Engineering -MSc
Why Choose This Program?
At Reykjavík University, you’ll learn interdisciplinary engineering the way innovators practice it, by using fundamental knowledge from a range of disciplines to shape new fields. This program is designed for high-achieving students with a clear vision of their academic and professional goals, whose interests don’t fit neatly into one of our existing engineering programs. It is a path for those who are ready to take on the challenge of making their vision a reality.
You’ll complete core engineering requirements while developing a customized study plan with your faculty mentor. Together, you’ll design a degree that draws from different fields and departments across the university to fit your vision and goals. Whether you’re exploring sustainable design, robotics, biomedical systems, business, or something entirely new, your path will be defined by curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.
This is where innovation meets academia. With a flexible structure, close mentorship, and access to expertise across fields, you’ll gain the freedom to pursue ideas that matter. If you’re ready to design the next frontier of engineering, this is where it begins.
How You'll Learn
You’ll learn through projects, research, and hands-on experience that connect the classroom to the real world. This is about building both a strong theoretical foundation and the ability to solve problems that matter. Courses combine lectures with group work, labs, and opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry.
Each MSc in engineering has four core courses that build the skills you need for professional practice. They’re designed by faculty and informed by industry and graduates, keeping your learning connected to real challenges. They cover four key areas:
- Research Methods — You prepare for your thesis by learning how to frame questions, choose appropriate methods, analyze critically, and communicate results with clarity and impact.
- Data Science — You learn to program, manage data, and apply machine learning to uncover patterns and make predictions that guide engineering designs and decisions.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship — You brainstorm novel ideas, test feasibility, and explore business models to turn technical concepts into solutions people need and value.
- Project Management — You practice planning, coordination, and teamwork while balancing scope, schedule, budget, and risk to deliver successful projects.
More details can be found in the Structure section and the Course Catalogue.
Careers and Outcomes
Graduates of the MSc in Engineering (Interdisciplinary Path) at RU are prepared for advanced roles across emerging and cross-disciplinary fields. Career pathways include:
- Systems engineering, product development, and integration (mechanical–electrical–software)
- Innovation, venture creation, and R&D commercialization
- Technical program and project management; operations and scale-up
- Data, AI, and decision engineering for complex systems (analytics, digital twins)
- Consulting, standards, and regulatory strategy across engineering domains
- Research positions in academia or industry
- Entry into PhD programs; entrepreneurial leadership in new technology sectors
Structure
The master’s program is a two-year, 120 ECTS degree structured around four semesters of study. Students typically complete 30 ECTS each semester. Courses begin in August, and graduation takes place in June.
With your advisor, you’ll build a study plan that combines:
- Core Courses – required at both the department and program level.
- Specialization Courses – electives within your chosen focus area.
- Recommended Electives – additional courses that broaden your skills and connect your studies to related fields.
In the second year, students continue coursework and complete a master’s thesis. Students complete a one-semester, 30 ECTS thesis, while those with strong research interests may apply for a two-semester, 60 ECTS thesis in place of additional coursework.
Prerequisites for admission are outlined in the Take The Next Step section, and full course descriptions are available in the course catalogue.
Applications
- Non-EU/EEA
- Opens: October 5, 2025
- Deadline: January 31, 2026
- EU/EEA
- Opens: February 5, 2026
- Deadline: April 30, 2026
Language of Study
- English
Any Questions?
Where You’ll Learn
As an engineering student at Reykjavík University, you have access to specialized labs, workshops, and student spaces that support hands-on learning, research, and project development.
Take the Next Step
Applying is straightforward, but we want to make sure you have the right background to succeed. Below you’ll find the key requirements, what documents you’ll need to prepare, and details on prerequisite courses for applicants from other fields.
