Energy Systems and Markets - Advanced Energy Solutions, Master of Science (Technology)
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Description
A reliable and affordable energy system is the basic requirement of a modern society. Today, the energy systems face challenges with the flexible integration of different energy forms (power, heat, fuels) and with the increasing complexity of the systems due to distributed power generation and emergence of active producer-customers. Integrating intermittent renewable sources, like solar, wind and wave energy, into the energy system is one of the main challenges of our sustainable future. This major offers the basic understanding of the energy system, the main challenges faced by our energy solutions today and possible pathways towards a sustainable future.
The Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions is divided into four majors. Each major shares the same theoretical foundation, which is then built upon in multidisciplinary courses to broaden and deepen your understanding of the energy challenges facing our society.
The Energy Systems and Markets major offers a firm theoretical base as well as practical tools and skills needed by engineers working on the field of energy systems. Courses include theoretical considerations, experimental work, industrial applications, and first-hand experience. The major prepares students for the current and future challenges faced by energy companies, the manufacturing industry, consulting companies and society. Students are well-prepared to pursue doctoral studies.
The other majors of the Advanced Energy Solutions programme are:
- Industrial Energy Processes
- Energy in Buildings and Built Environment
- Energy Conversion Processes
Language of instruction
Language of instruction is English. More information and Aalto University guidelines on the language and communication studies in the degree available here.
Tuition fees and scholarships
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.
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 (60 cr) consists of
- 15 cr of common studies shared by all majors of the Advanced Energy Solutions programme
- 20 cr of major-specific common studies
- 25 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 a given list of courses.
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 programme pages.
Specialisations
Specialisation is built mainly through advanced studies, where students may choose courses from a given list of courses.
The student decides the major when applying to the programme, and cannot change it once accepted and studies begin.
Internationalisation
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.
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 (Unite! - Studies)
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.
Career opportunities
The graduates are capable of acting as an expert of in at least one of the following, depending on the chosen major: new power and energy systems and markets, advanced energy and power production technologies, building and communal energy design and use, bioenergy or industrial energy processes.
Typical employers are energy companies, energy-intensive industries, engineering and consultant companies as well as research institutes. The graduates from Energy Systems and Markets -major 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 research in this master's programme is linked to several focus areas in the School of Electrical engineering and in the School of Engineering. Additional information about research related to this programme can be found at http://elec.aalto.fi/en/research/.
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.
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Evaluation criteria 2025
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) |
| 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. This study option specific contents suit very well or excellent to the study option: Energy Systems and Markets: Electrical engineering, Energy engineering In addition to the studies giving basis to apply to the programme, other possible studies are also 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 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 (mandatory) |
| What is evaluated? | Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications, non-formal education, competitions |
| What we look for in an applicant? | The following areas of the applicant's curriculum vitae are evaluated, if there are certificates attached to the application: - work experience in a field related to the study option - publications 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 if documented in the application |
Study-option-specific documents required
The documents requested from all applicants are listed here Applying to master's programmes. In addition, applicants to this Energy Systems and Markets -study option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
- The lack of this application document will adversely affect the evaluation of the application
- Max. 1 page
- Should be written in English
- Examples of questions to consider when writing the motivation letter:
- Why are you applying for the master’s programme in question?
- What do you expect to gain from studies in the master’s programme?
- Why do you think you are the right person for this master’s programme?
- How will your previous education, work experience, knowledge and skills support your success in your master’s degree studies?
- Describe your professional goals. How do you think the master’s programme you are applying for would support the development of your professional profile?
- In which sector would you like to work in the future? What kind of career are you planning?
- Why do you want to study at Aalto University and in Finland? - In case the applicant already has completed another master’s degree in a closely related field or if he/she has a study right to another master’s or doctoral programme, he/she is asked to explain why he/she is applying to complete another master's degree.
- Max. 2 pages
- Should be written in English
Programme director
Contact information
Sanni Hallén
Planning officer (content and studies of the programme)
School of Electrical Engineering
For enquiries regarding the studies at the School of Electrical Engineering please contact:
Aalto University Admission Services
For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admission Services.
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