We are currently moving toward an energy system that has to be sustainable, smart and flexible to meet new challenges. The energy transition requires new ways of thinking about how the built environment can meet society’s needs, while being as energy efficient as possible. The Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions is an excellent place to start shaping the energy system of tomorrow.
Advanced Energy Solutions -programme is divided into five majors. Each one starts with a theoretical foundation which is then built upon in interdisciplinary studies to broaden and deepen your understanding of the energy challenges facing our society.
The Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major offers you:
The other majors of the Advanced Energy Solutions programme are:
Language of instruction is English. More information and guidelines on the languages of the degree and instruction available here.
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.
Master of Science (Technology) degree is 120 ECTS credits. The degree consists of major studies, master´s thesis and elective studies.
Major studies (60 cr) consists of
The main purpose of the programme common module is to give the same starting point for all students regardless their previous back ground. Major common courses give the student a basic understanding of the field. Specialisation is built mainly through advanced studies, where students may choose courses from different topic groups. Topic groups within the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major are HVAC Technology, Building Engineering Services, and Building Technology and Energy.
The elective studies 30 cr can be totally freely selected, or they can constitute a minor subject, according to the student’s preference. Master´s thesis of 30 cr then concludes the degree.
More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
Topic groups within the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major are HVAC Technology, Building Engineering Services, and Building Technology and Energy.
The student decides the major when applying to the Advanced Energy Solutions MSc Programme, and cannot change it once accepted and studies begin.
The study environment in the master’s programme is strongly international and studies are conducted in multicultural groups. Students are actively encouraged to spend a semester abroad, studying at one of the top-tier international partner universities of Aalto University.
The Master’s programme in Advanced Energy Solutions at Aalto is considered as a great foundation for doctoral studies.
Read more about applying for doctoral studies at Aalto University:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/doctoral-education/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-studies
Graduates of the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment majorcan act as an expert in at least one of the following areas: HVAC technology, building services engineering, building technology and energy. Our graduates are also well equipped to pursue doctoral studies.
Typical employers are engineering and consultant companies as well as product manufactures, HVAC contractors, and building authorities.
Example of typical roles include designer, project manager, lead/principal HVAC project designer, product development engineer, laboratory manager, research director, product manager, account manager, sales director.
Graduates will be able to apply innovative, adaptive and socially intelligent thinking skills to their work. Also, they have the ability for multidisciplinary collaboration with a variety of industry actors and stakeholders.
The Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major is supported by academic staff who research energy systems and buildings with the help of simulation tool that makes possible optimize indoor climate conditions in energy efficient manner.
Aalto University and the departments involved in the programme collaborate with many high-quality universities worldwide. Students typically work for an industry partner for their MSc thesis. The programme offers the Advanced Energy Project Course (AAE-E3000) where students practice consulting skills through solving an industry related problem.
Find out more about the field of study, the programme and what comes after from our students and alumni.
After working with building carbon footprints and ventilation systems, Joanna Dawani knew she wanted to deepen her expertise in sustainable building technologies. At Aalto University’s Advanced Energy Solutions programme, she found the flexibility, international learning environment, and practical experience she was looking for—along with a student culture that made Finland feel like home.
Ilari Ranta-Aho’s best study memories are connected to his good study friends. He also advises new students to network and get to know the other students.
Curious about life at Aalto University? Chat with Aalto students on Unibuddy and join them for virtual Coffee sessions on Fridays!
Applicants to the programme must meet the general eligibility and language requirements that are common to all Master's programmes in Aalto University. Applicants meeting Aalto’s general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.
The applications to Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions (all study options) are evaluated based on the following criteria:
| What is evaluated? | Grades of the previous degree(s) |
| What we look in for an applicant? | Grades need to be mainly very good or excellent. The applicant's success in his/her previous studies (those that give basis for applying to the programme) will be evaluated based on the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Applicants are required to have a CGPA 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(s) of records, degree certificate(s), grading scale |
| What is evaluated? | Contents and scope of previous studies compared to demands/ contents of study option applied to |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in a relevant field. Examples of relevant fields of previous degrees or studies: Energy in Buildings and Built Environment: HVAC technology, Energy engineering, Control and Automation, Building physics In addition to studies giving the necessary basis to apply to the programme, other studies are also considered in the evaluation. Do note that students with a master’s degree in a closely related field are generally not accepted, unless well-justified reasons are provided (see evaluation criterion “Suitability”). |
| 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 in for 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 studies |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
The applicant should be motivated to study the chosen subject and committed to full-time studies with a plan to complete the Master’s degree in two years. We are looking for applicants who are able to express clearly the reasons for applying to the study option and describe why they would be good candidates 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 |
| What is evaluated? | Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications, non-formal education, competitions |
| What we look for in an applicant? | -work experience in a field related to the study option -publications with DOI or posters -competitions in a field related to the study option -non-formal education |
| Method of demonstrating competence | The applicant’s curriculum vitae (CV) is evaluated |
Applicants' evaluation process is described under Evaluation process.
The applicants are first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements. 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. Firstly, the applications are evaluated based on the following (critical) criteria.
Only the applications who fulfil 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.
This study option (master's programme) requires two sets of documents from their applicants:
1. Obligatory application documents detailed on the Apply to master’s programmes webpage
2. Documents required by the study option listed below.
Should be written in English
Examples of questions to consider when writing the motivation letter:
Grading scale
The applicant must provide information on the official grading scale used in their Bachelor’s degree studies, including the lowest passing mark on the scale. The grading scale may be included in the transcript of records/degree certificate, or it may be provided as a separate document, such as a link to the grading scale on the institution’s webpage or handbook, a diploma supplement, or another reliable source. Applicants from Finnish Universities or Universities of Applied Sciences do not need to submit this document.
Sanni Hallén
Planning officer (content and studies of the programme)
masterstudies-eng@aalto.fi
Aalto University Admission Services
For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admission Services at
admissions@aalto.fi
