Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics

Engineered to address the complex challenges of modern society, the Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics programme at the Technical University of Denmark offers students a comprehensive education in the principles of engineering, design thinking, and mechanical analysis. This multidisciplinary programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, equipping students with the skills necessary to develop innovative engineering solutions for real-world problems. Throughout the course of study, students engage with a broad range of subjects including mechanics, materials science, structural analysis, computer-aided design, and systems engineering. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects, laboratory work, and collaborative design processes, fostering a problem-solving mindset and teamwork skills essential for engineering professionals. Students learn to analyze mechanical systems, optimize designs, and apply computer simulation tools to improve product performance and efficiency. The programme also includes modules focused on innovation, sustainability, and technology development, preparing graduates to contribute effectively in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. With a strong foundation in fundamental engineering principles, students are encouraged to think creatively and critically, ensuring they are capable of addressing complex engineering challenges in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, energy, and robotics. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, close industry collaborations, and international environment provide an excellent setting for students to gain practical experience and build professional networks. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped for careers in design engineering, applied mechanics, research and development, or further postgraduate studies. The programme emphasizes continuous learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to innovation, aligning with industry needs and societal goals. With its rigorous academic structure and focus on applied skills, the Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics programme at DTU nurtures engineers who are prepared to shape the future of technology and contribute positively to society.

Programme provision

To obtain the MSc degree in Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics, the student must fulfill the following requirements:

• Have passed General Competence Courses adding up to at least 30 ECTS points
• Have passed Technological Specialization Courses adding up to at least 30 ECTS points
• Have performed a Master Thesis of at least 30 ECTS points within the field of Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics
• Have passed a sufficient number of Elective Courses to bring the total number of ECTS points of the entire study up to 120

Courses

General Competence Courses

For the MSc in Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics program, the General Competence Courses are divided into general competences (15 ECTS points) and normative competences (minimum 15 ECTS point).

The students achieve the general competences (15 ECTS points) by completing the mandatory course:

or both these courses:

and one of the following courses (i.e. 5 ECTS points):

Only applicants holding either a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Bachelor in Engineering or a Bachelor of Natural Science degree can be admitted to a Master of Science in Engineering programme. From September 2017 the bachelor degree must be less than 10 years old.

The individual MSc Eng programme states in detail which bachelor programmes qualify and whether applicants have to complete supplementary educational activities.

Requirements for supplementary educational activities can equate to up to 30 ECTS credits and are specified in the form of a list of courses under the individual MSc Eng programmes.

The specific requirements must be met before graduating from the bachelor programme or in connection with conditional admission to a particular MSc Eng programme. The courses must be passed prior to the commencement of studies within one year from the conditional admission.

Supplementary educational activities in connection with conditional admission to an MSc Eng programme do not form part of the MSc Eng programme, and partial tuition fees are charged. If the supplementary courses have not been passed within the deadlines specified, the conditional admission to the programme is withdrawn.

The Master of Science in Engineering programmes are offered in English. Therefore applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (B-level, IELTS, TOEFL- or Pearson test).

Academic requirements for this programme

National Students

Bachelors of Science in Engineering from DTU

The MSc programme in Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics has a natural basis in the DTU BSc programme in Mechanical Engineering (Produktion og Konstruktion).

However, in order to obtain full benefit from the MSc study the right prerequisites are to be ensured from the BSc education. Students from the BSc programme in Mechanical Engineering should thus during their BSc studies, in addition to their mandatory courses, both complete the relevant courses that appear as prerequisites for the disciplines of Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics and obtain a minimum of 15 ECTS points from among the following courses:

It is emphasised that the above list of courses does not ensure all necessary prerequisites for the courses of the MSc programme.

Furthermore, it is also recommended that the students secure the necessary prerequisites within e.g. applied matematics, numerical methods, and elementary programming (Matlab).

Students from the DTU bachelor programmes Design & Innovation or Building Technology may meet the MSc programme's admission requirements by using the elective credits at their bachelor to make well-considered choices among the courses that appear as prerequisites for the disciplines of Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics.

Bachelors of Engineering (diplomingeniører) from DTU, Lyngby and Ballerup

Bachelors of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering from DTU can be admitted to the MSc in Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics if they have followed the mechanical engineering study line Mechanics at DTU and their BEng study also has included at least 10 ECTS credit points from among the following courses: 

If the applicant does not have passed 10 ECTS (as a minimum) from the list above, the applicant will not be accepted. The applicant should also be familiar with elementary programing (for instance MatLab). 

The programme coordinator recommends the courses: "01035 Advanced Engineering Mathematics 2", "01234 Differential Geometry with Applications", and "02601 Introduction to Numerical Algorithms".

The 10 ECTS may possibly be obtained by taking courses at a research based institution other than DTU, provided the content and academic level is equivalent to the courses mentioned above.

BEng in Mechanical Engineering from DTU Ballerup may be admitted after an individual evaluation of their academic qualifications, provided they fulfil the requirements corresponding to the ones mentioned above. The basis for the individual evaluation will include that the applicant also need to have passed course no. 41534, Dimensioning and Strength 2 or course no. 41502,strength of Materials 2 during the the BEng study, as well as need to fulfil the requirement of passing at least 10 ECTS credit points among the list of courses mentioned above as part of the BEng study programme.

Bachelors of Science in Engineering from other Danish universities

Applicants holding a bachelor of Science in Engineering from other Danish universities than DTU have access to be admitted after an individual evaluation of their academic qualifications, provided they fulfill the requirements corresponding to the ones mentioned above. Furthermore, applicants are expected to have a strong, working knowledge within matematics and mechanics.

International students

Applicants  to the MSc programme in Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics should hold a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering. A BSc Eng degree in Naval Architecture or Civil Engineering may also be accepted provided sufficient competences are obtained. Details on the academic requirements for international applicants are given below.

A strong, working knowledge of mathematics and mechanics is a prerequisite. A year's full time study at DTU amounts to 60 ECTS points. The MSc programme builds on a bachelor of science curriculum with at least the following content of mathematics and engineering sciences:

• Mathematics: 25-30 ECTS
• Physics: 10-15 ECTS
• Statics, mechanical vibrations, and strength of materials: 10-15 ECTS
• Fluid mechanics, engineering thermodynamics, and heat transfer: 10-15 ECTS 
• Materials science, and production technology: 10-15 ECTS
• Engineering design methodology: 5-15 ECTS

A working knowledge at bachelor level of the following subjects is prerequisite for the central courses of the MSc programme:

• Engineering design methodology
• Statics, mechanical vibrations, and strength of materials incl. continuum mechanics
• Fluid mechanics (Euler equations and Navier-Stokes equations) 
• Engineering thermodynamics and heat transfer 
• Applied mathematics, numerical methods, CAD, and elementary programming (Matlab)                                                 

Applicants are assumed to have the necessary prerequisites for the MSc programme courses when entering the programme. The description of the DTU-courses may be used to assess the required level of knowledge and skills. At the MSc programme, students should be willing to aqcuire any prerequisites that they may be missing by themselves.

Admission will be decided on the basis of the relevance and quality of the applicant's educational background. 

All steps in the admission procedure are handled through DTU's Office of International Affairs, where to inquiries about formalities should be directed. Questions about academic qualifications and programme content should be directed to the head of studies. 

The Financing Studies for the Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics Master's programme at the Technical University of Denmark include a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, grants, and potential student work opportunities. International students benefit from a transparent fee structure, with tuition fees set annually and payable per semester. The university offers various scholarship schemes aimed at both domestic and international students, such as the Danish Government Scholarships and Erasmus+ funding, which help reduce the financial burden. Additionally, Danish students typically have access to state-funded student grants known as SU (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte), which provide a monthly stipend to support living expenses throughout the study period.

Students are encouraged to seek external funding sources, including Danish and European research grants, private foundations, and industry sponsorships that may support specialized projects or research activities within the programme. Part-time work opportunities are available for students, with regulations in Denmark allowing international students to work limited hours during the academic year without requiring a special work permit. This can supplement students' budgets and provide practical experience related to their field of study.

The university also provides financial advice and planning resources to help students manage tuition costs, living expenses, and loan options if applicable. International students should budget for additional living costs, including accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses, which vary based on individual circumstances and lifestyle. Overall, financing studies at the Technical University of Denmark requires careful planning, but there are numerous support mechanisms designed to facilitate access and ensure students can focus on their academic success.

The Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics program at the Technical University of Denmark is a comprehensive engineering degree that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application in the fields of engineering design and mechanics. This program aims to prepare students for developing innovative engineering solutions, analyzing mechanical systems, and optimizing design processes across various industries. The curriculum emphasizes fundamental principles of mechanics, materials science, and structural analysis, providing students with a strong foundation in both theory and practice. Students engage in coursework that covers topics such as fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, manufacturing technology, and computer-aided design (CAD).

The program also focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work on real-world projects that require integration of mechanical engineering principles with other engineering disciplines. Practical training is an essential component, with opportunities for laboratory work, internships, and industry collaborations. This ensures graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce with hands-on experience in designing and analyzing mechanical systems, as well as understanding the latest technological advancements in engineering design.

Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, renewable energy, and consulting. The university supports students in developing skills in innovation, problem-solving, and project management, which are critical in today's competitive industrial landscape. The program is accredited by relevant engineering accreditation bodies, ensuring that it meets high standards of quality and relevance. Overall, the Engineering Design and Applied Mechanics program at DTU prepares students for a successful career in engineering by providing a thorough understanding of mechanical design principles combined with applied mechanics, supported by cutting-edge research facilities and a vibrant academic environment.