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.
Degree:
Master of Science (Technology)
Application period:
28 Nov 2024 – 27 Dec 2024
Language of instruction:
English
Duration:
2 years,
full-time
Eligibility:
Relevant Bachelor's degree
Field of study:
Technology and Engineering
Credits:
120 ECTS
Organising school:
School of Engineering
Tuition fees:
For non-EU/EEA citizens, €17000/y (Master’s studies)
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The application period is currently closed. See upcoming application periods at aalto.fi/admissions
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Description
We are currently moving toward an energy system that has to be sustainable, smart and flexible to meet new challenges. The energy transition requires new ways of thinking about how the built environment can meet society’s needs, while being as energy efficient as possible. The Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions is an excellent place to start shaping the energy system of tomorrow.
Advanced Energy Solutions -programme is divided into four majors. Each one starts with a theoretical foundation which is then built upon in interdisciplinary studies to broaden and deepen your understanding of the energy challenges facing our society.
The Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major offers you:
The theoretical basis and practical skills that are required in design projects and the development of novel technologies and services for energy-efficient buildings and community. The major offers advanced courses on 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. The major includes courses of high-performing HVAC systems and indoor environmental quality.
Understanding of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable energy in buildings. The major prepares students for current and future challenges in construction and building services engineers. Besides identifying these challenges, you will learn how to design and implement solutions for healthy, smart and sustainable indoor environments.
Experience from the field. You will have hands-on experience related to the design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and testing.
The other majors of the Advanced Energy Solutions programme are:
Industrial Energy Processes
Energy Conversion Processes
Energy Systems and Markets
Language of instruction
Language of instruction is English. More information and guidelines on the languages of the degree and instruction available here.
Tuition fees and scholarships
The tuition fee for this programme is 17 000 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
Master of Science (Technology) degree is 120 ECTS credits. The degree consists of major studies, master´s thesis and elective studies.
Major studies (60 cr) consists of
15 cr of common studies shared by all majors of the Advanced Energy Solutions programme
15 cr of major-specific common studies
30 cr advanced studies
The main purpose of the programme common module is to give the same starting point for all students regardless their previous back ground. Major common courses give the student a basic understanding of the field. Specialisation is built mainly through advanced studies, where students may choose courses from different topic groups. Topic groups within the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major are HVAC Technology, Building Engineering Services, and Building Technology and Energy.
The elective studies 30 cr can be totally freely selected, or they can constitute a minor subject, according to the student’s preference. Master´s thesis of 30 cr then concludes the degree.
More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
Topic groups within the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major are HVAC Technology, Building Engineering Services, and Building Technology and Energy.
The student decides the major when applying to the Advanced Energy Solutions MSc Programme, and cannot change it once accepted and studies begin.
Internationalisation
The study environment in the master’s programme is strongly international and studies are conducted in multicultural groups. Students are actively encouraged to spend a semester abroad, studying at one of the top-tier international partner universities of Aalto University.
Furthermore, a student of Aalto University has many other opportunities to make their studies more international, such as:
by studying on a summer course or a school abroad
by completing an internship abroad
by studying new languages and intercultural communication
by acting as a international tutor (kv-ISO) for exchange students at Aalto University and by taking part in the AYY Student Guilds' international activities
by doing their thesis at a university abroad
by completing courses from the Unite! -alliance universities via virtual exchange (more information on Unite!)
Further study opportunities
The Master’s programme in Advanced Energy Solutions at Aalto is considered as a great foundation for doctoral studies. More information available here.
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
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment majorare capable of acting as an expert of in at least one of the following areas: HVAC technology, building services engineering, building technology and energy. Our graduates are also well equipped to pursue doctoral studies.
Typical employers are engineering and consultant companies as well as product manufactures, HVAC contractors, and building authorities.Graduates will be able to apply innovative, adaptive and socially intelligent thinking skills to their work. Also, they have the ability for multidisciplinary collaboration with a variety of industry actors and stakeholders.
Research focus
Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major is supported by academic staff who research energy systems and buildings with the help of simulation tool that makes possible optimize indoor climate conditions in energy efficient manner.
Co-operation with other parties
Aalto University and the departments involved in the programme collaborate with many high-quality universities world-wide. Students typically work for an industry partner for their MSc thesis. The programme offers the Advanced Energy Project Course (AAE-E3000) where students practice consulting skills through solving an industry related problem.
Chat with Aalto students
Are you wondering what it is like to study at Aalto? Come chat with our students and alumni about all things Aalto on Unibuddy chat platform.
Applicants meeting Aalto’s general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.
The applications to Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions (all study options) are evaluated based on the following criteria:
What is evaluated?
Grades of the previous degree(s)
What we look in for an applicant?
Grades need to be mainly very good or excellent. The applicant's success in his/her previous studies (those that give basis for applying to the programme) will be evaluated based on the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Applicants are required to have a CGPA equivalent to a minimum of 3.0 (on a scale 1.0 - 5.0, 1.0 being the minimum passing grade).
Method of demonstrating competence
Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s)
Relevance of previous studies
What is evaluated?
Contents and scope of previous studies compared to demands/ contents of study option applied to
What we look for in an applicant?
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in a relevant field. Examples of relevant fields of previous degrees or studies:
Energy in Buildings and Built Environment:
HVAC technology, Energy engineering, Control and Automation, Building physics
In addition to the studies giving basis to apply to the programme, other possible studies are also evaluated. However, the study option should provide genuinely new knowledge and enhance the career prospects of the applicant. Thus, applicants who already have a master’s degree in a closely related field will only be admitted with well-justified reasons which should be explained in the motivation letter.
Method of demonstrating competence
Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s)
Recognition and quality of institution
What is evaluated?
Recognition and quality of the applicant's previous institution
What we look in for an applicant?
The applicant's previous institution (where the degree giving basis to apply was completed) will be evaluated based on the recognition and quality of the institution.
Method of demonstrating competence
International and national rankings of higher education institutions
Suitability
What is evaluated?
Applicant’s further applicability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies
What we look for in an applicant?
The applicant should be motivated to study the chosen subject and committed to full-time studies with a plan to complete the Master’s degree in two years. We are looking for applicants who are able to express clearly the reasons for applying to the study option and describe why they would be good candidates for the study option.
Please see further instructions for the motivation letter below.
The studies should provide genuinely new knowledge. If the applicant already has a master's degree, he/she should clearly indicate why he/she is applying to complete another master's degree.
Method of demonstrating competence
Motivation letter (mandatory)
Other areas of competence
What is evaluated?
Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications, non-formal education, competitions
What we look for in an applicant?
The following areas of the applicant's curriculum vitae are evaluated, if there are certificates attached to the application: -work experience in a field related to the study option -publications or posters -competitions in a field related to the study option -non-formal education
Method of demonstrating competence
The applicant’s curriculum vitae (CV) is evaluated
Study-option-specific documents required
The documents requested from all applicants are listed here Applying to master's programmes. In addition, applicants to this study option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
Motivation letter
The lack of this application document will adversely affect the evaluation of the application
Max. 1 page
Should be written in English
Examples of questions to consider when writing the motivation letter:
- Why are you applying for the master’s programme in question? - What do you expect to gain from studies in the master’s programme? - Why do you think you are the right person for this master’s programme? - How will your previous education, work experience, knowledge and skills support your success in your master’s degree studies? - Describe your professional goals. How do you think the master’s programme you are applying for would support the development of your professional profile? -In which sector would you like to work in the future? What kind of career are you planning? - Why do you want to study at Aalto University and in Finland?
In case the applicant already has completed another master’s degree in a closely related field or if he/she has a study right to another master’s or doctoral programme, he/she is asked to explain why he/she is applying to complete another master's degree.
Planning officer (content and studies of the programme)
masterstudies-eng@aalto.fi
Aalto University Admission Services
For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admission Services at
admissions@aalto.fi
The application period is currently closed. See upcoming application periods at aalto.fi/admissions