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.
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 guarenteed 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
Please note that grades achieved after the application deadline are not included in the grade point average (GPA).
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.
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 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.
