Water and Environmental Engineering

Water and Environmental Engineering is a multidisciplinary master's degree program offered by Aalto University, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex challenges related to water resources and environmental sustainability. The program combines principles of civil and environmental engineering, hydrology, water management, and environmental sciences, providing a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical applications. Students will explore topics such as water supply and sanitation, wastewater treatment, hydraulic engineering, environmental pollution control, and sustainable management of water resources. The program encourages innovative solutions to real-world problems through project-based learning, laboratory work, and collaboration with industry stakeholders. Graduates will be prepared for careers in consultancy, research, public administration, and international organizations, contributing to the development and implementation of sustainable water and environmental management strategies. Courses are taught by experienced faculty members, utilizing modern facilities and cutting-edge research to ensure a high-quality educational experience. The program also offers opportunities for international exchanges and internships, fostering global perspectives and networks. Graduates will emerge with a strong foundation in scientific methods, engineering design, and environmental policy, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive positive change in water and environmental issues worldwide. Whether aiming to work in urban water systems, water treatment plants, or environmental protection agencies, students will receive comprehensive training that prepares them for diverse professional challenges. The program ultimately aspires to develop skilled engineers and researchers dedicated to safeguarding water resources and promoting environmental sustainability for future generations.

The structure of the programme is designed so that you are able to study your common and advanced courses during the first year. This leaves the second year for elective courses and Master’s thesis. It also makes it easy for you to go for student exchange during the second year. Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective courses.

Master’s thesis

The Master’s programme finishes with a Master’s thesis that provides you an excellent opportunity to synthesise your studies and deepen your expertise within a project context. 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 master’s thesis takes 6 months (fulltime) and it is an individual project.

The topic for the Master’s thesis will be defined together with the supervising professor. Depending on your interest and career plans, your thesis can focus, for example, on scientific research, technical development or business innovations. Similarly, the thesis can be done at our university or with a partner organization such as a company or a municipality.

Student selection

The selection process is paper-based and competitive, and it can be complemented with interviews. Applications that pass the eligibility check of Aalto University Admissions Services proceed to the School's programme specific 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 letter 
•     Recommendations
•     Other relevant activities such as work experience, publications

Academic evaluation is 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. This phase can also include interviews. 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 water and environmental engineering field is diverse, and we therefore welcome students with diverse backgrounds to our programme. Being an engineering master’s programme, we expect our students to be skilled in mathematics and physics. However, an engineering background is not a precondition to apply.

The financing studies for the Water and Environmental Engineering Master's Programme at Aalto University typically encompass a variety of funding sources designed to support both international and domestic students throughout their studies. The university offers several scholarship opportunities aimed at reducing the financial burden for talented students. One of the primary options includes the Aalto University Scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence and cover partial or full tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students. These scholarships are highly competitive and require applicants to demonstrate strong academic records, motivation, and potential to contribute to the university community. Additionally, the university provides other financial aid options, such as governmental grants or loans, which students can apply for depending on their home country and personal circumstances.

Many students choose to finance their studies through external funding sources, including scholarships from domestic and international organizations, private foundations, and government programs. For Finnish students or those from EU/EEA countries, higher education is often subsidized by the Finnish government, significantly reducing the cost of education. Furthermore, students may seek part-time employment opportunities available on or near the university campus, aligning with regulations for international students, which permit working up to 25 hours per week during academic terms.

It is also common for students in this field to explore funding through research assistant positions, internships, or projects funded by industry collaborations that might provide stipends or financial support. The university's Career Services and International Office assist students in identifying relevant funding and employment opportunities, and they also offer guidance on grant applications and financial planning. International students are encouraged to start their funding search early, as applications for scholarships and external grants often have strict deadlines prior to the commencement of studies. Overall, while Finland offers numerous funding options for students, diligent planning and early application are essential to secure adequate financing for the duration of the program, which typically lasts two years.

Water and Environmental Engineering at Aalto University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education aimed at addressing the pressing challenges related to water resources and environmental sustainability. The program is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of hydrology, water treatment, wastewater management, flood risk management, and environmental impact assessment. Students gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, field studies, and project-based learning.

The curriculum emphasizes sustainable water solutions, innovative technology development, and integrated water resources management, preparing graduates for careers in consulting, industry, research institutions, and government agencies. Throughout the studies, students are encouraged to develop systemic thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to tackle complex environmental issues holistically.

The program often collaborates with industry stakeholders and research organizations, providing students opportunities to engage in real-world projects and internships. This practical experience is complemented by courses on environmental legislation, policies, and management strategies, giving students a well-rounded perspective on the societal aspects of water and environmental engineering.

Graduates of the Water and Environmental Engineering program are well-prepared to contribute to sustainable development goals, particularly in areas such as safe drinking water supply, pollution control, restoration of aquatic ecosystems, and climate change mitigation. The program also offers opportunities for specialization within areas like water treatment technologies, stormwater management, or environmental modeling, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations.

The language of instruction is primarily English, facilitating international collaboration and understanding in this global field. Upon graduation, students receive a Master of Science degree in Water and Environmental Engineering, recognized for its high academic standards and relevance to current environmental challenges. The program’s research activities are aligned with global environmental issues, contributing to innovative solutions and sustainable practices that support resilient water and environmental systems worldwide.