Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (Technology)

Description

Are you a creative, tech-savvy student eager to combine hardware engineering and programming to solve real-world problems – or even make something completely new?

Aalto University’s Computer Engineering major combines mathematics, physics, and communication & information sciences with hands-on skills in programming and electrical engineering. In this major, you’ll obtain knowledge and skills to seek innovative, sustainable and secure solutions to complex challenges that our current digital devices face in meeting the requirements of rapidly developing technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).

During your studies in Computer Engineering, you’ll get:

• a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, programming, and electrical engineering
• a fundamental understanding of computer engineering, covering both hardware and software
• the skills to innovate and design technical solutions that combine hardware engineering and low-level programming, and to envision future technological implementations
• valuable experience in project management and teamwork through hands-on projects
• the research and writing skills to continue your academic studies at the master’s and doctoral level, and to communicate your ideas with industry leaders

The major Computer Engineering of Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology is the joint effort of Aalto University’s School of Science and School of Electrical Engineering. Working closely with experts from both fields will provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a leading expert in technical solutions that will leave a positive mark on our society. You’ll be trained to play a vital role in building smarter, interconnected cities, strengthening network security against attackers, and optimising devices. This includes building low-power hardware for IoT and accelerators for AI that enable energy-efficient operation and high-performance computing across critical industries like healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology and the Computer Engineering major is English. The programme is conducted entirely in English, including all courses and exams. For students with sufficient proficiency in Finnish, it is also possible to study the 20–25 credit minor subject of the bachelor’s degree in Finnish.

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is 12 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.

Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.

More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.

Structure of studies

The bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) is composed of basic programme studies (65 ECTS mathematics, programming, industrial engineering and management, obligatory languages, Aalto studies, orientation), the major studies (65 ECTS including computer architecture, signal processing, BSc thesis and seminar), the minor (20–25 ECTS) and elective studies (25–30 ECTS).

This major combines theory and applied experience through multidisciplinary studies in computer engineering. Your theoretical knowledge will be built up through lectures and seminars. Frequent group work will put you in touch with students from across Aalto. You’ll also get valuable hands-on experience working on real-world projects and world-class labs – for example, with the RISC-V microprocessor built by students at Aalto University – skills you’ll be able to use throughout your studies and into your working life.

More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student Guide.

Specialisations

The major in the bachelor's degree is Computer Engineering. With Aalto University’s broad selection of minor and elective studies, you can also personalise your study track, building out more skills and experience in the fields you’re most passionate about.

Internationalisation

The study environment in Aalto University is strongly international, and studies are conducted in multicultural groups. The teaching and research personnel in the School of Science and the School of Electrical Engineering consist of top-level Finnish and international professionals.

There are many ways to build global competence and international communication skills while pursuing your degree. For example, you’re free to complete part of your degree abroad at an international partner university (exchange studies), conduct practical training or take a summer job abroad, take a summer course in another country, or tutor first-year students.

Further study opportunities

As a bachelor’s graduate of the Computer Engineering major, you can automatically continue your studies at the master’s level in the School of Electrical Engineering.

This bachelor’s degree prepares you for further studies in all the master’s programmes provided by the Aalto University’s School of Electrical Engineering, such as the Master’s Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology or the Master's Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences (CCIS).

You may also automatically continue to other technical master’s programmes offered at Aalto, provided you have completed the necessary minor subject and/or courses. You can plan for this together with your academic advisor.

More information can be found in the Student Guide.

Career opportunities

This major is an answer to the rapidly growing demand for top-level computer engineers. After completing your master’s programme, you’ll be ready to pursue an exciting career in a wide range of industries in Finland and abroad:

• automation and process control
• computer architecture, hardware design and engineering
• software design and programming
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Information and communications technology (ICT)

Possible career paths include:

• Computer engineer or programmer
• Software engineer
• Network engineer
• Hardware engineer
• Embedded systems engineer
• Research and development engineer 
• Project manager or technical manager in IT, AI or IoT
• Technical manager

The master’s degree will also prepare you for doctoral studies, which are often needed if you want to work with microchip and system-on-chip design and engineering.

Research focus

Aalto University is a world-class research institute in computer engineering. The research is conducted in two top-level departments, and the range of research topics under investigation by our students and staff reflect the broad knowledge and skills you’ll gather during your time in this major.

The Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering focuses on topics like microwave engineering, chip technology and sensor technology.

The Department of Information and Communications Engineering researches the real-world implementations of machine learning, audio and sound technology, and IoT devices.

Co-operation with other parties

Aalto University is well-known for bridging the disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom in elective courses across the university brings students from various fields together under one roof. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts together and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.

As a student at Aalto University, your studies can include courses from other Aalto schools, programmes, and majors. You can also take courses offered by other universities through, for example, The Finnish Institute of Technology (FITech) group, which offers a broad range of technical courses in Finnish and English.

You’ll also become a part of the lively ecosystem that connects Aalto students with top-level Finnish and international tech companies. You’ll make acquaintance with professionals and potential employers during your studies through guest lectures, seminars, real-world team projects, and recruitment events. This close collaboration throughout your years at Aalto will leave you with a strong network of ambitious professionals and mentors, as well as strong technical skills you can apply immediately in your workplace or as an entrepreneur.

Contact information

Learning Services of Aalto University School of Science

In case of programme-specific questions and inquiries, please contact the Learning Services of Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology

[email protected]

Admission Services

If you have open questions about the admissions and application instructions, you can reach out to Admission services

[email protected]