Master of Science in Engineering
| About the programme Language: English (See language requirements) | Place of study: Aarhus | Commencement: August / September and January / February |
The MSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering at Aarhus University – ranked among the world’s top 100 universities – gives you the opportunity to study a future-oriented programme that bridges advanced research with real-world application. The curriculum is shaped by the latest technological developments and societal needs and designed to equip you with the skills and mindset to be among the best in your field.
The construction sector in Denmark is undergoing rapid and far-reaching change. With strong political and industrial focus on sustainability, climate resilience and digitalisation, the green transition is driving innovation across every part of the built environment.
As a student on the MSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering, you will be part of this transition. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools to contribute to the development of smarter, more sustainable construction, and you’ll learn how to navigate the complex demands facing engineers in a sector where the need for innovation has never been greater.
The programme bridges advanced research with real-world application. You’ll work with the analysis, design and optimisation of buildings and infrastructure – combining classical engineering with digital technologies such as programming, simulation, modelling and machine learning. Throughout the programme, you will be trained to think critically, work across disciplines, and approach engineering challenges with creativity and curiosity.
You’ll build on the foundation from your bachelor’s degree and develop specialist knowledge in areas like structural behaviour, building performance, materials, energy, and urban infrastructure.
You’ll explore questions such as:
The teaching is research-based and project-driven, and you’ll collaborate closely with fellow students, researchers, and often companies. You have a great deal of freedom to put together your programme according to your interests. You’ll apply theory to practice through real-world cases and learn how to lead development processes that support the long-term transformation of the construction industry.
When you begin the programme, you will choose one of five specialisation tracks. Each track allows you to shape your academic journey around your own interests and future career, whether you want to work with large-scale infrastructure, innovative materials, smart buildings or the management and transformation of the construction industry. The specialisations are:
In this section you can learn more about the admission requirements relevant to the master of science in Civil and Architectural Engineering. Depending on your educational background and your qualifications, there are different ways to meet the admission requirements:
This section is relevant for you, if you have:
The two sections listed below are relevant only for students with a bachelor's degree from a Danish institution:
Below these sections, you can learn more about the English language requirement. You can also find out which ranking criteria we use to assess your application when prioritizing among the submitted applications.
If you have an international educational background, you must meet both the general admission requirement and the specific admission requirements:
You must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent that is comparable to a Danish bachelor's degree in both level and duration (180 ECTS).
For more information about how your bachelor's degree is assessed, please see the national database.
If you meet the general admission requirement, the university will continue on to assess whether or not you meet the specific admission requirements.
You can be admitted to the master's programme if the university assesses that your education has a level, scope, and content that corresponds to the academic requirements specified below.
| You can meet the admission requirement with Bachelor’s degree programme (BSc) or professional Bachelor's degree programme (BEng) if you have the following subject areas: | Number of ECTS |
Specialization in either:
| 60 |
Mathematics In the following subject areas:
| 20 |
| Total | 80 |
We cannot assess in advance whether your specific degree will meet the above requirements. Therefore, we recommend that you apply for the programme if you believe that you meet the academic requirements. In this regard, it is a good idea to compare your degree with the programmes that provide direct admission.
The following Bachelor's degree programme(s) from Aarhus University entitles you to an offer of admission to the Master's degree programme in Civil and Architectural Engineering:
Bachelor's degree programme in Civil and Architectural Engineering from Aarhus University
Please note that you must apply for admission to the Master's degree programme within three years of completing your Bachelor's degree programme.
Learn more about Legal right of admission.
Certain Bachelor's degree programmes from Aarhus University and various other Danish Universities have been determined to meet the admission requirements to this Master's degree programme:
Bachelor's degree programme in Civil and Architectural Engineering from Aarhus University
If you hold a Bachelor’s degree from a non-Danish university, you must complete the appendix below and upload it to the application portal. The appendix helps the academic assessors with the assessment of your application.
Download appendix
All Master’s degree programmes at Aarhus University have limited intake. This means that you are not guaranteed admission even if you meet the entry requirements. When we prioritize among applicants, we assess your application based on a set of fixed ranking criteria, which you can see below.
If you have a legal right of admission, you are guaranteed a place in the programme and do not need to consider the ranking criteria.
Ranking criteria:
Grades from the qualifying degree
Grades achieved in relevant subject fields:
Mathematics
Engineering design of structures
1 of the following:
Construction analysis
Indoor climate and building physics
Structural analysis and geotechnical engineering
Construction management
Relevant subject fields (measured in ECTS). In this assessment, ECTS credits that are a part of the admission requirements described under ‘Other qualifying degrees’ are not included.
Mathematics
Engineering design of structures
1 of the following:
Construction analysis
Indoor climate and building physics
Structural analysis and geotechnical engineering
Construction management
* The relevant subject fields are evaluated based on the following point system: 0,1875 point per additional ECTS within the relevant fields. You can earn a maximum of 15 points in this criterion.
Please note that grades achieved after the application deadline are not included in the assessment.
In order to be admitted to this programme you must meet the university's English language requirements.
Students with bachelor's degree from Aarhus University with a so-called 'Legal right of admission' are exempt from the English language requirement.
Unfortunately, Aarhus University is not able to assess your qualifications beforehand. In order for your qualifications to be assessed you must apply for admission. To learn more, please go to Assessment of your qualifications.
At the start of the study, you choose between five study lines:
As a student in Civil and Architectural Engineering at Aarhus University, you will become part of an open, collaborative and research-driven study environment. Teaching is closely linked to ongoing research projects, and you will be taught by active researchers who bring the newest knowledge into the classroom and studio. You will have the opportunity to get involved in research yourself – or work with companies on real-life challenges from the industry.
The programme combines lectures, group work, and project-based learning. You’ll collaborate with fellow students on assignments and design projects, often using digital tools, simulations, and lab experiments to explore ideas in depth. Courses are designed to support academic freedom, giving you flexibility to pursue your own interests, choose electives, and define your own project topics.
The Danish academic culture is informal, and you will experience an open, respectful and down-to-earth atmosphere where dialogue and curiosity are encouraged. Professors and researchers always keep their doors open for a conversation – whether you have a question about a lecture, want feedback on a project idea, or simply wish to discuss new developments in the field. Teamwork is a cornerstone in our teaching, and you will work closely with fellow students from different cultural and academic backgrounds, learning to approach problems from multiple perspectives and to develop solutions together.
You’ll be based at Navitas – a modern campus building in the heart of Aarhus and only minutes from the University Park. Here, you’ll find light-filled study spaces, advanced laboratories and a vibrant atmosphere. The campus is also home to student organisations, Friday bars, and social or academic events where you can connect with fellow engineering students across disciplines.
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With an MSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering from Aarhus University, you will be well-prepared to take on a wide range of roles in the construction industry – in Denmark or internationally. You will gain a solid technical foundation, specialist knowledge in your chosen field, and the ability to navigate the growing complexity of sustainable, data-driven and performance-focused construction.
Denmark is known for its ambitious climate goals, progressive building regulations, and strong tradition of collaboration between universities, industry and government. As a graduate from Aarhus University, you will be part of this forward-looking ecosystem – and highly qualified to work in the global transition toward more sustainable construction.
Graduates typically find employment in:
Thanks to your strong analytical skills and systems thinking, you will be equipped to lead interdisciplinary projects and take responsibility for both technical and strategic aspects of construction.
We want to help our students find successful careers. Students can always contact our Career Services for advice and assistance with getting onto the Danish labour market. Check out our careers page to see the range of services we offer.
The programme also gives you a strong foundation if you want to continue into research. By pursuing a PhD, you can dive deeper into your field and contribute to pioneering developments in areas such as energy systems, robotics, medical technology, or communication networks.
You can read more about the PhD programme at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences.
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