Helia’s bachelor thesis website.