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Description

Studying chemical engineering at Aalto University will give you the knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in process engineering, materials engineering, biotechnology and sustainable industrial development. You will learn how the physical and molecular world works, and how to apply that knowledge to complex operational and design challenges at scale. You will be prepared to tackle global challenges, drive technological advancement, and make a significant impact on society. With a rewarding career in chemical engineering, you’ll be building on the legacy of innovators changing how we live and consume.

Businesses are increasingly looking for opportunities to use renewable raw materials and energy sources. The Nordic countries are forerunners in sustainability, and all the skills you will be taught in this major revolve around the ongoing transition to greener economies. This transition will create many new business opportunities and drive future growth. Improvements in existing processes and technological innovations are essential to push sustainability forward through more efficient processes and materials – whether that be at a disruptive startup or a multinational company.

This Chemical Engineering major delivers a strong chemical engineering foundation anchored with an emphasis on mathematics, and machine learning – as well as business fundamentals and design thinking. The broad range of subjects, and the leadership and communication skills you’ll learn while working with students and professionals across disciplines, is the unique strength of studying chemical engineering in Finland at Aalto University.

In this chemical engineering major, you will:

• gain a broad understanding of maths, programming and machine learning fundamentals, and how to apply them in chemical engineering contexts.
• build a strong foundation in chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry to deepen in your master’s studies.
• learn to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment and work meaningfully on societal challenges. You will work, discuss, and swap knowledge and ideas with students from other programmes like business, arts and science throughout your studies.
• master the fundamentals of sustainable processes in bioproducts and biotechnology.
• learn critical thinking, presentation, project management and laboratory skills that will serve you throughout your career, whether you’re joining a global team or an early-stage startup.

By the time you graduate with your bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, you will be ready to continue to master’s studies or pursue a career in applied engineering, management, or research.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology and the Chemical Engineering major is English, including all courses and exams. Students with sufficient ability in Finnish can also choose 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

The focus of the major is on chemical engineering, with a particular emphasis on core mathematics and programming. Using the tools offered by chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology and engineering, the major introduces how bio-based “thinking” will help find novel solutions to transition into a more sustainable society. At the same time, you’ll learn how to develop innovative products and solutions for construction materials, textiles, biofuels, medicine and more.

The bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) is composed of basic programme studies (67 ECTS mathematics, programming, industrial engineering and management, obligatory languages, Aalto studies, orientation), the major in chemical engineering (69 ECTS including BSc thesis and seminar), the minor (20-25 ECTS) and elective studies (19-24 ECTS).

Each year is divided into 60 credits, with a mix of lectures and hands-on courses with students from different degree paths.

• Year one includes basic mathematics and programming, as well as an introduction to materials science and industrial engineering. This will provide you with a foundation for the more advanced courses in years two and three.
• In year two, you are advised to take approximately 40 credits of mandatory courses, which will give you deeper insights into chemical engineering. Through the approx. 20 remaining elective credits, you will begin to pursue your specific interests through your individual study plan.
• Year three includes 30 credits of required courses, which cover topics like design approaches and design thinking, as well as 30 elective credits. These studies will guide you towards your bachelor’s thesis on a topic of your choice.

The teaching methods used in this programme include lectures, group and lab work, and projects. The beginning of your studies will focus on lectures, guided coursework and exams, which will progress into more open-ended, co-operative and challenging work as you near the end of your degree.

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

Specialisations

The major in this bachelor's degree is Chemical Engineering.

As you progress in your studies, you can choose your electives from Aalto University's wide range of subjects that interest and excite you, giving you a versatile and attractive degree for a great career. This will prepare you for your next step in the master’s programme that appeals most to you.

Internationalisation

The Chemical Engineering major is highly international, with about 50% of students coming from outside of Finland. Many of your professors also come from international backgrounds. During your degree, you will have many opportunities to further broaden your global perspective, like spending a semester abroad or taking a summer course at one of Aalto University’s partner universities around the globe.

• If you’re an international student, you will feel right at home in this programme, and graduate prepared to join Finland’s thriving international chemical industry. At Aalto, programme administrators, active student tutors and student support services all work to help international students integrate into Nordic culture and make them feel at home in Finland.
• If you’re a Finnish student who wants to prepare to work in international companies, this is a major benefit of pursuing your bachelor’s in chemical engineering in English. You will graduate with a strong background in programming and mathematics, as well as the skills to build an international career working on meaningful challenges.

Further study opportunities

After graduating from the Chemical Engineering major, you are automatically allowed to continue to the Master’s Programme in Bioproducts Engineering. 

Through a few elective courses, you can also continue to these other master's programmes in the School of Chemical Engineering:

• Master’s Programme in Biotechnology
• Master’s Programme in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
• Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Materials Science

More information can be found in the Student Guide.

Career opportunities

Starting your working life with a Chemical Engineering degree from Finland is a unique career opportunity. The Nordics are a sustainability hub, and the chemical industry is one of the primary industries in Finland.

Graduates of a BSc in Chemical Engineering are prepared for entry-level positions in many fields, including the chemical, semiconductor, biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical or electronic industries.

This major gives you the opportunity to select various MSc level study paths, after which even more doors are open to you. Graduates of our master’s programmes can

• work in research, strategy, or management positions in the forest or chemical industries or in related equipment manufacturing companies
• work in leading engineering or management consultancy companies
• work as a renewable energy expert in large energy companies
• explore entrepreneurial pathways and start your own company
• continue a research career in academia.

Aalto University has well-established career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Because of the flexible curriculum, you can work during your studies and potentially earn an entry position before graduation.

Research focus

During your studies, you will have the opportunity to interact with leading researchers in their respective fields and get involved in pioneering research projects. Our research community strives towards sustainable solutions and new breakthroughs for the bio- and circular economy.

Our research at the School of Chemical Engineering focuses on:

• forest products technologies,
• chemical engineering,
• industrial biotechnology,
• materials science and nanotechnology,
• metals and minerals processing,
• and energy technology.

Read more about the ongoing research at the School of Chemical Engineering.

Co-operation with other parties

Industrial professionals are often invited as guest lecturers in courses throughout the curriculum. You will also be in contact with the corporate world and industry professionals while working towards your degree. We co-operate with some of Finland’s largest companies, which ensures our curriculum is a close match for the needs of leading firms. This contact will help you gain practical knowledge and skills that will help you kickstart your professional network and career.

You can also supplement your studies with courses from other Aalto schools, programmes, and majors, or courses offered by other universities. This multidisciplinary environment will help you spark new ideas, gather enthusiasts around you, and build a strong network of friends and colleagues.

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 application instructions, you can reach out to Admission Services

admissions@aalto.fi