Description

In Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology majoring Computational Engineering, you will learn what makes the physical world tick. Then, you’ll develop the skills to simulate real-world events and solve for specific engineering problems. Why?

Today’s engineers and scientists rely on computational simulations to develop new technologies that shape the world we live in. Computational engineers use computer models to predict how new design ideas will behave in practice, and unlike, e.g., computer scientists, implement these solutions in physical space. Ships, geothermal power plants, wind turbines and biomedical devices are just a few concrete examples where these models might be deployed.

The Computational Engineering major will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, use and develop these computational tools. You will learn how to build precise virtual models of complex physical systems and use them to make accurate predictions by broadly developing your:

• Skill in applied mathematics
• Understanding of physics, mechanics and classical engineering
• Competence in using some of the most popular and common engineering software packages
• Programming skills, by implementing algorithms and machine learning models

Then you will apply that knowledge, tackling real-world engineering problems in team projects with other Aalto students. These projects will develop your ability to work within a team, manage projects efficiently, and clearly communicate results to stakeholders. This will prepare you for a wide range of future roles – at an international engineering firm, research institute, or in your own business, for example.

Having immersed yourself in some of the most cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, you will be prepared for a role at the forefront of this exciting new field. You’ll be able to contribute improvements to industrial efficiency, come up with creative solutions to address the most critical global issues like climate change and emerging disease, or even start your own engineering firm.

As society is becoming more complex and modern technology is transforming more rapidly than ever, you will graduate ready to ride the wave of this exciting, emerging field.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology and the Computational 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.

Studies at the master’s level can also be completed entirely in English.

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

In this unique and highly multidisciplinary bachelor’s programme, you’ll dive deep into computational engineering and its applications from the very beginning – benefiting from a degree of focus usually reserved for master’s level studies at other universities. 

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

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

Computational engineering will help you become an expert in developing and using advanced simulation techniques to analyse complex physical problems.

Computational engineering is a multidisciplinary field incorporating mathematics, engineering principles and computing. The knowledge and skills that you will acquire throughout your studies will rest on these three cornerstones, with a mix of traditional lectures, group work, and hands-on projects.

Mathematics is an essential tool in solving engineering problems, and an important part of this major. During your studies, you will develop your abilities in:

• Integral and differential calculus
• Linear algebra
• Statistical analysis

Engineering principles. You will become familiar with fundamental engineering theories in a broad range of fields including:

• Fluid mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Mechanics of materials

Computing. You will learn to implement your own simulation techniques and gain experience with the most relevant engineering software packages. The core topics you will learn about include:

• Programming principles and algorithms
• Numerical methods
• The Finite Element method

Finally, you will apply your knowledge to solve real-world problems in team projects, and then complete your bachelor’s thesis.

Specialisations

The major in the bachelor's degree is Computational Engineering. As you progress through your studies, you will develop your aptitude in the key domains of computational engineering – while beginning to build an awareness of where you excel. You will use this new insight to take control of your study path.

The choices you make in your minor and elective studies will either broaden or deepen your knowledge based on your own interests. This will impact the focus of your engineering project and thesis topic in the final year of your bachelor’s, and your choice of master’s studies.

Internationalisation

Aalto University is international by nature, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad each year. These students join the diverse Aalto community not only through studies, but also multiple free time events, activities and celebrations around the campus. Programme administrators, active student tutors and student support services work rigorously to help international students integrate into Nordic culture and welcome them at home in Finland.

The major Computational Engineering is also highly international, with a majority of student intake from outside Finland. You will have many opportunities to develop your global competence, such as spending a semester abroad or taking a summer course at one of Aalto University’s partner universities around the globe. Some students carry out their practical training or even master’s thesis research abroad.

Further study opportunities

After completing their bachelor’s degree, most of our graduates continue their education to the master’s level before starting their professional career. Graduates from the Computational Engineering major will be entitled to pursue a Master of Science (Tech.) degree at Aalto University.

You will also be able to apply to master’s programmes at other universities in Finland and abroad. However, this programme is tailored specifically for continuing with master’s studies at the Aalto School of Engineering – if you’re looking for a multidisciplinary career in computational engineering, this choice will serve you well.

More information can be found in the Student Guide.

Career opportunities

Computational simulations now constitute an essential part of all technological industries. This means that you will be able to pursue a career in a wide range of fields including energy, construction, manufacturing, mechanical systems and more.

Our students usually continue their education to the master’s level. After completing their studies, our graduates typically work for small, medium, or large companies, governmental organisations or research institutions. An academic position is also possible after completing a doctorate degree. Your potential professional titles may include:

• Civil engineer
• Geoengineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Naval architect
• Product designer
• Production engineer
• Software engineer
• Structural engineer

Research focus

The Computational Engineering major has a broad scope of research. Throughout your studies, you will interact with professors conducting research in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Mechanics of materials
• Geoengineering
• Fluid dynamics
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Marine engineering
• 3D printing
• Ice load estimation
• Energy conversion

Your exposure to the most current research at the bachelor level will give you a strong head-start when you begin your professional career.

Co-operation with other parties

Aalto University is well-known for bridging the disciplines of business, arts, technology and science, and you will work with students from other degree programmes throughout your studies. By the time you’ve graduated, you will have had the opportunity to build a strong network of fellow enthusiasts, colleagues and mentors.

The university also maintains close ties with the corporate world. Our academic staff collaborates with Finland’s largest companies, and the university supports the creation of smaller innovative startups around its campus. This collaboration ensures that the programme is a close match with the current needs of engineering companies and helps our graduates to kick-start their professional career.

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

bsc.tech@aalto.fi

Admission Services

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

admissions@aalto.fi