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Environmental and social sustainability studies

Are you passionate about sustainability and looking to further your studies in social and environmental sustainability? Aalto University generates knowledge and understanding that enable well-being within the limits of one planet. We combine expertise in art, technology, and business to develop solutions for some of the world's greatest challenges.
A person stangin in front of a meadow, wearing a beige vest.
Photo: Aalto University / Mikko Raskinen. The Fluff Stuff project is an entrepreneurial project based on learnings from the Creative Sustainability programme.

At Aalto, you get to learn, explore, and engage in meaningful activities in a unique environment: We combine the expertise of science, art, technology, and business to develop creative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the planet and humanity, such as the climate crisis, overconsumption, and inequality. We are a community of thousands of students, researchers, and specialists with a passion and expertise for large-scale systemic solutions as well as innovative new ideas.

We shape a more sustainable future, for example by improving systemic efficiency in various societal areas such as infrastructure, enhancing quality of life for individuals and communities through health technology, design and art, accelerating the transition to zero-emission energy, and creating new solutions for circular economy and sustainable materials.

Sustainability is integrated into the studies of all our master's programmes – on this page, you will find a selection of programmes that specifically focus on creating a sustainable future.

Applying to master’s programmes

Sustainable engineering and environmental sustainability

Discover our range of programs in biotechnology, bioproducts engineering, and water and environmental engineering. These programs fuse cutting-edge technology with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and responsible engineering. For example, we aim to create more sustainable urban environments and a society that uses less energy and natural resources.

Lignin nanoparticles applied to multilayered films to create colourful coatings. Photo: Aalto University, Alexander Henn

Bioproducts Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

The conversion of bio-based resources into recyclable bioproducts is of crucial importance now and in the future.

Study options
Biotechnology laboratory

Biotechnology, Master of Science (Technology)

Biotechnology experts work in many industries from chemical to food, helping the society in its way towards a carbon-neutral bioeconomy.

Study options
Students doing a group work around a table

Water and Environmental Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

To ensure sustainable and functioning societies, the world needs engineers specialised in solving local and global water-related challenges.

Study options

Sustainable businesses and corporate responsibility

Delve into the strategic aspects of responsible business management, and sustainable practices in enterprises. Through these programmes, you will gain the essential knowledge and skills to impact on changes in the ways organisations operate and lead them towards a more sustainable future. Become a leader in the field of sustainable business and entrepreneurship!

Note! You can apply for the Creative Sustainability programme to study a degree  either in the field of arts, business, or technology. Each field has its own programme page below.

Two students discussing in the School of Business building.

Sustainable entrepreneurship, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

Get the tools to lead sustainable business ventures – and join the race to solve some of the world’s most urgent problems!

Study options
A student and an assistant professor on Aalto University campus in Otaniemi

Strategic management in a changing world, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

Strategic Management in a Changing World is a unique Master’s programme that teaches students how to develop effective strategy in a rapidly changing world. Graduates are analytical decision-makers who can identify valuable business opportunities by evaluating of complex global megatrends such as sustainability, digitalization, and globalization. To action these new opportunities, the programme teaches students how to bring an entrepreneurial mindset into their organizations.

Study options
Two Aalto University business students on campus in Otaniemi.

People Management and Organizational Development, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

The Master’s Programme in People Management and Organizational Development
provides students with expert knowledge and the analytical, communication and teamworking skills needed to help organizations to develop their operations successfully and sustainably. Upon graduation students work in expert and leadership roles in the fields of human resource management and organizational development. The programme further offers students a unique chance to complete a double degree programme with the University of Queensland (AU) or University of South Carolina (US). The programme is run in close collaboration with business, public organizations and NGOs. Thus, the programme offers students the latest knowledge in people management and organizational development in rapidly changing world of work and organizations.

Study options
Students with teacher learning in laboratory

Creative Sustainability, Master of Science (Technology)

Complex sustainability challenges, such as the climate crises, the loss of biodiversity, poverty, and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. The Master’s Programme in Creative Sustainability (CS) provides a multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields of design, business, and materials and chemical engineering.

Study options
Creative sustainability students studying

Creative Sustainability, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

The Master’s Programme in Creative Sustainability (CS) provides a multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields of design, business, and materials and chemical engineering.

Study options
Aalto Business students browsing course books around a table

Creative Sustainability, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

The Creative Sustainability (CS) programme provides students with the skills and knowledge to address pressing global sustainability challenges through business. Students with different backgrounds are united by the creative solutions, hands-on methodologies and shared values that characterise the programme. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership positions that require harnessing business understanding to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Study options

Energy, materials science and health technology

Are you interested in energy technology, designing future materials or health technology? Through studies at Aalto, you can get into creating solutions to energy transition, developing new materials to replace harmful or poorly recyclable ones, or creating a better quality of life through health technologies. Find the studies related to these themes below!

Solar panels with 2 human reflections pictured.

Study energy technology for a sustainable future

Discover the wide range of different energy related master's programmes Aalto University has to offer!

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Pictured are different shapes of samples of materials coloured with wood-based pigments that are shimmering beautifully.

Study materials science and design

Discover the wide range of different materials science and design related master's programmes Aalto University has to offer.

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Mies katselee aivodataa sisältävää tietokoneruutua magneettikuvauslaboratoriossa.

Study health and wellbeing technology

Discover the transformative world of health and wellbeing technology with a master's degree at Aalto University.

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Learn more about Aalto

A guy peeks from behind fresh green birch branches. Photo: Aalto University / Unto Rautio

Fall in love with Finland and Aalto

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.

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Opiskelijat juhlivat lukukauden aloitusta opiskelijahaalareissa. Kuva: Lasse Lecklin

Student life at Aalto

Discover genuine stories about student life at Aalto and life after graduation.

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Webinars on degree programmes

What do the studies really consist of in our degree programmes and study options? Join our webinars and ask directly from the programme heads!

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Stay connected with us

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Fairs and events for applicants

This page gives information on upcoming events, fairs and webinars for applicants. Join Aalto students for a virtual coffee every Friday or come meet Aalto University students and staff in Finland and abroad!

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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.

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