Are you interested in developing next generation autonomous cars, robots, smart and sustainable energy solutions, or sensors for health technology? Or are you interested in developing industrial automation systems, smart mobile systems, or systems-on-chip? The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering provides you with the knowledge and skills to apply scientific methods and theories as needed in a variety of use cases. The programme is organised in an international environment and in close cooperation with industry, preparing graduates to succeed in the intersection of hardware and software. Our students study prevalent and emerging subjects in energy, robotics, and embedded electronic systems based on extensive research and fundamental theories of mathematical and natural sciences. Additionally, the programme focuses on the applicable side of technologies, including topics like Autonomous Systems, Health Technology, Smart Grids, and Renewable Energy Solutions.
The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering graduates have:
Upon graduation from the Automation and Electrical Engineering Programme, graduates are well prepared for a broad variety of engineering and research careers as well as doctoral studies in the field.
In the Automation and Electrical Engineering Master’s Programme, the language of instruction is English.
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.
The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering is organised by the School of Electrical Engineering and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of:
At the beginning of their studies, students define their Personal Study Plans (PSP) together with an academic advisor. The primary purpose of the PSP is to ensure that the studies support the student’s interests and are completed in a logical order. The available course selection is broad and can be well fitted to the chosen area of expertise. More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
The programme offers a studying experience which is a combination of theoretical lectures and readings, hands-on calculations, exercises, projects, workshops, and laboratory sessions. Some of the projects originate or are closely tied to the industry, adding a strong challenge-based approach to the studies. The main themes discussed in the programme are:
1. Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems
The Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems major provides a strong basis in control engineering and automation, allowing students to specialise in a particular area of interest such as factory automation, robotics, autonomous smart systems, industrial software systems, or pursue topics such as AI and machine learning. Central topics for all students include modelling, estimation and control of dynamic systems, and embedded systems and software for modern automation systems. Upon completion of the Major, the student is able to:
2. Electrical Power and Energy Engineering
The Electrical Power and Energy Engineering major offers a firm base for engineers working in the field of electrical power and energy engineering. The field includes power transmission, distribution, smart grid, sustainable generation, and electrification of societies, as well as power-conversion devices such as motors, generators, and power electronic converters and their control. Upon completion of the Major, students are able to:
3. Electronic and Digital Systems
Electronic and Digital Systems (EDS) is a multidisciplinary major focusing on embedded systems and system level design, especially for intelligent, sustainable, and autonomous devices. Application areas include, for example, automotive industry, mobile systems, and health technology. The major considers autonomous embedded systems, self-sustained smart sensor systems, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), heterogeneous integration of sensors to System on Chip (SoC), data synthesis, and real-time decision making. EDS emphasizes the research, development, and commercialization process of transferring results from fundamental studies into functional products and services.
Upon completing the EDS major, the student is able to:
The programme is international, and studies are conducted in multicultural groups. The organising department enjoys well-established links and co-operation agreements with a wide range of companies, research institutes and universities in the EU, China, Japan, and the USA. As a result, many students take the chance of studying as an exchange student or conducting an internship abroad in one of the top-tier partner universities of Aalto. Moreover, student guilds organise industry excursions, not only in the Nordics but all around the world.
Aalto University is inherently international, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad every year. The students are part of the diverse Aalto community and aptly enjoy free time events, activities, and celebrations around the campus. Active tutoring programmes and support services work tirelessly to help international students integrate into Nordic culture and welcome them at home in Finland.
The programme qualifies for doctoral studies (Doctor of Science in an applicable field).
Programme graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities in the public and private sectors, especially in a future full of autonomous systems and technological advancement. Thanks to the tight-knit connections to the industry, the chances to land a job through course projects, internships, research, or thesis work are high. Many graduates have started their careers, for example, as product designers, programmers, R&D project managers, or technical experts. Further, graduates have all the necessary entrepreneurial skills to found and build their own companies as well. Finally, the Master’s programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering at Aalto provides a great foundation for pursuing doctoral studies which is an essential step for a successful academic career.
Aalto University has well-established career services through which you can get employed in Finland and abroad. Aalto students tend to find good positions with ease upon their graduation. An active entrepreneurship community is also present at Aalto, which can help as a springboard for founding your company.
Graduates from the School of Electrical Engineering at Aalto University have very good employment prospects in positions corresponding to their education. On this page, you can find information about employment and career development five years after graduation.
The alumna of the Master's Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering feels that studying is more fun when you have other students around you
Bismoy Jahan chose the Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering because she believes that in the near future automation will play a big role in our lives.
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation offers excellent education and top-quality research conditions where scientists and engineers together develop new methods, devices, and systems in the fields of Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Embedded Systems, Health Technology, Measurement and Sensing, as well as Power Systems and Energy Conversion. Besides its participation in the school-wide doctoral education, the Department offers a master's degree programme in the above focus areas and is heavily involved in the teaching and education in other cross-disciplinary programmes as well.
Aalto University is among the top-ranked universities in the world related to industry collaboration. As a graduate, you can leverage our connections. Aalto Industrial Internet Campus offers you the possibility to network with students from other engineering disciplines and prestigious industrial partners.
In this webinar, the programme representatives introduce Aalto University, give a programme overview, explain the programme structure and content, discuss career opportunities, and answer questions from the audience.
Muhammad Ziaur Rehman graduated from the Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering.
Do you want to study in the Nordics in Finland? At Aalto University science and art meet technology and business. We believe in the power of curiosity and encourage our students to explore the unknown as well as to learn and do things in a whole new way.
Finland’s excellent reputation in education, combined with a wide range of courses offered in English, makes Finland and Aalto University an attractive study destination for international 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 to the programme must meet the general eligibility and language requirements that are common to all Master's programmes in Aalto University. Applicants meeting the 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 the Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering are evaluated based on the following criteria:
| What is evaluated? | Content and quantity in relation to the applied study-option-specific requirements |
| Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant |
A high‐quality Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Control Engineering, or Physics. Excellent candidates with degrees in other fields such as Computer Science, Engineering, Natural Sciences or Mathematics will be considered if they have sufficient studies and proven skills and knowledge in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Control Engineering, or Physics. The Master’s programme should provide the applicant with genuinely new knowledge. Applicants who already have a Master’s degree of comparable quality and content in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Control Engineering, Physics or related field, or who intend to complete one, or who have a valid study right in this study option will not be accepted to the programme. The motivation questionnaire should clearly indicate why another master’s degree is necessary. In most cases, non-degree studies are recommended instead. The following background knowledge is required for the Master’s Programme: •mathematics (linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics) •programming skills •physics and/or chemistry For applicants whose previous degree is in a subject other than Electrical Engineering, Automation, Control Engineering, or Physics, it is critical to demonstrate the knowledge of the above areas and the specific major requirements (as described below) in the application. In addition to the general background requirements, each major has specific requirements. The applicants are asked to indicate in the motivation questionnaire which major they wish to follow. Applicants may only choose one major. The majors offered have the following specific requirements. 1. Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems Required knowledge: •basics of control engineering Knowledge of the following areas is considered an advantage: •robotics •industrial automation •basics of electronics 2. Electrical Power and Energy Engineering Required knowledge: •circuit theory (including three-phase systems) •electricity and magnetism •basics of electronics and electronic components Knowledge of the following areas is considered an advantage: •basics of control engineering 3. Electronic and Digital Systems Knowledge of the following areas is considered an advantage: •basics of electronics •basics of signal processing |
| Evaluated documents | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| What is evaluated? | Grades of the previous degree(s) |
| Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant |
The programme is looking for applicants with excellent success in their previous studies. This will be evaluated on the basis of the Grade Point Average (GPA) and results in key courses. The time spent on the previous studies will also be taken into account. Academic performance in the previous Bachelor’s degree is emphasized. Other previous studies are considered as well but evaluation is primarily based on the bachelor level studies. Applicants who have previously studied at Aalto University, e.g. as exchange students, are also evaluated according to the grades, the number of credits obtained, as well as on the time spent on these studies. The minimum GPA for applicants from Finnish universities of applied science is 3.8. Applicants with a GPA below the 3.8 limit will not be admitted. Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission to the programme. Programme’s courses or equivalent courses completed in the open university or as non-degree studies with excellent grades may support the application. |
| Evaluated documents | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| What is evaluated? | Recognition and quality of the applicant's previous institution |
| Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant | The applicant’s previous degree will be evaluated based on the international reputation and academic quality of the university and the programme. |
| Evaluated documents/Method of demonstrating competence | International and national rankings of higher education institutions e.g. ARWU, THE, and QS rankings. |
| What is evaluated? | Applicant’s further applicability to the study option, motivation and commitment for studies |
| Admission requirements/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 Automation and Electrical Engineering Programme and a specific major within the programme and describe why they would be good candidates for the programme. As an indication of suitability applicants will benefit from special achievements in one's previous career or as an entrepreneur, publications, or patents. Merits in academic environment such as participation in academic research are valued higher. |
| Evaluated documents | Motivation questionnaire and CV |
The evaluation process is described under Applicant evaluation process. In addition to obligatory application documents, this study option asks the applicants to submit also the documents listed under Requested documents.
The applicants are first evaluated based on the general eligibility requirements of Aalto University. Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.
The selection process for those who meet the general eligibility criteria is described next. Firstly, the applications are evaluated based on the following (critical) criteria.
Only the applications that fulfill the requirements for these criteria will be evaluated against the full set of evaluation criteria.
After the evaluation of the remaining criterium below, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation of all criteria.
Recognition and quality of institution
The documents requested from all applicants are listed here (https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes).
In addition, applicants to this study option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents. Applicants need to pay attention to the below instructions and add all attachments. All documents and their content and quality affect the evaluation. Neglecting the document requirements or their instructions will adversely affect the evaluation of the application. Applicants should not attach/submit any extra documents. Extra documents are not taken into account in the evaluation.
There is no need to attach the following
The application should fully explain the educational history of the applicant. If the applicant has started or completed other studies in addition to the Bachelor's degree mentioned above, they should also provide the respective official transcripts and other possible (degree) certificates.
Instructions for the motivation questionnaire
Applicant needs to fill in the Automation and Electrical Engineering Programme’s motivation questionnaire (.doc file) according to the questionnaire instructions.
No other document can be used to showcase the applicant’s motivation for the programme. Using another type of a form (e.g. traditional motivation letter) will lead to the application to be rejected. The applicants are asked to indicate in the motivation questionnaire which major they wish to follow. Applicants may only choose one major.
Instructions for the Curriculum Vitae
The CV should be used to provide a summary of one's personal working history, achievements, objectives, and other points that one considers important for the application.
For the work and research experience, the activity and time period need to be indicated. For the international working and study experience, the working place/university, activity, and time period need to be indicated. Copies or permanent weblinks of any publications and information on possible patents need to be listed.
The CV should be maximum 2 pages and follow preferably the Europass format. CVs exceeding the recommended length of the CV will affect the evaluation of the application negatively.
Applicants should not attach any other documents in the application but use the CV to indicate personal achievements. However, applicants must be prepared to present proof/documentation on the items listed in the CV.
Aalto University Admission Services
If you have any questions regarding the application process, application documents or language tests, please contact Aalto University Admission Services
School of Electrical Engineering
For enquiries regarding the content of programme, the studies at the School of Electrical Engineering and the study-option-specific application documents please contact