Study options

Automation and Electrical Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering offers the opportunity to study diverse topics in an international environment. The programme is organised in close cooperation with the industry, and it prepares the graduates to perform in the intersection between hardware and software. Our students study prevalent and emerging subjects in energy, robotics, and embedded electronic systems from extensive research and fundamental theories in mathematical and natural sciences, the programme focuses on the applicable side of technologies, including topics like Autonomous Systems, Health Technology, Smart Grids and Renewable Energy Solutions.
Students of School of Electrical Engineering around a robot.
Get a Master’s Degree in Automation and Electrical Engineering at Aalto University – the leading international and multidisciplinary university in the Nordics and Europe.

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 Electrical Engineering

Tuition fees:

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

Applying to master’s programmes

Description

While the underlying scientific theories and fundamentals remain relatively stable over time, their applications for modern use cases might change rapidly. The programme equips students with an ability to apply scientific methods and theories to the most recent and needed use cases. The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering graduates have:

  • State-of-the-art knowledge in their field. Graduates have an extensive understanding of the fundamental scientific theories in their chosen area of expertise.
  • A solution-based mindset. Graduates are experts in solving real-life problems and shaping industry standards by applying their specific and system level knowledge.
  • An analytical toolbox. Graduates are data-driven and perform well in analytical problem-solving and advanced mathematics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning methods.
  • Strong leadership skills. Graduates have great teamwork skills, can handle even the most stressful situations and lead by example under pressure.
  • International competence. Graduates possess professional language skills and the ability to work in a global and multidisciplinary setting.

Upon graduation from the Automation and Electrical Engineering Programme, graduates are well prepared for a broad variety of engineering and research careers as well as doctoral studies in the field.

Language of instruction

In the Automation and Electrical Engineering Master’s Programme, the language of instruction is English.

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

The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering is organised by the School of Electrical Engineering and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of:

  • Major studies (65 ECTS)
  • Elective studies (25 ECTS)
  • Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

At the beginning of their studies, students define their Personal Study Plans (PSP) together with an academic advisor. The primary purpose of the PSP is to ensure that the studies support the student’s interests and are completed in a logical order. The available course selection is broad and can be well fitted to the chosen area of expertise. More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.

The programme offers a studying experience which is a combination of theoretical lectures and readings, hands-on calculations, exercises, projects, workshops, and laboratory sessions. Some of the projects originate or are closely tied to the industry, adding a strong challenge-based approach to the studies. The main themes discussed in the programme are:

  • renewable energies and sustainability, e.g. energy efficiency and power conversion systems
  • distributed and networked power systems, e.g. smart grid, smart living environment, safety and security in distributed/networked systems
  • sensing and perceiving the environment, e.g. microsensors, machine perception
  • transition from automation to autonomy
  • personal healthcare, wellness and medical instrumentation
Master's Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering

Specialisations

1. Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems major provides a strong basis in control engineering and automation, allowing students to specialise in a particular area of interest such as factory automation, robotics, autonomous smart systems, industrial software systems, or pursue topics such as AI and machine learning. Central topics for all students include modelling, estimation and control of dynamic systems, as well as embedded systems and software for modern automation systems. Upon completion of the Major, the student is able to:

  • Understand the need for automation
  • Design models and controllers for dynamic systems
  • Analyse properties and dynamics of systems
  • Design industrial software applications
  • Understand one of the focus areas in-depth: robotics and autonomous systems, intelligent systems, control engineering, automation software, factory automation, or to develop a personalized focus e.g. artificial intelligence and machine learning

2. Electrical Power and Energy Engineering

The Electrical Power and Energy Engineering major offers a firm base for engineers working in the field of electrical power and energy engineering. The field includes power transmission, distribution, smart grid, and sustainable generation and utilisation of electrical power, as well as power-conversion devices such as motors, generators, and power electronic converters and their control. Upon completion of the Major, students are able to:

  • Identify fundamental aspects and considerations for electrical energy systems
  • Develop applications for energy efficiency and renewable energy generation
  • Analyse and evaluate existing and future challenges in the field of electrical power and energy engineering
  • Design and analyse power systems or energy conversion devices
  • Understand one of the focus areas in-depth: electric powertrains, energy storage and hydrogen, power and energy systems, renewable energy, smart buildings and lighting

3. Electronic and Digital Systems

Electronic and Digital Systems (EDS) is a multidisciplinary major focusing on embedded systems and system level design, especially for intelligent, sustainable, and autonomous devices. Application areas include, for example, automotive industry, mobile systems, and health technology. The major considers autonomous embedded systems, self-sustained smart sensor systems, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), heterogeneous integration of sensors to System on Chip (SoC), data synthesis, and real-time decision making. EDS emphasizes the research, development, and commercialization process of transferring results from fundamental studies into functional products and services.

Upon completing the EDS major, the student is able to:

  • Design and implement embedded devices, sensors, actuators, and smart integrated systems.
  • Identify the sustainability, safety, and lifecycle aspects of hardware and software technology choices.
  • Analyze multi-physics (thermal, electrical, and mechanical) properties of electronic systems.
  • Apply and design data processing chains and methodologies using signal processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Translate results from basic research into functional electronic and digital systems.

Internationalisation

The programme is largely international and studies are conducted in multicultural groups. The organising department enjoys well-established links and co-operation agreements with a wide range of companies, research institutes and universities in the EU, China, Japan, and the USA. As a result, many students take the chance of studying as an exchange student or conducting an internship abroad, in one of the top-tier partner universities of Aalto. Moreover, student guilds organise industry excursions, and not only in the Nordics but all around the world.

Aalto University is inherently international, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad every year. The students are part of the diverse Aalto community and aptly enjoy free time events, activities, and celebrations around the campus. Active tutoring programmes and support services work tirelessly to help international students integrate into Nordic culture and welcome them at home in Finland.

Further study opportunities

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

Career opportunities

Programme graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities in the public and private sectors, especially in a future full of autonomous systems and technological advancement. Thanks to the tight-knit connections to the industry, the chances to land a job through course projects, internships, research or thesis work are high. Further, graduates have all the necessary entrepreneurial skills to found and build their own companies as well.

Aalto University has well-established career services through which you can get employed in Finland and abroad. Aalto students tend to find good positions with ease upon their graduation. An active entrepreneurship community is also present at Aalto, which can help as a springboard for founding your company. Finally, if an academic career is of interest, the Master’s programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering at Aalto is a great foundation for doctoral studies and post-doc positions.

Unto Rautio

School of Electrical Engineering graduates in working life

School of Electrical Engineering Master's graduates are successful in finding jobs corresponding to their education. On this page you can find information on job titles, job sectors and career development of our graduates.

School of Electrical Engineering
Alumni Kiia Einola, kuva Mikko Haapamäki

Alumna Kiia Einola: The most important thing in studies was the ability to learn new things

The alumna of the Master's Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering feels that studying is more fun when you have other students around you

News
Alumna Bismoy Jahan, automation and electrical engineering

Alumna Bismoy Jahan: The things I learned from Aalto are related to real-life problems

Bismoy Jahan chose the Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering because she believes that in the near future automation will play a big role in our lives.

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Research focus

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation offers excellent education and top-quality research conditions where scientists and engineers together develop new methods, devices, and systems in the fields of Power Systems and Energy Conversion, Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems and Health Technology. Besides its participation in the School-wide doctoral education, the Department offers a Master’s degree programme in the above focus areas and is heavily involved in the teaching and education in other cross-disciplinary programmes as well.

Co-operation with other parties

Aalto University is among the top-ranked universities in the world related to industry collaboration. As a graduate, you can leverage on our connections. Aalto Industrial Internet Campus offers you the possibility to network with students from other engineering disciplines and prestigious industrial partners.

Webinar | Automation & Electrical Engineering

In this webinar, the programme representatives introduce Aalto University, give a programme overview, explain the programme structure and content, discuss career opportunities, and answer questions from the audience.

Watch the webinar recording
Students playing with a robot

Get to know us

Aalto University / man sitting on a motorcycle / Muhammad Ziaur Rehman

Alumnus Muhammad Ziaur Rehman: ‘No matter what you’re dreaming about, Aalto is a great place to start’

Muhammad Ziaur Rehman graduated from the Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering.

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Study-option-specific application instructions

Applicants to the programme must meet the general eligibility and language requirements that are common to all Master's programmes in Aalto University. 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 the Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Evaluation criteria

Evaluation process and requested documents

The evaluation process is described under Applicant evaluation process. In addition to obligatory application documents, this study option asks the applicants to submit also the documents listed under Requested documents

Contact information

School of Electrical Engineering

For enquiries regarding the application process, general application documents and language tests, please contact [email protected]. For enquiries regarding the content of programme, the studies at the School of Electrical Engineering and the study option specific application documents please contact [email protected].

[email protected]

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