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Study options

Automation and Electrical Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering offers a deep dive into vital technologies such as autonomous systems, sustainable energy solutions, and smart mobile systems, all of which play a crucial role in our everyday life. Studying in this program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and shape the future of these technologies.
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:

1 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026

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, €17000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

Apply to master’s programmes

Webinar | Automation and 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.

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Description

Are you interested in developing next generation autonomous cars, robots, smart and sustainable energy solutions, or sensors for health technology? Or are you interested in developing industrial automation systems, smart mobile systems, or systems-on-chip? The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering provides you with the knowledge and skills to apply scientific methods and theories as needed in a variety of use cases. The programme is organised in an international environment and in close cooperation with industry, preparing graduates to excel in the intersection of hardware and software. Our students study prevalent and emerging subjects in energy, robotics, and embedded electronic systems based on extensive research and fundamental theories of mathematical and natural sciences. Additionally, the programme focuses on the applicable side of technologies, including topics like Autonomous Systems, Health Technology, Smart Grids, and Renewable Energy Solutions.

The Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering graduates have:

  • State-of-the-art knowledge in their field. Graduates possess a deep understanding of the fundamental theoretical foundations in autonomous systems, sustainable energy solutions, or smart mobile systems.
  • A solution-based mindset. Graduates are experts in solving real-life problems and shaping industry standards by applying system level thinking, combining both software and hardware knowledge and skills.
  • An analytical toolbox. Graduates are data-driven and excel in analytical problem-solving and advanced mathematics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning as well as advanced physics-based modelling.
  • Strong collaboration skills. Graduates have great teamwork skills, manage even the most stressful situations and lead by example under pressure.
  • International competence. Graduates possess professional language skills and the ability to work effectively in global and multidisciplinary settings.
     

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

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 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 PSP 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 empowers students to design intelligent, adaptive systems that operate in complex and dynamic environments. It provides a strong foundation in control engineering and automation, while offering flexible pathways for specialization in areas of interest such as factory automation, robotics, autonomous 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, and embedded systems and software for modern automation systems.

Upon completion of the Major, the student is able to:

  • Recognize the role and impact of automation in industry and society
  • Design models and control strategies for dynamic systems
  • Analyse and evaluate the behaviours and performance of dynamics of systems
  • Design industrial software applications tailored to automation needs
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in one of the focus areas: robotics and autonomous systems, intelligent systems, control engineering, automation software, factory automation, or to develop a personalized track in AI and machine learning.

2. Electrical Power and Energy Engineering

The Electrical Power and Energy Engineering major equips students with a robust foundation to tackle the challenges of modern energy systems and electrification. The field spans power transmission and distribution, smart grid, sustainable energy generation, and electrification of societies. It also includes key technologies such as motors, generators, power electronic converters, and their control systems.

Upon completion of the Major, student is able to:

  • Identify key concepts, components, and operational principles of electrical energy systems.
  • Design solutions that enhance energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy generation.
  • Analyse and evaluate current and future challenges in the field of electrical power and energy engineering.
  • Design and assess power systems or energy conversion technologies.
  • Demonstrate in-depth understand of 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 covers topics such as 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 entire innovation process, from research and development to the commercialization of functional devices and services derived from results of fundamental studies.

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

  • Design and implement embedded devices, sensors, actuators, and smart integrated systems.
  • Identify and evaluate the sustainability, safety, and lifecycle aspects of hardware and software technology choices.
  • Analyse and interpret 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 learning environment in this Programme – and the entire Aalto University – is strongly 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.

The Automation and Electrical Engineering Programme’s students also have the opportunity to do a double degree. In this option, the student takes their second-year studies either at TU Darmstadt (all majors) or Reykjavik University (Electrical Power and Energy Engineering major’s students), and completes a double degree graduating from both Aalto University and one of the two partner universities.

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. Moreover, student guilds organise industry excursions, not only in the Nordics but all around the world.

Aalto University’s students are also Unite! students. Unite! is an alliance of nine leading technical universities in Europe. For students, Unite! offers new forms of student mobility, joint programs, online courses, summer schools, researcher seminars, and collaborative courses. Other possibilities for developing one’s global competence include conducting practical training or the Master’s thesis abroad, taking a summer course abroad, acting as a tutor for first-year students, or learning foreign languages.

Further study opportunities

The degree programme provides eligibility for scientific postgraduate studies in Finland. The skills learned in the programme create an excellent basis for doctoral studies at Aalto University, another Finnish university or top international universities. Doctoral graduates from Aalto University continue to researcher or other academic career or high-level business positions, among other things.

Read more about applying for doctoral studies at Aalto University: /en/doctoral-education/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-studies

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. Many graduates have started their careers, for example, as product designers, programmers, R&D project managers, or technical experts. Further, graduates have all the necessary entrepreneurial skills to found and build their own companies as well. Finally, the Master’s programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering at Aalto provides a great foundation for pursuing doctoral studies which is an essential step for a successful academic career.

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.

Unto Rautio

School of Electrical Engineering graduates in working life

Graduates from the School of Electrical Engineering at Aalto University have very good employment prospects in positions corresponding to their education. On this page, you can find information about employment and career development five years after graduation.

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

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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 Control, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Embedded Systems, Health Technology, Measurement and Sensing, as well as Power Systems and Energy Conversion. 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 our connections. Aalto Industrial Internet Campus offers you the possibility to network with students from other engineering disciplines and prestigious industrial partners.

Webinar | Automation and 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.

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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Students on campus.

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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 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 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

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

School of Electrical Engineering

For enquiries regarding the content of programme, the studies at the School of Electrical Engineering and the study-option-specific application documents please contact

masters-elec@aalto.fi

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