Mechanical -Engineering MSc
What will you learn?
To enter an MSc programme in a particular engineering field, a Bachelor's degree (BSc) in the same field is expected. If students have a BSc degree in another engineering field, they may need to take additional courses from the undergraduate level.
Engineering is a five-year programme in total. After completing both the BSc and MSc degrees, students gain a professional title as chartered engineers (verkfræðingur) in Iceland.
Solving modern problems requires a combination of deep technical knowledge and creative thinking. The expertise of mechanical engineers is applied across a very wide range of fields, from working on the development of robots to the design of power plants.
Science and Diverse Topics
The study of Mechanical Engineering integrates a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and information technology with engineering challenges. These topics include machine design and lifetime analysis, structural analysis, control systems and automation, fluid dynamics, and energy processes. Mechanical engineers work on various environmental applications, such as in thermal, hydroelectric, wind power plants, vehicles, manufacturing processes, and industries.
Projects and opportunities to solve real problems
Students in Mechanical Engineering at RU are given numerous opportunities to solve real-world problems, from the conceptual stage to design and construction, while gaining a strong and broad academic background. They are encouraged to participate in design projects and/or design courses and to explore the benefits of internships to engage with real and urgent practical challenges. They are also encouraged to participate in diverse research projects by faculty members in Mechanical Engineering or related fields.
Engineering is a five-year programme in total. After completing the BSc and MSc degrees, students gain a recognised professional title as engineers.
How will I Learn?
In the Master's programme, students acquire specialised knowledge and practical technical expertise. Students create a personalised study plan in consultation with their supervisor, tailored to their areas of interest. The programme is research-oriented, and students can use it for significant specialisation in a chosen field.
MSc Thesis
Elective courses deepen students' understanding and prepare them for their research topics. The Master's thesis is worth 30 ECTS credits and is completed during the final semester. It is possible to apply to work on a 60-credit Master's thesis, in which case the student would take fewer elective courses.
Master's students can apply to take an internship during the spring semester. The internship can be up to 12 ECTS.
Internship
Internships aim to enhance students' knowledge in their field of study and prepare them for employment after graduation. The Department of Engineering ensures that students who undertake internships work on challenging, interesting projects that align with their areas of interest. Internships have proven beneficial for students, and numerous final theses have been developed due to internships.
Compulsory Courses:
Data Mining and Machine Learning
One of the two compulsory courses required for all Master's students in engineering, regardless of their specialization, is Data Mining and Machine Learning. Topics covered include neural networks, decision trees, and pattern recognition. The Department of Engineering at RU believes that expertise in this field is essential for today's engineers and, particularly, future engineers.
Research Methodology
Society needs individuals who can think critically, analyse complex situations, and communicate their findings effectively. This may involve various tasks, including searching for and evaluating the value of scientific literature and other documents. Research methodology prepares students to tackle information gathering, analysis, and reporting required for all other courses.
Exchange Programme
Studying at a university in another country is an adventure, it can broaden horizons, and even help students confirm what they want to focus on in their careers after graduation. MSc students can apply for exchange programmes for one or two semesters, and the international office provides further information on where exchange opportunities are available.
Teaching assistance
Teaching assistant positions are advertised, and MSc or third-year BSc students can apply. This may involve teaching in tutorial sessions, reviewing exercises, grading homework, or assisting with lab exercises. Students who have demonstrated good academic performance and are interested in gaining experience as teaching assistants are encouraged to apply. For further information, please get in touch with the Department of Engineering office at vfd@ru.is.
What Next?
Mechanical engineers' fields of work include machine design, energy process design, manufacturing process design, and project management. Mechanical engineers, for example, work on the design of all types of vehicles, contribute to the design of various electronic devices, participate in the development of medical equipment, and are involved in the design of structures and power plants.
The broad scope of the field provides diverse career opportunities in modern society. For instance, mechanical engineers are also highly sought after as business operations and management specialists.
Certification
The engineering programme comprises a 3-year (180 ECTS) undergraduate degree and a 2-year (120 ECTS) MSc degree. To obtain professional qualifications and the right to use the accredited title of chartered engineer (verkfræðingur) in Iceland, one must complete the MSc degree by the requirements set by the Ministry of Industries and Innovation.
Structure
In the graduate programme, students acquire specialised knowledge and practical technical expertise. The programme is research-oriented, and students can choose to use it for significant specialisation.
An individualised study plan is developed in collaboration with an advisor.
Students are given the opportunity to specialise in their areas of interest through elective courses.
Note: Students must take either Computational Fluid and Heat Transfer or Computational Analysis with Finite Element Method (the other course can be taken as an elective).
Any Questions?
Facilities
The teaching takes place at the RU University building in Nauthólsvík. The building includes facilities for practical instruction, research, group work rooms, a canteen, study and career counselling, and other student services.
Students in mechanical engineering have access to a machine shop, an energy technology lab, and an electronics technology lab. Additionally, they have access to a chemistry lab and, in some cases, facilities in the basement of the university building for larger projects.
Machine Shop
Most students graduating with an engineering degree from RU have been introduced to machining in some form, such as working with a lathe and milling machine to implement their ideas and designs. The machine shop has three lathes, two milling machines, a CNC lathe and milling machine, welding equipment, a laser cutter, and other traditional tools. Students can access the machine shop to tackle interesting and real-world engineering challenges.
Introductory courses in machining are offered, covering safety issues and teaching students the proper handling techniques.
Energy Technology Laboratory
Students in courses such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and related subjects perform the practical portion of their studies in this lab, conducting experiments related to these topics.
The Energy Technology Lab offers excellent facilities for research projects and final theses for undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and technology fields. The RU Racing team, representing RU, is also based in this lab.
Electronics Laboratory
The lab focuses on projects and experiments in electronics, electrical engineering, power systems, control systems, and automation. It also serves as a workspace for students working on larger projects or theses in undergraduate and graduate programs.
The lab has various tools and instruments, including oscilloscopes, microcontrollers, ADC converters, industrial robots, and more. Additionally, there is a vast collection of circuit work components and excellent facilities for assembling circuits.
Services
The university building provides easy access to academic and career counselling, the international office, and technical support. The library offers excellent and diverse workspaces. The library provides access to books and academic journals, and information specialists are available during open hours to offer advice and assistance with research work.
RU facilities include the Háskólabúðin (convenience store), a cafe, a World Class training facility, and the Málið canteen.
Why choose a Master's in Engineering at RU?
- Accessible teaching staff.
- Strong ties to industry.
- Master's theses are often carried out in collaboration with companies, and funding is sometimes available.
- A strong internship programme offers up to 12 ECTS credits.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in exchange programmes.
- According to the Times Higher Education list, Reykjavik University is ranked among the best smaller universities in the world.
- Reykjavik University is operated under one roof.