Studying

Welcome to process engineering studies! This page provides basic information about the content of process engineering studies, especially to those who are considering the field or are preparing for the start of their studies. For more detailed information, visit these links: http://www.oulu.fi/yliopisto/hakijalle/prosessitekniikka & study guide of the faculty of technology.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for or need additional information about the studies, feel free to contact the guild’s study representative at opintovastaava(at)prosessikilta.fi, the study advisor at mariliisa.konu(at)oulu.fi or the education specialist at saara.luhtaanmaki(at)oulu.fi

What is process engineering?

Providing a comprehensive answer is challenging, but essentially, it can be described as the flow of raw materials – from production or sourcing through the refining chain to the final product. Everything in between is process engineering!

Study content

The process engineering degree program is a broad one. Key topics include industrially independent mechanical, physical, and chemical unit processes, as well as phenomena related to the movement, heat, and mass transfer of materials. The studies focus on investigating, managing, and developing the processes and phenomena that these areas encompass. A specialty of the program is the integration of chemical, automation, and environmental engineering. This combination covers Finland’s key industries: chemical, metal, and forest industries.

A graduate with a master’s in process engineering is equipped to develop various processes, design them with energy, raw material, and cost efficiency in mind, optimize the interaction of processes, for example, through automation, and understand and manage the environmental impacts of the processes.

What do the studies consist of?

Courses in the program primarily include the following components:

  • lectures: classroom-style, versatile teaching sessions that introduce the fundamentals of the topic
  • exercise sessions: guided or independent solving of mathematical problems that deepen mathematical modeling and understanding of the topic
  • assignments:projects such as demonstrations, short studies, and written reviews. These may involve computer simulations, laboratory experiments, or project-based investigations, either independently or in small groups. Assignments usually require a written report and/or a presentation and aim to bring theoretical concepts to life.
  • exams: Test covering the topics and materials of the course to demonstrate understanding of the subject. For some courses, an assignment may replace the final exam.

Process engineering students often study not only in the university’s shared facilities, but also in our beloved guild room, particularly in the back room, where students collaboratively work on exercises, assignments, and exam preparation. Additionally, a study room shared by the Process Engineering Guild and the Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering Guild, can be found on the third floor of the V1 staircase.

Structure of studies

Process engineering studies are divided into two stages: bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS, 3 years), and master’s degree (120 ECTS, 2 years). Graduates of the master’s program receive the title of Master of Science in Technology (diplomi-insinööri).

The studies include basic studies and subject studies at the bachelor’s level, as well as an advanced specialization track at the master’s level. The master’s studies consist of core courses in your chosen specialization and complementary studies, as outlined below:

Bachelor’s Degree in Process Engineering:

  • Basic studies (69 ECTS.): Fundamentals of process engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics, Swedish, and English.
  • Subject studies (60+40 ECTS):. Courses on natural phenomena and processes in process engineering, such as automation and control engineering, fluid, heat, and mass transfer, material engineering, balance calculations, reactor analysis, chemical engineering, thermodynamics, experimental data analysis, occupational safety, production economics, and separation processes. Includes an internship.
  • Bachelor’s thesis and related studies (11 ECTS ): Technical communication and the bachelor’s thesis in process engineering.

Master’s Degree in Process Engineering:

  • Major studies (30 ECTS): Courses in chosen specialization
  • Advanced or complementary studies (30 ECTS): Advanced and elective courses in your field.
  • Complementary module (30 ECTS): Includes advanced internship work and elective courses
  • Master’s thesis (30 ECTS): Final thesis in process engineering.

In addition to mandatory courses, you can include optional studies, such as additional language courses beyond the required English and Swedish. The degree also includes two internships, typically completed as summer jobs in various companies. These internships not only broaden theoretical knowledge, but also provide valuable work experience and networking opportunities within the industry.

Everyone is given the opportunity to tailor their degree to suit their interests and career goals!

Additional information on the degree structure can be found at Opintopolku and in the study guide of the University of Oulu.

Please note! The Process Engineering Guild is not responsible for the accuracy of the information on this page. Please always check the latest updates from the university’s website.

Specialization options

The specialization track for the master’s phase is chosen at the end of the bachelor’s studies. There are four options:

  • Automation engineering focuses on controlling, optimizing, and regulating complex processes and implementing the necessary automation using modern systems and instruments
  • Bioproduct engineering provides insight into value chains for utilizing renewable natural resources, especially forest biomass. Students learn techniques for processing biomass, the properties and requirements of end products, and the manufacturing processes for traditional and new bioproducts. Traditional bioproducts include pulp, paper, and cardboard, while new products include biocomposites and wood-based textile fibres.
  • Chemical engineering emphasizes designing and developing demanding processes critical for efficient, clean, and sustainable production. Applications include water purification, pharmaceuticals, oil refining, chemical production, and the forest industry.
  • Process metallurgy allows specialization in either pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy. Pyrometallurgy focuses on the production of iron, steel, and ferroalloys using high-temperature processes. Hydrometallurgy focuses on producing battery chemical and non-ferrous metal through methods like leaching, solution purification and precipitation.

Additionally, students in the Bachelor’s program can seamlessly transition into Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining Master’s program.

Theses

The bachelor’s degree includes an 8-credit bachelor’s thesis (kandi), which can be a literature review, a small laboratory study, or a scientific paper analyzing a given problem. These theses can be conducted in the process engineering laboratories or at external companies.

The master’s degree includes a 30-credit thesis (diplomityö), demonstrating expertise in the subject, readiness for scientific analysis, mastery of research methods, and scientific communication skills. The thesis is often completed as a paid project for an external organization, which may lead to employment opportunities.

Future career?

Graduates with a degree in process engineering are highly sought after experts with excellent job prospects now and in the future. Opportunities are available worldwide, and

many graduates have built their careers abroad. *Process engineering graduates primaly work in expert, development, design, and management positions within the industry. Job titles include automation engineer, production planner, process designer, operations manager, product development engineer, or production director. Many careers begin during studies through internships included in the degree program.

Internationalization

The Faculty of Technology at the University of Oulu offers various opportunities for internationalization during your studies. Students can participate in exchange programs or internships abroad, guide international students at the university, and engage in international tasks within the subject societies and the student union.

A career as a process engineering graduate is inherently international. Most graduates work in diverse roles within multinational companies and the export industry.

Collaboration

The field of process engineering has a long tradition of close collaboration with various industries and organizations. Study courses may include visits or practise projects with industry partners. In addition, the Process Engineering Guild organizes its own excursions and corporate evenings, helping students build crucial professional networks during their studies.

Applying

Interested in the field? Applications are submitted through the joint DIA application process each spring: http://www.dia.fi