Want to hear more about the Master's Programme in Biotechnology? In this webinar the programme representatives will introduce the programme and answer your questions regarding the studies in the programme.
The Master’s Programme in Biotechnology offers a first-hand look at one of the most crucial disciplines in creating both a greener and a healthier future. Biotechnical solutions play an increasingly important role in various industries – especially food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and forest. A growing number of biotechnology experts are needed to develop, for example, new food ingredients, more sustainable chemicals and fuel solutions as well as advanced medicine, such as vaccines.
The programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to contribute biotechnology-based solutions in different fields while keeping up with the rapidly changing world. It covers the whole development chain from ideation of new concepts all the way to the implementation of biotechnological production.
Upon graduating from the Biotechnology Master’s Programme, you will have:
In the Biotechnology Master’s Programme, the language of instruction is English.
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.
The two-year Master’s Programme in Biotechnology comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:
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
From the very beginning, the students get to apply theoretical knowledge to address real-life problems through group works and individual assignments. Approximately 25 percent of the courses will take place in a research-level laboratory– the students have multiple opportunities to use their acquired skills in a practical setting. Furthermore, many courses utilise a problem-based learning approach wherein students are encouraged to find a solution through experimentation.
The program enables students to freely tailor their studies to best suit their interests and aspirations. However, for students interested especially in industrial production, we recommend courses focusing on bioprocessing as well as on biomass properties and processing. Biomass is often used as a sustainable raw material in industrial scale biomanufacturing processes.
For students seeking in-depth understanding of molecular bioscience, we recommend courses focusing on mechanistic and data-driven modelling approaches that are used to predict biological and biophysical phenomena.
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 Biotechnology 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:
In autumn 2022, Elizaveta Sidorova began her Master’s studies at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering. After working with cell biology and bioproducts in the past, she is now exploring the field of biotechnology and looking forward to doing work that can have a genuinely positive impact on people’s lives.
Dinara Bozzhigitova works at VTT, in an enzyme and material biotechnology research team. In autumn 2022, she started her Master's studies in Biotechnology at the School of Chemical Engineering. Dinara's goal is to gain a more thorough understanding of the theory behind her work, and to help develop new, sustainable technologies.
The Biotechnology Master’s Programme is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies.
There is a high demand for biotechnology experts in many fields, such as food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and forest. Most of the graduates work as industry experts – in production, for example – or as academically-oriented researchers.
Aalto University has well-established career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Thanks to the flexible curriculum, many Aalto students work already during their studies and guarantee themselves entry positions before graduation.
At the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), cutting-edge biotechnology research focuses on various topical issues. The findings have the potential to make a real impact on sustainable development.
For example, we develop genetically reprogrammed microbes tailored to:
The department also develops enzymes that can be applied as biocatalysts, replacing harmful chemicals and increasing the specificity of the catalysed reaction.
To reach our research goals, we utilise model-guided genetic engineering approaches, high-throughput screening approaches, and the latest synthetic biology tools. Bio2 is internationally recognised for its multidisciplinary engineering education development in digitalised and online learning environments.
You can read more about the research at Bio2 here.
Aalto University is well-known for bridging different disciplines – 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.
In the Biotechnology Master’s Programme, some courses are carried out in collaboration with companies and students can participate in lectures given by industry experts. Additionally, approximately 75 percent of the programme’s Master’s theses are written for a company.
| What is evaluated | GPA of the bachelor’s degree |
| What we look for in an applicant? | The applicant's success in his/her previous studies (those that give basis for applying to the programme) will be evaluated based on the grade point average (GPA). Applicants are required to have a GPA equivalent to a minimum of 3.5 (on a scale 1.0 - 5.0, 1.0 being the minimum passing grade). |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript of records, degree certificate |
| What is evaluated | Content and quantity of previous studies in relation to the applied study option-specific requirements |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant field in the natural sciences or engineering. Relevant degrees: Biotechnology, bioengineering, life sciences, bioinformatics, biomaterials, food science / technology, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical engineering or similar. Examples of key subjects: Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, bioprocess technology, industrial biotechnology, gene technology Knowledge and skills: Sufficient studies and proven skills and knowledge in at least some of the key subjects listed above are necessary. Preference is given to candidates with a combination of fundamental (Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology) and applied bioscience studies (bioprocess technology, industrial biotechnology, gene technology). Previous studies must include at least 30 ECTS from at least two out of the four following subjects: mathematics, chemistry, physics, and programming/information technology. In addition to the studies giving basis to apply to the programme, other possible studies may also be evaluated. However, the study option should provide genuinely new knowledge and enhance the career prospects of the applicant. Thus, applicants who already have a master’s degree in a closely related field will only be admitted with well-justified reasons which should be explained in the motivation letter. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| What is evaluated | Recognition and quality of the applicant's previous institution |
| What we look for in an applicant? | The applicant's previous institution (where the degree giving basis to apply was completed) will be evaluated based on the recognition and quality of the institution. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | International and national rankings of higher education institutions |
| What is evaluated | Applicant’s further applicability to the study option, motivation and commitment for the studies |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
The applicant must clearly demonstrate genuine motivation to study the chosen field. The applicant must also explain how his/her previous studies support studying in the chosen study option and why he/she would be a good candidate for the study option. Please see further instructions for the motivation letter below. The studies should provide genuinely new knowledge. If the applicant already has a master's degree, he/she should clearly indicate why he/she is applying to complete another master's degree. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Motivation letter and CV |
| What is evaluated | Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
The applicant's other relevant achievements or experiences are evaluated if documented in the application:
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| Method of demonstrating competence | Recommendation letters, proof of employment, publications |
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:
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.
The programme does not have a minimum quota to be filled, and not all eligible applicants will necessarily be admitted.
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 (if applicable):
Lack of this motivation letter will result in your application being rejected.
The letter should be maximum 4000 characters (with spaces) and fit in a single A4 page. The letter must be written in English. This character limit does not apply to the CV.
You should write a separate motivation letter for each study option you apply to.
In your motivation letter, please comment specifically:
1 Your reason(s) for applying to this programme: Why are you applying to this Master’s programme? What do you expect to gain from your studies in this Master’s programme?
2 Your future plans: In which sector would you like to work in the future? How do you think this Master’s programme would support your goals?
3 Areas of interest: What are your particular interests in the field of the study option?
4 You as a candidate: Why do you think you are a good candidate for this Master’s programme? How will your previous education, work experience, knowledge and skills support your studies?
Attach your CV (max. 2 pages) to the motivation letter. The CV must be written in English. The character limit of the motivation letter does not apply to the CV.
Please note that any experiences/achievements cannot be evaluated solely based on the CV. Applicants always need to submit supporting documents (e.g. proof of employment).
If you have already completed another Master’s degree in a closely related field or have a study right to another Master’s or doctoral programme, you must explain why you are applying to complete another Master's degree.
Work experience in a field related to the study option. Please note that an academic recommendation letter cannot be used as proof of employment.
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]
+358 50 362 3017