Want to hear more about the Master's Programme in Chemistry and Materials Science? In this webinar recording the programme representative will introduce the programme and answer questions regarding the studies in the programme.
Providing tools for developing molecules and materials that make modern, sustainable, and life-enhancing innovations possible – this is what the Chemistry and Materials Science Master’s Programme is all about. Today, a wide range of industries, such as energy, pharmaceutical, and electronics, utilise more materials than ever before to produce cutting-edge solutions. As a result, there is a globally growing demand for new and increasingly complex materials as well as for industry experts who have the skills to develop them.
At the same time, the increasing use of batteries and hydrogen also call for advanced material solutions. The world not only needs to find more ethical and environmentally friendly materials to produce catalysts for hydrogen production and batteries, but also ways to make batteries more efficient.
The Chemistry and Materials Science Master’s Programme provides students with the right skill set and hands-on experience needed to find solutions to these modern challenges. Aalto University’s chemistry and materials science education is based on high level research and the programme is one of the best in its field in the Nordic countries. Aalto’s materials science education has received recognition also on a global level – QS World University Ranking has placed it among the best in the world.
Upon graduating from the Chemistry and Materials Science Master’s Programme, you will have:
In the Chemistry and Materials Science Master’s Programme, the language of instruction is English.
The tuition fee for this programme is 17 000 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.
The two-year Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Materials Science 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
In this programme, the main teaching methods include lectures that are mostly held in person on campus and laboratory work done in groups or independently. Aalto University’s world-class chemistry laboratories offer students an innovative learning environment where state-of-the-art research is conducted. Students receive high level education and get hands-on experience in building, modelling, and characterising molecules as well as creating new materials. They get to utilise the atomic layer deposition technique and grow thin films.
The teaching methods also include small group teaching, essay writing as well as field trips and excursions to companies and research institutes. One of the programme’s strengths – especially when it comes to materials science – is close cooperation with the industry. Many course projects and assignments are given directly by industry representatives, preparing students for their future careers.
Students have the freedom to create their own individual study track based on their interests and aspirations. They can opt for a cross-disciplinary path that gives them a broad palette of skills. However, students may choose to specialise in either chemistry or materials science which provide their own study paths.
Chemistry
In this subfield, students further familiarise themselves with molecular and quantum mechanical level description of matter and chemical reactions. Additionally, they can choose to focus on one of these study paths:
Materials science
At the core of this subfield are novel smart materials – the topics vary from atomic bonds and nanoscale phenomena to microstructure of matter and finally, their engineering applications. Students don’t simply learn about materials per se but also about their impact and value in a social, economic, and environmental context.
The students can focus on:
Juha Siitonen, Doctor of Philosophy, started his five-year fixed term as Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science on 1 January 2022. The field of the professorship is organic chemistry.
Professor of functional nanomaterials would like to combine technology and art in her research.
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.
At Aalto, students can improve their global competence by, for example:
The Chemistry and Materials Science Master’s Programme is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies.
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to develop new technologies, ideas, and practices in various branches of chemistry and materials science. Such branches include:
Within these industries, graduates can work in differing positions. Some of the possibilities include:
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.
In the Chemistry and Materials Science Master's Programme, students have the opportunity to collaborate with the industry in the form of, for instance, assignments. In addition, a big part of the Master’s theses are written in cooperation with companies.
There are multiple active research groups in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science. The research focuses on micro, nano, and atomic scale engineering of compounds and materials, covering topics like:
You can read more about the research at the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science here.
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 fascinating 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 above, the Chemistry and Materials Science Master's Programme cooperates also with the industry, especially when it comes to materials science. Courses include, among other things, industry projects and field trips to companies and research institutes. In addition, students often write their Master’s thesis at 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 3.0 (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 (fields): Chemistry, materials science, materials physics, or nanotechnology. Degrees in chemical engineering, semiconductor electronics, physics or pharmaceutics may also be relevant. Examples of key subjects: inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials properties, different types of materials: semiconductors, metals, polymers, crystalline oxides and/or nanomaterials, synthesis methods. Knowledge and skills: Sufficient studies and proven skills and knowledge in at least some of the key subjects listed above are necessary.Applicants are expected to have a strong background in university chemistry, physics, or materials science. Previous studies must include laboratory courses in chemistry. 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), grading system. |
| 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 |
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. In question concerning study option-specific documents, please contact the School of Chemical Engineering ([email protected]).
Lack of this application document will result in your application being rejected.
The letter should be maximum 4000 characters (with spaces) and 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.
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.
The applicant must provide a document of the official grading system used in their Bachelor´s degree studies. The document may be an attachment to the degree certificate, a link to the grading system on the institution’s webpage or handbook, a diploma supplement or other reliable source. Applicants from Finnish Universities or Universities of Applied Sciences do not need to submit the document.
School of Chemical Engineering
Questions concerning the Master's programme and the content of the studies as well as application-specific attachments can be sent to the Learning Services of the School of Chemical Engineering
Aalto University Admission Services
If you have any questions regarding the application process, application documents or language tests, please contact Aalto University Admission Services