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Master's Programme in Mechanical Engineering
Curriculum 2024–2026
About the programme
Every student completing the programme understands the principles and methods of mechanics in engineering, and their practical applications. Our graduates know how to solve engineering problems in their chosen area of specialization, and they correctly apply a combination of creativity, systematic analysis, computational tools, and critical judgement to such tasks. As students in an international environment, they learned to justify their choices and methods, communicate clearly and collaborate effectively. They can articulate how their own unique professional profile equips them to contribute productively in any setting. Our students also appreciate the economic, environmental, and societal context in which their work is important.
Society looks to mechanical engineering for effective and safe solutions in energy production, traffic and transportation, environmental protection, durable natural resource management, production technology, and all kinds of machinery in housing, wellness, recreation, and even medical technology. These fields will continue to bring challenges and widespread opportunities for innovation. To excel at the resulting jobs will require both creativity and a rigorously analytical mindset. We aim to educate such excellent professionals.
In Mechanical Engineering studies at Aalto University, students specialize in arctic technology, engineering materials, marine technology, mechatronics, product development, production engineering, solid mechanics, or a combination of these. Specializing provides the student with detailed knowledge of the current methods and applications in the field, as well as some knowledge of recent research and developments, and with skills to further advance the state of the art. Aalto University is an international environment, and students may complete part of their studies abroad.
Total
120
ECTS
Major studies
60
ECTS
Master's thesis
30
ECTS
Elective studies *
30
ECTS
* may contain an elective minor 20-25 ECTS
Sisu-instructions, 2024-2026
Arctic Technology
Content: Arctic Technology studies give you insights into the engineering design of sustainable offshore structures, including offshore wind turbines,or innovative ice-going ships. You will gain general understanding of the mechanical behavior of sea ice. In addition to specialized ice-related courses, we encourage you to establish a solid foundation in engineering mechanics and in marine technology through elective studies.
Work environment: Professionals often find employment in consulting and design firms focusing on offshore wind and other offshore structures for icy conditions. Other common employers include classification societies, governmental bodies, universities, and research institutes. Elective studies in marine technology give you preparedness for careers in shipyards, with ship owners operating in ice, or in the design of ice-going ships.
Suitable minors: Marine technology
Arctic technology major gives students the ability to:
- Describe sea ice as a material, including the mechanical response of sea ice to loading and detailed mechanics of sea ice failure and deformation processes.
- Estimate sea ice induced loads on offshore structures, for example, offshore wind turbines, and on ice going ships under various ice conditions.
- Start performing in-depth ice engineering analysis based on solid mechanics, numerical modeling, commonly used analytical and statistical models, and standards.
- Estimate ice resistance of and requirements for a ship in various ice conditions, and to perform a transit analysis.
- Conduct model-scale experiments on sea ice behavior, ice loading on structure and ice resistance on ships, while accounting for the limitations related to experimentation.
Code: ENG3101
Extent: 60 ECTS
Responsible teacher: Arttu Polojärvi
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEC-E1001 | Mechanical Engineering in Society | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1010 | Dynamics of Rigid Body | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1061 | Computer-Aided Engineering | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1075 | Selection of Materials and Manufacturing Processes | 5 | II, first year |
| MEC-E4002 | Ice Loads on Structures | 5 | IV, first year |
| MEC-E4003 | Ice Mechanics D | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E4004 | Model Scale Testing in Ice D | 5 | II, second year |
| MEC-E4006 | Ship Operations in Ice D | 5 | III-IV, first year |
| MEC-E1030 | Random Loads and Processes D | 5 | I-II, second year |
| MEC-E1040 | Dynamics of Structures D | 5 | II, first year |
| MEC-E1050 | Finite Element Method in Solids | 5 | II, first year |
| MEC-E8007 | Fracture Mechanics D | 5 | V, first year |
The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the programme, agreed upon between the student and the supervising professor. The professors of the programme provide master’s thesis topics that are related to their current research activities. The student can also suggest his/her own topic to a supervisor. The recommended time of the thesis project is the second year spring semester.
The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University or, for special reasons and by decision of the Dean, the thesis supervisor may also be a university lecturer or senior university lecturer of the school. The thesis advisor shall hold at least a master’s degree.
The master's thesis includes a seminar presentation and a maturity test.
Please see further instructions on Master's thesis under planning your studies.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEN.thes | Master´s thesis | 30 | Second year |
| ENG.matr | Maturity test | 0 | Second year |
For your free elective studies you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective studies or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities. The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.
You can complete a minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be advanced level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.
You can also include max 5 ECTS of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical training) in your elective studies. You can find information on practical training on this page (MyCourses).
Elective studies must be university level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.
Compulsory language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan.
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 ECTS.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
Examples of possible courses |
|||
| MEC-E1004 | Principles of Naval Architecture D | 5 | I-II |
| MEC-E1005 | Modelling in Applied Mechanics | 5 | V |
| MEC-E1020 | Fluid Dynamics | 5 | II |
| MEC-E8001 | Finite Element Analysis D | 5 | III |
| MEC-E8003 | Beam, Plate and Shell Models D | 5 | IV |
| MEC-E8005 | Thin-walled Structures D | 5 | 1 |
| MEC-E8008 | Fatigue of Solids and Structures D | 5 | II |
| MEC-E2000 | Marine and Ship Systems Engineering | 5 | I-II |
| MEC-E2015 | Marine Hydrodynamics | 5 | III-IV |
| MEC-E2014 | Marine Hydrostatics | 5 | III-IV |
| MEC-E2007 | Ship Structures and Construction D | 5 | |
| Language course | |||
Engineering Materials
Students majoring in Engineering Materials in the Mechanical Engineering Master’s Programme at Aalto University build upon their prior knowledge of Materials Science and Materials Engineering to develop their competences in the characterization of the microstructure and mechanical properties of materials and in applying their understanding of the relationships between microstructure, processing, and properties of materials to the judicious and effective use of materials in engineering.
Code: ENG3102
Extent: 60 ECTS
Responsible teacher: Sven Bossuyt
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEC-E1001 | Mechanical Engineering in Society | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1010 | Dynamics of Rigid Body | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1061 | Computer-Aided Engineering | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1075 | Selection of Materials and Manufacturing Processes | 5 | II, first year |
| MEC-E6001 | Engineering Metals and Alloys D | 5 | V, first year |
| MEC-E6002 | Welding Technology and Design D | 5 | III, first year |
| MEC-E6003 | Materials Safety D | 5 | I, second year |
| MEC-E6004 | Non-destructive Testing D | 5 | II, second year |
| MEC-E6005 | Engineering Materials Seminar D | 5 | V, first year |
| MEC-E6006 | Engineering Materials Laboratory D | 5 | I-II, second year |
| MEC-E6007 | Mechanical Testing of Materials D | 5 | IV-V, first year |
| MEC-E7013 | Casting and Forming Technologies | 5 | IV, first year |
The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the programme, agreed upon between the student and the supervising professor. The professors of the programme provide master’s thesis topics that are related to their current research activities. The student can also suggest his/her own topic to a supervisor. The recommended time of the thesis project is the second year spring semester.
The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University or, for special reasons and by decision of the Dean, the thesis supervisor may also be a university lecturer or senior university lecturer of the school. The thesis advisor shall hold at least a master’s degree.
The master's thesis includes a seminar presentation and a maturity test.
Please see further instructions on Master's thesis under planning your studies.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEN.thes | Master´s thesis | 30 | Second year |
| ENG.matr | Maturity test | 0 | Second year |
For your free elective studies you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective studies or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities. The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.
You can complete a minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be advanced level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.
You can also include max 5 ECTS of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical training) in your elective studies. You can find information on practical training on this page (MyCourses).
Elective studies must be university level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.
Compulsory language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan.
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 ECTS.
Marine Technology
The Marine Technology major equips students with the expertise to confront the emerging technical and environmental challenges in marine and arctic regions. This major blends rigorous mechanical engineering foundations with specialized knowledge in marine systems, sustainable development and responsibility, and the latest technological innovations. Students gain hands-on experience through the utilization of cutting-edge research results in their projects related to marine technology, renewable energy, and resilience in system-level design for climate change. Under the guidance of renowned academic and industry experts, this major deepens technical proficiency and fosters a commitment to sustainable and ethical engineering solutions in marine environments.
- Integrate Engineering and Marine Technology: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in mechanical and systems engineering, with a specialized ability to apply this expertise to solve complex problems in marine technology, emphasizing sustainability, creativity, and innovation.
- Develop Solutions for Marine Technology Challenges: Employ modern engineering tools and sustainable practices to design and optimize solutions that address the challenges of marine environments, including the impact of climate change and ways to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Collaborate Across Disciplines: Excel in multidisciplinary teams, leveraging a blend of technical engineering skills and specialized marine knowledge to lead projects and communicate effectively with stakeholders in the field of marine technology.
- Ethical Leadership in Engineering: Uphold ethical standards and professional responsibility, making informed decisions that consider the environmental, societal, and global impacts of marine engineering projects.
This enhanced curriculum not only prepares students for the complex technical demands of the marine sector but also instills a solid ethical framework for addressing global environmental challenges. With a focus on naval architecture, fluid-structure interaction, structural analyses, and the design and operation of specialized ships and offshore structures, graduates are well-equipped for a marine technology career in industry and academia. Internationally highly apricated Finnish Marine Industry (FMC – Finnish Maritime Cluster) and Aalto University’s research excellence in Ocean and Marine Engineering (Marine and Arctic Technology | Aalto University) provides various excellent career possibilities after graduation.
Code: ENG3103
Extent: 60 ECTS
Responsible teacher: Osiris Valdez Banda
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEC-E1001 | Mechanical Engineering in Society | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1010 | Dynamics of Rigid Body | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1061 | Computer-Aided Engineering | 5 | I, second year |
| MEC-E1075 | Selection of Materials and Manufacturing Processes | 5 | II, second year |
| MEC-E1004 | Principles of Naval Architecture D | 5 | I-II, first year |
| MEC-E2000 | Marine and Ship Systems Engineering D | 5 | I-II, first year |
| MEC-E2014 | Marine Hydrostatics | 5 | III-IV, first year |
| MEC-E2015 | Marine Hydrodynamics D | 5 | III-IV, first year |
| MEC-E2007 | Ship Structures and Construction D | 5 | IV-V, first year |
| MEC-E2011 | Ship Design Portfolio | 5 | III-V, first year |
| MEC-E2016 | Marine Data Analysis D | 5 | I-II, second year |
| MEC-E2009 | Marine Risks and Safety D | 5 | I, second year |
The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the programme, agreed upon between the student and the supervising professor. The professors of the programme provide master’s thesis topics that are related to their current research activities. The student can also suggest his/her own topic to a supervisor. The recommended time of the thesis project is the second year spring semester.
The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University or, for special reasons and by decision of the Dean, the thesis supervisor may also be a university lecturer or senior university lecturer of the school. The thesis advisor shall hold at least a master’s degree.
The master's thesis includes a seminar presentation and a maturity test.
Please see further instructions on Master's thesis under planning your studies.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEN.thes | Master´s thesis | 30 | Second year |
| ENG.matr | Maturity test | 0 | Second year |
For your free elective studies you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective studies or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities. The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.
You can complete a minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be advanced level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.
You can also include max 5 ECTS of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical training) in your elective studies. You can find information on practical training on this page (MyCourses).
Elective studies must be university level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.
Compulsory language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan.
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 ECTS.
Mechatronics
Mechatronics major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the design, development, and application of mechatronic systems. The program combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to create a unique and highly sought-after skillset.
The major offers a balanced mix of compulsory and elective courses, giving students the flexibility to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. The compulsory courses cover the fundamentals of mechatronic machine design, dynamics, and control systems. The elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as fluid power systems, vehicle mechatronics, robotic manipulation, and machine learning.
The major emphasizes hands-on learning, with students working on a mechatronics project. This project gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real-world problem and develop their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Students will have a comprehensive understanding of mechatronic systems, including their fundamental functions (sensing, actuation, and control) and the prevailing physics in common mechatronic machines (rigid-body mechanical systems, basic electrical systems, power transmission, and control).
After completing the mechatronics major, students will be
- proficient in designing and implementing control systems for mechatronic machines, ensuring their functionality and optimal performance.
- able to design and construct new mechatronic products or test equipment based on given specifications.
- able to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to analyze and evaluate alternative solutions for mechatronic designs. They will also be able to make informed decisions based on their analyses.
- able to evaluate and produce scientific publications on mechatronic systems and effectively communicate the functionalities and design considerations of these systems in both written and oral presentations.
Students can tailor their education to their specific mechatronics interests by choosing courses from a range of specialization fields.
Code: ENG3104
Extent: 60 ECTS
Responsible teacher: Panu Kiviluoma
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory studies, 35 ECTS |
|||
| MEC-E1001 | Mechanical Engineering in Society | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1010 | Dynamics of Rigid Body | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1061 | Computer-Aided Engineering | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1075 | Selection of Materials and Manufacturing Processes | 5 | II, first year |
| MEC-E5001 | Mechatronic Machine Design | 5 | II, first year |
| MEC-E5002 | Mechatronics Project | 10 | III-IV, first year |
Optional (25 ECTS) select 5 courses |
|||
| MEC-E5004 | Fluid Power Systems | 5 | II |
| MEC-E5005 | Fluid Power Dynamics D | 5 | IV |
| MEC-E5011 | Vehicle Mechatronics: Powertrain D | 5 | III |
| MEC-E5012 | Vehicle Mechatronics: Control D | 5 | I |
| MEC-E1040 | Dynamics of structures | 5 | II |
| ELEC-E8101 | Digital and Optimal control | 5 | I-II |
| ELEC-E8111 | Autonomous Mobile Robots | 5 | IV-V |
| ELEC-E8126 | Robotic manipulation | 5 | III-IV |
| ELEC-E8405 | Electric Drives | 5 | I-II |
| ELEC-E8407 | Electromechanics | 5 | I-II |
| CS-C3240 | Machine Learning | 5 | I |
| CS-E4890 | Deep Learning D | 5 | III-IV |
The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the programme, agreed upon between the student and the supervising professor. The professors of the programme provide master’s thesis topics that are related to their current research activities. The student can also suggest his/her own topic to a supervisor. The recommended time of the thesis project is the second year spring semester.
The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University or, for special reasons and by decision of the Dean, the thesis supervisor may also be a university lecturer or senior university lecturer of the school. The thesis advisor shall hold at least a master’s degree.
The master's thesis includes a seminar presentation and a maturity test.
Please see further instructions on Master's thesis under planning your studies.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEN.thes | Master´s thesis | 30 | Second year |
| ENG.matr | Maturity test | 0 | Second year |
For your free elective studies you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective studies or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities. The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.
You can complete a minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be advanced level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.
You can also include max 5 ECTS of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical training) in your elective studies. You can find information on practical training on this page (MyCourses).
Elective studies must be university level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.
Compulsory language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan.
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 ECTS.
Product Development
Creative problem-solving is one of the most sought-after skills in creating sustainable futures and a core skill for engineers. Product development offers students of mechanical engineering the opportunity to apply knowledge gained from focused engineering courses to the whole process of building products, from ideas to functional prototypes. The major covers different processes and practices needed in engineering innovation, preparing students for industry and research positions in product development, product management, research centers, and a wide variety of positions where research, development, and innovation skills are needed.
Product development courses offer theory and industry cases hand-in-hand. In this major, students will learn skills and methodologies that experts use during the complex process of developing new solutions. Our courses are hosted at Aalto Design Factory (www.adf.fi), a space that offers students 24/7 access to working spaces, materials and prototyping facilities, from machining and 3D printing to electronics workshops and woodwork.
Not sure this major is for you? We believe all engineers benefit from understanding product development processes, and you are warmly welcome to take any of the courses, even if you do not intend to specialize in the topic. There is also the opportunity to complete a minor in product development.
After completing the product development major, students will be able to recognize, scope, and solve both incremental and complex development needs, opportunities, and problems by utilizing a wide array of creative product design and innovation skills and process knowledge. They will be able to plan, take part in, and lead product development projects, while bringing along core skills and perspectives of mechanical engineering. Students will have a good understanding of international industry scale projects, developing knowledge, services and products for and with varying stakeholders to engineer a sustainable future in collaboration with other professionals.
The product development major consists of major-specific courses, and complementary courses chosen by the student from either
- any of the other courses in the Mechanical Engineering program to deepen technical understanding of selected domains (such as production, materials, or mechatronic applications), or
- development-related courses from other Aalto schools to extend understanding of interdisciplinary product development practices.
We recommend taking the mandatory product development courses during your first year of master’s studies. Product Development Project (PDP, www.pdp.fi), Methods in Early Product Development, and Global Innovation Practices have been designed so that they can be taken at the same time. If you take PDP, you should take Methods in Early Product Development at the same if you intend to do a major in product development (if you have not already taken MEC-E3002 before 2024). Note that PDP has been designed to have a lighter workload in Period I when there are many compulsory courses in the MEC program.
Code: ENG3105
Extent: 60 ECTS
Responsible teacher: Tua Björklund
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory courses, 20 ECTS | |||
| MEC-E1001 | Mechanical Engineering in Society | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1010 | Dynamics of Rigid Body | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1061 | Computer-Aided Engineering | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1075 | Selection of Materials and Manufacturing Processes | 5 | II, first year |
Compulsory courses for the major, 18-23 ECTS |
|||
| MEC-E3001 | Product Development Project (PDP) | 10-15 | I-V |
| MEC-E3020 | Methods in Early Product Development (to be taken during or before PDP) | 3 | II |
| MEC-E30051 | Prototyping for Innovation | 5 | III |
Choose 7-22 ECTS from the following MEC program courses: |
|||
| Product development major specific courses | |||
| MEC-E30072 | Product Sustainability | 5 | I-II |
| MEC-E3080 | Global Innovation Practices | 3 | II |
| MEC-E3900 | Prototyping tools at the Design Factory | 1 | any (self-study and a live workshop introduction, organized weekly in Periods I-V excluding holidays) |
| JOIN-E3910 | Design thinking for innovation | 1-2 | any (online self-study course) |
| JOIN-E3920 | Collaborative ideation, prototyping and experimentation practices | 1-2 | any (online self-study course) |
| Complementary courses from other MEC program majors | |||
| MEC-E1090 | Quality Management and Metrology | 5 | II |
| MEC-E7012 (prev. MEC-E7002) | Manufacturing operations | 5 | III |
| MEC-E7011 (prev. MEC-E7003) | Machining processes | 5 | IV-V |
| MEC-E5001 | Mechatronic Machine Design | 5 | II |
| MEC-E5002 | Mechatronics Project | 10 | III-IV |
| MEC-E9020 | Patentit | 3 | |
| MEC-EXXXX | Any other course in the mechanical engineering program | ||
Choose 0-12 ECTS from complementary development related courses from other Aalto programs: |
|||
| ARTS (collaborative and industrial design) | |||
| MUO-E3061 | Interaction Design: User Experience | 6 | III |
| MUO-E3060 | Interaction Design: User Interfaces3 | 6 | III |
| MUO-E3065 | Design for Social Change: Participation4 | 6 | II |
| SCI (industrial engineering management, Aalto Venture Program and computer science) | |||
| TU-E5070 | Principles of Product Management | 3 | I, III |
| TU-E5040 | Product Leadership D | 5 | I |
| TU-E4101 | Entrepreneurship Lab D | 10 | I-II / III-IV |
| CS-C3120 | Human-Computer Interaction | 5 | I-II |
| CS-E4900 | User-Centered Methods for Product and Service Design D | 5 | I-II |
| CS-E5220 | User Interface Construction (Note: CS-C3120 as prerequisite) |
5 | II |
| ELEC (computational design) | |||
| ELEC-E7852 | Computational Design and Interaction D5 (requires good coding skills) | 5 | II |
| BIZ (sustainable entrepreneurship) | |||
| MNGT-E3003 | Social Innovation | 6 | III |
1 If you have already included MEC-E3005 in the Aaltonaut minor, you can replace it with any other optional product development major course, regardless of its credit amount. The(se) credit(s) will count towards the optional 7-22 credit optional MEC course quota, with then 13-18 credits in the mandatory quota.
2 Note that you can only include MEC-E3007 in your degree if you have not completed the previous AAN-C2007 Product Sustainability course.
3 The course has a quota for 5 product development students.
4 10 credits of product development studies accepted as the required prerequisites for the course
5 Requires fluent skills in coding, basic knowledge of machine learning and human-computer interaction will be helpful. As such, we recommend this course mainly to students with a background or minor in computer science or mechatronics.
The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the programme, agreed upon between the student and the supervising professor. The professors of the programme provide master’s thesis topics that are related to their current research activities. The student can also suggest his/her own topic to a supervisor. The recommended time of the thesis project is the second year spring semester.
The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University or, for special reasons and by decision of the Dean, the thesis supervisor may also be a university lecturer or senior university lecturer of the school. The thesis advisor shall hold at least a master’s degree.
The master's thesis includes a seminar presentation and a maturity test.
Please see further instructions on Master's thesis under planning your studies.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEN.thes | Master´s thesis | 30 | Second year |
| ENG.matr | Maturity test | 0 | Second year |
For your free elective studies you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective studies or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities. The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.
You can complete a minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be advanced level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.
You can also include max 5 ECTS of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical training) in your elective studies. You can find information on practical training on this page (MyCourses).
Elective studies must be university level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.
Compulsory language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan.
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 ECTS.
Production Engineering
Major and a minor in the field of production engineering give you an understanding of the production, processing, manufacturability, automation, system and process modelling, and quality of products to make the process and the product better and to increase productivity. The courses contained in the Production engineering major and minor provide a wide set of skills necessary in industrial production management and academic research in the area. Studying production engineering is practical involving laboratory exercises, project works and individual assignments. Close cooperation with the industry is common. Typical jobs for a manufacturing engineer deal with production management, production system design, production development, investments, purchasing, EDP systems, customer project management, quality, and others. The focus of the studies can be widened by including courses from other majors within the Mechanical Engineering master’s program and others at the university. Common choices are courses from the Engineering materials, Mechatronics, and Product development areas or those offered by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management or Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation.
Code: ENG3106
Extent: 60 ECTS
Responsible teacher: Esko Niemi
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory studies, 45 ECTS |
|||
| MEC-E1001 | Mechanical Engineering in Society | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1010 | Dynamics of Rigid Body | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1061 | Computer-Aided Engineering | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1075 | Selection of Materials and Manufacturing Processes | 5 | II, first year |
| MEC-E1090 | Quality Management and Metrology | 5 | II |
| MEC-E7012 | Manufacturing operations | 5 | III |
| MEC-E7011 | Machining processes | 5 | IV-V |
| MEC-E7006 | Advanced Manufacturing D | 5 | IV |
| MEC-E7007 | Factory Project | 5 | I-II |
Optional major studies, 15 ECTS |
|||
| MEC-E7004 | Industrial Project | 5 | I-II or III-IV |
| MEC-E7001 | Production Systems Modelling | 5 | III |
| MEC-E6002 | Welding Technology and Design D | 5 | III |
| MEC-E7013 | Casting and Forming Technologies D | 5 | IV |
| MEC-E7009 | Design for Additive Manufacturing D | 5 | V |
| MEC-Exxxx | any other advanced studies in Mechanical Engineering | ||
The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the programme, agreed upon between the student and the supervising professor. The professors of the programme provide master’s thesis topics that are related to their current research activities. The student can also suggest his/her own topic to a supervisor. The recommended time of the thesis project is the second year spring semester.
The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University or, for special reasons and by decision of the Dean, the thesis supervisor may also be a university lecturer or senior university lecturer of the school. The thesis advisor shall hold at least a master’s degree.
The master's thesis includes a seminar presentation and a maturity test.
Please see further instructions on Master's thesis under planning your studies.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEN.thes | Master´s thesis | 30 | Second year |
| ENG.matr | Maturity test | 0 | Second year |
For your free elective studies you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective studies or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities. The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.
You can complete a minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be advanced level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.
You can also include max 5 ECTS of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical training) in your elective studies. You can find information on practical training on this page (MyCourses).
Elective studies must be university level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.
Compulsory language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan.
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 ECTS.
Solid Mechanics
The Solid Mechanics major combines theoretical, numerical, and practical knowledge in structural mechanics and material modelling. Graduates from this major typically work as structural engineers in companies, where they are responsible for the safety and durability of new products such as wind turbines, medical devices, elevators, marine propellers, wooden structures, or large-scale steel constructions. The major is also suitable for students who want to pursue a research career either at governmental institutes or universities.
After completing the solid mechanics major, students will be able to:
- use advanced modelling techniques to conduct a wide range of structural analyses, including static, vibratory, ultimate strength, and fatigue calculations.
- describe the theoretical concepts behind the finite element method and understand how to use this technique effectively.
- evaluate the limitations and accuracy of analytical and numerical models when predicting the deformation and failure of structural components.
Students can tailor their education to match their interests by choosing from a wide range of elective courses.
Code: ENG3107
Extent: 60 ECTS
Responsible teacher: Luc St-Pierre
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEC-E1001 | Mechanical Engineering in Society | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1010 | Dynamics of Rigid Body | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1061 | Computer-Aided Engineering | 5 | I, first year |
| MEC-E1075 | Selection of Materials and Manufacturing Processes | 5 | II, first year |
| MEC-E1005 | Modelling in Applied Mechanics | 5 | V |
| MEC-E1040 | Dynamics of Structures D | 5 | II |
| MEC-E1050 | Finite Element Method in Solids | 5 | II |
| MEC-E8001 | Finite Element Analysis D | 5 | III |
| MEC-E8003 | Beam, Plate and Shell Models D | 5 | IV |
| MEC-E8005 | Thin-walled Structures D | 5 | I |
| MEC-E8008 | Fatigue of Solids and Structures D | 5 | II |
| MEC-E8007 | Fracture Mechanics D | 5 | V |
The master’s thesis is written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the programme, agreed upon between the student and the supervising professor. The professors of the programme provide master’s thesis topics that are related to their current research activities. The student can also suggest his/her own topic to a supervisor. The recommended time of the thesis project is the second year spring semester.
The master’s thesis supervisor shall be one of the professors of Aalto University or, for special reasons and by decision of the Dean, the thesis supervisor may also be a university lecturer or senior university lecturer of the school. The thesis advisor shall hold at least a master’s degree.
The master's thesis includes a seminar presentation and a maturity test.
Please see further instructions on Master's thesis under planning your studies.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEN.thes | Master´s thesis | 30 | Second year |
| ENG.matr | Maturity test | 0 | Second year |
For your free elective studies you can study courses offered by Aalto University or by other universities as it is possible by Aalto internal and inter institutional agreements and procedures and course specific prerequisites.
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective studies or broaden your expertise by choosing courses from Aalto’s other programmes or from different universities. The choice for elective studies is yours: the most important thing is that your elective studies complement your major studies and provide you with expertise that you personally feel important and inspiring for your career.
You can complete a minor subject and include it in elective studies. Please note that if you want to have a minor it needs to be advanced level minor. Please see the list of all minors offered by Aalto University under Minors.
You can also include max 5 ECTS of practical training (ENG-E1010 Practical training) in your elective studies. You can find information on practical training on this page (MyCourses).
Elective studies must be university level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in.
Compulsory language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan.
Please note that the total number of credits for a master's degree (major studies, elective studies and master's thesis) may not exceed 125 ECTS.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period |
Examples of possible courses |
|||
| MEC-E1030 | Random Loads and Processes D | 5 | I |
| MEC-E6001 | Engineering Metals and Alloys D | 5 | V |
| MEC-E6003 | Materials Safety D | 5 | I |
| MEC-E6005 | Engineering Materials Seminar D | 5 | V |
| MEC-E6006 | Engineering Materials Laboratory D | 5 | I-II |
| MEC-E6007 | Mechanical Testing of Materials D | 5 | IV-V |
| CHEM-E2200 | Polymer blends and composites | 5 | I (2024-2025) |
| CHEM-E2225 | Wood material science | 5 | III |
| CIV-E4100 | Stability of sctructures D | 5 | IV |
| CIV-E4080 | Material Modelling in Civil Engineering D | 5 | V |
| Language course | 3 | ||
According to Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004), student shall demonstrate proficiency in Finnish and Swedish language that is required of central government staff in bilingual public organisations under subsection 1 of section 6 of the Act on the Knowledge of Languages Required of Personnel in Public Bodies (424/2003) andt hat is necessary for their own field; and proficiency in at least one foreign language that enablesstudents to monitor progress in their own field and operate in an international setting.
Students with Finnish Bachelor's degree
Compulsory language studies are included as part of the Finnish Bachelor’s degree for students who have studied in Finland and whose language of education is Finnish or Swedish. If the language studies have not been completed in the student’s Bachelor’s degree, the student must take 2 ECTS in the second national language and 3 ECTS in one foreign language, including both oral and written proficiency.
All other students
Students who have received their pre-university education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish, or received their education abroad, are required to complete only 3 ECTS in one foreign language, including both oral and written proficiency. Relevant courses (marked with ‘o’ and ‘w’) are offered by the Aalto University Language Center. There students who have received their education abroad and who already have excellent command of English (e.g. English as their first language) may choose 3 credits of Finnish or Swedish courses instead, hence not covering the requirement of oral/written proficiency but meeting the language requirement of the degree. If this applies to you, please contact your school’s Learning Services for further advice, as different schools have different procedures for validating this exemption.
Language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan (HOPS).
Please find more information about language courses and information about learning languages from the Language Centre of Aalto University.
Course substitutions
If you can't find course substitutions in Sisu, do contact your programmes staff (coordinator/planning officer).
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