MSc in Civil Engineering at RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University • Aachen 4 semesters
Germany Full Time
Master of Science Onsite

Over the last few decades, computational methods in civil engineering have grown to become an essential tool for engineers.

Nowadays, nearly every engineering problem can be solved solely with this tool. As a reaction to the ever-growing importance of computational methods for the modern civil engineer, the Faculty of Civil Engineering at RWTH Aachen University has developed the new specialization Advanced Computational Methods in Civil Engineering (AdCom) for the Civil Engineering Master’s degree program.

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Course Details:

Taught completely in English, this specialization lends itself not only to the tendencies of present-day engineering but also to the future of civil engineering. AdCom graduates are able to apply and develop numerical methods and simulations for the realization of innovative civil engineering structures. The curriculum is interdisciplinary with courses from the faculties of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. This allows students to obtain a deeper understanding of the key skills in structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, and numerical mathematics.

Students will learn to master challenges such as those which arise from the use of new resource-conserving materials and advanced composite materials as well as those that arise from the trend towards extremely light load-bearing structures. The development of state-of-the-art lightweight structures, which are subject to dynamic loads such as wind and traffic, will be just one of many experts that our students possess. The knowledge and use of numerical methods, mechanical principles and the development of software code account for just a fraction of skills that make up our students’ repertoire, which enables them to assess the strength and limits of numerical modeling in civil engineering.

The curriculum of Advanced Computational Methods in Civil Engineering is highly scientific and research-oriented and thus prepares graduates for a Ph.D. program and ultimately a scientific career in research or in industry. To prepare students for such a future, a new research module and a scientific mini-thesis are a part of the curriculum in addition to the Master’s thesis.

Future opportunities

The Master’s program has a strong focus on research that is accompanied by an excellent international reputation. This is especially present in the second year, where students work side by side with university researchers, thus gaining unique insights and experience in modern scientific methodologies.
Engineers with expertise in computational methods are multidisciplinary trained professionals. They are able to pursue a successful career not only in academics but also in an industrial environment, which could range from classic civil engineering to the various areas of mechanical engineering.

Department/Subject/School:

Faculty of Civil Engineering

Enrollment Requirements:

One of the prerequisites for studying this Master’s degree program is a first university degree, which proves the necessary background education. Applicants must have a profound knowledge of mathematical and mechanical subjects as well as in statistics. Thorough knowledge in at least two of the following areas of civil engineering is also required: structural engineering, water management, and hydraulic engineering, construction management, and geotechnics, or transport engineering.

In addition to the subject-related prerequisites, applicants must show proof of a profound level of the English language (see below).

In addition, proof of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required. Applicants who are nationals of a member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area, as well as applicants who have successfully passed the German “Abitur” (regardless of where they have earned their Bachelor’s degree), are exempt from this requirement.

Applicants must show proof of a profound level of the English language, at least equivalent to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The following language tests are accepted as proof of English language skills:

  • Test of English as Foreign Language / TOEFL, Internet-based test IBT, with at least 90 points
  • International English Language Testing System, IELTS, with a grade of at least 5.5
  • Certificate of Advanced English CAE
  • First Certificate in English FCE, with a grade of at least B
  • Any official certificate that certifies English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Frame of Reference for Languages, CEFR
  • Placement test of the RWTH Aachen Language Center at the B2 level (This language certificate can only be obtained by individuals who are already enrolled as students at RWTH Aachen.)

Teaching Language:

The language of the program is English. Participants can attend elective subjects taught in German.

Costs/Tuition Fees:

Free of Cost

Level/Field(s) of Study:

Master's

Language Requirements:

English

About the University/Institution:

With 260 institutes in nine faculties, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s leading institutions for science and research. Currently, more than 45,300 students are enrolled in 157 academic programs. More than 9,500 of them are international students hailing from 125 different countries. The scientific education students receive at RWTH Aachen University is firmly rooted in a real-world application.

Application Deadline:

EU/EEA applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester and 15 January for the following summer semester Non-EU / non-EEA applicants: 1 March for the following winter semester and 1 September for the following summer semester

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