The main areas of HeCSE are:
HeCSE provides a program aiming at a doctoral degree in four years on the basis of a master's degree in computer science or a related field. The student is appointed a supervising professor, with whom a study plan is made. The study plan contains an individual timetable. The student participates in the work of a research group. The progress of the student is followed by his/her supervisor and at seminars. Additionally, the student must report on his/her work twice a year. The student is formally enrolled at the university of his/her supervising professor.
The studies consist of courses and seminars (20-25%) and research work ending in a thesis (75-80%). There is a compulsory course on Writing Scientific English and five courses on the main areas of HeCSE, three of which are recommended to be taken by the student. The other courses are chosen individually. The student takes the courses and most of the seminars during the first two years. At the end of the second year, the student presents a thesis proposal to the board of HeCSE. The doctoral thesis is expected to be finished by the end of the fourth year. The studies end with a public doctoral dissertation.
HeCSE has in all 25 graduate assistantships, providing funding for about half of the students of the graduate school. Other sources of funding are employment in research projects as research assistants or in the participating laboratories as part time teachers. During the first three years of its existence (1995-1997), HeCSE has produced 14 doctors (7 of these at the University of Helsinki) and 13 licentiates (3 of these at the University of Helsinki), with the number steadily growing by the year.
The Finnish graduate schools in computer science (Helsinki, Jyväskylä Turku, Tampere and Eastern Finland ) co-operate. Joint courses are arranged and students of one graduate school can participate in the courses arranged by another graduate school. Also participation in some courses arranged by industry is possible.