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The main objectives of this master programme are to develop an in-depth understanding of the main aspects of analysis and design of all kinds of advanced load-bearing constructions, as well as of material technology. Important issues are the optimization of the form of the structure, the selection of the materials and the construction method in terms of mechanical properties, environmental impact, life cycle cost and sustainability. Both conventional reinforced and pre-stressed concrete or steel structures and systems in novel materials (fibre reinforced, cellular, hybrids...) are considered.
Become a competent civil engineer within broad range of technical skills
In addition, the objective is to provide civil engineers within a broad range of technical skills which will enable them to take a professional approach to civil engineering problems, to gather and assimilate the required information in an efficient manner, to formulate and implement a solution method and to execute and administer the projects they are involved in.
Conduct scientific research in critical and self-reliant manner
This balanced training is closely linked to scientific research in related fields. This will serve as a basis for 'lifelong learning'. In particular, the education shall provide the necessary knowledge and competences to conduct scientific research in a critical and self-reliant manner or as a member of a team. This Master provides a profound scientific background to the design and construction of all kinds of advanced load-bearing systems, as well as the required competences and attitudes to become a responsible staff member.
Job opportunities
The diversity within the civil engineering fields creates a wide choice of careers.
Civil graduates work at all levels of the economy. Some work in small consulting firms, including those specializing in structural, environmental, municipal and geotechnical engineering, and some work in larger firms which encompass several branches of civil engineering.
Others work for the government or have started their own businesses. Graduates in civil engineering can work all over the world, either as consultants with their own companies, as employees of large international companies, or as volunteers in developing countries.
The curriculum represents 120 ECTS credits, including
- a number of compulsory courses
- a Master thesis
- a number of optional courses
Generic skills
Practicing the profession of Civil Engineer involves a number of generic skills, including:
- reasoning skills: logical thinking and spatial vision
- communication skills: the ability to compile reports and hold presentations
- managerial skills: planning, organizing and leading activities, efficient time management
- interpersonal and social skills: a sense of responsibility and teamwork
- creativity and entrepreneurial spirit
- awareness of the necessity of ongoing training in recent technological, industrial and scientific developments
Objectives
The main objective of this program is an in-depth understanding of the main aspects of analysis and design of all kinds of advanced load-bearing constructions, as well as of material technology. Important issues hereby are the optimalisation of the shape of the structure, the selection of the materials and the construction method in terms of mechanical properties, environmental impact, life cycle cost and sustainability. Both conventional reinforced and pre-stressed concrete or steel structures and systems in new materials (fibre reinforced, cellular, hybrids,...) are hereby considered.
In addition, the objective of the programme is to provide competent civil engineers with a broad range of technical skills which will enable them to take a professional approach to civil engineering problems, to gather and assimilate the required information in an efficient manner, to formulate and implement a solution method and to execute and administer the projects effectively.
Obviously, this balanced training in both analytical and numerical methods and experimental work is closely linked to scientific research in related fields and will serve as a basis for 'lifelong learning'. In particular, the education shall provide the necessary knowledge and competences to conduct scientific research in a critical and self-reliant manner or as a member of a team. In conclusion, the Master of Science in Civil Engineering provides a profound scientific background to the design and construction of all kinds of advanced load-bearing systems as well as the required competences and attitudes to become a responsible staff member with attention to and the understanding of the role of technology and the engineer in society.
Practicing the profession of Civil Engineer involves a number of generic skills, including:
- Reasoning skills: logical thinking and spatial vision.
- Communication skills: the ability to compile reports and hold presentations.
- Managerial skills: planning, organizing and leading activities, efficient time management.
- Interpersonal and social skills: a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
- Creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Awareness of the necessity of ongoing training in recent technological, industrial and scientific developments.
Scholarships granted by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel awards yearly a number of scholarships for advanced studies at Master or Advanced Master level. These programmes are characterized by the integration of education and research and a Master's thesis. They cover at least one year of study and depending on the field of study some programmes may take 2 years.
Yearly one or more specific programmes will be considered for Scholarships of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The Bureau for Development Cooperation selects these programmes every year following an internal "Call for Interest" to all programme directors of a Master or Master after Master programme. This selection is submitted for endorsement to the Research Council.
Scholarships for International Course Programmes (ICP)
The Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) offers yearly scholarships to students from developing countries to follow International Courses. These courses are master courses, lasting two academic years, all of which lead to a masters degree. The ICPs focus on specific problems of developing countries. International Courses are:
- Master in Human Ecology
- Master of Science in Molecular Biology
- Master of Science in Ecological Marine Management
- Master of Science in Physical Land Resources
- Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering
Outstanding graduates can subsequently apply for a 4 year grant from the Flemish Interuniversity Council to obtain a PhD-degree.
Scholarships for International Training Programmes (ITP)
International Training Programmes are short-term training programmes whose main focus is transferring skills rather than knowledge. The programme is designed for people from developing countries with a certain degree of professional experience. A possibility for cooperation and networking is created during these 3 months of training.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers a training programme in Scientific and Technological Information Management in Universities and Libraries
Scholarships of the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC)
BTC is the Belgian development cooperation agency that supports developing countries in their fight against poverty. Each year BTC grants some 1.000 scholarships in Belgium across diverse fields of training, including Master programmes to students from its priority countries.
Erasmus Mundus Master scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus programme is a co-operation and mobility programme in the field of higher education which promotes the European Union as a centre of excellence in learning around the world. It supports European top-quality Masters Courses and provides EU-funded scholarships for third country (non-EU) nationals participating in these Masters Courses.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel participates in the following Erasmus Mundus Master programmes: (click on a link for detailed information).
- Master of Science in Photonics
- M.A. Degree in Economics of International Trade and European Integration
Student Jobs
During the academic year, international students are entitled to work maximum 20 hours per week. They can work on a full time basis only during the summer holidays period (July-September).
The money earned from student jobs should be considered as a supplementary source of income, not as main financial means for living in Belgium.
The Job Service can help international students to find a student job. Nevertheless, students should be aware that they might face the following difficulties during their job search:
- non-European students are required to have a category C work permit.
- employers in Brussels very often need bilingual French/Dutch workers or explained at the Job Service or at the International Relations and Mobility Office.
Job Service Campus Etterbeek - Entrance 6
Open from Monday till Friday 13.30 - 17.00 or on appointment
Tel. +32 (0) 2 629 23 16
E-mail: job@vub.ac.be
Important remarks
Students who apply for a scholarship will receive a conditional letter of acceptance. This admission letter is valid only if the scholarship is awarded. Students coming for a short period are advised to bring either cash money or an international credit card. Most banks refuse customers who are here for less than 6 months. Even when you have the necessary means, problems can still arise, such as:
- foreign cheques that cannot be cashed in Belgium
- delayed or blocked bank transfers from abroad
- loss of money due to devaluation
- sponsors not paying allowances
- insufficient scholarships money
- loss of scholarship.
Remember to save the money for your return flight ticket at the end of your studies.
Accreditation
NVAO accredited programme
Currency
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