International Master's Programme in Advanced Computational and Civil Engineering Structural Studies (ACCESS)

Overview This English-taught master's programme builds a solid foundation in computational mechanics and structural analysis while linking those methods directly to advanced civil engineering design. It trains you to use numerical simulation as a practical tool for solving complex engineering problems, emphasizing both the theoretical underpinnings and hands-on application of modelling and analysis.

What you will learn You will develop skills to understand, set up and interpret computational models within the wider context of design and real-world application. The curriculum focuses on the theory and practice of computational mechanics, contemporary research topics in numerical structural analysis, recent trends in civil engineering design, and modern construction techniques. Graduates are prepared to contribute to technical innovation where simulation-based methods play a central role.

Application guidance (check the official programme page for exact criteria)

• A relevant bachelor's degree in civil engineering, structural engineering or a closely related discipline is typically expected
• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., recognized language test scores) is usually required
• Academic transcripts and a curriculum vitae are generally requested
• A motivation letter and/or letters of recommendation may be part of the application package
• Specific admission rules, required documents and any prerequisite coursework should be confirmed on the programme’s official website before applying

Curriculum overview

This modular Master's programme is taught through lectures, exercises, seminars, tutorials and project work, and is designed to be reinforced by guided self-study supported through a mentoring programme. The degree is split into two stages: a three‑semester taught phase worth 90 ECTS, followed by a research-oriented fourth semester (30 ECTS) devoted to the Master's thesis and a colloquium. The taught phase combines eight compulsory modules, an application-based science project with a presentation, and five elective modules chosen from a list of twelve specialist topics.

Key modules and learning outcomes

Core modules build a strong foundation in materials and mechanics (Building Materials; Continuum Mechanics and Tensor Calculus), numerical techniques (Numerical Methods; Energy Methods and the Finite Element Method) and professional study skills (Mentoring Programme for Study and Methodological Skills). Advanced and elective modules let you specialise across structural and computational topics such as reinforced concrete and bridge design, lightweight and timber structures, constitutive soil modelling, computational dynamics, multiscale mechanics, building physics and pavement modelling, as well as contemporary themes like Building Information Modelling (BIM), form‑finding, structural use of glass and zero‑carbon design with digital twins. The application-based science project and its presentation, together with the thesis and colloquium, develop experimental and computational research skills, the ability to apply computational engineering methods to real problems, and professional communication of results.

What you will be able to do on completion

• Apply continuum mechanics, tensor calculus and constitutive models to structural problems.
• Formulate and solve engineering problems with numerical methods and the finite element method.
• Use BIM and digital tools for design, modelling and lifecycle‑oriented approaches, including zero‑carbon considerations.
• Conduct application‑driven research projects, present findings, and produce a substantial Master’s thesis defensible in a colloquium.
• Specialise in one or more advanced areas (e.g., bridge design, lightweight structures, pavements, building physics) to suit academic or industry careers.

Programme requirements (concise)

• Total workload: 120 ECTS (90 ECTS taught phase + 30 ECTS Master’s thesis and colloquium).
• Taught phase (semesters 1–3): eight mandatory modules + five elective modules (selected from 12) + an application‑based science project and its presentation.
• Semester 1 mandatory modules:
  • Building Materials
  • Continuum Mechanics, Tensor Calculus
  • Energy Methods, Finite Element Method
  • Numerical Methods
  • Mentoring Programme for Study Skills and Methodological Skills
• Semester 2:
  • Mentoring Programme for Study Skills and Methodological Skills
  • Choose five electives from:
    • Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures
    • Form Finding of Lightweight Structures
    • Timber and Lightweight Structures
    • Constitutive Modelling of Soils
    • Structural Use of Glass
    • Safety Concepts
    • Building Physics
    • Multiscale Mechanics
    • Computational Dynamics
    • Modelling and Simulation in Pavement Engineering
    • Bridge Design
    • Zero Carbon Building Design using BIM and Digital Twins
• Semester 3:
  • Building Information Modelling: Methods and Concepts
  • Applications of Computational Engineering Methods
  • ACCESS Application‑Based Science Project
  • ACCESS Application‑Based Science Project Presentation
• Semester 4:
  • Master’s thesis and colloquium (30 ECTS)

Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles that require advanced computational and structural analysis skills. Typical career paths include positions in engineering consultancies and design firms, infrastructure and construction companies, software vendors for simulation and BIM tools, and public-sector agencies overseeing structural projects.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral research, particularly in computational mechanics, numerical structural analysis or digital construction methods, due to its research-oriented modules and the independent Master’s thesis.