Master of Science in Structural and Mechanical Engineering

This study programme provides an education in either mechanical or structural engineering, giving you the necessary engineering tools to turn challenges into opportunities.

Updated on
About the programme
Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Language of instruction

English

ECTS credits

120

Start of studies

August every year

Abstrakt struktur. Foto: Shutterstock

This programme offers two specialisations, structural engineering and mechanical engineering. These two specialisations share a common interest in the understanding of how materials and structures react to forces. This is reflected in common courses like mechanics, dynamics, and simulation methods.  

If your background is in civil engineering, the structural engineering specialisation will give you competence in the analysis, design, construction, and maintenance of civil and offshore structures. The learning outcomes provide core competences and skills to work with engineering aspects of buildings, bridges, offshore platforms, wind turbines and other structures.  

The mechanical engineering specialisation, will teach you the design and manufacturing of mechanical equipment. This includes CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing, welding, inspection, as well as fluid dynamics and materials science. This specialisation prepares you for working in a wide range of fields, such as production and manufacturing industries, renewable energy projects and offshore industries.

Career prospects

The programme qualifies the graduates for a broad range of positions in private industry and public organisations. Since the core of the master's programme consists of commonly applicable principles and methods, graduate students can qualify for many attractive job positions in the area of mechanical and structural engineering and materials technology in offshore and civil engineering industries, renewable energy projects, production and manufacturing industries and a diverse range of mechanical operations.

There will always be a need of buildings, roads, bridges, materials, machinery, production and manufacturing processes wind/wave and solar energy systems. Graduates will therefore be attractive in the industry and in the international job market.

Many will also have interesting job opportunities within research, education, or in public sector devoted to control, regulation and law enforcement of industrial sectors.

A completed master's degree with a minimum average grade B for courses and grade A or B for the master's thesis, may qualify for admission to the PhD programme in Offshore Technology at the University of Stavanger. Graduates are eligible to apply for relevant PhD programmes at other universities.

Learning outcomes

All study programmes at the UiS have a set of defined learning targets. Read more about the learning outcome for this study programme.

After having completed the master’s programme in Structural and Mechanical Engineering, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

K1: The candidate has advanced knowledge in the analysis, design and maintenance of engineering structures and specialised insight depending on the choice of specialisation (i.e., Mechanical Engineering or Structural Engineering).

K2: A candidate with a course package in mechanical systems has a thorough knowledge of design, modelling, analysis and manufacturing of mechanical components/systems, microstructure and properties of metallic materials, corrosion and corrosion protection. A candidate with a course package in renewable energy has a thorough knowledge on design, wind and wave energy conversion systems, passive energy systems, energy conversion efficiency, and business models involving renewable energy, energy systems interaction, sustainable city development and climate change.

A candidate who specialises in structural engineering has a thorough knowledge of non-linear static/dynamic analysis, environmental loads, fatigue, accidental limit state designs, material technology, concrete structures, concrete technology, structural integrity, and life extensions.

K3: The candidate has basic knowledge he/she can use for research and development work in mechanical and structural engineering.

K4: The candidate has knowledge on general ethical aspects in the engineering discipline.

Skills

S1: The candidate can apply existing theories, methods and scientific insight in the field and work independently to solve practical and theoretical problems.

S2: The candidate has higher order skills in analysis, critical evaluation, or professional application and the ability to solve complex problems and think rigorously and independently.

S3: The candidate can analyse and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments. The candidate can identify state of the art for the technology as well as relevant national and international standards within relevant disciplines.

S4: The candidate can use independently relevant knowledge for research and professional development in field.

S5: The candidate can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.

General Competence

G1: The candidate can analyse relevant academic problems and be qualified to participate in developing and implementing new technology, methods and principles for the analysis, design and maintenance activities in specialised discipline (i.e., mechanical systems, renewable energy systems, civil engineering structures and offshore structures).

G2: The candidate can apply their knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced tasks and projects.

G3: The candidate can communicate extensive independent work and master language and terminology of the academic field.

G4: The candidate can communicate on academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field, with both the specialists and the public.

G5: The candidate can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes.

Study plan and courses

Already a student? Find the full study programme description and study plan here
  • Specialisation Structural Engineering

    • Compulsory courses

    • Electives or exchange studies 5th semester - 30 points

      • Courses at UiS 3rd semester

        • Choose one of the following non-science/technological courses

        • Recommended Electives 3rd semester

          • Concrete Technology

            Year 2, semester 3

            Concrete Technology (BYG605)

            Study points: 5

          • Concrete Structures, advanced course

            Year 2, semester 3

            Concrete Structures, advanced course (BYG660)

            Study points: 10

          • Advanced Analysis and Design of Steel Structures

            Year 2, semester 3

            Advanced Analysis and Design of Steel Structures (BYG665)

            Study points: 10

          • Offshore Wind Turbine Engineering

            Year 2, semester 3

            Offshore Wind Turbine Engineering (OFF615)

            Study points: 10

        • Other Electives 3rd semester

          • Welding and In-service Inspection Technologies

            Year 2, semester 3

            Welding and In-service Inspection Technologies (MSK585)

            Study points: 5

          • Practical Training in Structural and Mechanical Engineering

            Year 2, semester 3

            Practical Training in Structural and Mechanical Engineering (MSK690)

            Study points: 10

          • Offshore Field Development

            Year 2, semester 3

            Offshore Field Development (OFF515)

            Study points: 5

          • Pipelines and Risers

            Year 2, semester 3

            Pipelines and Risers (OFF520)

            Study points: 5

      • Exchange 3rd semester

  • Spesialisation Mechanical Engineering

    • Compulsory courses

    • Electives or exchange studies 3rd semester - 30 points

      • Courses at UiS 3rd semester

        • Choose at least one of the following non-science/technological courses

        • Recommended Electives 3rd semester

          • CAD/CAM and Additive Manufacturing

            Year 2, semester 3

            CAD/CAM and Additive Manufacturing (MSK550)

            Study points: 10

          • Welding and In-service Inspection Technologies

            Year 2, semester 3

            Welding and In-service Inspection Technologies (MSK580)

            Study points: 10

          • Offshore Wind Turbine Engineering

            Year 2, semester 3

            Offshore Wind Turbine Engineering (OFF615)

            Study points: 10

        • Other Electives 3rd semester

          • Life Extension of Structures

            Year 2, semester 3

            Life Extension of Structures (BYG570)

            Study points: 5

          • Societal Transition and Transformation - Energy and Climate Change

            Year 2, semester 3

            Societal Transition and Transformation - Energy and Climate Change (MEE100)

            Study points: 10

          • Practical Training in Structural and Mechanical Engineering

            Year 2, semester 3

            Practical Training in Structural and Mechanical Engineering (MSK690)

            Study points: 10

          • Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies

            Year 2, semester 3

            Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies (PET640)

            Study points: 10

      • Exchange 3rd semester

Academic requirements

For specialisation in Mechanical Engineering:

A bachelor's degree in mechanical, material, marine, process, structural engineering or equivalent with good foundation within construction, material and/or engineering fluid mechanics is required.

For specialisation in Structural Engineering:

A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or equivalent with minimum 40 ECTS credits of structural engineering specialisation courses is required.

All applicants:

Applicants must have the equivalent of 25 ECTS credits in mathematics, 5 ECTS credits in statistics and 7,5 ECTS credits in Physics.

Admission to this master's programme requires a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (according to ECTS Standards) in your bachelor's degree. Applicants with a result Second-class lower Division or lower are not qualified for admission.

Supplementary rules for admission (PDF)

Application and admission

Student exchange

By going on exchange to one of our partner institutions abroad as part of your studies, you will have an opportunity to get a unique education. In addition to improving your career opportunities, you grow as a person and gain the ability to greater reflect on the topics you study as part of your degree. All about exchange

Schedule for the exchange

In the 3rd semester of the master's programme in Structural and Mechanical Engineering, a period of study abroad is facilitated. Abroad, you must choose courses that provide an equivalent specialization in your field of study, and these must be approved before you leave. It is also important that the courses you are going to take abroad do not overlap with courses you have already taken or will take later in your studies. One tip is to think about your specialization and/or your field of interest. You must choose at least one non-science/technological course equivalent to 5-10 ECTS (e.g. economics, languages, ethics, project management, green transition or similar).

More opportunities

In addition to the recommended universities listed below, University of Stavanger has several agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at UiS, provided that they find a relevant subject offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.

Find out more.

Contact your Study Adviser at the Faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of topics.

Iselin Torland Tjensvold

Cathrine Hofker Tønnessen

General questions about exchange: Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk

Recommended institutions:


Student exchange for specialisation in Mechanical Engineering:

  • San Diego State University, USA
  • University of Adelaide, Australia
  • Grenoble INP, France
  • Polytechnic Milano, Italy
  • University of Twente, Netherlands (ECIU University)
  • University of Trento, Italy (ECIU University)
  • University of Aveiro, Portugal (ECIU University)
  • Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania (ECIU University)
  • Linköping University, Sweden (ECIU University)
  • Soul Tech University, South Korea

Student exchange for specialisation in Structural Engineering:

  • Aalborg University, Denmark
  • University of Iceland, Iceland
  • Technico Lisboa, Portugal
  • Polytechnic Milano, Italy
  • Technical University of Munich, Germany
  • University of Twente, Netherlands (ECIU University)
  • University of Trento, Italy (ECIU University)
  • University of Aveiro, Portugal (ECIU University)
  • Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania (ECIU University)

Student exchange

  • All countries

    Aalborg Universitet

    Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.

    Chalmers tekniska högskola

    Tenker du på utveksling til Sverige har Chalmers tekniska högskola i Gøteborg mye å tilby. Chalmers er et teknisk universitet i Göteborg med rundt 10.000 studenter og fokus på forskning og utdanning innen teknologi, naturvitenskap og arkitektur.

    Grenoble Institute of Technology

    Bli Erasmus+-student og studer i de franske alper i Frankrikes beste studentby Grenoble!

    Kaunas University of Technology

    Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is one the largest technological universities in the Baltics. Known for its linkages with business, leadership in scientific research and flexible interdisciplinary study programmes, it is the perfect institution for an unforgettable study experience.

    Linköpings universitet

    Linkøpings universitet er et av Sveriges største universitet med en sterk tradisjon for samarbeid over landegrenser. Universitetet er kjent for sin innovative profil innenfor forskning og utdanning, og er, som UiS, medlem av nettverket European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).

    Politecnico di Milano University

    Politecnico di Milano er Italias største tekniske universitet med om lag 40.000 studenter og er høyt rangert på en rekke internasjonale rankinglister.

    San Diego State University

    San Diego State University (SDSU) ligger helt sør i California, på grensen til Mexico, og bare et par timers kjøretur fra Los Angeles. Dette er en svært populær utvekslingsdestinasjon for UiS-studenter.

    Seoul National University of Science and Technology

    Benytt muligheten til å studere ett semester i Seoul, ved ett av de beste universitetene i Sør Korea, Seoul National University of Science and Technology ( Seoul Tech).

    Technical University of Munich

    The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.

    The University of Adelaide

    Universitetet ligger i Adelaide, Australias femte største by. Med sine 1.2 millioner innbyggere er Adelaide en trygg, kosmopolitisk by som er betraktelig rimeligere å bo i enn flere sammenlignbare byer i landet. Universitetet er medlem av Group of Eight, en koalisjon av de åtte ledende universitetene i Australia.

    University of Aveiro

    Er du på utkikk etter et annerledes utvekslingsopphold? Få faglig påfyll ved et av Portugals mest innovative og dynamiske universiteter som ligger i vakre Aveiro, Portugals Venezia.

    University of Iceland

    I hjerte av Islands hovedstad, Reykjavik, ligger University of Iceland omringet av et utrolig landskap. Reis på utveksling til Island og Reykjavik, og få stipend gjennom Nordlys, Nordtek eller Erasmus+.

    University of Lisbon (ULisboa)

    Enjoy a semester abroad in beautiful Portugal! Explore one of the oldest cities in the world and study at the largest technical School in Portugal while enjoying the Mediterranean climate!

    University of Trento

    Bli Erasmus+-student i Italia – Reis på utveksling til Trento!

    University of Twente, Enschede

    Opplev Europa og det internasjonale studiemiljøet i Nederland. University of Twente er UiS` partneruniversitet i ECIU-nettverket og tilbyr utvekslingsmuligheter for mange studenter ved UiS. Det er et moderne og innovativt campus-universitet som satser stort på entreprenørskap.

  • Australia

    The University of Adelaide

    Universitetet ligger i Adelaide, Australias femte største by. Med sine 1.2 millioner innbyggere er Adelaide en trygg, kosmopolitisk by som er betraktelig rimeligere å bo i enn flere sammenlignbare byer i landet. Universitetet er medlem av Group of Eight, en koalisjon av de åtte ledende universitetene i Australia.

  • Danmark

    Aalborg Universitet

    Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.

  • Frankrike

    Grenoble Institute of Technology

    Bli Erasmus+-student og studer i de franske alper i Frankrikes beste studentby Grenoble!

  • Island

    University of Iceland

    I hjerte av Islands hovedstad, Reykjavik, ligger University of Iceland omringet av et utrolig landskap. Reis på utveksling til Island og Reykjavik, og få stipend gjennom Nordlys, Nordtek eller Erasmus+.

  • Italia

    Politecnico di Milano University

    Politecnico di Milano er Italias største tekniske universitet med om lag 40.000 studenter og er høyt rangert på en rekke internasjonale rankinglister.

    University of Trento

    Bli Erasmus+-student i Italia – Reis på utveksling til Trento!

  • Litauen

    Kaunas University of Technology

    Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is one the largest technological universities in the Baltics. Known for its linkages with business, leadership in scientific research and flexible interdisciplinary study programmes, it is the perfect institution for an unforgettable study experience.

  • Nederland

    University of Twente, Enschede

    Opplev Europa og det internasjonale studiemiljøet i Nederland. University of Twente er UiS` partneruniversitet i ECIU-nettverket og tilbyr utvekslingsmuligheter for mange studenter ved UiS. Det er et moderne og innovativt campus-universitet som satser stort på entreprenørskap.

  • Portugal

    University of Aveiro

    Er du på utkikk etter et annerledes utvekslingsopphold? Få faglig påfyll ved et av Portugals mest innovative og dynamiske universiteter som ligger i vakre Aveiro, Portugals Venezia.

    University of Lisbon (ULisboa)

    Enjoy a semester abroad in beautiful Portugal! Explore one of the oldest cities in the world and study at the largest technical School in Portugal while enjoying the Mediterranean climate!

  • Sør-Korea

    Seoul National University of Science and Technology

    Benytt muligheten til å studere ett semester i Seoul, ved ett av de beste universitetene i Sør Korea, Seoul National University of Science and Technology ( Seoul Tech).

  • Sverige

    Chalmers tekniska högskola

    Tenker du på utveksling til Sverige har Chalmers tekniska högskola i Gøteborg mye å tilby. Chalmers er et teknisk universitet i Göteborg med rundt 10.000 studenter og fokus på forskning og utdanning innen teknologi, naturvitenskap og arkitektur.

    Linköpings universitet

    Linkøpings universitet er et av Sveriges største universitet med en sterk tradisjon for samarbeid over landegrenser. Universitetet er kjent for sin innovative profil innenfor forskning og utdanning, og er, som UiS, medlem av nettverket European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).

  • Tyskland

    Technical University of Munich

    The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.

  • USA

    San Diego State University

    San Diego State University (SDSU) ligger helt sør i California, på grensen til Mexico, og bare et par timers kjøretur fra Los Angeles. Dette er en svært populær utvekslingsdestinasjon for UiS-studenter.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most common questions we get about this study programme.

Is it possible to complete the study part-time, or remote?

The program is set up as a full-time program, and there are many compulsory group-based assignments in almost all subjects. We therefore do not recommend to study remotely. As the study is a full-time study, it is not possible to get a part-time admission, but a student with admission to a 2-year master's degree has study rights for 3 years. Read about your study rights.

I have previously passed courses at another educational institution. Can I get any of these subjects approved to a new degree?

Yes, it is possible to apply for approval of previously passed courses that are not part of the admission basis to a new degree.

Is it possible to apply for leave from studies?

Yes. You can find more information here.

Do I have the opportunity to go on an exchange during my studies?

Yes! Students can study abroad during the 3rd semester of the master's programme in Structural and Mechanical Engineering.

Student life at UiS

Contact us

Higher Executive Officer
51832200
Faculty of Science and Technology
Faculty Administration TN
Kontor for utdanningsadministrative tjenester
Higher Executive Officer
51831867
Faculty of Science and Technology
Faculty Administration TN
Kontor for utdanningsadministrative tjenester
Professor
51832387
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science
Associate Professor
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science