Program Overview

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Bioproducts Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

The green transition is happening now, and the emerging specialist field of bioproducts engineering – rooted in Finland's pulp and paper industry – is at a turning point. Bioproducts engineering needs visionaries who understand bio-based materials at the cellular level, and who use that expertise to design, manufacture and market reusable alternatives for plastics and other fossil-based materials.

Description

In this major, you'll learn exactly how to convert bio-based resources like wood, plants, natural fibres, and organic waste into new materials. These and other bioresources are increasingly used in materials engineering - for example in packaging and textile innovation. The possibilities for new innovations are endless.

As a Bioproducts Engineering graduate, you will be able to:

• Use wood, plant fibres and other bio-based resources to make more sustainable materials, products, and solutions.
• Understand what circular bio-economies are and how to build and assess them.
• Characterise biomass, polymers, fibres, raw materials and end products.
• Design, conduct, and report research projects.

Language of Instruction

In the Master's Programme in Bioproducts Engineering, the language of instruction is English.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is 17,000 euros per academic year. Citizens of the 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.

Structure of Studies

The two-year Master's Programme in Bioproducts Engineering comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:

• Major studies (60–65 ECTS)
• Elective studies (25–30 ECTS)
• Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

All your required and specialisation courses should be completed in your first year. The second year will be dedicated to your elective studies and master's thesis.

Specialisations

You'll build your study path based on your own interests and career ambitions. You can choose to specialise in a specific area if you're already planning to work in a specific industry, or to complement your research interests or thesis. Or you can take a more generalist approach – which could benefit you in a leadership position at a larger company – and choose courses from all four specialisations.

• Biomass Refining
• Fibre-based Packaging
• Wood Material Science and Technology
• Textiles

Get to Know Us

The people of the School of Chemical Engineering have diverse backgrounds and interests. You can read stories of our students, alumni and professors to get a better understanding of the programme.

Internationalisation

Aalto University is known for its international study and research environment. Every year, Aalto welcomes thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad.

Further Study Opportunities

The Bioproducts Engineering Master's Programme prepares you for PhD-level studies. If you're interested in getting your PhD, you can focus on research-based courses when planning your specialisation path – and get involved with our research groups while you pursue your master's.

Career Opportunities

Finland's long history in pulp and paper, and its growing expertise in bioproducts, has made it a hub for leading companies and bioproducts research. Bioproducts engineering is growing quickly, and engineers and researchers are needed to lead the industry as it pushes in new directions.

Research Focus

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2) is a global leader in forest biomaterials research. Our research teams are actively publishing academic papers and are deeply involved with the Finnish and international bioproducts industry.

Co-operation with Other Parties

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems is working on many state-of-the-art projects with leading companies and research institutions.

Evaluation Criteria

The applicants are first evaluated based on Aalto's general eligibility requirements. Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.

1. Academic performance: The applicant's success in his/her previous studies will be evaluated based on the grade point average (GPA).
2. Relevance of previous studies: BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant field in the natural sciences or engineering.
3. Recognition and quality of institution: The applicant's previous institution will be evaluated based on the recognition and quality of the institution.
4. Suitability: The applicant must clearly demonstrate genuine motivation to study the chosen field.

Evaluation Process

The selection process for those who meet the general eligibility criteria is described next. First, the applications are evaluated based on the critical criteria. Only the applications that fulfill the requirements for these criteria will be evaluated against the full set of evaluation criteria.

Study Option-Specific Documents

The documents required from all applicants are listed on the Aalto University website. In addition, applicants to this programme are requested to provide the following study option-specific documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Grading system and scale

Motivation Letter

The letter should be maximum 4000 characters (with spaces) and fit in a single A4 page. The letter must be written in English. You should write a separate motivation letter for each study option you apply to. In your motivation letter, please comment specifically on:

1. Your reason(s) for applying to this programme
2. Your future plans
3. Areas of interest
4. You as a candidate

Attach your CV (max. 2 pages) to the motivation letter. The CV must be written in English.