Geoengineering

Geoengineering relies on a wide range of disciplines including geo- and material sciences, mechanics and construction. Structures of interest include foundations, roads, escavations and underground structures like tunnels. .

Most construction materials, everyday household items, energy sources and groundwater originate from the earth. Megatrends like urbanisation, climate change and the increasing use of natural resources and energy greatly affect our lives. They create both challenges and opportunities for geoengineers.

The Master’s Programme in Geoengineering provides students with knowledge, skills, and competences that are needed to understand the behavior of soils for geotechnical engineering, of rocks for rock engineering and mining and of road structures for highway engineering.

As a geoengineer you have a good understanding of the entire lifecycle of the engineered structure. This understanding covers the whole life cycle from research and design to construction, maintenance and recycling. Field investigations, laboratory experiments and numerical modelling are the tools geoengineers count on.

The programme consists of 60 cr major studies (30 cr of common core studies, 30 cr of advanced selective studies), 30 cr of elective studies and a master’s thesis (30 cr). Students can focus their studies in the fields of geotechnical, rock or pavement engineering by selecting appropriate courses in advanced and elective studies.

In geotechnical engineering, the main fields of research are mechanical, hydraulic and thermal properties of soil and their impact on foundations, soil-structure interaction and soil improvement. Good geotechnical knowledge is the foundation of all construction.

The core fields of rock engineering are rock mechanics, excavation techniques and applied geosciences. Rock engineering provides education on utilizing bedrock as an underground space and as a mineral resource. The education gives proficiency in designing optimal structures in the rock and expertise to carry out these plans in a safe, economic and most environmentally friendly way.

Roads and trafficked areas are an important part of societal infrastucture and have profound impact on everyday life and the entire function of the society. The focus areas of in highway engineering are the structural design of roads and their stucture including bituminous materials.

Master’s thesis (30 cr)

The master’s thesis (30 cr) is a piece of applied research that includes not only the written thesis but also the maturity essay and seminar presentation or a corresponding presentation. The key goal of the master’s thesis is solving a problem relevant to the field of study based on existing scientific knowledge in compliance with the principles of responsible conduct of research. The goal is to produce a scientific thesis. The master's thesis shall be written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the degree programme, agreed upon between the student and the supervising professor. A suitable topic can, for instance, be a research and development project carried out for a partner outside the university, or it can be connected to an ongoing research project of the department. The master’s thesis takes 6 months (fulltime) and it is an individual project.

Most of the topics are acquired from construction and consultancy companies and from authorities in different fields of geoengineering, thus giving also valuable contacts for any student planning a career in industry. For students with academic career prospects, completing the final project within a research group in Aalto University or in another research organisation is also a viable option.

The selection process is paper-based. Applications that pass the eligibility check of Aalto University Admissions Services proceed to the programme spesific academic evaluation.

The following academic evaluation criteria applies to this master's programme:

• Degree and institution of higher education
• Relevancy of studies
• Academic performance
• Motivation 

To successfully start the studies in Master's Programme in Geoengineering basic knowledge in the following fields is highly recommended: Basics in geology or geotechnics, mechanical and structural engineering, material sciences and statistics, mining or construction.

Academic evaluations are split into two phases

− In the first phase, the applicant’s degree that is used as grounds for the application and the related institution of higher education are evaluated. The applicant’s academic performance is evaluated, while any of the applicant’s other education that is attached to the application may also be evaluated. Criteria used to evaluate academic performance may include the time taken to complete the degree as well as the date of the degree’s completion.

− In the second phase, the acceptable applicants are ranked. A number of eligible applicants no greater than the allotted quota are admitted based on the academic evaluation. The most important criteria are the applicability of previous studies and academic performance in studies relevant to the study option. The aim is to admit only those applicants who have the required competence to begin studies without any supplementary studies.

The financing of the Geoengineering master's degree program at Aalto University encompasses several sources of funding designed to support both domestic and international students. Typically, the university provides a range of scholarship opportunities aimed at attracting talented students from around the world. These scholarships may include merit-based awards, which are granted based on academic excellence, as well as need-based financial aid for students demonstrating financial need. In addition to university-funded scholarships, students can apply for governmental and private financial aid options available in Finland and internationally.

Aalto University also participates in various European Union funding programs, which may support research and development activities associated with the Geoengineering program. Such programs can provide grants or stipends to students engaged in research projects related to climate change, environmental engineering, and sustainable development, thus easing the financial burden of graduate studies. Furthermore, students in the program might have opportunities to secure research assistantships, which offer financial compensation in exchange for participation in faculty-led research projects.

International students are often eligible for similar funding schemes as Finnish students, although their options may vary depending on their country of origin. Some students may also explore external scholarships offered by organizations dedicated to environmental and engineering sciences. The university’s dedicated financial aid office offers guidance on available funding sources and application procedures to ensure students can effectively plan their finances for the duration of their studies. Overall, the financing landscape for the Geoengineering master's program at Aalto University aims to make the program accessible and affordable for qualified candidates, leveraging a combination of scholarships, grants, research funding, and external financial aid options.

The Master’s Programme in Geoengineering at Aalto University offers students an advanced education in the study and application of geotechnical engineering, focusing on sustainable development and innovative solutions to engineering challenges related to the Earth’s subsurface. The program aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of geoengineering principles, including soil and rock mechanics, foundation engineering, tunneling, and environmental geotechnics, preparing them to address complex issues such as natural hazard mitigation, infrastructure resilience, and the environmental impacts of construction projects. Students gain practical skills through laboratory work, computer modeling, and field exercises, enabling them to design and evaluate geotechnical solutions in real-world scenarios. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating principles from geology, environmental science, and civil engineering to develop holistic approaches to geotechnical problems. The program also highlights the importance of sustainability, encouraging the development of eco-friendly and resource-efficient engineering methods. Graduates of the Geoengineering programme are well-prepared for careers in consulting engineering firms, construction and infrastructure companies, research institutions, and regulatory agencies. They can work as geotechnical engineers, project managers, or researchers focused on soil and rock mechanics, foundation design, or environmental assessment. Aalto University fosters a research-driven environment, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge projects, contribute to innovative research, and collaborate with industry partners. The program’s multidisciplinary approach ensures students are competent in applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, supporting the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure that meets societal needs. The academic staff comprises experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to advancing the field of geoengineering through education and scientific research, ensuring students receive mentoring and exposure to the latest advancements. The language of instruction is primarily English, accommodating international students and fostering global collaboration. The program typically culminates in a Master’s thesis, allowing students to specialize in a particular area of interest and contribute original research to the field. Overall, the Master’s Programme in Geoengineering at Aalto University offers a rigorous and comprehensive education designed to meet the demands of modern geotechnical engineering, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and practical proficiency to prepare graduates for successful careers in academia, industry, and public sector organizations.