Nano and Radio Sciences

The Master's degree program in Nano and Radio Sciences at Aalto University is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program designed to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the fields of nanotechnology, electromagnetics, radio engineering, and nanophotonics. This program prepares graduates to contribute to cutting-edge research, development, and innovation in industries such as telecommunications, electronics, materials science, and environmental monitoring. Students will explore the fundamental principles of nanoscale materials and structures, as well as their applications in various high-tech industries. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework, hands-on laboratory experiments, and exciting research projects, fostering a deep understanding of how nanoscale phenomena influence the behavior of materials and devices at the microscopic level.

Throughout the program, students will gain expertise in designing and analyzing radio frequency systems, antennas, and communication networks, along with mastering the characterization and manipulation of nanomaterials. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, enabling graduates to develop new materials with tailored properties or innovative radio systems for emerging applications such as 5G/6G networks, wireless sensors, and medical imaging technologies. Close collaboration with industry partners and research institutions provides valuable opportunities for internships, applied research projects, and networking, facilitating a smooth transition from studies to professional careers.

The program also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and interdisciplinary cooperation, preparing students for leadership roles in academia, research institutions, or high-tech industries. Graduates will be equipped to tackle complex challenges related to nanoscale science and radio engineering, contributing to technological advancements and sustainable development. With a focus on innovation, practical application, and scientific excellence, the Nano and Radio Sciences Master’s program at Aalto University provides a solid foundation for a dynamic and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving fields of nanotechnology and radio communication.

The programme offers five major options. During the first semester you focus on the common subjects, and at the end of the semester you select your major. During the second and third semesters you gain a deep insight in your chosen major, which leads to the Master's thesis during the second year of your studies. The programme is a combination of theoretical and practical courses which consist of lectures, independent exercises, computer simulations, laboratory works, and group assignments. The studies are closely connected to the current research in the relevant field. The programme also allows for elective studies from a broad choice of topics within for example arts, business and other technological subjects.

The Master's degree (120 ECTS) is composed of studies in the major (65 ECTS), elective studies (25 ECTS), and the Master's thesis (30 ECTS).

The applicant should have a Bachelor’s degree (a minimum of 180 ECTS credits or equivalent) in electrical engineering. Excellent candidates with degrees in other fields such as natural sciences, mathematics, or materials sciences will be considered.

The following background knowledge, which is typically obtained by studying a Bachelor degree at a research university, especially in electrical engineering or a closely related field, is required for the Master's Programme:

• electronics
• mathematics
• basic programming skills
• physics

Students chosen to the programme may be required to complement their earlier degree with complementary studies. The admission letter will provide information on any such requirements. The complementary studies cannot be included in the Master's degree but will be required for graduation.

The financing of the Nano and Radio Sciences master's program at Aalto University is primarily supported through a combination of government funding, student tuition fees, scholarships, and research grants. Finnish higher education institutions, including Aalto University, benefit from the Finnish government’s commitment to maintaining accessible and high-quality education, which ensures that a significant portion of the program's funding originates from public sources. Finnish students enrolled in the program pay relatively moderate tuition fees, while international students are subject to higher tuition costs, which contribute to the overall financial sustainability of the program.

Aalto University offers various scholarship opportunities for both domestic and international students to support their studies financially. These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and financial need and can cover partial or full tuition fees. Furthermore, the university actively participates in national and European research funding programs, which finance innovative research projects within the Nano and Radio Sciences fields. These research grants play a crucial role in supporting cutting-edge research activities, infrastructure development, and faculty recruitment necessary for delivering high-quality education.

Students may also have opportunities to participate in funded internships, research assistantships, and industry collaboration projects, which provide additional financial support and practical experience. In addition, the university collaborates with industry partners and research institutes that contribute through project funding, sponsorships, and collaborative research grants. These partnerships enhance the educational environment and provide students with real-world experience while securing additional resources for the program.

Overall, the financial framework of the Nano and Radio Sciences program at Aalto University is designed to ensure the quality and sustainability of the education while promoting accessibility for talented students from diverse backgrounds. The combination of public funding, competitive scholarships, research grants, and industry collaborations ensures a robust financial basis for the program, enabling it to adapt to evolving technological demands and maintain international standards of excellence.

The Master’s Programme in Nano and Radio Sciences at Aalto University offers students a multidisciplinary education focused on the characterization, manipulation, and utilization of nanomaterials, nanostructures, and radio frequency technologies. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers in research, development, and industry sectors that rely on advanced knowledge of nanoscale materials and radio wave phenomena. Students will explore various topics including nanophotonics, nanoelectronics, radio wave propagation, and electromagnetic field theory, equipping them with both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

This degree programme emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating physics, materials science, electrical engineering, and applied physics. The curriculum typically includes core courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, nanofabrication techniques, signal processing, and communication systems. Practical laboratory work and project-based assignments are central to the programme, providing hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and research methodologies.

Students are encouraged to collaborate with industry partners and research institutions, participating in projects that address real-world challenges such as developing novel nanoelectronic devices, enhancing radio communication technologies, and investigating new materials for electronic and photonic applications. The programme also offers opportunities for specialization in areas like nanophotonics, nanoelectronics, or radio frequency systems, enabling students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations.

The international environment at Aalto University fosters collaboration with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, enriching the learning experience. The programme typically culminates in a master’s thesis, where students contribute original research to the field, often in collaboration with industry or research labs. Graduates of the programme possess a deep understanding of nano- and radio sciences, making them highly competitive for careers in high-tech industries, telecommunications, research institutions, and academia.

The programme duration is usually two years, and it is delivered in English to accommodate international students. Admission requirements include a relevant bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue doctoral studies or to step directly into R&D roles, leveraging their advanced expertise in nanoscale and radio-frequency technologies.