Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

The civil engineering curriculum will provide you with fundamental knowledge related to mathematics, physics, and mechanics. It will train you to become skillful in applying engineering tools, in communication, and in functioning in a multidisciplinary environment, with a respectful, tolerant, and critical attitude and commitment to ethics. Our program will allow you to become a competent engineer, with a broad range of technical and scientific knowledge, while also developing the right skills and attitudes. Focusing on the design and analysis of advanced structures, building materials, and water resources management, the program provides you with broad common knowledge that can be refined according to your preferences. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to receive a high-end education, tailored to your preferences and adapted to the latest evolutions in the scientific world.

Elective courses

The courses in the first year provide the student with the basics that are essential for someone with the title of a civil engineer (concrete, steel, geotechnics, numerical modeling, experimental techniques, and project work). With these basics acquired, the students can tailor their second year according to their interests.

Internship

Among the optional courses, students can choose an internship of 40 or 60 days, which takes place during the second year. This allows students to gain a first working experience in a company or a research center of their choice, as they choose and contact the company themselves.

Overview of the Study Plan

The standard track in Master of Science in Civil Engineering (BRUFACE) (120 ECTS) is made up of 5 modules:

1. compulsory common courses (55 ECTS)
2. project (1 project to choose out of 3 that are provided, 5 ECTS)
3. option blocks (1 option to choose out of 3 that are provided, 16 ECTS each)
4. electives (thematic lists) (20 ECTS to choose from)
5. the Master Thesis (24 ECTS)

Each of the modules should be successfully completed to obtain the master's degree. The student must respect the specified registration requirements. The Curriculum Board strongly suggests the student follow the standard learning track. Only this model track can guarantee a time schedule without overlaps of the compulsory course units.

The subject-specific minimum requirements to all graduates of the Master’s degree programs in Engineering - regardless of their specialization – are to:

• have a broad knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry and a polyvalent scientific understanding. This knowledge is largely taught in the Bachelor program, but it developed further in all courses at the Master level;
• have basic knowledge in mechanics, electricity, electronics, and computing, which provides a versatile understanding of all construction and fabrication techniques, their performance and use, and the maintenance of equipment;
• be able to formulate definitions, make abstractions, think critically, apply dimensional analysis; possess programming skills; make and present (scientific) reports, using informatics resources;
• possess skills in the field of measuring and experimenting and error analysis.

In addition, the requirements to the graduates of the master of Science in Civil Engineering program are to:

• be able to design and dimension structures and buildings, know the construction techniques, plan and organize a construction site, hereby considering also their sustainability and environmental impacts;
• know the properties and fabrication techniques of building materials such as steel, concrete, and composites;
• understand the geology and topography to calculate and draw routes and earth moving;
• have knowledge about soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and earthworks, such as excavation, drilling, pile driving, drainage, etc.
• have basic knowledge in the field of hydraulics and hydrology.

Depending on the option chosen, advanced knowledge and skills will have been acquired in the areas of:

• the design and analysis of structures;
• (geo-)materials, or;
• hydrology and water management.

In addition to the previously mentioned specific skills and knowledge, the engineer also requires general skills, which the students have partly developed on their own and partly during the training. These skills include:

• reasoning: logical thinking and spatial awareness;
• communication skills: knowledge of languages (English, French, etc.), mobility;
• social and civic skills: responsibility and teamwork;
• creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, and efficient use of time.

After graduation students can continue their academic careers as a PhD researchers.

The diversity within the civil engineering fields creates a wide choice of careers.

Civil graduates work at all levels of the economy. Some work in small consulting firms, including those specializing in structural, environmental, municipal, and geotechnical engineering, and some work in larger firms that encompass several branches of civil engineering.

Others work for the government or have started their own businesses. Graduates in civil engineering can work all over the world, either as consultants with their own companies, as employees of large international companies, or as volunteers in developing countries.