Programme summary

The Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering at Novia University of Applied Sciences is a postgraduate programme comprising 60 credits, designed to be completed part‑time alongside professional work. The programme focuses on building technology and the structural design of demanding wooden structures, with an emphasis on sustainable and climate‑smart construction.

The studies cover advanced building physics, structural mechanics, and demanding construction solutions, and are largely delivered online to support flexible learning. A central component is the master’s thesis, which is a work‑life–oriented research and development project. Graduates are prepared for expert roles in structural engineering and meet national qualification requirements for demanding design tasks.

* The summary was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor.

Goal

The Degree Programme in Structural Engineering provides the knowledge and skills needed for the structural design of exceptionally difficult timber buildings. The programme develops advanced competence in structural mechanics, building physics, and the design of engineered wood products (EWP), timber and hybrid structures. It covers key areas such as fire design, acoustics and vibration, stability and bracing, as well as the climate footprint and life cycle assessment of timber buildings.

An important goal is to prepare you to take a central role in creating sustainable and climate-smart buildings. Sustainability is integrated throughout the studies, with particular emphasis on the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

This Degree Programme in Structural Engineering meets the educational requirements set by Finnish national legislation for the competence of structural designers of exceptionally difficult timber buildings. 

Previous Knowledge

You can apply for Master of Engineering, Structural Engineering if you have completed

• Requires previous degree in the field of technology (e.g. Construction Engineering, Civil and Construction Engineering, or Mechanical and Production Engineering).
• Minimum 24 months of work in a related field after completion of Bachelor's degree

Scholarships and Tuition Fees

The studies are free for EU citizens.

Tuition fee-paying (non EU/EEA) students can apply for a scholarship. Read more about tuition fees and scholarships on the Admissions Services pages.

Degree Project

The Master's thesis is a demanding, work-life-related development project in the field of engineering, carried out in accordance with scientific requirements and ethical principles. It consists of a practical application accompanied by a theoretical analysis and gives you the opportunity to apply theoretical models to complex practical problems within your area of expertise.

The thesis process begins with a research plan and includes collaboration with working-life or industry representatives, a written thesis that follows Novia's guidelines, a public presentation and a written maturity test. You are responsible for identifying a suitable topic and, where relevant, establishing collaboration with an organisation. Research Methodology is completed before or alongside the thesis, and sufficient professional studies must be completed before the thesis work begins.

Continuing Education Opportunities

With a Master’s degree, you can continue to university post-graduate (doctoral) studies, however universities may at their own discretion have specific admission requirements for post-graduate studies that must be met in addition to a completed master’s degree.

Career Opportunities

After completing the programme, you will be prepared for a wide range of expert and development roles in structural engineering, particularly in the design of demanding timber and hybrid buildings. The competence developed in structural mechanics, building physics, engineered wood products, fire design, acoustics, vibration, stability and climate performance supports work in engineering companies, construction and land-use authorities, public-sector organisations, education and research. The degree also supports career development in tasks that require a master's degree.

Internationalisation

Given that the language of tuition is English, the possibilities for working on an international scale, both during and after the studies, are good. For example, the Master thesis is suitable to conduct abroad or in an international business.

Language of Instruction

The studies are conducted in English.

Collaboration With Other Actors

The focus, study contents and ways of implementation of the programme are planned together with the major engineering companies in the Nordic countries. The initiative to this degree programme in structural engineering originally comes from the strategic partnership Novia UAS has had since the year 2007 with the largest engineering company in Finland. Close contacts and co-operation with major companies and organisations in the field continues in the courses and development of the programme.

Qualification

The Master of Engineering degree meets international criteria for master's degrees. The Degree Programme in Structural Engineering meets the educational requirements set by Finnish national legislation for the competence of structural designers of exceptionally difficult timber buildings. The programme provides the necessary advanced knowledge in structural mechanics, building physics, and the design of engineered wood products, timber and hybrid structures for these demanding design tasks.

The Head of the Degree Programme is happy to answer questions about the programme. For questions regarding the application process, we ask that you first review the admissions information on our website. If anything is still unclear, you are welcome to contact admissions@novia.fi. 

Apply to Become a Structural Engineering Student!