Study options

Electronics and Nanotechnology, Master of Science (Technology)

Wireless technologies, nanotechnology, semiconductors, photonics, space technology – the Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme covers some of the most topical themes in today’s engineering world. Our graduates know how to design future-shaping, resource-efficient, and globally significant high-tech solutions that make the development of our society possible.
Aalto electronics-ICT anechoic chamber for 2-60 GHz and two near-field scanners
Get a Master’s Degree in Electronics and Nanotechnology at Aalto University – the leading international and multidisciplinary university in the Nordics and Europe.

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 Electrical Engineering

Tuition fees:

For non-EU/EEA citizens, €17000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

Applying to master’s programmes

Webinar | Electronics and Nanotechnology

Want to hear more about Master's Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology? In this webinar programme representatives tell you about the studies.

Watch the webinar recording!
Microwave engineering student working in an anechoic chamber.

Description

We are surrounded by wireless technologies almost everywhere we go, space technology is skyrocketing thanks to small satellites, and nanotechnology is enabling major breakthroughs in fields like modern computing and energy harvesting. In the Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme, the focus is strongly on creating these cutting-edge ​​technologies needed to build sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for the modern world.

Some of the key enablers of developing new technology are semiconductors used especially in microchips. In Finland, there is a large cluster of companies specialised in the design and manufacture of semiconductors. These companies are investing heavily in the field to advance the country’s and the whole EU’s self-sufficiency in microchips. At the same time, the demand for professionals who have the skills to design semiconductors is rapidly increasing.

As a very high-tech oriented Master’s Programme, Electronics and Nanotechnology provides engineering students with all the necessary knowledge and tools to develop electronic devices and components that shape society for the better. During their studies, students get to use state-of-the-art software and, depending on their chosen major, do experiments in world-class research facilities like Metsähovi Radio Observatory and Micronova, which has the biggest cleanroom in the Nordic countries.

Electronics and Nanotechnology graduates have:

  • Fundamental knowledge in their field. Graduates understand the substantial practices and key scientific theories of their chosen specification area.
  • A toolbox for building technology. Graduates can design and build technological hardware relevant to their chosen specification area.
  • A researcher’s mindset. Graduates possess a strong theoretical background and a research-oriented, scientific, and academic approach to solving problems.
  • Revolutionary potential. Graduates are experts in technologies that change rapidly and will in many ways redefine the world we live in.

Language of instruction

In the Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme, the language of instruction is English.

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

The two-year Master’s Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:

  • Major studies (65 ECTS)
  • Elective studies (25 ECTS)
  • Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)

Students select their major at the beginning of the studies. The first semester consists of introductive common studies and the first Spring semester is dedicated to the common compulsory studies in each major. The second year is mostly dedicated to the elective studies and the master’s thesis. You can choose practically any combination of elective courses – from Aalto as well as other universities in Finland and abroad – that supports your studies and suits your interests.

More information about the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.

Teaching methods

Students can approach their engineering studies from both industrial and scientific perspectives. They are able to direct their studies either a theoretically-oriented manner or more towards hands-on practical applications. Thus, the programme is a combination of theoretical and practical courses that utilise different teaching methods: lectures, independent exercises, computer simulations, group assignments, and laboratory work. Upon graduation, students have a lot of hands-on experience of using different softwares and – depending on their major – working in laboratories, cleanrooms, and an astronomical radio observatory.

The programme collaborates closely with the industry: guest lecturers participate in courses and students get to do projects with companies. Additionally, about 50 percent of all the Master’s theses are written for a company.

Master's Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology

Read the student experiences

Pranava Pakala

Student Pranava Pakala: The world is your oyster at Aalto!

Pranava studies Electronics and Nanotechnology and she believes that the field is the solution to most of the problems the world faces today

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Eturivissä opiskelijat Otto Simola, Verneri Hirvonen ja Julius Helander. Takarivissä professori Jussi Ryynänen ja vanhempi yliopistonlehtori Marko Kosunen. Kuva: Niina Norjamäki

Students coded an open-source microprocessor that companies can use as they wish

The new processor is suitable, for example, for 6G transceivers and encryption technology. The project encourages young people to study microelectronics; skills that are in high demand in Finland.

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Aallon opiskelijoita ICT-Electronics laboratoriossa.

Aalto University students combine an open microprocessor with an AI accelerator

In the recent past, Aalto students implemented a simple processor. Now, they have further refined its structure and combined it with an AI accelerator.

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Specialisations

In this programme, students can choose from four different majors depending on their interests and aspirations. All majors are closely connected to current research conducted at Aalto. The majors are:

1. Microelectronic Circuit Design

In the Microelectronic Circuit Design major, students learn to design microelectronics systems from RF-analog amplifiers to processor systems for use, for example, in modern wireless devices and wireless systems, remote sensing system sensor interfaces and autonomous cars. Since no application can run without an electronic hardware platform, this major also focuses on how we can decrease future devices’ energy usage and make them more sustainable. Additionally, upon graduation, students are able to integrate digital and analog radio-frequency circuits into the smallest wireless systems like the "Internet of Things" or implantable medical devices, and able to design digital systems like RISC-V microprocessors.

2. Microwave Engineering

In the Microwave Engineering major, students learn to develop microwave components for modern wireless devices as well as to understand new developments in wireless connections. The major covers interesting current trends, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces that can be used to control microwaves. In particular, students learn to design antennas for wireless devices and networks and predict how the waves propagate in different environments.

Microwave engineering is a field where future graduates will have an increasingly vital role in advancing sustainability. They are challenged to design new solutions while prioritising energy efficiency, durability, recyclability, more sustainable life cycles, waste reduction, and minimisation of environmental effects. This means, for example, improving the efficiency of antennas and reducing electromagnetic interference.

3. Photonics and Nanotechnology

In the Photonics and Nanotechnology major, students learn the principles of physics governing the properties and interaction of light and matter. The main focus is on applying these theories to the development and manufacture of state-of-the-art, green, and efficient devices while utilising, for instance, nanocarbon compounds and 2D materials. In the future, semiconductor companies need a growing number of experts who can make the industry more sustainable, and this major equips students with the necessary skills to meet those needs.

Semiconductor manufacturing technology and novel nanofabrication methods our students learn about can be exploited in many areas, including sensors, optoelectronic devices (solar cells, LEDs, lasers), photonic devices, and even nanoelectronic devices based on quantum physics. During their studies, students have the opportunity to develop components based on semiconductors in the biggest cleanroom research facility in the Nordic countries, Micronova – Finland's national research infrastructure for micro- and nanotechnology.

4. Space Science and Technology

The Space Science and Technology major has four focus areas: space technology, Earth observation, space physics, and radio astronomy. This includes activities such as building satellite systems and space instruments, developing microwave radar and radiometer methods for Earth observation, analysing space weather satellite observations, conducting numerical simulations of the Earth and other solar system objects, and utilizing radio astronomical techniques for studying the Sun and galactic as well as extragalactic objects. Students can select their study field(s) based on their academic or career interests. 
 
Upon successful completion of the programme, the students will have the required skills to work in the highly international space industry, join a space agency, or pursue a career in space research in academia. The student will have the capability to work in ESA-led space mission development, understand the basic steps of space mission creation and science data analysis, understand the space environment and its interaction with technology, and understand the role of space technology in the sustainability of space and planetary environments. 

5. Wireless and RF Engineering

In the Wireless and RF engineering major, students delve into the intricacies of transmitting and receiving radio waves through the use of antennas. They gain a profound understanding of how these transmitted waves propagate and interact within diverse environments. Additionally, students acquire the skills necessary to manipulate these radio waves to convey information effectively, as well as leverage them for environmental sensing applications, such as radar systems.

Wireless technology is undeniably ubiquitous, with an ever-expanding array of new applications continually emerging. Engineers in this discipline face the ongoing challenge of crafting innovative solutions that prioritize energy and material efficiency, fostering sustainability as they outperform current systems.

Internationalisation

Aalto University is known for its international study and research environment. Every year, Aalto welcomes thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad. As the Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme covers globally relevant technologies and offers state-of-the-art research facilities, it is of great interest to international applicants – studies are conducted in multicultural groups. Additionally, many of our professors and researchers have international backgrounds and experience, bringing their global networks close to students.

At Aalto, students can improve their global competence by, for example:

  • Completing part of the degree, e.g., a minor, abroad in one of the international partner universities as an exchange student.
  • Choosing courses with an intercultural approach, learning foreign languages, and/or becoming a student tutor for international students.
  • Conducting practical training or the Master’s thesis outside Finland.
  • Taking summer courses abroad.

Further study opportunities

The Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies.

Career opportunities

Employment rates for fresh graduates are extremely good as the electronics and nanotechnology industries are growing fast on a global level. Thanks to the students’ hands-on experience of different softwares as well as of working in laboratories and a cleanroom, they have a significant advantage in the job market. Additionally, many companies within the industry are actively involved in this programme, giving students the possibility to network with employers. Aalto University also has well-established career services through which you can get employed in Finland and abroad.

There is a large variety of Finnish and international employers in this field. Some examples of the companies our recent graduates work for are:

  • Software, telecommunications, IT, and electronics companies (e.g. Nokia, Microsoft, Optenni, HULD, DA-Group)
  • Semiconductor, antenna, and electronic components manufacturers (e.g. Microsoft, Qualcomm, CoreHW, Radientum, Murata, SAAB, Dispelix, Kyocera, Beneq, Picosun, Nordic Semiconductors, Okmetic)
  • Space technology and aerospace engineering companies (e.g. Airbus, Airbus Defense and Space, ICEYE, Kuva Space, Aurora Propulsion, Arctic Astronautics, Leaf Space)
  • Research institutions (e.g. VTT)

Graduates often start their globally-oriented careers in research- and development-focused tasks, eventually shifting towards different industry expert and management positions based on individual preferences. Since the program is very research-oriented, a popular option is to continue studies towards a doctoral degree. Some graduates also start their own companies or find employment in high-growth hardware startups in the field.

Typical job titles of recent graduates employed in companies include, e.g.:

  • Antenna/RF/Microwave Engineer
  • Consultant
  • Business Developer
  • Design Engineer
  • ASIC Developer
  • SoC Architect
  • FPGA Programmer
  • Spacecraft Designer
  • Research Team Leader
Lena Mielke kayaking.

Alum Lena Mielke: Studying at Aalto changed my view on life

Lena Mielke studied Space Science and Technology in the Master's Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology. During her studies, Lena was also able to realise one of her childhood dreams.

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Aalto-yliopisto / Maria Hieta / photo: Maria Hieta

A student satellite project launched alumna Maria Hieta’s career in the space industry

Alumna Maria Hieta majored in Space Science and Technology.

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Mathias Fontell/Vuoden nuori fyysikko 2019/Aalto University/School of Electrical Engineering/Image: Laura Hujanen

Aalto University alumnus Mathias Fontell receives Young Physicist Prize 2019

The award-winning master's thesis in space technology focuses on solving problems related to radio wave propagation in the upper layers of the atmosphere.

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Unto Rautio

School of Electrical Engineering graduates in working life

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.

School of Electrical Engineering

Research focus

The Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering conducts research in the fields of electromagnetics, micro and nanotechnology, radio engineering, and space technology. Our research groups collaborate actively with several national and international institutes and companies.

You can read more about the research at the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering here.

Co-operation with other parties

Aalto University is among the top-ranked universities in the world regarding industry collaboration. As mentioned above, this programme collaborates with the industry in the form of projects, guest lectures, and Master’s theses. As a graduate, you can benefit from our connections. Aalto Industrial Internet Campus (AIIC) offers you the possibility to network with students from other engineering disciplines and prestigious industrial partners.

At Aalto, bridging different disciplines is made easy – students may choose their elective study modules so that their degree is a combination of science, technology, business, and arts. They can supplement their studies with courses from other Aalto schools and programmes as well as courses offered by other universities, including international. This multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.

Get to know us

Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering

Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering (ELE) conducts research and arranges related teaching courses in the fields of electromagnetics, micro and nanotechnology, radio engineering, and space technology.

Aalto University / Aalto satellite / photo: Mikko Raskinen

Micronova

Micronova is part of OtaNano - Finland's national research infrastructure for micro- and nanotechnology, jointly run by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Aalto University.

The researchers utilized the exceptional facilities of Micronova Nanofabrication Cleanroom. Photo: Aalto University / Mikko Raskinen

Space conquerors win the Finnish Engineering Award

Satellite development began with Aalto University’s technology students’ course work. Now the goal is to achieve billions worth of turnover and a global satellite network.

Suomalaisen insinöörityön palkinnon saajat

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.

4 student ambassafors taking a selfie

Study-option-specific instructions

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 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 the Master’s Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology are evaluated based on the following criteria: 

Evaluation criteria

Evaluation process and requested documents

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.

Contact information

Aalto University Admission Services

If you have any questions regarding the application process, application documents or language tests, please contact Aalto University Admission Services

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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