Electronics and Nanotechnology, Master of Science (Technology)

Description

We are surrounded by wireless technologies almost everywhere we go, space technology is skyrocketing thanks to small satellites, and nanotechnology is enabling major breakthroughs in fields like modern computing and energy harvesting. In the Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme, the focus is strongly on creating these cutting-edge ​​technologies needed to build sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for the modern world.

Some of the key enablers of developing new technology are semiconductors used especially in microchips. In Finland, there is a large cluster of companies specialised in the design and manufacture of semiconductors. These companies are investing heavily in the field to advance the country’s and the whole EU’s self-sufficiency in microchips. At the same time, the demand for professionals who have the skills to design semiconductors is rapidly increasing.

As a very high-tech oriented Master’s Programme, Electronics and Nanotechnology provides engineering students with all the necessary knowledge and tools to develop electronic devices and components that shape society for the better. During their studies, students get to use state-of-the-art software and, depending on their chosen major, do experiments in world-class research facilities like Metsähovi Radio Observatory and Micronova, which has the biggest cleanroom in the Nordic countries.

Electronics and Nanotechnology graduates have:

• Fundamental knowledge in their field. Graduates understand the substantial practices and key scientific theories of their chosen specification area.
• A toolbox for building technology. Graduates can design and build technological hardware relevant to their chosen specification area.
• A researcher’s mindset. Graduates possess a strong theoretical background and a research-oriented, scientific, and academic approach to solving problems.
• Revolutionary potential. Graduates are experts in technologies that change rapidly and will in many ways redefine the world we live in.

Language of instruction

In the Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme, 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 about tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available here.

Structure of studies

The two-year Master’s Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:

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

Students select their major at the beginning of the studies. The first semester consists of introductive common studies and the first Spring semester is dedicated to the common compulsory studies in each major. The second year is mostly dedicated to the 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.

More information about the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.

Students can approach their engineering studies from both industrial and scientific perspectives. They are able to direct their studies either a theoretically-oriented manner or more towards hands-on practical applications. Thus, the programme is a combination of theoretical and practical courses that utilise different teaching methods: lectures, independent exercises, computer simulations, group assignments, and laboratory work. Upon graduation, students have a lot of hands-on experience of using different softwares and – depending on their major – working in laboratories, cleanrooms, and an astronomical radio observatory.

The programme collaborates closely with the industry: guest lecturers participate in courses and students get to do projects with companies. Additionally, about 50 percent of all the Master’s theses are written for a company.

Specialisations

In this programme, students can choose from four different majors depending on their interests and aspirations. All majors are closely connected to current research conducted at Aalto. The majors are:

1. Micro- and Nanoelectronic Circuit Design

In Micro- and Nanoelectronic Circuit Design, students learn to design modern wireless devices and to understand the technology behind the latest developments in wireless connections, such as 5G and beyond. Since no application can run without an electronic hardware platform, this major also focuses on how we can decrease future devices’ energy usage and make them more sustainable. Additionally, upon graduation, students are able to integrate digital and analog radio-frequency circuits into the smallest wireless sensors like the "Internet of Things" or implantable medical devices.

2. Microwave Engineering

In Microwave Engineering, students learn to develop microwave components for modern wireless devices as well as to understand new developments in wireless connections. The major covers interesting current trends, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces that can be used to control microwaves. In particular, students learn to design antennas for wireless devices and networks and predict how the waves propagate in different environments.

Microwave engineering is a field where future graduates will have an increasingly vital role in advancing sustainability. They are challenged to design new solutions while prioritising energy efficiency, durability, recyclability, more sustainable life cycles, waste reduction, and minimisation of environmental effects. This means, for example, improving the efficiency of antennas and reducing electromagnetic interference.

3. Photonics and Nanotechnology

In Photonics and Nanotechnology, students learn the principles of physics governing the properties and interaction of light and matter. The main focus is on applying these theories to the development and manufacture of state-of-the-art, green, and efficient devices while utilising, for instance, nanocarbon compounds and 2D materials. In the future, semiconductor companies need a growing number of experts who can make the industry more sustainable, and this major equips students with the necessary skills to meet those needs.

Semiconductor manufacturing technology and novel nanofabrication methods our students learn about can be exploited in many areas, including sensors, optoelectronic devices (solar cells, LEDs, lasers), photonic devices, and even nanoelectronic devices based on quantum physics. During their studies, students have the opportunity to develop components based on semiconductors in the biggest cleanroom research facility in the Nordic countries, Micronova – Finland's national research infrastructure for micro- and nanotechnology.

4. Space Science and Technology

There are four main focus areas in the Space Science and Technology major: space technology, earth observation, space physics, and radio astronomy. Students learn to design and build reliable and energy-efficient space systems, set up space research projects, and process the results scientifically.

5. Wireless and RF Engineering

In the field of wireless and RF engineering, students delve into the intricacies of transmitting and receiving radio waves through the use of antennas. They gain a profound understanding of how these transmitted waves propagate and interact within diverse environments. Additionally, students acquire the skills necessary to manipulate these radio waves to convey information effectively, as well as leverage them for environmental sensing applications, such as radar systems.

Wireless technology is undeniably ubiquitous, with an ever-expanding array of new applications continually emerging. Engineers in this discipline face the ongoing challenge of crafting innovative solutions that prioritize energy and material efficiency, fostering sustainability as they outperform current systems.

Internationalisation

Aalto University is known for its international study and research environment. Every year, Aalto welcomes thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad. As the Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme covers globally relevant technologies and offers state-of-the-art research facilities, it is of great interest to international applicants – studies are conducted in multicultural groups. 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:

• 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 Electronics and Nanotechnology Master’s Programme is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies.

Career opportunities

Employment rates for fresh graduates are extremely good as the electronics and nanotechnology industries are growing fast on a global level. Thanks to the students’ hands-on experience of different softwares as well as of working in laboratories and a cleanroom, they have a significant advantage in the job market. Additionally, many companies within the industry are actively involved in this programme, giving students the possibility to network with employers. Aalto University also has well-established career services through which you can get employed in Finland and abroad.

There is a large variety of Finnish and international employers in this field. Some examples of the companies our recent graduates work for are:

• Software, telecommunications, IT, and electronics companies (e.g. Nokia, Microsoft, Optenni, HULD, DA-Group)
• Semiconductor, antenna, and electronic components manufacturers (e.g. Microsoft, Qualcomm, CoreHW, Radientum, Murata, SAAB, Dispelix, Kyocera, Beneq, Picosun, Nordic Semiconductors, Okmetic)
• Space technology and aerospace engineering companies (e.g. Airbus, Airbus Defense and Space, ICEYE, Kuva Space, Aurora Propulsion, Arctic Astronautics, Leaf Space)
• Research institutions (e.g. VTT)

Graduates often start their globally-oriented careers in research- and development-focused tasks, eventually shifting towards different industry expert and management positions based on individual preferences. Since the program is very research-oriented, a popular option is to continue studies towards a doctoral degree. Some graduates also start their own companies or find employment in high-growth hardware startups in the field.

Typical job titles of recent graduates employed in companies include, e.g.:

• Antenna/RF/Microwave Engineer
• Consultant
• Business Developer
• Design Engineer
• ASIC Developer
• SoC Architect
• FPGA Programmer
• Spacecraft Designer
• Research Team Leader

Research focus

The Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering conducts research in the fields of electromagnetics, micro and nanotechnology, radio engineering, and space technology. Our research groups collaborate actively with several national and international institutes and companies.

You can read more about the research at the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering here.

Co-operation with other parties

Aalto University is among the top-ranked universities in the world regarding industry collaboration. As mentioned above, this programme collaborates with the industry in the form of projects, guest lectures, and Master’s theses. As a graduate, you can benefit from our connections. Aalto Industrial Internet Campus offers you the possibility to network with students from other engineering disciplines and prestigious industrial partners.

At Aalto, 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.

Contact information

School of Electrical Engineering

For enquiries regarding the application process, general application documents and language tests, please contact [email protected]. For enquiries regarding the content of programme, the studies at the School of Electrical Engineering and the study option specific application documents please contact [email protected].

[email protected]