School of Engineering

Studies at the School of Engineering

Sustainable future requires solutions in the fields of mechanical engineering, civil engineering and built environment. In the School of Engineering you can find your own study path and special interest within these fields and become a builder of sustainable future. Our graduates work in expert positions in many key sectors of the society such as in Arctic technology, sustainable built environments, mechanics and materials, multidisciplinary energy technologies and systems design and production.
Opiskelijatuutoreita Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulun uusien opiskelijoiden tervetulotilaisuudessa.
Student tutors dressed in traditional student overalls at a welcome event for new students at the School of Engineering. Photo: Annamari Tolonen

Basic degree education at the School of Engineering is organised as bachelor's and master's degree programmes.

The majority of bachelor's degree education is given in Finnish. If you want read more about Finnish Bachelor programmes, switch the language from upper right corner! However, the school offers bachelor's degree studies in the Computational Engineering major of the Aalto Bachelor's Programme in Science and Technology. Completing a bachelor's degree in Aalto University is the best starting point for master's studies, but not the only one – see individual programme pages for details on eligibility.

Master's degree programmes are instructed in English and their contents are based on the research conducted in the school's departments.

Completing the Computational Engineering major entitles you to continue your studies in the master's programmes listed here under the Department of Civil Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering. For more information, visit the student quide.

School of Engineering graduates in working life
The Environmental Engineering Flow Channel at Aalto University's Otaniemi campus
Flow channel at the Aalto University Environmental Hydraulics Lab.

Department of Built Environment

Studies at the Department of Built Environment focus on a number of systems crucial to the functioning of our society: water and waste management, transportation, asset management and spatial data. 

Geoinformatics, Master of Science (Technology)

Master's Programme in Geoinformatics turns students' talent and hard work into excellence. After graduating, you will be able to work effectively in many roles in the society, applying and utilizing current knowledge of geoinformatics, and to contribute to the further development of the field. This degree is an excellent choice if you want to tackle big societal challenges such as climate change, security and urban development, or if you dream of creating advanced mobile applications.

students look at the map

Real Estate Economics, Master of Science (Technology)

The majority of annual global investments target real estate, and most of national wealth is into real estate as well. Urbanisation accelerates construction and increases the demand for experts of real estate economics. If you are interested in working with real estate markets, investments, management or development, the Master's Programme in Real Estate Economics will get you started. The programme gives you the skills and knowledge you need to manage the entire lifespan of real estate.

Students in a lecture hall

Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

Making smarter and more liveable cities requires new skills that integrate land use and transportation. The Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering offers the skills you need to design and develop urban and regional systems. The programme combines technical and human-centered approaches in land use planning and transportation engineering.

Students looking at SPT studio course

Water and Environmental Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

To ensure sustainable and functioning societies, the world needs engineers specialised in solving local and global water-related challenges.

Students doing a group work around a table
Hands-on work in the research tunnel underneath Otaniemi
The research tunnels underneath the Otaniemi campus are a boon to geoengineering studies.

Department of Civil Engineering

Master's degree studies at the Department of Civil Engineering are centred around the design and construction of buildings and the mineral-based materials and mechanics used throughout the built environment.

Building Technology, Master of Science (Technology)

Building technology is at the core of designing and constructing both safe and sustainable living environments of tomorrow.

Students at Aalto University's concrete materials laboratory.

Geoengineering, Master of Science (Technology)

As one of the top-ranked programmes in its field, the Master’s Programme in Geoengineering provides world-class education in the disciplines of geotechnics, rock mechanics, highway engineering and construction. As geoengineering is a discipline involved with soil and rock, working as the primary basis for our built environment, one could call it the hidden science of everyday life. Simultaneously, Geoengineering graduates play a key role in urbanisation and circular economy, fighting climate change and the growing use of natural resources. Thanks to their highly appreciated knowledge and skills, as well as the programme’s close collaboration with the industry, graduates tend to find great job opportunities with ease.

Students conduct geoengineering field exercises in Otaniemi.
Aalto Ice Tank
Aalto Ice Tank is a multipurpose basin used for a variety of Arctic and marine technology studies.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Aalto University Master's Programme in Mechanical Engineering includes a wide selection of topics that reflects most of the research interests of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, from product design to marine technology. See the programme's page below for more details.

A student-built robot on display at Mechatronic Circus 2018

Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

In Mechanical Engineering Master’s Programme you can become an expert in Arctic Technology, Engineering Materials, Marine Technology, Mechatronics, Product Development, Production Engineering and Solid Mechanics, or create your own combination. We empower students follow their interests in the field of mechanical engineering as their professional skills are needed for creating more effective and safe solutions for the society.

Study options

Advanced energy solutions

Energy technology studies at the master's degree level are offered in the Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions, in which the department offers two major subjects.

Energy in Buildings and Built Environment - Advanced Energy Solutions, Master of Science (Technology)

Did you know that buildings are currently responsible for 40 % of primary energy consumption and roughly half of electricity consumption?

If you want to address big societal issues such as global warming and healthy indoor climate, The Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions may be the perfect match for you. By studying the efficient use of energy in the fields of building technology and services as well as on the design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, you will work with creating sustainable and comfortable indoor environments.

Students in the house lab with test dummy

Energy Conversion Processes - Advanced Energy Solutions, Master of Science (Technology)

Did you know that all of the buildings in Finland could use solar energy for heating? Or that understanding airborne spreading of viruses requires knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics?

If you want to be part of solving these critical questions of the future, the Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions may be the perfect match for you. The programme offers short- and long-term solutions and tools for problem-solving as the sustainable energy conversion processes are a critical component in the future energy system.

Students in the lab

Double degree programmes at the School of Engineering

School of Engineering offers nine double degree master's programmes. For more details on the application period, see the programme’s webpages. 

Environomical Pathways for Sustainable Energy Systems (SELECT), Master of Science (Technology)

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.

biomass

Sustainable Urban Mobility Transitions (EIT), Master of Science (Technology)

Master’s programme in Urban Mobility, study track Sustainable Urban Mobility Transitions (SUMT) is a master programme focusing on the holistic approach in study, design, development and evaluation of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environment and mobility systems.

Students working in a group around a table.

Cold Climate Engineering (Nordic Master), Master of Science (Technology)

Visit the Arctic and gain a unique specialisation in cold climate engineering. Boost your CV by studying abroad. Graduate with a double degree from two internationally acclaimed universities.

Cold climate 2

Environmental Engineering (Nordic Master), Master of Science (Technology)

Environmental technologies and green engineering are amongst the fastest-growing markets in the world and there is growing demand for innovative solutions and new graduates

The Environmental Engineering Flow Channel at Aalto University's Otaniemi campus

Innovative Sustainable Energy Engineering (Nordic Master), Master of Science (Technology)

Nordic Master in Innovative Sustainable Energy Engineering (ISEE) is a world-class education in the energy sector and an international double degree programme leading to two Master's degrees. The programme combines sustainable energy engineering with innovation and entrepreneurship. The innovative aspects of the programme are related to both the advanced renewable energy concept in the Nordic countries as well as new businesses in the energy sector.

Aalto University personnel at the Slag2PCC pilot plant

Maritime Engineering (Nordic Master), Master of Science (Technology)

The Master program in Maritime Engineering is concentrated on ships, including yachts and offshore structures, their design, construction and operation and their interaction with the environment. You learn to apply rational methods within mathematics, numeric analyses, fluid mechanics and structural mechanics to analyze, design and technically operate ships and offshore structures. Moreover, you will understand the special, high demands to these structures for instance with respect to safety and consideration for the environment.

Open-water ship model testing in the Aalto Ice Tank basin

European Mining Course, Master of Science (Technology)

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.

People wearing helmets and examining a tunnel wall

Additive Manufacturing for Full Flexibility (EIT), Master of Science (Technology)

Master's Programme in Manufacturing and its Additive Manufacturing for Full Flexibility major are a combination of production science, mechanical design and production management. This is an international double degree programme supported by EIT Manufacturing that includes studying in two different countries and a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship.

manufacturing_am

Zero Defect Manufacture for a Circular Economy (EIT), Master of Science (Technology)

Zero Defect Manufacture for Circular Economy (ZD) is a combination of studying manufacturing science, data analysis, and process management. Master's Programme in Manufacturing is an international double degree pgoramme supported by EIT Manufacturing. The programme includes studying in two different countries and a minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

eitm_zd_aalto

Why to choose the School of Engineering

How is it like to study in the school in the School of Engineering? What are the different career possibilities for students and graduates? 

Read the stories of some of our students and alumnis below. More stories in our Instagram @aalto.eng and in our TikTok @aaltoengineering!

Portrait of Mikko Koskinen

Alumnus Mikko Koskinen built an internationally successful spirit brand

Mikko Koskinen is a co-founder of Kyrö Distillery Company. He studied his master’s Mechanical Engineering, where he specialized in Product Development.

People
Aino Ahvo

Student Aino Ahvo works with the Baltic Sea pollution

Aino Ahvo considers that her master’s programme gives tools that can help to solve the Baltic Sea pollution problems.

People
Pia Mäkilä with a horse

Alumna Pia Mäkilä: Experts of real estate sector are needed in many different positions

Pia Mäkilä found a her job with the National Land Survey through her Master’s thesis project, which gave her a new perspective into the field of real estate.

People
Student James Roney cross-country skiing

Besides studying Building Technology, student James Roney plays pool at Aalto

Interest in living in Finland brought James Roney from USA to Aalto for his Master’s studies.

People
Ilari Ranta-Aho wakeboarding

Alumnus Ilari Ranta-Aho was supposed to become an architect, but HVAC technology stole his heart

Ilari Ranta-Aho’s best study memories are connected to his good study friends. He also advises new students to network and get to know the other students.

People
Portrait of alumna Aino Mäntyranta

Doctoral student Aino Mäntyranta: Materials stole my heart during my undergraduate degree

Aino Mäntyranta’s interest in engineering materials led her to win an award for her master’s thesis and to pursue a career in research.

People

How to apply

See the links below on instructions on applying to bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree studies at Aalto University.

Applying to Bachelor's Programmes

The application period for bachelor's programmes in English is 8 – 23 January 2025 for studies starting in autumn 2025.

students in Aalto library

Applying to master’s programmes

Admissions to two-year master’s programmes at Aalto University are once a year.
The application period for studies beginning in the autumn of 2025 runs from 28 November to 27 December 2024.

Aalto University students on campus. Photo by Aleksi Poutanen.

How to apply for doctoral studies?

Find out what is required of applicants and what can our doctoral studies offer!

A man with a doctor's hat on celebrating his promotion as a doctor with other doctors

Student benefits and services

Your quick guide to student perks, student union, and services for students.

Read more
A group of people in colourful overalls with patches are gathered outdoors near a building and a tree.

Guilds

Walking around the Otaniemi campus of Aalto University, you are likely going to come across students wearing colourful overalls covered with patches. These overalls are the "uniforms" of various student organisations.

In Aalto University, most of these organisations are called guilds, every one of them representing a certain field of study. Guilds offer their members leisure-time activities that range from sports and celebrations to excursions and visits to companies that operate in the guild's field. 

Many guilds draw from decades of tradition, including curiosities like practical joke competitions and baptisms for student overalls. Get to know the guilds associated with the School of Engineering by visiting their websites, listed below. 

Guild of Mechanical Engineers (Koneinsinöörikilta)

Guild of Surveying Engineers (Maanmittarikilta)

Guild of Civil Engineers (Rakennusinsinöörikilta)

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