studies

Degree structure

The structure of the M.Sc. degree in PSE follows the degree structure of the "Bologne Agreement". The credit system follows an ECTS-based (European Credit Transfer System) method. The annual student workload is approximately 1,600 hours, which equals 60 credits. The total amount of credits required for the Master of Science in Technology degree is 120 credits, which normally takes two years of full-time study to complete.

The studies leading to the master’s degree consist of six modules:

  • three modules (A3, B2 and C), at least one of which shall be an advanced module in one of the specialization fields and of which only one can be a basic module (18-22 credits per module)
  • studies of methodological principles (M) (9-11credits)
  • the master’s thesis (D) (30 credits)
  • elective studies (W) (so that the degree is minimum of 120 credits)

Table: an example of the Master’s Degree 120 credits

Elective studies W Methodological principles M Master's Thesis D
  9-11 cr 30 cr
Advanced module A3 Intermediate module B2 Special module C
18-22 cr 18-22 cr 18-22 cr

 

 

 Common modules

 

 Advanced module

Major and Minor

In Master’s Programme in Process Systems Engineering there is only one major: Process Systems Engineering and there are three specialization fields:

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Plant Design
  • Process Automation

The student’s major subject consists of three modules of the degree programme:

  1. a basic module included in the bachelor’s studies
  2. an intermediate module included in the bachelor’s or master’s studies
  3. an advanced module of the mentioned intermediate module

A student’s studies constitute a minor subject if he or she does one of the following combinations of two modules that are not part of his or her major subject:

  1. a basic module and its intermediate module or
  2. an intermediate module and its advanced module

It is also possible to take the higher university degree programme without a minor subject.
The same modules may not be included in both a student’s major and minor subjects.
A student’s choices are approved in the student’s personal study plan.
The Degree Regulations (20§) of Aalto University School of Chemical Technology describes the details regarding the modules forming major and minor subjects.