School of Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering solves the biggest problems of our time

Studies in chemical engineering offer a unique combination of natural sciences and technology. Unlike many other sectors, chemical engineering not only explores how nature works, but also develops new technologies. These technologies solve the major problems of our time, such as climate change and the adequacy of natural resources.

Chemical engineering students gathered for an outdoors event — Chemical engineering students at Waraslähtö-event in August 2021

Graduates of chemical engineering understand what needs to be done to safeguard a clean environment and sustainable development, and they know how to do it. They develop solutions that replace plastic, sustainable battery technologies and recycling of raw materials, among other things. The effects of innovations in chemical engineering can be massive even on a global scale.

Join us if you want to change the world! Ninety-nine per cent of graduates find employment in jobs corresponding to education, from consumer brands to large industries.

Lignin nanoparticles applied to multilayered films to create colourful coatings. Photo: Aalto University, Alexander Henn

The conversion of bio-based resources into recyclable bioproducts is of crucial importance now and in the future.

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Biotechnology experts work in many industries from chemical to food, helping the society in its way towards a carbon-neutral bioeconomy.

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The development of new molecules and materials has an essential role in building a more sustainable future.

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A close-up photo of an epoxy sample with different shades of blue, and some green and gray colouring as well

Across all industries, the importance of environmentally responsible process design, development, and implementation is rapidly growing.

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How to apply

Embark on a journey in chemical engineering. Designed for those passionate about innovation, sustainability, chemistry and problem-solving.

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Students studying in groups in the laboratory

Haluaisitko päästä konkreettisesti luomaan jotakin uutta ja hyödyllistä: biohajoavia muoveja, vettähylkiviä pintoja tai yhä parempia lääkeaineita? Kemian tekniikka on jännittävä ala, jossa kemiasta tuttuja ilmiöitä sovelletaan monialaisesti tieteessä ja teollisuudessa. Haasteet, joihin kemistien ratkaisukykyä tarvitaan, liittyvät luonnonvarojen kestävään käyttöön, kiertotalouteen ja puhtaan veden, ilman ja ravinnon riittävyyteen. Kemian tekniikan diplomi-insinöörit ovat kestävän kehityksen ja vastuullisen kuluttamisen edistäjiä, joiden osaaminen on sekä Suomessa että maailmalla erittäin ajankohtaista ja arvostettua.

Koulutustarjonta

How to apply

Check all the bachelor's programmes at Aalto University here.

Interested in a career in energy for our society? Want to be involved in the development of industrial energy solutions of the future? The Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions may be the perfect match for you.

The Industrial Energy Processes and Sustainability major gives students a basic and advanced understanding of the industrial energy processes, outlines the main challenges energy solutions in industry are facing today, and introduces possible ways towards a sustainable future.

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Students with teacher learning in laboratory

Complex sustainability challenges, such as the climate crises, the loss of biodiversity, poverty, and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. The Master’s Programme in Creative Sustainability (CS) provides a multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields of design, business, and materials and chemical engineering.

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IDBM student explaining a concept to IDBM Impact 2018 event visitors

IDBM is a pioneering and renowned study programme that truly embodies the vision of Aalto by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design or technology.

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Aalto University / students at Aalto University / photo by Aino Huovio

The Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies educates a new generation of engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs who are committed to improving human health and wellbeing through development of innovative scientific and engineering solutions. The programme has a strong focus on the technological aspects of Life Sciences and is closely connected to the world-class research at Aalto University in the fields of biological data analysis and modelling, bioinformatics, bioelectronics and biosensing, biomedical engineering, human neuroscience and neurotechnology, biomaterials engineering and synthetic biology.

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Students will acquire an understanding of the full raw materials value chain and create a mindset for innovation and entrepreneurship focusing on sustainability. The programme covers the following themes: substitution of critical or toxic materials in products and for optimized performance, material chain optimization for end-of-life products, and product and service design for the circular economy.

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As the first European joint programme focusing on bioeconomy, the Master’s Programme in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy (Bioceb) trains future research and innovation managers leaping to the forefront of the sustainable development movement. They are well-prepared for tackling global challenges like climate change mitigation and the preservation of biodiversity.

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Real-world energy challenges, collaborative solutions, sustainable tomorrow - a pathway for an exciting future in sustainable energy and environmental work. This is a joint program leading into double Master's degree.

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People wearing helmets and examining a tunnel wall

The need of mineral-based materials is growing globally, partly related to the new green technology. Applications such as windmills and electric vehicles need traditional metals, but also many high-tech metals that support the environmentally sustainable future. Re-use of metals is important part in the materials cycle, but it will not satisfy the increasing demand of metals. Minerals need to be extracted from the earth’s crust far into the future. The European Mining Course (EMC) aims to train experts who possess wide-ranging skills and abilities to respond to this demand.

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The studies and research at the School of Chemical Engineering focus on:

forest industry technology
chemical engineering
industrial biotechnology
materials science and nanotechnology
metal and mineral processing and
energy technology.

The job descriptions of graduate students are versatile and range from the metal, electronics and wood processing industries to the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries.

Play the game

The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering comprises six research fields. The Departments of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), Chemistry and Material Science, and Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering are jointly responsible for the programme.

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Reetta Hassinen brings ecological clothes onto the market: "During my studies, I realised that I could play a role in solving big global problems"

Iita Kejonen is involved in recycling battery metals from electric cars: ‘By working in industry, I can influence the development of the entire field’

Sakari Poikkimäki is replacing harmful chemicals with enzymes: ‘We can use small biological organisms in many everyday products’

Sakari Hiidenheimo speeds up research on renewable fuels: "It's cool that my work has a big impact"

Juhani Sibakov creates new bakery products at Fazer: "I get to influence what the majority of Finns eat"

Daniela Bqain is helping to replace plastic with new packaging solutions: 'I couldn't imagine anything more interesting than my current profession'

Aalto Day One 2019 party — Photo: Mikko Raskinen

Student life

At Aalto University, we know that a world-class education is only part of the experience. We offer a tremendous student life, an international landscape and a thriving community. As an Aalto University student, you have excellent opportunities to become more internationally orientated and globally competent during your studies.

Leevi Härkönen haslearned concrete work skills in a student organization

Ronja Korhonen became interested in Aalto University after being inspired by her sister

Meri Mänty has enjoyed her time at Aalto University: ”The Aalto campus is a world of its own”

Astrid Andersin, studying chemical engineering in English, feels she benefits from studying in a foreign language

Akseli Rautakorpi kuvattuna lumisessa metsämaisemassa, aurinkolasit päässä.

Akseli Rautakorpi: ”Chemistry plays a central role in solving our biggest societal problems"

Mariina Tikka hymyilee kameralle, taustalla vihreä seinä.

Mariina Tikka: From a cabin crew member to a chemical engineer

Elizaveta Sidorova wants to improve people's lives through biotechnology

Mimi Tran kuvattuna asunnossa, itseottama kuva. Taustalla kattolamppu ja vasemmalla avoin ovi.

Mimi Tran: from beauty and cosmetics to chemical engineering

Dinara Bozzhigitova: Master's studies in Biotechnology provide a strong theoretical basis for research

Songwen He seisoo valkoisen auton edessä Hongkongin kadulla. Taustalla kylttejä ja mainostekstejä kantoninkiinaksi.

Songwen He: ”Student exchange was the best time in my life"

Meishan Lin wants to start a company that can benefit humanity

Chem master student Hanna Seppäläinen and her baby

Hanna Seppäläinen: Studies can also be combined with parental leave

Minerva Huotari: Master's studies inspired a career in research

Get to know our School and University!

Structural Colour Studio – Shimmering Wood

Litium ion batteries. Photo: Valeria Azovskaya

Artificial spider silk. Photo: Teemu Välisalmi

Biomaterial scaffolds. Photo: Alexandra Zuhlke

Chitin nanocrystals from crab shell. Photo: Wenchao Xiang

Lattice materials. Photo: Luc Saint-Pierre

multielectrode array from silicon wafer substrate

Multielectrode array meantmade from silicon wafer substrate. Photo: Joonas Heikkinen

Textile colours from nature. Photo: Valeria Azovskaya

CHEM_Bio_Marianna_Granatier_From wood to fiber

Wood and cellulose fabric. Photo: Marianna Granatier

Nanocellulose yarn that captures hormones from waste water. Photo: FINNCERES

Wood-based cellulose fibre yarn. Photo: FinnCeres

Shimmering Wood: structural colour by Noora Yau. Photo Eeva Suorlahti

Shimmering wood. Photo: Eeva Suorlahti

Three people sit at a wooden table with a laptop, viewed through a window with reflections of greenery and parked cars.

Blogposts by Aalto Squad student ambassadors. Read all about student life and studies at Aalto University!

A group of people talking and walking near a wooden staircase indoors, with handrails and overhead lights visible.

This page gives information on upcoming events, fairs and webinars for applicants. Join Aalto students for a virtual coffee every Friday or come meet Aalto University students and staff in Finland and abroad!

Study at Aalto