Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)
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Webinar | Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
Want to hear more about the Master's Programme in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering? In this webinar recording the programme representatives will introduce the programme and answer questions...
Description
Aalto University provides a high-level engineering education that combines strong industry collaboration with leading expertise in sustainable industrial technologies. This programme is designed to meet the demands of modern engineering careers in Europe and globally.
Future chemical and metallurgical engineers are expected to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and develop more sustainable processes that make responsible use of natural resources. This programme equips you with the skills needed to address these global challenges and contribute to the green transition.
Why choose Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering?
In this programme, you will bridge the gap between science and industry. You will study natural sciences from the molecular level, then apply that knowledge to large-scale industrial applications. You will learn how to design and build systems that improve industrial production and resource efficiency, supporting the industry’s transition towards a circular economy.
Upon graduating from this Master of Science (Technology) programme, you will be able to:
- Apply engineering, natural sciences, and mathematics to solve complex problems in chemical or metallurgical engineering.
- Design sustainable, industrial-scale processes.
- Aid the transition towards the use and production of renewable and recyclable resources.
- Make strategic decisions based on the criticality and availability of raw materials.
- Select and design unit operations and processes for industrial applications.
- Use computer-aided tools for process modelling, simulation, and control.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and lead multidisciplinary teams to design economically feasible, safe, and environmentally sustainable industrial processes.
- Communicate strategic outcomes that meet academic, industrial, and societal requirements.
Language of instruction
In the Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Master’s Programme, the language of instruction is English. The supplementary language of instruction in some courses is Finnish.
Tuition fees and scholarships
The tuition fee for this programme is 17 000 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
The two-year Master’s Programme in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:
- Major studies (60-65 ECTS)
- Elective studies (25-30 ECTS)
- Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
During the first study you would focus on program and major compulsory courses. The second year is dedicated to elective studies and your master’s thesis. You can choose practically any combination of elective courses – from Aalto and other universities in Finland and abroad – that supports your studies and suits your interests.
More information about the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
Teaching methods
The teaching methods in this programme vary from lectures to laboratory work and process simulation with computer-aided tools. You will get the chance to use your acquired skills in a practical setting and develop new processes yourself. Many courses are carried out in cooperation with companies, where you will work together on industry assignments and real-world projects.
Specialisations
The Master’s Programme in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering is for students who have a strong engineering background, with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a similar field. You will build a broad understanding of the field of chemical and metallurgical engineering, then deepen your expertise in your chosen major – either of which will prepare you for a wide range of roles in the chemical or metallurgical industry:
- Chemical and Process Engineering or
- Sustainable Metallurgical Engineering.
Chemical and Process Engineering
Understanding and applying chemical processes enables the production of vital products, from energy and fuels to medicines, food and materials. In the Chemical and Process Engineering major, you’ll learn how to understand, model and optimise the processes underpinning physical and chemical phenomena – from the molecular level to large-scale industrial applications.
You will build your expertise in chemical reaction engineering, catalysis, polymers, separation techniques and process design and be able to apply these skills through plant and process design and control.
These skills have applications across cutting-edge fields like nanomaterials, biochemical and biomedical engineering, energy, and climate. You will graduate ready to work on expert engineering teams to design more sustainable energy solutions, develop innovative new materials, and optimise chemical processes.
The courses in this major focus on:
- Heat and mass transfer, fluid dynamics
- Unit processes, such as chemical conversion and development of new materials
- Unit operations, such as purification technologies, utilisation of side streams, and separation of valuable materials
- Process system engineering – covering process modelling, simulation, and control
View the full list of courses in the Chemical and Process Engineering major.
Sustainable Metallurgical Engineering
Metals are one of the pillars of modern society and the economy. Without them, there would be no modern cities, energy systems, transportation, smartphones, or many other products that are considered essential to a high quality of life today. The Sustainable Metallurgical Engineering major is the only major in Finland focusing on the sustainable production and recycling of metals and minerals – putting you at the centre of the ongoing green transition in metallurgy.
You will learn how to develop and design metal extraction and recycling processes and evaluate the design and performance of metallurgical processes, as well as their impacts on the environment, the economy and society. These studies will prepare you with the skills modern companies need to accelerate their green transition from designing next-generation battery materials and energy storage systems to planning more sustainable recycling processes.
You will graduate as an expert, ready to design new products and better systems across metallurgical industries or in the academic and public sector.
The courses in this major focus on:
- Hydrometallurgy
- Pyrometallurgy
- Minerals engineering
- Sustainable minerals processing and engineering
- Metallurgical thermodynamics and kinetics
- Circular economy in metals and other materials
View the full list of courses in the Sustainable Metallurgical Engineering major.
Internationalisation
Aalto University is known for its international study and research environment. Every year, Aalto welcomes thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad. You’ll be joining a vibrant community with active student groups and organisations – including those associated with this programme, such as the and the .
Many of the professors and researchers in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering have international backgrounds and experience, giving you access to industry and research networks worldwide.
You can also complete part of your degree abroad – such as your minor, practical training or a summer course – at one of Aalto’s international partner universities.
Further study opportunities
The Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Master’s Programme gives you a solid foundation for doctoral studies. If you pursue your PhD at Aalto, you’ll have the chance to contribute to our active research, working on complex challenges of the chemical and metallurgical industries.
Career opportunities
After graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue doctoral studies or work across a wide range of process industries. Our alumni work in sectors such as:
- chemical and metallurgical industries
- energy and renewable fuels
- forest, food and pharmaceuticals.
Graduates of the Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Master’s Programme are in high demand across Europe and globally. All businesses and industries are shifting towards sustainable manufacturing processes. You will graduate from the Master’s Programme in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering as an expert in chemical production and industrial metallurgy, ready to apply your skills across industries like forestry, pharmaceuticals, energy and food production.
Your future career could lead to roles such as:
- Process engineer or
- Production engineer
- Design engineer
- R&D professional
- Safety and sustainability expert
- Research scientist
- Industrial consultant
- Materials development engineer
Aalto University has well-established career services to support your employment in Finland or abroad. Thanks to the flexible curriculum, many Aalto students already work during their studies, often securing entry-level positions before they graduate.
Be prepared for an exciting, meaningful engineering career on the front lines of the green transition.
Research focus
The research at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering focuses on the sustainable use of raw materials as well as designing and developing more efficient processes for new materials and products. The department plays a key role in research related to:
- Chemical engineering
- Materials technology and circular economy solutions
- Metals processing and sustainable metallurgy
- Efficient energy technologies and renewable energy systems
Read more about the ongoing research at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering.
Co-operation with other parties
One of the strengths of this programme lies in its close ties to industry. This collaboration includes industry assignments, projects, and courses with lecturers from industry experts.
Many students in this programme conduct their master’s thesis research with a company, giving them a head start to their careers before graduation.
At Aalto University, you can choose your elective study modules based on your interests and take courses from other Aalto schools. You can also take courses offered by other universities, including international ones. This multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
Why study Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering in Finland?
Finland is internationally recognised for its high-quality engineering education, strong industrial ecosystem, and leadership in sustainable technologies. You’ll benefit from close collaboration with industry, modern research facilities, and opportunities to contribute to the green transition through innovative solutions in chemicals, metals, energy, and materials production.
The programme provides an internationally recognised master’s degree and prepares graduates for careers across Europe and around the world.
Evaluation criteria 2027
| 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 3.0 (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 (fields): Chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, minerals engineering, process engineering, or materials science/engineering Examples of key subjects: Fluid mechanics, transport phenomena and thermodynamics, unit operations, process design and modelling, process control and automation, materials science and engineering, metallurgical engineering, reaction engineering, polymer science/engineering, minerals engineering, materials recycling Knowledge and skills: Sufficient studies in at least some of the key subjects listed above are necessary. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. 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 |
Evaluation process
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:
- Academic performance
- Relevance of previous studies
- Suitability
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.
- Recognition and quality of institution
The programme does not have a minimum quota to be filled, and not all eligible applicants will necessarily be admitted.
Documents required by the study option
Use of AI Tools- Application Guidelines
To ensure transparency and fair evaluation, all applicants must clearly declare any use of AI tools, if at all, across all parts of the application specifying in which parts of the application AI tools were used (e.g., text, design, development, proofreading, translation, spelling, grammar) and for what purpose. If excessive use of AI is suspected and applicant has not referred to any use of AI tools, this may affect the evaluation of the application negatively.
This study option (master’s programme) requires two sets of documents from their applicants:
- Obligatory application documents detailed on the Apply to master’s programmes webpage
- Documents required by the study option listed below
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:
- 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?
- 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?
- Areas of interest: Which major (Chemical Process Engineering or Sustainable Metallurgical Engineering) do you wish to pursue? What are your particular interests in the field of this major?
- 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.
Contact information
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