The AdCom specialisation addresses the central role of computational methods in contemporary civil engineering. Taught entirely in English, the track equips students to apply and further develop numerical methods and simulation tools needed to design and analyse innovative civil-engineering structures. The curriculum draws on courses from the faculties of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics to give a solid, interdisciplinary grounding in structural mechanics, fluid mechanics and numerical mathematics.
Students learn to tackle challenges posed by new resource‑efficient and composite materials and by the trend toward extremely lightweight load‑bearing structures. A particular focus is on designing and analysing state‑of‑the‑art lightweight systems that are exposed to dynamic loads (for example wind and traffic). Training covers numerical methods, mechanical principles, development of software code and the critical assessment of the strengths and limits of numerical modelling in civil engineering practice.
The specialisation is research‑oriented and prepares graduates for doctoral studies or scientific careers in academia and industry. The programme includes a dedicated research module and a scientific mini‑thesis in addition to the Master’s thesis; during the second year students work closely with university researchers, gaining hands‑on experience with contemporary research methodologies. Graduates are well suited for roles in academic research or industry sectors ranging from traditional civil engineering to various branches of mechanical engineering.
Key facts and programme components
This English-taught Master’s track is the faculty’s English-language offering among eight civil‑engineering specialisations and is delivered jointly by the Chair of Structural Analysis and Dynamics (LBB) and the Institute of Applied Mechanics (IFAM). It focuses on advanced numerical and computational techniques used in structural mechanics, dynamics and multiphysics problems and is aimed at students who want to combine strong theoretical foundations with practical numerical modelling skills. For more information about the organising departments see: http://www.lbb.rwth-aachen.de and http://www.ifam.rwth-aachen.de.
The curriculum is structured over four semesters. The first two semesters build core knowledge (plates & shells, continuum mechanics, finite element methods, materials and nonlinear structural analysis), the third semester emphasises research-oriented numerical methods and specialised topics (inelasticity, fluid–structure interaction, advanced structural analysis), and the fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis and a module on porous media mechanics. A research module is included to develop independent computational research skills prior to the thesis.
Graduates leave with expertise in finite element modelling, nonlinear and dynamic analysis, fluid–structure interaction, composite and porous‑media modelling, and continuum mechanics. The programme trains you to formulate mathematical models, implement and apply numerical solution techniques, critically evaluate simulation results, and carry out a substantial research project — skills valuable for research roles, structural and computational engineering positions, and doctoral studies.
First semester
Second semester
Third semester
Fourth semester
This Master's programme requires a completed first university degree that demonstrates the necessary academic background for advanced study in civil engineering. Applicants must already have solid subject knowledge in two main areas: mathematical-physical fundamentals and civil engineering basics, with specified credit-point (CP) distributions.
The examination board can grant conditional admission while requiring additional coursework. Any such additional requirements must be completed and documented before you register for the Master's thesis. You must also demonstrate a high level of English and submit a GRE General Test score, subject to the exceptions noted below.
First university degree that evidences the required preparatory education for the programme
Subject-specific prior knowledge
Conditional admission and additional requirements
Limits on required additional coursework (if assigned)
Language and testing
If you are uncertain whether your prior studies meet the CP requirements, contact the programme’s admissions/examination office early — they can advise whether conditional admission with additional coursework is appropriate.
Winter Semester (International)
1 March 2026
Summer Semester (International)
1 September 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for research careers (PhD and beyond) as well as technically demanding positions in industry. Typical paths include academic research groups, engineering consultancies, and R&D departments in civil and mechanical engineering companies where expertise in numerical simulation, model development and validation is required.
The programme’s emphasis on computational methods and interdisciplinary training also opens opportunities in sectors working with advanced materials, structural dynamics, and numerical software development for engineering applications.
Technical University of Munich — München
Deggendorf Institute of Technology — Cham
SRH University — Heidelberg
RWTH Aachen University — Aachen