Aalto University School of Engineering

Fact
Sheet –
Aalto
University
School
of
Engineering
Aalto
University
School of
Engineering
President
Prof. Tuula Teeri
Dean
Prof. Petri Varsta
Vice-President (international)
Prof. Hannu Seristö
Vice Dean
Prof. Juha Paavola
Head of International Relations
Dr Mari-Anna Suurmunne
international@aalto.fi
Head of Academic Affairs
Ms. Marjo Immonen
International Student Services
Mr. Börje Helenius
(Energy and Mechanical Engineering)
Ms. Riikka Jääskeläinen
(Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Ms. Auli Puhakka
(Architecture and Landscape Architecture)
Ms. Saara Sokolnicki
(Geomatics and Real Estate Economics)
Incoming exchange students
exchanges-eng@aalto.fi
International degree seeking students
masters-eng@aalto.fi
Doctoral Studies
Ms. Ritva Viero
e-mail
firstname.lastname@aalto.fi
ERASMUS ID code
SF ESPOO12
EUC reference number
257712-IC-1-2011-1-FI-ERASMUS-EUCX-1
Number of students
4300 students
Departments and Units
Department of Applied Mechanics
Department of Architecture
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
Department of Energy Technology
Department of Engineering Design and Production
Department of Surveying
Centre of Urban and Regional Studies
Lahti Centre
Aalto University was created from a high-profile
merger between three leading universities in Finland
– the Helsinki School of Economics, the Helsinki
University of Technology and the University of Art
and Design Helsinki. This combination opens up new
possibilities for strong multi-disciplinary education
and research.
A fresh partner
in global research
and education
As a spearhead initiative in its Innovation Strategy,
the government of Finland established Aalto University through a full merger between three of Finland’s
leading universities in their fields: the Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki.
At the same time, the government of Finland created
the Aalto Foundation to fund the university and redefined the university as an independent legal body. The
University has been active from 1 January 2010.
Aalto University
Aalto University has been described as an “Innovation University” and has as its vision an ambition
to be amongst the leading institutions in the world
in its chosen research and education fields by 2020.
The current status of activities within the existing
universities and Finland’s longstanding commitment to research, combined with significant funding for the Aalto Foundation, make this a vision
which can be realised.
Whilst proud of its heritage, Aalto University is not
willing to rest on existing merits and sees this merger as an excellent opportunity to redefine the role
and functioning of a modern European university.
There are considerable opportunities to build links
between different disciplines and to breakdown traditional boundaries between education, research
and innovation. It will also be possible to reconsider how a modern university is led and managed.
Through its evolution, Aalto University aims to
make a powerful and exciting contribution to society in Finland and in Europe.
Aalto University is focussed on its student-centred and enthusiastic culture where critical thinking
and an open mind are essential. We strive to create an environment where all work at the university
promotes equality, ethicality and transparency.
Internationalization is an important area of focus in the Aalto University strategy. Over 2000 students from more than 90 nationalities study at Aalto University. Aalto University seeks to continuously increasing the number of international undergraduate and postgraduate students. At the moment
Aalto University has altogether 53 Master’s degree
programs in English and 4 Bachelor’s degree programs in English. Doctoral studies in all fields can
be completed in English.
Aalto University
School of Engineering
The School of Engineering provides teaching and
research on areas covering the entire built environment with its machines and equipment. The school
operates in the fields of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Studies, Geomatics,
Real Estate Economics, Energy and HVAC Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics,
Structural Engineering and Building Technology
and Civil and Environmental Engineering. The
School of Engineering creates new information
and solutions which serve the goals of sustainable
development, the wellbeing of the environment and
health and safety of people as well as aesthetics.
Degree studies
Aalto University follows the Bologna-based degree structure. The Bachelor’s degree program is a
three-year program (180 ECTS), while the Master’s
degree is expected to be completed in two years
(120 ECTS). The Doctoral degree is a four-yearprogram.
Degrees awarded
• Bachelor of Science in Technology
• Master of Science in Technology
• Master of Science in Architecture
• Master of Science in Landscape Architecture
• Licentiate of Science in Technology
• Doctor of Science in Technology
• Doctor of Philosophy
A full-time study load is approximately 1600 hours
per year, which equals to 60 ECTS credits. One
ECTS credit represents approximately 27 working
hours. These hours include all work required for
completing the course: lectures, exercises, cases,
possible projects, independent studies, exams etc.
Grading Scale
ECTS Grade
Definition
Aalto
Numerical Scale
A
Excellent
5
B
Very Good
4
C
Good
3
D
Satisfactory
2
E
Sufficient
1
Courses can be also assessed pass/fail.
Master’s level Degree Programmes in English
• Geoinformatics
•Managing Spatial Change
•Mechanical Engineering
•Real Estate Investment and Finance
•Creative Sustainability
•International Design Business Management
•Nordic Master in Innovative and Sustainable
Energy Engineering (jointly with Nordic 5 Tech
universities, coordinated by KTH, Sweden)
•Nordic Master in Maritime Engineering
(jointly with Nordic 5 Tech universities,
coordinated by DTU, Denmark)
•Environomical Pathways for Sustainable
Energy Systems (Erasmus Mundus Master’s
programme coordinated by KTH, Sweden)
•Minerals and Environmental Engineering
(Erasmus Mundus Master’s programme
coordinated by TU Delft, the Netherlands)
All the Master’s level programmes are two-year
programmes and consist of 120 ECTS. There is
one application round annually. Talented students
with a relevant previous bachelor’s degree and good
English language skills are invited to apply for the
programmes. Please, see instructions on applying:
studies.aalto.fi/en/admissions
Doctoral Programme
All the postgraduate students of the School of Engineering belong to the Doctoral Programme of Engineering. There are two annual application periods
for the programme: one ends at the end of October
and the other at the end of April. The Head of the
Doctoral Programme is Prof. Kirsi Virrantaus and
Planning Officer is Ms. Ritva Viero.
The Doctoral Programme of Engineering consists of 21 research fields including Architecture,
Urban and Regional studies, Civil and Structural
Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Engineering Design and Production, Energy and Environmental Technology and Applied
Mechanics. Doctoral studies are available at all the
departments of the School of Engineering.
Exchange Studies
Students interested in an exchange at the Aalto
University School of Engineering are first to contact the coordinator at their home universities.
The School of Engineering only accepts exchange
students nominated by its partner universities. After being nominated by the home universities the
candidates are to provide at least the following application documents:
• Application form
• Official transcript of records
• Study plan or learning agreement
• Statement of English language skills
Please, see detailed information on applying:
into.aalto.fi/display/enmastereng/Incoming+
exchange+students
Please, see courses in English:
into.aalto.fi/display/enmastereng/What+can+
you+study
Application deadlines for exchange students
For Autumn term (September – December)
April 15th or May 15th depending on the exchange
programme. For Spring term (January – May)
October 15th
Please, check updated information concerning
deadlines: into.aalto.fi/display/enmastereng/
Incoming+exchange+students
Accepted students will receive an official letter of
admission.
Academic Calendar
Autumn term 2011: September – December
I Teaching period 5.9. - 21.10.2011
Exam period 22.10. - 29.10.2011
II Teaching period 31.10. - 9.12.2011
Exam period 10.12. - 22.12.2011
Spring term 2012: January – May
Exam period 2.1. - 14.1.2012
III Teaching period 16.1. - 2.3.2012
Exam period 3.3. - 10.3.2012
IV Teaching period 12.3. - 11.5.2012
Exam period/Teaching period 12.5. - 31.5.2012
The Easter holiday 5 April - 11 April 2012
Visa or residence permit
application
Depending on the nationality and the length of stay,
the student may need a visa or a residence permit
for the study period in Finland. Students should
immediately proceed with the visa/residence permit application after receiving the letter of admission. Information about Finnish Consulates and
Embassies: www.formin.finland.fi.
Health Insurance
By joining the Aalto University Student Union students are entitled to the basic health care services
provided by the Finnish Student Health Services
(YTHS). The service does not cover for example
emergency and hospital health care nor evening or
weekend service, so international students need
to have a medical insurance of their own. Students
from non-EU/EEA countries are required to have a
valid medical insurance in order to get a residence
permit in Finland.
Student Services
Incoming international students are entitled
for example to the following services:
• Orientation days at the beginning of each
semester • Enrolment services and information
• Tutoring • IT services • Library services
• Career services • Sports
Campus
Aalto University has three campuses in Helsinki
area, two in Helsinki and one in the city of Espoo. The
School of Engineering is located in Otaniemi campus
in the city of Espoo. Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus is an internationally important hub of technological research. It is also the home for four technical
schools of Aalto University and over 15 000 students.
The campus is designed by famous Finnish architect
Alvar Aalto and located in beautiful cape surrounded
by the sea in the city of Espoo, 10 km from the centre
of Helsinki. In addition to campus, Otaniemi hosts
also ‘Teekkarikylä’, Student Village, home to over
2,000 students of technology. It is no wonder that
there are over one hundred student organizations
available in Otaniemi providing a range of pastime
opportunities from sports to music.
The Student Union
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) is a
15 000 member strong student organization.
All Aalto University degree-seeking students at the
bachelor’s or master’s degree level are members of
the Student Union. Doctorate level students can join
the union if they wish to do so. International visiting
students are entitled to join the Student Union and it
is highly recommended that they do so. The membership is well worthwhile as it translates into many benefits and discounts, for example basic student health
care services by the Student Health Services, access
to the numerous Student Union services, events and
clubs, inexpensive meals at university canteens, as
well as discounts in shops and museums. The Student
Union organizes many leisure-time activities from
parties to field trips, from sports to cultural activities.
Housing and living
Finding suitable accommodation in the Helsinki
region can be challenging, especially in September. Student apartments typically consist of 3-5
bedrooms, a shared living room, a kitchen and a
bathroom. The rent is approximately 400 euros per
month, but prices vary considerably depending on
the location and the number of tenants. Student
apartments are situated around the Helsinki area,
with public transportation connections to the campuses. Students should budget approximately 800
euros per month for living expenses (housing, transportation, food, other daily necessities).
Finland and Helsinki:
Exotic and Safe
Finland is a bilingual country (Finnish and Swedish) of approximately 5.4 million inhabitants, in
which English is widely spoken. It is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party political system and
a member of the European Union, with the strong
Nordic values of democracy, education and wellbeing. The Helsinki Metropolitan Region is larger
than the city of Helsinki itself. It consists of four
smaller interconnected cities. The total population is
just over 1 million. And in addition to urban centres,
we have large, unspoiled rural areas that are great for
outdoor activities. Finland is a land of four seasons
and many contrasts, with moderate weather and long
days in the summer and cold weather and long nights
in the winter. Finland is a global leader in information technology, and Aalto University is also part of the
largest technology hub in the Nordic countries.
Finnish society begins with the principle of
equality. With this in mind you will see why Finland
is the way it is. The Finnish population is highly
educated, and education is valued within the society.
Students can benefit from the high quality of life, the
stable yet dynamic economy, the safe, laidback atmosphere, the networked and transparent open civic society, and the ease and safety of getting around
whether by public transport, bicycle or on foot. Safety and nature are an integral part of the Finnish way
of life, whether one lives in a city or not.
Finnish institutions of higher education are
internationally oriented, and the country’s good
reputation in education, combined with the wide
range of courses offered in English, makes Finland
increasingly attractive to international students.
With Helsinki being voted one of the safest cities
in the world and The Newsweek magazine having
ranked Finland as the number one place to live, the
students and their families know that it is a great
destination!
Aalto
Facts and
Figures
Aalto
University
Strategy
For 2010
• Students: 20 000
• International students: 2 300
• Incoming exchange students: 870
• Outgoing exchange students: 870
• Master’s Degrees: 2 192
• Doctoral Degrees: 175
• Staff: 4 300
• Professors: 350
• Annual Budget: 318 million Euros
Mission
Aalto University strives to build a better world
through top quality and interdisciplinary research,
pioneering education, surpassing traditional
boundaries and embracing renewal. Aalto University
educates responsible, broadminded experts with a
comprehensive understanding of complex subjects
to act as society’s visionaries.
Aalto University has six schools
• School of Art and Design
• School of Economics
• School of Chemical Technology
• School of Electrical Engineering
• School of Engineering
• School of Science
Useful links
Studying in Finland
studyinfinland.fi
Virtual Finland by Ministry of Foreign Affairs
virtual.finland.fi
Helsinki City Information Office
hel.fi
Helsinki region information
helsinkiregion.fi
Helsinki Region Transport
hsl.fi
Espoo Tourist Information
visitespoo.fi/tourist_guide
Aalto University Student Union
www.ayy.fi
The Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS)
www.yths.fi
Helsingin Sanomat
(the most read newspaper in Finland)
hs.fi/english
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
formin.finland.fi
YLE, Finnish Radio and Television
yle.fi
Vision
The best connect and succeed at Aalto University,
an institution internationally recognized for the
impact of its science, art and learning.
Aalto University
School of Engineering
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 14100
FI-00076 Aalto
Finland
Visiting address
Otakaari 4
FI-02150 Espoo
Finland
+358 9 4702 7333
eng.aalto.fi/en/