Polymers are to be found in a great variety of everyday and high performance applications ranging from medical to aerospace. Fibres and fibre-based materials, including wood, paper and composites are also extremely widely used, in areas as diverse as fashion textiles and construction products. Both fibres and polymers as well as the materials manufactured from them can be derived from renewable as well as non-renewable resources. Current research is, for example, leading to new developments in plastics and resins derived from plants, whilst stiff and strong fibres are being ‘regenerated’ from cellulose derived from wood. These bio-based polymers and fibers will become increasingly important in a sustainable future. In addition to the advances in bio-based materials, the use of fossil-based polymeric materials and fibres continues to evolve quickly in the face of the challenges of resource efficiency and sustainable development.
This rapidly evolving area of science and technology requires professionals who can work at the interface between different disciplines to meet future global challenges. The Fibre and Polymer Engineering major is built on a solid fundamental understanding of polymers, their synthesis, structure, processing and properties, as well as the structure and properties of fibres and the materials and products manufactured from them. In line with the strategic focus areas of the School of Chemical Engineering, considerable emphasis is placed on fibres and polymers derived from bio-based feedstock. Students taking this major will concentrate, through course work, tailored projects and their final thesis, on one of three areas of specialization. These are i) wood-based materials and their applications, ii) web-structures and converted fibre products and iii) polymer science and technology.
Graduates of the programme will have achieved the key scientific and professional working methods of their area of specialisation and will be able to continuously deepen their knowledge by acquiring, evaluating and processing scientific, technical and professional information. They will gain the knowledge and skills to understand the challenges of the field from the point of view of users and technical and social systems, as well as from that of the environment and be able to use this knowledge in developing new solutions, also as members of multidisciplinary teams.
In all majors in the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering the language of instruction is English. It is also possible to complete some courses in Finnish or Swedish.
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.
Overall, the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering - Fibre and Polymer Engineering comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of:
· Major dependent studies (63-65 ECTS)
· Elective studies (25-27 ECTS)
· Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
Final project
Students are required to complete a Master's thesis, which is a research assignment with a workload corresponding to 30 ECTS credits. Master's theses are typically performed in cooperation with the industry or in the research project(s) of the department(s).
After graduating from the major Fibre and Polymer Engineering, you:
· have a deep understanding of the fibre and polymer value chain, from raw material to customer-specific end products
· have a solid fundamental knowledge of polymers, their structure, processing and properties
· know how polymers are synthesized from bio-based as well as fossil-based precursors
· know how molecular structure controls the material properties of polymers derived therefrom
· knows the main fibre types, their production, properties and applications
· know the principle routes to isolate fiber from biomass feedstock and possess expertise in natural fibers, their composition, structure and behavior
· have specialized knowledge in the manufacture, properties and application of materials and products manufactured from fossil- as well as bio-based fibers and polymers
· can apply knowledge of surface chemistry in composite technology
More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
The application target defines the major, please choose the major/application target carefully.
Aalto University is known for its international study environment, with studies conducted in multicultural groups. The teaching methods support networking with people from diverse backgrounds – many of the professors and researchers have international backgrounds and experience, bringing their global networks close to students.
Developing one’s global competencies can include:
● 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 Master’s thesis outside Finland
● Taking summer courses abroad
● Benefiting from several funding options available for internationalisation
The Master’s programme in Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Fibre and Polymer Engineering at Aalto is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies.
As a graduate of the programme you will have the skills and knowledge to work as a pacesetter of your field in various managerial, planning and research duties serving industry or related stakeholders, the scientific community or public sector.
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. There is also a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, working as a springboard for founding a company.
More information about the research: https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-bioproducts-and-biosystems
One of the strengths of this Master’s programme is close cooperation with the industry: from industry assignments, projects in courses and special courses with teachers from the industry to conducting your Master’s thesis in a company. Furthermore, field trips and excursions to companies and research institutes of the field give new perspectives to studying. We recommend you to take part in these activities to enhance your position in the international job market. Many of the Finnish companies in the field operate internationally. In addition, departments have academic co-operation with high quality international universities and organisations.
Students can include multidisciplinary studies to their degree by choosing courses from the fields of arts and business within Aalto University. They can also take courses from other Finnish universities.
Aalto University is well-known for bridging the disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the University bring students from different fields together. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
During her studies at Aalto University, Jonna Jyrämä inspired a new generation of future chemists at a part-time job for Aalto Junior and worked in different teams to create new innovative and sustainable solutions.
Major Fibre and Polymer Engineering is a part of the Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering. The School of Chemical Engineering combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way. This allows the results of our research to be refined a long way and put into practice as ready products and processes. Each innovation secures both our renewable and non-renewable natural resources for the future.
The School provides education for a wide range of responsible future professionals. M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduates in technology work in diverse positions in Finland's largest industrial sectors, in the metal and electronics industry, wood processing industries as well as chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries. The research and teaching are supported by an extensive international academic and industrial cooperation network.
The focus areas of the education are the sustainable use and processing of natural resources and new materials, including their technical applications. In the studies towards the major, students acquire advanced knowledge in a specific area of biotechnology, chemical technology or material science and technology. The education leading to a master’s degree is based on the professional practices of fields requiring expertise in science and technology and on scientific research generating new knowledge. Students may choose their minors or elective study modules so that their degree is a combination of technology, business, and art, typical of Aalto University.
Students will adopt a responsible, goal-oriented and systematic way of working, and develop skills to work as experts in their area of specialisation both independently and in cooperation with experts of different fields, also in an international working environment. They will be able to express themselves clearly and unambiguously both orally and in writing and to tailor their communication to the target audience.
The School of Chemical Engineering trains Masters of Science (Technology) who have the skills and knowledge to work as pacesetters of the fields of biotechnology, chemical technology and material science and technology in various managerial, planning and research duties serving industry or related stakeholders, the scientific community or public sector. The studies of the programme provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for applying scientific knowledge and scientific methods independently and for continuing to doctoral education.
Graduates of the programme will have achieved the key scientific and professional working methods of their area of specialisation and will be able to continuously deepen their knowledge by acquiring, evaluating and processing scientific, technical and professional information. They will gain the knowledge and skills to understand the challenges of the field from the point of view of users and technical and social systems, as well as from that of the environment and be able to use this knowledge in developing new solutions, also as members of multidisciplinary teams.
Are you wondering what it is like to study at Aalto University? Or what student life is like at Aalto’s vibrant Otaniemi Campus or at the Mikkeli Unit? Come chat with our students about all things Aalto!
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 then evaluated according to the evaluation criteria below.
Applications are first evaluated based on the following (critical) criteria.
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.
The programme does not have a minimum quota to be filled, and not all eligible applicants will necessarily be admitted.
|
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): Chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science, physics, nanotechnology, fibre science, pulp and paper technology or materials science. Degrees in other engineering fields, and physical and bio sciences may also be relevant. Examples of key subjects: Polymer-, organic-, physical- and analytical chemistry. Material properties, biology, process engineering, thermodynamics, engineering physics, unit operations. Knowledge and skills: Applicants are expected to have sound knowledge of university level math, physics and chemistry. Core engineering skills, the ability to carry out laboratory and analytical measurements, communication and team working skills are essential. 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 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 |
| What is evaluated? | Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
The applicant's other relevant achievements or experiences are evaluated if documented in the application:
|
| Method of demonstrating competence | Curriculum vitae, recommendation letters, proof of employment, publications |
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 (if applicable):
Students admitted to the Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering may be required to take complementary studies, max 20 credits.
The content and number of the complementary courses depend on your previous studies. The complementary studies will be set latest in September.
School of Chemical Engineering
For enquiries regarding the application process, application documents and language tests, please contact [email protected] For enquiries regarding the content of the programme and studies at the School of Chemical Engineering, please contact Learning Services of Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering, [email protected]
+358 50 362 3017
https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineeringf