Goal
This programme in Structural Engineering equips you with insights and tools needed to take a central role in creating sustainable and climate-smart buildings.
It is based on requirements for the scope of studies in building technology and structural design of wooden structures for exceptionally demanding structures, as well as study requirements in building mechanics and building physics, in order to have sufficient competence for exceptionally demanding wooden structures.
The education meets the requirements of the Finnish Ministry of the Environment guidelines on the qualification of building designers YM2 / 601/2015 and FISE's requirements and criteria for wooden structures and load-bearing structures in wood, as well as building physics.
Additionally, this programme deals with fire dimensioning, stiffening, and sound technology in wooden structures, as well as the climate footprint and life cycle calculations of wooden buildings. An important goal in this education is that it prepares you to take a central role in creating sustainable and climate-smart buildings.
These studies are optimized for flexible learning and studying, parallel with fulltime employment preferably at an Engineering Company. A major part of the studies is conducted online, in combination with independent studies and teamwork.
Structure of Studies and Research Focus
This degree programme in Structural Engineering is comprised pof 60 ECTS and the degree title is Master of Engineering. The programme has a special focus on building technology and the structural design of wooden structures.
The studies include a total of 9 courses of 3 ECTS each within building physics, structural mechanics, and demanding constructions. Furthermore, there is a course in research methodology to prepare you for the Thesis (30 ECTS).
Building Physics
Building Physics, Advanced Course, 3 ECTS
Applied Building Physics and Climate Performance, 3 ECTS
Structural Mechanics
Structural Mechanics, Advanced Course, 3 ECTS
Structural Mechanics, Applied Course 1, 3 ECTS
Structural Mechanics, Applied Course 2, 3 ECTS
Demanding Constructions
Fundamentals of Wooden Structures and Wooden Frame Systems, 3 ECTS
Design and Dimensioning of Load-bearing Wooden Structures, 3 ECTS
Design and Dimensioning of Joints in Wooden Structures, 3 ECTS
Design and Dimensioning of Wooden Structure and Wooden Building Stiffening , 3 ECTS
Research Methodology
Research Methodology, 3 ECTS
Thesis, 30 ECTS
The thesis work is realised as a research and development project related to working life.
The studies are part-time and designed to be combined with work in the engineering field. The courses are carried out primarily as online studies i.e., lectures are tied to time but not to place.
Students are expected to participate in all the online lectures to be able to pass the courses. To be able to study in the degree programme, students need a computer with dual screens, good internet connection, a web cam, and a headset.
Lectures are primarily one weekday afternoon a week (usually at 15:00-18:00). During each semester, possibly 1-2 days will be arranged as lectures at Campus or site visits, with students participating on site.
Moving to Finland for the studies is though not necessary. It is recommended but not mandatory to attend some sessions in person at campus. The few lectures which are held on campus or as site visits are a good opportunity to meet and network with your peers.
Independently of this, it is mandatory to visit Finland to get the original version(s) of previous degree certificate(s) checked and to strengthen one’s personal identity when initiating the studies.
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 scholarships on the Admissions Services pages.
Tuition fee for 2024 non-EU/EEA students is 12 000 (part-time studies) euro per academic year. Read more about scholarships on the Admissions Services pages.
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Degree Project
The master's thesis is a demanding development project or research work which combines theory, practice, and the creation of new knowledge.
The thesis subject and aim are based on requirements and needs of the field of structural engineering for sustainable buildings.
The theme of the thesis (30 ECTS) must be related to the field(s) of study, preferably agreed upon with an industry representative.
Thus, the thesis works as a bridge between study and work, giving students the opportunity to apply theoretical thinking to practical problems.
Additionally, alternatives to a thesis can be, for example:
- reports (e.g. investigations, surveys, analyses and/or evaluations)
- development work (e.g. development of working methods or activities)
- product development (e.g. a prototype or a model)
- a plan, a product or an artistic work (e.g. an event, a collection, an artistic production, a course, design of material such as guides/manuals or handbooks)
- a portfolio
Constructing a thesis subject and the potential collaboration with an organisation is at the responsibility of the student.
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