Build the Future in Finland – New International Engineering Degree Opens the Door to a Career in Civil Engineering
The world needs more professionals who can design and build sustainable cities, energy-efficient buildings and modern infrastructure. At the same time, a large number of experienced professionals are retiring from the construction and building services sector, creating strong demand for new engineers.
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is launching a new international Bachelor's Degree Programme in Civil Engineering and Building Services, offering students the opportunity to build an international engineering career in Finland and around the world.
An Industry That Shapes Everyday Life
The built environment surrounds us every day. Homes, schools, hospitals, offices, roads, bridges and energy systems all require skilled professionals to design, construct and develop them.
According to Principal Lecturers Aki Valkeapää and Mika Lindholm, the future of the construction industry looks promising for decades to come.
"In addition to new construction, existing buildings constantly require renovation, improved energy efficiency and new sustainable solutions."
From left to right: Valkeapää and Lindholm
The industry is also undergoing rapid transformation. Digitalisation, Building Information Modelling (BIM), carbon-neutral construction, circular economy principles and energy-efficient technologies are creating exciting new opportunities for future engineers.
Two Specialisation Options – Countless Career Opportunities
During the second year of studies, students choose between two specialisations: Civil Engineering or Building Services Engineering.
Students specialising in Civil Engineering learn how to design and manage buildings, infrastructure and construction projects. Those focusing on Building Services Engineering specialise in the technical systems that make buildings comfortable, safe and energy-efficient, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling and building energy systems.
The degree prepares graduates for a wide variety of professional roles.
Graduates can work in engineering consultancies, construction companies, building services firms, the real estate sector or public organisations. The broad range of career opportunities includes design, project engineering and specialist positions, with opportunities to progress into project management, development and leadership roles.
Many graduates begin their careers as site engineers, project engineers, design engineers or technical specialists. As they gain experience, they often move into more demanding expert roles, project management positions and supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
Valkeapää and Lindholm emphasise that career development largely depends on a person's own competence, motivation and willingness to take responsibility.
"Engineering careers typically offer excellent opportunities for professional growth. Competitive salaries develop alongside increasing responsibility and expertise."
Practical Learning for Real Working Life
One of the greatest strengths of engineering education at Metropolia is its practical approach.
Students do much more than study theory—they solve real-life engineering challenges throughout their studies.
The programme includes numerous company projects, internships, company visits and close collaboration with organisations in the construction and real estate sectors. Bachelor's theses are often completed in cooperation with companies, allowing students to build valuable professional networks before graduation.
According to Valkeapää and Lindholm, the programme prepares students directly for working life. Graduates possess both the strong theoretical foundation and the practical skills required by today's employers.
International Degree with Finnish Language Skills
The degree is taught in English, while students are also encouraged to develop Finnish language skills throughout their studies.
Learning Finnish opens even more career opportunities in the Finnish labour market.
The programme follows a functional bilingual learning model, where Finnish is introduced from the very beginning of the studies. While English remains the main language of instruction, students gradually practise Finnish through real-life situations and professional terminology related to their field.
The goal is that, upon graduation, students will have the confidence to work in Finnish workplaces using both English and Finnish. In the construction and building services sector, Finnish language skills support finding internships, integrating into work communities and advancing professionally.
The Finnish language skills developed during the programme also provide an excellent foundation for continuing language learning in the workplace and through professional networks.
"The construction and building services sector needs skilled professionals both in Finland and internationally. Our goal is to educate engineers who will help build a more sustainable future—not only in Finland but around the world," say Valkeapää and Lindholm.
They conclude that this engineering programme is an excellent choice for people who want to see the tangible results of their work still standing decades into the future.