Master of Science in Engineering
| About the programme Language: English (See language requirements) | Place of study: Aarhus | Commencement: August / September and January / February |
How do you design the blades of a wind turbine? How do you calculate the lifetime of a computer chip or a fuel cell? How do you analyse the dynamics of a racing car? These are just some of the questions the MSc in Mechanical Engineering programme explores.
The programme provides students with the opportunity to apply theory to practical issues, with scope for interdisciplinary collaboration. You will gain a sound understanding of advanced calculation methodologies, such as the finite element method (FEM) and multidisciplinary simulation tools. You will study topics such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), structural dynamics and modal analysis, and fracture mechanics and fatigue. The basis for these competencies includes continuum mechanics, elasticity theory and plasticity theory.
The first and the second semester include a number of compulsory courses and elective course packages within the specialisations of Structural Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics, Dynamics, Fracture and Composits and Termo Machinery.
The third semester includes elective courses and the possibility to do a project, which can be completed in collaboration with a company and/or a research group.
As a student on the degree programme, you will be offered half-yearly student development interviews. This is an opportunity to discuss topics such as requests and plans regarding choice of courses, as well as choosing subjects from other departments at Aarhus University.
At the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Aarhus University, we create sustainable, technological solutions to some of the biggest challenges faced by businesses and society through research and development.
To qualify for admission to the Master’s degree programme in Mechanical Engineering at Aarhus University, you must have a Bachelor’s degree from a university or a school of engineering in Denmark or abroad that contains at least 20 ECTS in the following subject areas: calculus, ordinary differential equations, systems of ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, vector differential equations and vector integral equations.
If your Bachelor’s degree is not from a university in Denmark, Aarhus University must also assess whether the level, scope and content of this degree qualifies you for the Master’s programme.
The following Bachelor’s degrees from universities or schools of engineering qualify students for admission to the Master’s degree programme in Mechanical Engineering, provided they fulfil the 20 ECTS criteria described above:
If admitted to the Master’s programme in Mechanical Engineering at Aarhus University, you may be required to take certain compulsory courses or to choose specific specialisations, depending on the composition of your Bachelor’s degree.
If you apply for admission with an international Bachelor's degree, you must fill in this appendix and upload it in the application portal. The appendix serves to help the Admission Board assess your Bachelor’s degree in regard to the admission requirements.
To qualify for admission to English language programmes you must document English language qualifications comparable to an "English B level" in the Danish upper secondary school (Danish upper secondary school level). See the general English language requirements.
From the summer admission 2025 the following will take effect. The Master’s degree programme only admits a limited number of students each year, meeting the admission requirements does not in itself guarantee admission to the programme.
Allocation of student places is based on an overall assessment. Allocation of student places is based on an overall assessment. In evaluating qualified applicants, the admissions committee assess applicants on the basis of the following criteria:
Academic background
* Relevant courses include core courses within the subject areas of Mathematics, Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Theory of Elasticity and Engineering Design.
Please note that grades obtained after the time of application cannot be included in the assessment of grade level.
The admissions committee assess each applicant on the basis of the information provided in diplomas, transcripts, and course descriptions.
The study structure in Mechanical Engineering consists of a joint basic package of subjects taken during the first year of studies. In addition, you must choose two of the following study lines plus an optional package that can be more freely chosen as single-subject courses. The programme thus includes a field of specialisation that is composed individually under supervision and amounts to 60 ECTS credits. In the final term, you conclude your studies with a thesis amounting to 30 ECTS credits.
For further information on the structure of the programme please see the academic regulations:
If you have the necessary skills and interest, you have the option of applying for admission to the PhD programme. In the PhD programme, you start working on a research project and are gradually trained through courses and personal guidance to become a researcher.
Aarhus University has many social spaces where you can meet other students outside lessons and this is an excellent basis for social activities. There is an engineering club for staff and students through which students can network with like-minded people. Like all departments, there is a popular Friday bar, and "De Studerendes Råd - RIA" organises celebrations and social events for all students.
Aarhus University campus is unique, with buildings closely grouped together and surrounded by nature. The campus is conveniently situated close to the city centre, and student accommodation is readily available as long as you apply on time. There are a range of activities, ranging from running to regatta on the lake, as well as guest lectures, film screenings, and university events taking place throughout the year. To ensure student well-being, counselling services are available for students, to offer support and guidance during their time at Aarhus.
As the second-largest city in Denmark, Aarhus is a young and dynamic place with plenty of opportunities. The 40,000 students at the university make up 17.5% of the city’s population, which leaves its mark on city life. An attractive feature of Aarhus is that there are beaches and woods a short bike-ride away, as well as cultural events taking place throughout the year, including the Aarhus Festival in September. The theatres in the city and the ARoS international art museum offer many events that enable you to experience the Danish culture.
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Graduates find work in a wide range of fields, from basic engineering or science research in joint projects involving research institutes and the industrial sector, to research and development projects in the industry. Many graduates of MSc Mechanical Engineering have gone on to working within research and development departments at industrial enterprises, whilst others choose to do a PhD in Denmark or abroad.
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 chart shows the five most common types of work for graduates 1-2 years after finishing their degree. The data is derived from a survey made by Epinion for the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and Aarhus University in 2020.
