Master's Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering: Digital Design
Turku, Finland
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
21 Jan 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 12,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* application period: January 2026
** free for citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries €12,000/academic year
Key Summary
Discover all degree programmes of the University of Turku
Transform ideas into magnificent products
Today, masters in engineering need theoretical and practical knowledge of design, regardless of whether they are designing small or large. Design is required in all areas of mechanical engineering, and contemporary digital tools make design an exciting experience. The design has a theoretical background, and digital tools bring design methods and processes to the edge of contemporary engineering work.
The Digital Design specialisation track educates professionals with theoretical understanding and practical skills in designing, analysing and optimising products, structures and systems.
You will learn measurement, modelling, analysis, optimisation and design methodology of structures, machines and systems. In addition to theoretical knowledge and practical design skills the Digital Design specialisation track will support the development of your suitable personal and social competencies.
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Academic Excellence and Experience
At the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, we aim to establish a high-quality and attractive research environment for mechanical and materials engineering. The focus of mechanical engineering research is on smart systems, laser-based manufacturing processes, and digital and system design.
Specialisation Tracks
Digital Design is one of the three specialisation tracks of the Master's Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering. Two other specialisation tracks are:
- Smart Systems
- and Digital Manufacturing.
Programme Structure
The Master’s Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering: Digital Design is a two-year programme of 120 ECTS credits. It consists of:
- Joint mechanical engineering studies, 20 ECTS;
- Digital Design studies, 20 ECTS;
- Thesis and project, 40 ECTS;
- Minor or Thematic Studies, 20-25 ECTS;
- Other studies, 15-20 ECTS.
A more detailed curriculum is published in our study guide.
Master's Thesis & Topics
Master’s theses topics are immensely versatile since mechanical engineering is present in every industry. Typical topics include the design of new machines or components, finding new solutions for existing problems or developing design processes.
Competence Description
Master's Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering: Digital Design will give you the necessary knowledge and tools for modern industrial engineering design. The common courses in the programme provide skills in modern digitalised design, manufacturing, and management. The courses in digital design deepen knowledge and skills in human-centred design thinking, digital design methods and analysis, product-service systems design, simulation and optimisation, and modelling for manufacturing and reverse engineering.
You will get professional experience in an industrial environment in your master’s thesis and project work. You will learn communications skills in writing reports, oral presentations of their results, and information retrieval. The free elective courses will enable you to focus on the topics of your interest in relevant fields like robotics, data analysis, and numerical analysis.
You will be able to conceive and evaluate concepts and embodiments of products, services and systems working with modern digital design methods and tools. You will develop an ability to simulate advanced thermomechanical problems, optimise product and structure designs, integrate design, analysis, manufacturing as well as product-life cycle applications and services.
Job Options
The employment percentage of those holding an MSc (Tech.) degree is high in Finland. Depending on your personal study plan, the Digital Design specialization track can provide you with competence for a wide variety of jobs. The possible positions are:
- design engineer,
- product development manager,
- team leader,
- structural specialist,
- industrial metrology expert,
- digital design specialist.
Career in Research
Master's degree (Technology) also provides eligibility for scientific postgraduate degree studies – doctoral and licentiate degrees. Degrees can be completed within the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS).