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Description

As a Mechanical and Civil Engineering major in Aalto’s Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology, you’ll learn what makes the physical world tick. Then, you’ll develop the skills to tackle real-world engineering problems. 

This major’s distinct focus on numerical simulations and computer programming sets it apart from similar engineering degrees. Today’s engineers and scientists rely on computational simulations to develop new technologies that shape the world we live in. Engineers use computer models to predict how new design ideas will behave in practice. Unlike computer scientists, they must 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.

This 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 skills in:

• Applied mathematics: You will build your skills in integral and differential calculus, linear algebra, statistical analysis and numerical methods.
• Engineering. You will learn fundamental theories in engineering and use them to solve practical problems in the fields of thermodynamics as well as solid and fluid mechanics.
• Programming and computing. You’ll get familiar with the principles of programming, data structures and algorithms. You will also gain experience in using some of the most relevant industrial engineering software packages. 

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 advanced technologies, including machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, you will be prepared for a role at the forefront of engineering. 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 the energy transition, or even found your own engineering firm. 

Language of instruction

In the Mechanical and Civil Engineering major, the language of instruction is English. 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 practical engineering and its many applications from the very beginning – benefiting from a degree of focus usually reserved for master’s level studies at other universities. 

Outside of traditional lectures, many of your courses will focus on team projects to solve real-world engineering challenges. You’ll also get the chance to use the latest engineering software, take practical computer programming courses, and sharpen your research skills through your thesis work. 

Studies at the Aalto School of Engineering require on-campus attendance, and most courses don’t offer a remote study option.

The bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) is composed of basic studies of the programme (67 ECTS mathematics, programming, industrial engineering and management, obligatory languages, Aalto studies, orientation), the major in mechanical and civil engineering (65 ECTS including BSc thesis and seminar), the minor (20-25 ECTS) and elective studies (23-28 ECTS). As part of your elective studies, you can earn up to 10 ECTS from a summer job or internship that’s relevant to your degree. 

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

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

Aalto’s major in Mechanical and Civil Engineering is a multidisciplinary study path that combines engineering principles, mathematics 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 complete your bachelor’s thesis.

Specialisations

The major in this bachelor's degree is Mechanical and Civil Engineering. As you progress through your studies, you will develop your aptitude in key engineering principles while learning where you excel. You will use this 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 affect 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 is a hub for creative, entrepreneurial students from Finland and abroad, and this major is highly international. Most of the students in this major come from outside Finland, and 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 Mechanical and Civil Engineering major have the automatic right to pursue these master’s programmes at Aalto University: 

• Master’s Programme in Mechanical Engineering
• Master’s Programme in Civil Engineering
• Master’s Programme in Geoengineering
• Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions 

You will also be prepared to apply to other master’s programmes at Aalto, other universities in Finland or 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 engineering, this choice will serve you well. 

More information can be found in the Student Guide.

Career opportunities

Mechanical and civil engineers are in high demand, and the skills you’ll build during your studies translate to many different careers in a wide range of modern industries. This programme’s unique focus on computational simulation will give you an edge in a range of engineering fields that rely on them, like energy, construction and manufacturing. 

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. Here are a few of your potential career paths:

Mechanical engineer: Design and develop the machines and systems that drive heavy industry, from manufacturing and automotive to aerospace and consumer products.

Civil engineer: Plan the infrastructure that keeps society flowing, managing complex projects from concept to execution.

Geoengineer: Analyse the behaviour of soil, rock and groundwater to ensure structures are built on stable ground, working as a key player in nearly every major construction project.

Energy engineer: As a discipline at the front lines of sustainability, you’ll design and optimise efficient systems for energy use across industrial processes, residential buildings, and commercial spaces.

Structural engineer: Ensure buildings and bridges can stand up to the forces they’re placed under and work closely with architects to safely execute their designs.

Naval engineer: Design and develop ships, submarines and offshore structures, from hull integrity and propulsion to onboard systems.

Research focus

The Mechanical and Civil Engineering major draws from a broad area 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 

Getting familiar with the most current research in mechanical and civil engineering at the bachelor level will give you a strong head start when you start your career.

Co-operation with other parties

Aalto University is well-known for bridging the disciplines of business, arts, technology and science, and you will have a lot of flexibility in your study path. You can personalise your advanced major studies and use your freely selected minor and elective courses to dive deeper into the topics that interest you most or broaden your skillset. You’re also free to take courses from Aalto partner universities in Finland or abroad. 

Many of your courses will be from other programmes, so you’ll get to work with Aalto students from other degree programmes from the start of your degree. By the time you’vegraduated, you will have had the chance to build a strong network of fellow enthusiasts, colleagues and mentors. 

The university also has 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 campus. This means the programme is a close match for the current needs of engineering companies.

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