Study options

Energy in Buildings and Built Environment - Advanced Energy Solutions, Master of Science (Technology)

Did you know that buildings are currently responsible for 40 % of primary energy consumption and roughly half of electricity consumption? If you want to address big societal issues such as global warming and healthy indoor climate, The Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions may be the perfect match for you. By studying the efficient use of energy in the fields of building technology and services as well as on the design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, you will work with creating sustainable and comfortable indoor environments.
Students in the house lab with test dummy

Degree:

Master of Science (Technology)

Application period:

30 Nov 2023 – 2 Jan 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 Engineering

Tuition fees:

For non-EU/EEA citizens, €15000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

Applying to master’s programmes

Description

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.

The Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions is divided into four 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 theoretical basis and practical skills that are required in design projects and the development of novel technologies and services for energy-efficient buildings and community. The major offers advanced courses on the efficient use of energy in the fields of building technology and services as well as on the design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The major includes courses of high-performing HVAC systems and indoor environmental quality.
  • Understanding of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable energy in buildings. The major prepares students for current and future challenges in construction and building services engineers. Besides identifying these challenges, you will learn how to design and implement solutions for healthy, smart and sustainable indoor environments.
  • Experience from the field. You will have hands-on experience related to the design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and testing.

The other majors of the Advanced Energy Solutions programme are:

  • Industrial Energy Processes
  • Energy Conversion Processes
  • Energy Systems and Markets

Language of instruction

Language of instruction is English. More information and guidelines on the languages of the degree and instruction available here.

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

Master of Science (Technology) degree is 120 ECTS credits. The degree consists of major studies, master´s thesis and elective studies.

Major studies (66 cr) consists of

  • 16 cr of common studies shared by all majors of the Advanced Energy Solutions programme
  • 15 cr of major-specific common studies
  • 35 cr advanced studies

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 24 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.

Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions

Specialisations

Topic groups within the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major are HVAC Technology, Building Engineering Services, and Building Technology and Energy.

Internationalisation

The study environment in the Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions 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.

Furthermore, a student of Aalto University has many other opportunities to make their studies more international, such as:

  • by studying on a summer course or a school abroad
  • by completing an internship abroad
  • by studying new languages and intercultural communication
  • by acting as a international tutor (kv-ISO) for exchange students at Aalto University and by taking part in the AYY Student Guilds' international activities
  • by doing their thesis at a university abroad
  • by completing courses from the Unite! -alliance universities via virtual exchange (more information on Unite!)

Further study opportunities

The Master’s programme in Advanced Energy Solutions at Aalto is considered as a great foundation for doctoral studies. More information available here.

Ilari Ranta-Aho wakeboarding

Alumnus Ilari Ranta-Aho was supposed to become an architect, but HVAC technology stole his heart

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.

People

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Energy in Buildings and Built Environment are capable of acting as an expert of 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.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.

Research focus

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.

Co-operation with other parties

Aalto University and the departments involved in the programme collaborate with many high-quality universities world-wide. 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.

Applying to master’s programmes

Chat with Aalto students

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Admission requirements 2024

The applicants are first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements (https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes). Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated according to the evaluation criteria below.

Firstly, the applications are evaluated based on the following (critical) criteria.

  • Academic performance
  • Relevance of previous studies
  • Suitability

Only the applications who 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
  • Other areas of competence

Evaluation criteria

Study option -specific documents requirements

The documents requested from all applicants are listed here (https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes). In addition, applicants to this study-option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents:

Programme director

Ilkka Keppo

Professor, programme director

Risto Kosonen

Professor-in-charge, Sustainable Energy in Buildings and Built Environment major

Contact information

Suvi Jämsä

Planning officer (content and studies of the programme)

[email protected]

Aalto University Admission Services

For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admission Services at

[email protected]

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