Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Course content

The master's programme in Civil Engineering is focuses on the study and design of buildings and structures (roads, bridges, hydraulic structures, high-rise and industrial buildings) and aims for the formation of civil engineers who can perform at a high level in an international industrial and social environment. The programme concentrates on the thorough development of the conception and design capability, with the added objective of a job in research and development. Thus lies in the core curriculum of training a pronounced emphasis on the computational aspects of buildings and infrastructure. By means of elective courses, students can select additional aspects of the field corresponding to the personal aptitude and interests. These elective courses also aim to broaden the training programme.

The Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FEA) offers most of the Master’s programmes in Engineering in English. This underlines the international ambition of the faculty, as well as the importance of international education and multiple language skills for students.

Course structure

The master’s programme in Civil Engineering consists of two phases: the first phase takes three years and leads to the academic degree of bachelor of engineering, whereas the second phase takes two years and leads to the degree of master of science in civil engineering. During the master’s programme students can opt for a deepening or broadening training, by either choosing a Major (depth) or Minor (broadening), or through a comprehensive package of elective courses.

> Construction Design
In the Major Construction Design some specific engineering disciplines are refined. This gives the graduate the baggage to work in the construction industry, having at the same time a broader and a more specialised technological knowledge. In particular, this course pays attention to the conceptual design of complex engineering structures.This Major also includes computer-aided design of structures, seismic design, instability and spatial structures.

> Dredging and Offshore Engineering
In the Major Dredging and Offshore Engineering a profound knowledge in the field of coastal and offshore engineering is pursued through a coherent set of courses that meet the requirements of the industry in this field. Given the enduring pressure on coastal regions worldwide, there is a sustained growth of coastal and offshore engineering constructional activities (e.g. sea defence, platform, wind farm, island …), associated with the required dredging activities. During the course the basic knowledge of maritime technology (ship construction, stability and motions in harbours and approach channels) is addressed. The principles of dredging techniques are treated, with regard to dredging processes and soil mechanical aspects. A deeper understanding and modelling of hydrodynamic loads by waves and currents on coastal and offshore structures, and of coastal zone processes, are taught. The Major centers on the design and construction of offshore structures, including ocean energy conversion (wind, waves and tide), geotechnical aspects of offshore foundations.