On the first semester, you will work with load-bearing structures and you will analyse a construction part in order to determine its capacities, strengths and rigidity. Your analysis will include different methods such as experiments in the laboratories, calculations, computer simulations and modelling. This will make it possible for you to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the different methods.

During the second semester, you work with coastal, offshore and port engineering, and experiments in the laboratories will be a significant part of you and your groups project work. You explore the natural strains such as waves, wind, currents and ice and you analyse and consider how the constructions can be modified and improved to strengthen their resistance.

During the third semester, you have different options to earn the required 30 ECTS:

• You can do a project-oriented study in an external organisation in Denmark or abroad, where you take part in the day-to-day operations in the business. During the study, you will write a project about one or more of your tasks during the process
• You can study a semester at another educational institution abroad or in Denmark
• You can do a regular semester at AAU with courses and project work

Aalborg University has collaboration agreements with universities around the world, and the programme’s research environment has a wide range of contacts.

On the fourth semester, you write your Master’s thesis, where you draw on all the knowledge, experience and skills you have acquired during your studies. Depending on your topic choice, the thesis will be in the nature of developmental work, further development, or actual research.

For a description of the courses on each semester, please see the current curriculum for Structural Design and Analysis (under §18 Overview of the programme). 

As a graduate from Structural Design and Analysis, many professional fields are open to you. Your future job title could be consulting engineer, practicing engineer, coordinator, development engineer, researcher and/or teacher at a university etc.

Your work tasks may include:

• Construction of e.g. bridges, houses, offshore windmills etc.
• Planning and administration of construction process
• Project management
• Reducing energy consumption
• Foundations of large constructions
• Design of indoor air-conditioning systems
• Calculations in relation to the construction or the construction process
• Choice of building materials
• Optimising the work environment
• Quality control
• Inspection of the building site for security purposes

Aalborg University cooperates with external organisations - both private and public which gives you the opportunity to gain valuable contacts for when you have finished your degree.

Problem based learning and working in groups during your study programme will give you many useful skills that make you an attractive candidate on the job market. You know how to approach a problem and solve it in collaboration with other people, which is often how things are done in the “real world”.

Are you a student at AAU? In AAU Study and Wellbeing Guidance, we can help you with, among other things, choices during your study programme, study doubts, study techniques, motivation, wellbeing, leave and study resignation or perhaps just a conversation about your thoughts regarding your study programme and wellbeing. We are happy to talk to you about anything big or small.

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Aalborg University is famous for its problem based learning which means that you work in a group on a written assignment each semester - possibly in collaboration with an industrial partner. This study method is also called “The Aalborg Model for Problem Based Learning”. The method is highly recognised internationally; including by UNESCO.
The problem based project work at Aalborg University gives you the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and competencies at a high academic level in an independent way. You get to apply theory to practice when you work to solve real-life problems, which will ensure that you are well prepared for your future career.
Learn more about PBL.

When doing project work, you work closely in groups with other students who have roughly the same academic interests and ambitions as yourself. This gives you the opportunity to cooperate, share knowledge and to explore larger and more complex academic problems than you would have been able to do on your own. Furthermore, the groups serve a social purpose and make it easier for you to get to know your fellow students.
Learn more about group work at AAU.

The Department of Energy Technology works closely with the industry; particularly some of the leading companies within the field of energy technology. This means that you have the possibility to work with some of the real-life issues and problems that companies and organisations face. This gives you the opportunity to enhance your academic competencies with an industry-oriented and practical angle.

At the Department of Energy Technology teaching is research based. This means that your lecturers are doing research within the same academic fields that they teach. Therefore, you have access to the latest knowledge and dedicated and passionate teachers. The teaching material not only includes books but may also consist of, for example, current academic articles from journals.
Learn more about the teaching methods at AAU and the research programmes at the Department of Energy Technology.

The laboratories at the Department of Energy Technology are of the highest standard and you will work in the best laboratory conditions with access to the latest technology.
Learn more about the laboratory facilities at the Department of Energy Technology.

Previously known primarily for its fishing industry, Esbjerg has developed into a city with two universities and more than 60 higher educational study programmes. Furthermore, Esbjerg has a lot to offer in terms of culture and leisure activities. It is not difficult to find affordable accommodation near campus and Esbjerg is cheaper to live in than most of the other university cities in Denmark.
Learn more about student life in Esbjerg.