Want to hear more about the Master's Programme in Biotechnology? In this webinar the programme representatives will introduce the programme and answer your questions regarding the studies in the programme.
Biotechnological solutions are becoming more and more important in the chemical, fuel, material, food, and pharmaceutical industries – just to name a few. This field needs new experts to develop new materials, food solutions, bio-based chemicals, advanced medicines like vaccines, and new fuel technologies.
This programme will teach you to do just that.
Biotechnology takes an engineering approach to developing biological components, materials and processes into applications, or using biological principles to design biomimetics or biomanufacturing processes. This programme covers the entire development chain – from initial concepts to bioengineering and implementation of biotechnological production.
Biotechnology is one of today’s most dynamic and disruptive fields, with innovations in sequencing, genome editing, imaging, bioanalytics and machine learning driving rapid growth.
By the time you graduate, you will have:
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Strong multidisciplinary knowledge in cellular and molecular engineering and industrial biotechnology. You will build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of biotechnology, along with its engineering and technological dimensions. You will develop in-depth knowledge of biological phenomena at the molecular and cellular levels, including cell physiology. By graduation, you’ll be able to modify and reprogram selected molecules or biological processes to enhance product properties or optimise production methods.
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Hands-on experience. You will become proficient in the essential laboratory methods and techniques used across the entire biotechnology development chain – from biomolecule design, strain design and genetic engineering to the development of production processes.
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Analytical and simulation skills. You’ll learn to design biomolecules and strains and perform modelling and analysis at the micro and macromolecular level. You will be able to interpret complex data and apply analytical and critical thinking to identify and eliminate potential sources of errors.
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Collaboration and team working abilities. Graduates are goal-oriented, systematic, and responsible professionals ready to meet the needs of this quickly developing field. You will be able to work effectively as a part of diverse teams and with experts across disciplines.
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Communication and argumentation skills. You will be prepared to contribute to teams and communicate your ideas clearly using scientifically justified arguments. You will be able to tailor your message to different audiences, defend your viewpoints with scientifically sound arguments, and engage in constructive debate.
In Finland and around the world, the biotechnology sector offers exciting opportunities for skilled professionals ready to tackle global challenges like sustainability, climate change and food security. You'll graduate prepared for a meaningful career in industrial R&D, engineering or research.
In the Biotechnology Master’s Programme, the language of instruction is English.
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. 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.
The two-year Master’s Programme in Biotechnology comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Major studies (60-65 ECTS)
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Elective studies (25-30 ECTS)
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
You'll complete your compulsory and specialisation courses during your first year of studies. Your second year will be dedicated to elective studies and your master’s thesis. You can choose practically any combination of elective courses – from Aalto as well as other universities in Finland and abroad – that supports your studies and suits your interests.
From the very beginning of the programme, you’ll start applying your knowledge to address realistic problems in group projects, teamwork and individual assignments. Many courses use a problem-based learning approach where you are encouraged to find a solution through experimentation. About 25 percent of the courses are in a research-level laboratory, where you will explore the latest biotechnology applications related to the research happening now at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2).
In this programme, you can customise your studies based on what you want to do in your career and what you’re interested in. With a master’s degree in biotechnology, your career options in industry or research are wide open – but below is a general suggestion to guide your study path.
If you want to build a deep understanding of molecular bioscience, we recommend choosing courses that focus on cell engineering and the mechanistic and data-driven modelling approaches that are used to predict biological and biophysical phenomena.
If you’re particularly interested in industrial production, we recommend courses focusing on bioprocessing and biomass. In these courses, you’ll learn to use the latest techniques to develop large-scale industrial processes with sustainable raw material.
Check out the full list of courses in the Student Guide.
Aalto University is known for its international study and research environment, and the same holds true for this programme and our research department, Bio2. Every year, Aalto welcomes thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad. Many of our biotechnology professors and researchers have international backgrounds and experience as well, which will help you tap into their global network.
You can work and learn internationally throughout your studies by, for example:
· Completing part of your degree, like your minor, as an exchange student at one of Aalto’s international partner universities.
· Choosing courses with an intercultural approach, learning foreign languages, or becoming a student tutor for international students.
· Conducting your practical training or the master’s thesis outside Finland.
· Taking summer courses abroad.
In autumn 2022, Elizaveta Sidorova began her Master’s studies at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering. After working with cell biology and bioproducts in the past, she is now exploring the field of biotechnology and looking forward to doing work that can have a genuinely positive impact on people’s lives.
Dinara Bozzhigitova works at VTT, in an enzyme and material biotechnology research team. In autumn 2022, she started her Master's studies in Biotechnology at the School of Chemical Engineering. Dinara's goal is to gain a more thorough understanding of the theory behind her work, and to help develop new, sustainable technologies.
The Biotechnology Master’s Programme gives you a great foundation for doctoral studies. If you continue to study at Aalto, you’ll be prepared to work alongside our internationally recognised Bio2 research department.
The demand for biotechnology experts is growing in many industries, including food, chemicals, forestry, pharmaceuticals, and many more. Whether your goal is to work in industry or on the forefront of biotechnology research, this programme will prepare you for a rewarding career. Many of our graduates work in industrial R&D as engineers or become research scientists for either companies or academic institutions.
Our curriculum gives you the opportunity to get hands-on experience before you graduate, and many of our students get entry-level positions through internships or collaborations with companies. Working with a company on your master’s thesis is a common way to build experience and make professional connections during your studies, setting you up for a smooth transition into your career.
Finland is also home to a thriving biotechnology startup scene. With the support of Aalto's entrepreneurship community, you could even launch your own company!
Our ongoing research at Bio2 has the potential to make a real impact on sustainable development. For example, we develop genetically reprogrammed microbes tailored to:
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Produce bacterial cellulose, silk proteins or pigments suitable for materials application.
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Create safe and affordable therapeutic proteins and bio-based polymers.
●&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ;&Բ; Convert CO₂ into renewable fuels or other chemicals.
We’re also developing enzymes that can be applied as biocatalysts, which replace harmful chemicals and increase the specificity of the catalysed reaction. To reach our research goals, we use model-guided genetic engineering approaches, high-throughput screening approaches, and the latest synthetic biology tools.
Our Bio2 research groups:
Biological engineered living materials
Read more about our research at Bio2.
The biotechnology industry is growing, and you’ll have the chance to collaborate with both Finnish and international companies, startups and research groups throughout your studies. Some of our courses are done in collaboration with companies, and industry professionals contribute as guest lecturers.
About 75 percent of the programme’s master’s theses are written for a company, which can help you get a foothold in the job market before you graduate. Depending on your thesis topic, you might decide to conduct your research as part of one of our Bio2 research groups, where you’ll contribute to our ongoing biotechnology research.
The Biotechnology Master’s Programme, through the department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, works with several cutting-edge biotechnology initiatives in Finland and Europe. You can read more about them here.
| 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 3.5 (on a scale 1.0 - 5.0, 1.0 being the minimum passing grade). |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript of records, degree certificate, grading system. |
| 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: Biotechnology, bioengineering, life sciences, or similar. Examples of key subjects: Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, bioprocess technology, industrial biotechnology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics. Knowledge and skills: Sufficient previous studies in at least some of the key subjects listed above are necessary. Preference is given to candidates with a combination of fundamental (e.g., biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, bioinformatics) and applied studies (bioprocess technology, industrial biotechnology, genetic engineering). In addition, applicants are expected to have a strong background in at least two out of the four following subjects: mathematics, chemistry, physics and computer science/information technology. In addition to the studies giving basis to apply to the programme, other possible studies may also be 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), grading system. |
| 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 and CV |
The applicants are first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements found on /en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes. 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.
The selection process for those who meet the general eligibility criteria is described next. First, the applications are evaluated based on the following (critical) criteria:
Only the applications that 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.
The documents required from all applicants are listed on /en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes. In addition, applicants to this programme are requested to provide the following study option-specific documents. In question concerning study option-specific documents, please contact the School of Chemical Engineering (studies-chem@aalto.fi).
Lack of this motivation letter will result in your application being rejected.
The letter should be maximum 4000 characters (with spaces) and fit in a single A4 page. The letter must be written in English. This character limit does not apply to the CV.
You should write a separate motivation letter for each study option you apply to.
In your motivation letter, please comment specifically:
1 Your reason(s) for applying to this programme: Why are you applying to this Master’s programme? What do you expect to gain from your studies in this Master’s programme?
2 Your future plans: In which sector would you like to work in the future? How do you think this Master’s programme would support your goals?
3 Areas of interest: What are your particular interests in the field of the study option?
4 You as a candidate: Why do you think you are a good candidate for this Master’s programme? How will your previous education, work experience, knowledge and skills support your studies?
Attach your CV (max. 2 pages) to the motivation letter. The CV must be written in English. The character limit of the motivation letter does not apply to the CV.
If you have already completed another Master’s degree in a closely related field or have a study right to another Master’s or doctoral programme, you must explain why you are applying to complete another Master's degree.
The applicant must provide a document of the official grading system used in their Bachelor´s degree studies, indicating the lowest pass mark on the scale. The document may be an attachment to the degree certificate, a link to the grading system on the institution’s webpage or handbook, a diploma supplement or other reliable source. Applicants from Finnish Universities or Universities of Applied Sciences do not need to submit the document.
School of Chemical Engineering
Questions concerning the Master's programme and the content of the studies as well as application-specific attachments can be sent to the Learning Services of the School of Chemical Engineering.
studies-chem@aalto.fi
Aalto University Admission Services
If you have any questions regarding the application process, application documents or language tests, please contact Aalto University Admission Services
admissions@aalto.fi
