Technology, Business and Design, Bachelor and Master

Description

Tomorrow’s leading professionals won’t be narrow specialists or broad generalists. AI is transforming how every discipline works. Software is part of almost every product and service. Sustainability is reshaping industries and business models worldwide. The rapidly changing world requires new kind of thinking and people who can collaborate across disciplines. 

The Bachelor’s Programme in Technology, Business and Design prepares you to work where innovation happens: at the intersection of technology, business and design. You’ll develop a versatile skill set that combines technological competence, business thinking and human-centred design – skills that remain valuable in a rapidly changing world. 

Aalto University is internationally known for bringing together technology, business and design. This programme is the first at Aalto to let you study all three together in one interdisciplinary class before choosing your specialisation. 

Whether you want to build a successful business, design meaningful products or shape the future of technology, this programme gives you the tools to do it. 

The programme rewards curiosity and a strong work ethic, and it is best suited to applicants who have several genuinely appealing options in mind and want to make an informed choice from within Aalto. 

This programme is right for you if: 

• you enjoy working with ambitious, motivated people from different fields and backgrounds  
• you want to be part of a strong international student community and have access to Aalto’s startup ecosystem 
• you want a recognised degree with a clear specialisation, but want to also learn deep collaboration skills across disciplines 
• you want to combine theory with practice 
• you are curious about technology but also want to understand the business and design decisions behind it, or 
• you are drawn to design and creativity, but want the technical and business skills to turn your ideas into reality, or 
• you are interested in business and understand the importance of technology and design in every industry 

What will you learn? 

You will graduate with the ability to: 

• understand and apply the fundamentals of business and economics, including the sustainability challenges transforming decision-making today on a global scale
• apply technical skills in areas such as programming, data analytics and financial analysis to model, analyse and design systems and solutions 
• design, build and improve products, services and business solutions with a focus on usability, desirability and real-world impact 
• combine perspectives from technology, business and design to balance user needs, technical constraints and business goals 
• contribute effectively to interdisciplinary teams through collaboration, leadership, strategic thinking and research skills 
• develop specialised skills of your selected technology, business, or design-related major 

Throughout the programme, you will explore how emerging technologies shape society and how they can be developed responsibly to support ecological, social and economic sustainability. 

You will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in either business or technology, opening doors to a wide range of industries and master’s programmes at Aalto University and beyond. 

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English.  

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is 12 000 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

This programme is designed for students who want to connect academic knowledge with real-world application. Throughout your studies, you can expect hands-on learning, team projects, industry collaboration and iterative design work. 

During your first year, all students study a shared set of core courses covering engineering fundamentals in mathematics and programming, business competencies in strategic management, corporate finance and global economics, and design process skills. You'll work on projects that bring together technology, business and design, helping you build a foundational understanding of each field. The broad basis you have built during your first year will also help you make an informed decision about which major you will choose at the end of the first year. 

In years two and three, you will deepen your expertise through your major while still having room for minors, electives and your bachelor's thesis. Shared courses and collaborative projects will keep you connected with your classmates from other majors. 

Each major leads to a recognised Aalto degree. You will graduate with both specialised expertise and a broad interdisciplinary perspective. 

One of the programme’s unique features is its strong community. You begin your studies together with your classmates, specialise in different directions, and continue learning alongside each other throughout the degree. 

The people you study with will become an important part of your studies and your future network. Your class explores together, specialises differently, and stays connected. You'll collaborate with future founders, engineers, designers, analysts and researchers – people you may continue working with throughout your career. 

Specialisations

In the programme, you can specialise in technology, business, or design. You will choose your major by the third study period (February) of the first year. 

You can focus your studies on one of the following areas: 

1. Technology 

If you focus on Technology, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Technology). You can choose from three majors: 

• Mechanical and Civil Engineering (mechanics, statics, dynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, numerical methods) 
• Computer and Data Science (algorithms, machine learning, software engineering, systems and human-computer interaction) 
• Digital Systems and Design (electronics, signals and systems, embedded programming, networking and design-driven prototyping) 

2. Business 

If you focus on Business, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Economics and Business Administration). Your major is: 

• Business and Management (international business, strategy, accounting, finance, economics and sustainability; diverse set of business school minors) 

3. Design 

If you focus on Design, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Technology) and combine technology with design. Graduates can continue to master’s studies in technology, business, or programmes combining technology and design. The track includes one major: 

• Design and Technology (design, human-computer interaction, user research, device design, sustainable product design, AI and design, startup building, and a year-long product development project) 

The major offering might be expanded by the end of September 2026. 

Once you have been admitted, you are free to choose your major: there are no quotas for the majors. 

Internationalisation

This programme is fully taught in English and has a strong international focus. You’ll join an integrated community of Finnish and international students and learn to work in multicultural teams from the beginning of your studies. 

You will graduate with an international network and the skills needed to succeed in global organisations, startups and interdisciplinary teams around the world. 

Further study opportunities

This programme opens up a wide range of opportunities for further study. Graduates are eligible to apply to master’s programmes across Aalto University’s schools of Business, Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Arts, Design and Architecture. 

After completing the Bachelor’s Programme in Technology, Business and Design, you will automatically have the right to continue to selected master’s programmes at Aalto University, depending on your major.  

The names of the master’s programmes will be published here by the end of September 2026. 

The interdisciplinary foundation of the programme also supports applications beyond your immediate field. Your elective and/or minor studies may broaden your options even further. Most importantly, you will graduate with a unique combination of skills that prepares you confidently for your next academic or professional step. 

Career opportunities

Aalto University is internationally recognised for excellence in technology, business and design. As a graduate of a programme that combines all three disciplines while allowing you to develop deep expertise in your chosen field, you will build a strong professional identity and a versatile skill set valued across industries. 

The combination of technical expertise, business understanding and design methods – together with extensive hands-on project work – prepares you for careers in both established global companies and fast-growing startups. 

Possible career paths include: 

Technology and engineering

Software development, data science, AI and machine learning engineering, embedded systems, robotics, health technology, startup founder or early-stage hire 

Business and consulting  

Strategy consulting, technology consulting, financial analysis, international business management, startup founder or early-stage hire 

Design and innovation

Product development, product design, service design, UX/UI design, innovation-focused roles in companies or startups 

Sustainability and impact

Sustainability consulting and business development, innovation and impact roles in the public or private sector 

Research focus

This programme draws on research strengths from across Aalto University, including AI and machine learning, materials science, energy solutions, design, entrepreneurship and business management. 

Read more about Aalto’s key research areas. 

Co-operation with other parties

This is one of Finland’s most interdisciplinary bachelor’s programmes. From the beginning of your studies, you’ll work with students and staff across different schools and disciplines at Aalto University. Aalto also has strong connections to industry and startups, and many courses are carried out in collaboration with companies and industry partners. 

A key part of the programme is learning within Aalto University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Aalto is home to one of Europe’s most active student-led startup communities. You’ll have opportunities to engage with organisations and initiatives such as Aalto Entrepreneurship Society, Slush and Aalto Design Factory – a pioneering hub for product development and interdisciplinary collaboration.  

You’ll also have the chance to take courses from other Aalto programmes and partner universities. 

Please note that the content of this page may be updated until the end of September 2026. 

Contact information

Learning Services of Aalto University School of Science

In case of programme-specific questions and inquiries, please contact Learning Services

bsc.tech@aalto.fi

Admission Services

If you have open questions about the admissions and application instructions, you can reach out to Admission Services

admissions@aalto.fi