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 Mechanical 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 programme gives you the opportunity to specialise in the design, development, and optimisation of mechanical systems and technologies. You’ll combine theoretical knowledge with programming, artificial intelligence, and data-driven methods – and build a strong foundation in mathematics and engineering that enables you to turn ideas into practical, innovative solutions.
The MSc in Mechanical Engineering is a high-level extension to a Bachelor’s degree programme in Mechanical Engineering and related areas. Building on the knowledge you bring from your undergraduate degree, the MSc deepens your theoretical understanding and allows you to dive deeper into areas that match your interests – such as renewable energy, robotics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or sustainable product development.
From your first semester, you will be encouraged to see opportunities where others see obstacles and to explore innovative solutions to problems that have not yet been solved. Perhaps you would like to excel in mechanical product development, develop new advanced materials or develop new technology for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Maybe you want to improve your knowledge in climate technology to help with the green transition. Or maybe your dream is to work with advanced robots and high-tech industrial production.
You have a great deal of freedom to put together your programme according to your interests, and no matter which path you choose, you will work on real-life challenges through project-based learning, in close collaboration with fellow students, researchers, and industry partners. You’ll gain hands-on experience in labs, apply theory in practice, and develop the skills to take responsibility for leading innovation from idea to implementation.
You can choose between eight different specialisations, each allowing you to shape your degree according to your interests and career goals.
You can read more about your specialization options and see suggestions for study programmes here
In this section you can learn more about the admission requirements relevant to the master of science in Mechanical 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 you will also be able to learn more about language requirements and find out whether or not this master's degree programme has a limited intake.
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 a Bachelor’s degree programme (BSc) or professional Bachelor's degree programme (BEng) if you have the following subject areas: | Number of ECTS |
| Mechanical engineering | 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 Mechanical Engineering:
Bachelor's degree programme in Mechanical 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 in Mechanical Engineering:
Bachelor's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering from Aarhus University
You must fill in this appendix and upload it to the application portal. The appendix helps the Admission Board to assess your application.
Download appendix
This master's degree programme has a limited intake.
Because of the limited intake all qualified applicants will be prioritised according to a set of selection critieria (see below).
Meeting the admission requirements does not automatically ensure your offer of admission. Only if you have a specific bachelor's degree from Aarhus University with a so-called 'legal right of admission' will you be guaranteed an offer of admission to this master's degree programme.
If there are more qualified applicants than available student places, the selection will be based on the following criteria (each criterion counts for 1/3):
Grades from the qualifying degree
Grades achieved in relevant subject fields:
Mathematics
Mechanics
Fluid mechanics
Theory of elasticity
Product development
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
Mechanics
Fluid mechanics
Theory of elasticity
Product development
* The relevant subject fields are evaluated based on the following point system: 1 point per additional 5 ECTS within the relevant fields and 1 point per additional ECTS in theory of elasticity. 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.
The teaching at Mechanical Engineering is arranged with two semesters per academic year.
The education consists of two compulsory courses and a number of elective courses and/or projects. You follow the basic courses together with all students on the programme.
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.
As a master’s student in Mechanical Engineering, your daily life will combine lectures, lab work, and project-based learning. Much of your time will be spent working in groups – often in collaboration with researchers or companies. Much of the teaching is research-based, and you will be taught by researchers who bring the newest knowledge into the classroom. You will also have the opportunity to participate in research projects yourself.
The programme offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to shape your own academic journey. Across the programme, collaboration and community are key – you’ll be trained to work independently, but also to solve problems together with others.
Our international students often highlight the inclusive and collaborative study culture in Denmark as a unique strength. 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 Katrinebjerg – the hub for engineering and IT programmes at Aarhus University – where you’ll be part of an active and inclusive student environment. Here, you will find a wide range of student accommodation and a rich cultural life. To ensure student well-being, counselling services and support networks are always available.
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The MSc in Mechanical Engineering at Aarhus University is developed in close collaboration with leading researchers and both Danish and international companies. This means that what you learn reflects the latest scientific advancements as well as real-world industry challenges.
As a graduate, you’ll have a highly competitive profile that’s in demand across a wide range of sectors. Many graduates go on to work in industries such as energy, robotics, advanced materials, or healthcare technology mor beyond. Others find roles in manufacturing, hospitals, or research – including opportunities to pursue a PhD and an academic career.
As a MSc in Mechanical Engineering your strong technical foundation and insight into modern technologies ensures, that you’re well-qualified for roles in R&D, innovation, and product development – both in Denmark and abroad. You could also move into project management or take on leadership positions such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
You can also use your degree as a springboard to a research career through a PhD programme, allowing you to dive even deeper into your field and contribute to groundbreaking developments.
You can read more about the PhD programme at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences.