Master's Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology

About the studies

Study objectives

Electronics and nanotechnology enable many new things in our world: life becomes wireless with a growing number of mobile devices surrounding us, space technology is sky rocketing in the form of small satellites, and nanotechnology enables major breakthroughs in many fields, such as solar energy harvesting. Through the Master's Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology you can become a future trailblazer and game changer in one of these fields.

The programme offers you fundamental knowledge in one of the following areas:

• micro- and nanoelectronic circuit design
• microwave engineering
• photonics and nanotechnology
• space science & technology

In micro- and nanoelectronic circuit design and microwave engineering, you’ll learn to design modern wireless devices and understand the technology behind the latest developments in wireless connection (5G).  You’ll also know how to integrate radio-frequency circuits and antennas into smallest wireless sensors, e.g., for the "Internet of Things", or for implantable medical devices.

In photonics and nanotechnology, you’ll learn the properties of common and emerging materials used in micro devices, such as solar cells, LEDs, lasers, and nanoelectronic devices. You’ll also learn the major fabrication methods used to fabricate microdevices and be able to apply these methods in practice.

In space science & technology, there are four focus areas: space technology, earth observation, space physics and radio astronomy. During the studies, you will learn to design and build functional space systems, set up scientific space research projects and do science with the results.

In these areas, you can approach engineering studies from both the industrial and scientific perspectives. You can also be theoretically oriented or direct your studies more towards practical applications. We are looking for students with the right attitude: interest in exploring new worlds and solving practical problems to shape the future of society.

Career opportunities

After completing the programme, you have gained substantial knowledge and skills to work as an expert in your chosen field. In the early phases of your career you would typically work in research and development-oriented tasks. However, the master’s programme provides you with a strong theoretical background, which facilitates career changes based on individual preferences, also later in your career.

In this programme, all majors are linked to ongoing research within various research groups in the departments. Thus, one option is to continue the studies as a researcher and a graduate student towards a doctoral degree.

Qualification

Graduates of the programme will graduate with a Master of Science (Technology) degree (diplomi-insinööri in Finnish). 

Post-graduate studies

The programme qualifies for doctoral studies (Doctor of Science in an applicable field).

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is primarily English, and the programme can be completed entirely in English. More information is available in the General information about studies page (aalto.fi).

Tuition fees

The tuition fee is €15 000 per year for non-EU/EEA students. Further information is available on Scholarships and Tuition Fees page (aalto.fi).

Content of the studies

During the first semester, you will focus on the common subjects, and at the end of the semester you will select your major. During the second and third semesters, you will gain a deep insight in your chosen major, which leads to the Master's thesis during the second year of your studies.

The programme offers four options for a major subject:

• Micro- and nanoelectronic circuit design
• Microwave engineering
• Photonics and nanotechnology
• Space science & technology

The programme is a combination of theoretical and practical courses, which consist of lectures, independent exercises, computer simulations, laboratory works, and group assignments. The studies are closely connected to the current research in the relevant field. The programme also allows for elective studies from a broad choice of topics within for example arts, business and other technological subjects.

Structure of the studies

The Master's degree (120 ECTS) is composed of studies in the major (65 ECTS), elective studies (25 ECTS), and the Master's thesis (30 ECTS). More information on the programme curriculum 2018-2019 is available on the student portal Into.

Thesis

Master’s degree students write a Master’s Thesis as part of their studies. It is an independent project worth 30 credits, following from the major subject and testing the students’ maturity in it. Competence in the subject and its methods need to be demonstrated, as well as an ability to work independently and methodically with a minimum supervision. The final thesis should be a self-sufficient work that can be understood without reference to external sources.

The thesis topics may be sourced from the needs of either scientific or industrial sectors – for example, from a relevant planning, development or research projects. The university may also offer topics from its own research projects. The work for the thesis can include literary studies, planning of processes, machines, devices or software, or their parts, development of methods, or measuring and analyzing of results. Theses written for private companies normally include a description of the project, aims and limitations arising from the external or internal factors, forecast and choice of the possible resolutions of the project, and description of practical procedures and evaluations. The thesis can also be a more traditional research project or technological assessment where the aim is to illuminate some current state-of-the-art situation or development.

Internationalisation

The study environment in the programme is strongly international, and studies are conducted in multicultural groups. The School of Electrical Engineering offers diverse possibilities for student exchange all over the world. Exchange studies can be easily included in the degree e.g. as an international minor. Other possibilities for developing one’s global competence are e.g. conducting practical training abroad, taking a summer course abroad or acting as a tutor for first-year students. 

Co-operation with other parties

The Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, responsible for the teaching in the programme, co-operates closely with the national and international industries in the field of nanotechnology, telecommunications and electronics. In addition, departments have academic co-operation with high level European and US universities and organisations.

Researh focus

The research in this programme is linked to several focus areas in the School of Electrical engineering. They include, for instance, Micro and nanotechnology, ICT, Health and wellbeing, Energy and environment.

Additional informationn about research related to this programme can be found at http://elec.aalto.fi/en/research/.
 

Programme-specific admission requirements

The applicants to the programme must meet the general eligibility criteria and language requirements that are common to all Master’s programmes in Science and Technology. The application process is competitive. First the applicant’s suitability for the programme is evaluated. The applicants are then ranked and the best applicants are granted admission.

Content of the previous degree

For admission to the Electronics and Nanotechnology programme, a high-quality Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, in physics, or in a related field is required. Excellent candidates with degrees in other fields such as information systems, engineering, natural sciences, or mathematics, will be considered if they can show to have acquired sufficient skills and knowledge.

Background requirements depend on the chosen study field within the programme. Recommended background includes sufficient skills in

•electronics

•physics

•mathematics

•basic programming skills

Applicants with a previous Master’s degree of comparable quality and content in the fields of the Master’s Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology or who intend to complete one, will not be accepted to the programme except for special reasons, which the applicant must explain in the application. The Master’s programme should provide genuinely new knowledge and further the career of the applicant.

Recognition and quality of the home university

The applicant’s previous degree will be evaluated based on the international reputation and academic quality of the university and programme.

Study success

The degree programme is looking for applicants with excellent study success in their previous studies. The applicant’s study success in previous studies will be evaluated based on the grade point average (GPA) and results in key courses. The grades will be evaluated in relation to how demanding the studies have been.

The time used for the previous studies will also be taken into account.

All the applicant’s previous university studies, including incomplete degrees and non-degree studies, will be considered when evaluating study success. Applicants who have previously studied at Aalto University, e.g. as exchange students, are also evaluated according to the grades in those studies and the number of credits obtained in comparison to the time used.

Motivation and commitment

The applicant should be motivated to study the chosen field and committed to full-time studies with a plan to complete the Master’s degree in two years.

Other relevant achievements

The applicant’s other relevant achievements may be considered if documented in the application. These can be, for example:

• experience of demanding work where the Master’s degree would be necessary
• participation in scientific research which has led to publications
• special achievements in previous career or as an entrepreneur, prizes in competitions, or published writings

Recommendations

At least one recommendation letter must be attached to the application. It should preferably be from a university professor, lecturer or a thesis instructor who has supervised the applicant at the university. The recommendation should comment on the applicant’s suitability to the specific Master’s programme and major.

Language proficiency

The applicant must meet the mandatory language requirements. In addition to this, it is critically important to be able to use English as a working language. The studies are conducted fully in English.

Required application documents

The application includes the online application form, mandatory attachments, and other attachments. Authorized translations may be required. Please see the application instructions for details. The mandatory documents include:

•  official Bachelor's degree certificate or a certificate of equivalent studies (the studies need not be complete at the time of applying , but must be completed by 31 July of the application year)
•  official transcript of records listing your completed university studies
•  curriculum vitae
•  copy of passport or identity card
•  language test scores
•  motivation letter (please prepare carefully offline and copy to the application form)

In addition to the mandatory application documents, applicants to the Master’s Programme in Electronics and Nanotechnology are requested to attach the following documents to the application:

• at least one original recommendation letter (preferably academic)
• work certificates and certificates of other relevant achievements
• copies of any publications
• official transcript of records for other university studies which are not included in the mandatory part of the application

The application should explain the full educational history of the applicant. If the applicant started or completed other studies in addition to the Bachelor's degree mentioned above, the official transcripts and possible degree certificates of those studies should be provided. If the applicant has work experience or other activities or achievements that could support the application, certificates or other proof of these should be included in the application. If the applicant has publications, copies or permanent web links should be provided. The CV and the motivation letter should provide a summary of the personal history, achievements and objectives of the applicant and other points that are important for the application.

Contact information

For enquiries regarding the application process, application documents and language tests, please contact [email protected].

For enquiries regarding the content of programme and studies at the School of Electrical Engineering please contact [email protected].