Cold Climate Engineering

Cold Climate Engineering at Aalto University offers a multidisciplinary education focused on sustainable solutions for challenges in cold and Arctic environments. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop innovative engineering solutions tailored to the unique conditions of cold regions, including Finland's own Arctic zone. Students will explore a broad range of topics such as sustainable construction in cold climates, Arctic infrastructure development, energy efficiency, ice and snow management, environmental protection, and natural resource utilization. The curriculum integrates principles from mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, energy systems, and architecture to foster comprehensive problem-solving abilities. Emphasis is placed on practical experience through laboratory work, field projects, and collaborations with industry partners specializing in Arctic technologies. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, consulting, and industry sectors involved in Arctic development, environmental protection, and sustainable engineering. Students will gain competencies in designing resilient infrastructure, understanding climate change impacts, and implementing environmentally friendly technological solutions suitable for extreme cold conditions. The program also promotes innovation and entrepreneurship aimed at developing sustainable living and working environments in cold regions. Through international cooperation and interdisciplinary teamwork, students will develop a global perspective essential for addressing the complex challenges faced in cold climate engineering. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to contribute to the sustainable development and management of cold regions worldwide, supporting industries such as renewable energy, transportation, construction, and natural resource management. This program combines technical expertise with environmental responsibility, preparing students to meet the demands of a changing Arctic and contribute to global efforts for sustainable development in cold climates.

Programme

The main focus of the Nordic Master in Cold Climate Engineering is to give the students a profound understanding of how the obtained specializations can be applied in jobs as researchers, consulting or practising engineers in the Arctic.

All graduates will have the ability to work within a team of experts having different international backgrounds such as education, values, language, culture, etc.. and have a profound understanding of the challenging Arctic environment.

The teaching methods will include lectures, assignments, field work, laboratory work and project work. Theory is supported by experimental work and modelling, which are used intensively, and also depending on the track.

Specialization

The programme consists of three specialised study tracks:

• Land Track: Focus on Arctic geoengineering (DTU and NTNU)    
• Sea Track: Focus on Arctic ships and offshore structures  (NTNU and Aalto)   
• Space Track: Focus on mapping and observing the Arctic (DTU and Aalto)

General Admission Requirements

You must indicate in your application which study track you wish to follow and submit a draft study plan. You must apply directly to the university where you wish to study for the first year of the study track.

The common admission requirements are divided into three categories:    

• Degree requirements    
• Academic prerequisites    
• Language requirements  

Motivation letter

All applicants must write a motivation letter as part of the application. For the Land and Sea tracks the motivation letter must include a passage describing your expectations to spending one or more semesters in Greenland or Svalbard.

Degree Requirements

Students applying for the Nordic Master in Cold Climate Engineering must have obtained a Bachelor's (BSc) Degree corresponding to a minimum 180 ECTS credits. Students in their final year of their bachelor’s studies are eligible to apply, provided they complete their BSc by the start of the program.

The financing options for the Cold Climate Engineering master's program at Aalto University are primarily designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their studies. Tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA students, while students from EU/EEA countries are generally exempt from tuition fees due to university policies promoting accessible higher education. For non-EU/EEA students, the annual tuition fee is approximately €15,000 to €18,000. These fees cover the entire duration of the two-year program.

Students are encouraged to explore various funding opportunities, including government-funded student loans and grants, scholarships offered directly by Aalto University, and external scholarship programs. Aalto University provides several scholarship schemes aimed at supporting talented students financially, such as the Aalto University Excellence Scholarship, which covers partial or full tuition fees. These scholarships are competitive and typically awarded based on academic merit.

Additionally, some students may choose to finance their studies through part-time work, internships, or research assistant positions available within the university's research centers and departments. These positions offer a valuable opportunity for practical experience and financial support, although their availability and remuneration vary.

International students can also seek funding from their home countries through government or private sponsorship programs. They may also consider loans and financial aid from their governments or international organizations that support students studying abroad.

For students requiring financial aid, Aalto University provides comprehensive guidance on application procedures for scholarships and other funding sources. Prospective students are advised to start these application processes early to ensure timely support during their studies. Some students may also qualify for fellowship programs or industry-sponsored scholarships, especially if they participate in internships or collaborative projects with companies operating in cold climate engineering sectors.

In summary, financing studies in the Cold Climate Engineering program at Aalto University involves a combination of internal scholarships, government aid, external funding, personal savings, and income from part-time employment. Carefully planning and applying for financial aid early can significantly reduce the financial burden and make international studies more accessible.

Cold Climate Engineering at Aalto University is an innovative master's degree program designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for addressing the unique engineering challenges posed by cold and arctic environments. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, combining aspects of mechanical engineering, environmental science, energy systems, and sustainable development tailored to cold regions. Students will explore topics such as thermal insulation, resilient infrastructure, renewable energy solutions suited for low temperatures, and sustainable urban planning in arctic conditions. The curriculum integrates theoretical coursework with practical laboratories, field exercises, and project work, often collaborating with industry partners and research institutions working in cold climate regions.

A hallmark of the program is its focus on real-world applications, preparing graduates to work on projects related to Arctic infrastructure, climate change mitigation, and adaptation strategies. Students gain experience in designing systems that operate efficiently under extreme cold conditions, considering factors such as permafrost, ice dynamics, and permafrost melting. The program also promotes innovation in areas like cold climate construction, energy efficiency, and water management in arctic environments.

The degree is delivered by experienced faculty members with expertise in cold climate engineering, and often involves international collaboration, given the global importance of arctic regions. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in research, industry, and policy making, working towards sustainable development in regions affected by cold climate conditions. Effective teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and cross-disciplinary understanding are core skills fostered throughout the program. The program typically spans two years and culminates in a master's thesis based on original research or practical project work. Graduates are well-positioned to contribute to the development of resilient systems and infrastructure in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.