Study options

Bioproducts Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

Establishing new solutions to replace non-renewable resources is one of the primary missions across different industries. In the Bioproducts Engineering Master’s Programme, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to develop innovative technologies that convert renewable bio-based resources into a variety of marketable, recyclable bioproducts. A career in this field gives you an excellent opportunity to contribute to the green transition and help the society in achieving the global sustainable development goals, such as the efficient use of natural resources and reduced waste generation.
Lignin nanoparticles applied to multilayered films to create colourful coatings. Photo: Aalto University, Alexander Henn
Lignin nanoparticles applied as multilayer film to create colourful coatings. Photo: Aalto University, Alexander Henn

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 Chemical Engineering

Tuition fees:

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

Applying to master’s programmes

Webinar | Bioproducts Engineering

Want to hear more about the Master's Programme in Bioproducts Engineering? In this webinar the programme representatives will introduce the programme and answer your questions regarding the studies in the programme.

Watch the webinar recording!
Lignin nanoparticles applied as multilayer film to create colourful coatings. Photo: Aalto University, Alexander Henn

Description

In the midst of the green transition, the conversion of bio-based resources – such as wood, plants, natural fibres, and organic waste – into materials for varying products has become more crucial than ever. Although bioresources are increasingly used in, for instance, materials engineering, such as packaging, the possibilities for new innovations are endless. A prominent example of such innovation is Ioncell-F technology that transforms used textiles, pulp, and newspapers into new textile fibres without using harmful chemicals.

The world needs visionary experts who can create alternative ways to use bioresources and to develop recyclable alternatives to polluting materials and chemicals, e.g., fossil-based plastics and fuels. We also need to utilise industrial side streams and highly processed materials more efficiently to build a better circular economy.

In the Bioproducts Engineering Master’s Programme, you acquire the skills to develop tomorrow’s sustainable, marketable bioproducts that help our planet combat climate change and reduce waste. Aalto University's diverse and multidisciplinary study environment together with top-notch research centres and dedicated faculty give students an excellent foundation for a successful career in this rapidly evolving field.

Bioproducts Engineering graduates are able to:

  • Utilise wood, plant fibres and other bio-based resources in the development of sustainable materials, products, and solutions. Graduates know the hierarchical structure of plant fibres from molecular level and understand its relevance in bio-based raw material processing and application. They also have the technical and analytical skills to perform fibre fractionation experiments in a laboratory.
  • Describe value chains in a circular bioeconomy from raw materials to end products, recycling, and biodegradation. Graduates can identify and analyse the principles of transitioning to a circular bioeconomy. They know how to apply sustainable development tools in the engineering of bioeconomy value chain products and processes.
  • Select and apply analytical techniques for the characterisation of biomass, wood products, fibres, polymers, and other relevant raw materials as well as end products. Graduates are skilled in utilizing models related to processes in the forest products industry and broader bio-based sectors.
  • Design, execute, and report a research project. Graduates can take part in scientific discussions in the bioproducts engineering field and formulate scientifically justified arguments.

Language of instruction

In the Master’s Programme in Bioproducts Engineering, the language of instruction is English.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Aalto University’s tuition fee for master’s programmes taught in English is 15 000 euros per academic year. Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than those of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

Aalto University has a scholarship programme to support non-EU/EEA citizens who study in a fee-charging degree programme. The scholarship may cover 100% or 50% of the tuition fee.

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 Bioproducts Engineering comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:

  • Major studies (60–65 ECTS)
  • Elective studies (25–30 ECTS)
  • Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)

All the compulsory and specialisation courses are intended to be completed during the first year. The second year is dedicated to 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.

Teaching methods

In this programme, teaching relies heavily on problem-based learning: in addition to lectures and seminars, there are project and group works in which students get to solve industry and research related problems given by, for example, companies the programme collaborates with. Some of the courses also organise field trips and excursions to companies and research institutes to give new perspectives to studying. All in all, there is a heavy emphasis on hands-on laboratory exercises throughout much of the program. On the other hand, some of the courses have more theoretical content arranged as online exercises.

Students have the opportunity to do experiments in top-notch research laboratories independently. Aalto University’s world-class chemistry and materials laboratories offer students an innovative learning environment where state-of-the-art research is conducted.

Specialisations

Students have the freedom to create their own individual study path based on their interests and aspirations. They can opt for a cross-disciplinary path that gives them a broad palette of skills. However, if a student wants to specialise in certain industries or topics, they can choose to complete a set of recommended courses. Such topics include, for instance:

  • Biorefinery
  • Wood material science and engineering
  • Fibre-based packaging and technology
  • Textiles

Get to know our professors

Luana Dessbesell aims to translate bioproducts research into commercial success

Professor Luana Dessbesell works on bridging the gap between academia and industry. Her research group Sustainable Bioproducts Innovation is a multidisciplinary group of people who seek to support the development and commercialization of new forest-based innovations.

Professor Dessbesell in a lab, wearing a green jacket

Get to know us: Associate Professor Michael Hummel

Michael Hummel had plans to stay in Finland for only a year or so. In the end, he enjoyed his work at Aalto so much that he decided to stay.

Michael smiling in Dipoli building
The people of the School of Chemical Engineering

Internationalisation

Aalto University is known for its international study and research environment. Every year, Aalto welcomes thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad. Additionally, many of our professors and researchers have international backgrounds and experience, bringing their global networks close to students. In the Bioproducts Engineering Master’s Programme, international postdoctoral researchers often instruct students in their laboratory work.

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 Bioproducts Engineering Master’s Programme is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies. When choosing their specialisation courses, students have the opportunity to focus on the research-based courses in particular to prepare for PhD studies even more.

Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering

Career opportunities

As the green transition continues, skills to develop sustainable bio-based materials and chemicals are globally in high demand across different industries – such as chemical, energy, wood as well as pulp and paper.

Our graduates work in various advisory, managerial, planning, and research positions in, e.g., consulting, IT, and equipment manufacturing companies. There are many startups in the field that offer employment opportunities as well. Of course, graduates can also choose the entrepreneurial path themselves. There is a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, working as a springboard for founding a company. Additionally, many students choose to get a PhD and become researchers.

Aalto University has well-established career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Thanks to the flexible curriculum, many Aalto students already work during their studies and guarantee themselves entry positions before graduation. In the Bioproducts Engineering Master's Programme, students get a chance to network with the industry through course projects and assignments carried out in cooperation with companies. In addition, students often write their Master’s thesis for a company.

Research focus

In the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), the aim is to develop innovative products and solutions from textiles and biomaterials to energy and biomedicine. The research is focused on varying topics, including:

  • Producing new materials using plant-based resources
  • The structure of plant fibres
  • The processing and use of wood-based biomass

You can read more about the research at Bio2 here.

Co-operation with other parties

At Aalto University, 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.

One excellent example of the interdisciplinary collaboration at Aalto is the CHEMARTS initiative, merging The School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM) and The School of Arts, Design, and Architecture (ARTS) together. CHEMARTS aims to inspire students and researchers to create new bioeconomy concepts by combining design, business thinking, and natural materials science. The initiative organises various activities and learning opportunities, such as externally funded research projects, study courses, and an interdisciplinary summer school.

As mentioned before, the Bioproducts Engineering Master's Programme also cooperates closely with the industry in the form of projects and assignments. Additionally, many students write their Master’s thesis for a company.

Evaluation criteria 2025

Evaluation process

The applicants are first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements found on https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes. Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.

The selection process for those who meet the general eligibility criteria is described next. First, the applications are evaluated based on the following (critical) criteria:

  • Academic performance
  • Relevance of previous studies
  • Suitability

Only the applications that fulfill the requirements for these criteria will be evaluated against the full set of evaluation criteria.

After the evaluation of the remaining criteria below, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation of all criteria.

  • Recognition and quality of institution

The programme does not have a minimum quota to be filled, and not all eligible applicants will necessarily be admitted.

Study option-specific documents

The documents required from all applicants are listed on https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes. In addition, applicants to this programme are requested to provide the following study option-specific documents. In question concerning study option-specific documents, please contact the School of Chemical Engineering ([email protected]).

Contact information

School of Chemical Engineering

For enquiries regarding the application process, application documents, and language tests, please contact [email protected]. If you want more information about the content of the programme and studies at the School of Chemical Engineering, you can reach out to our Learning Services: [email protected]

[email protected]

+358 50 362 3017

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