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Civil engineers: more than concrete!

Are you interested in shaping a sustainable world, in planning, designing or constructing the built and natural environment, and changing the lives of millions of people for the better? Are you interested in becoming a master innovator, creating breakthroughs in scientific and technological research, or a leader in the decision-making process? Are you interested in acquiring the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to do this? If the answer is ‘yes’, then the Master of Science in Civil Engineering at VUB, in the multicultural capital of Europe, is perfect for you.

Skills, knowledge and individuality

Engineers should also possess the skills that allow them to address a problem in a professional way, to be able to collect and process the necessary information efficiently, and to formulate and implement a solution method. This is why our programme provides the knowledge and skills to critically carry out research, preferably in a team. Our training also provides engineers with the skills and attitudes to play a responsible, prominent and leading role in realising construction projects, while understanding how this all relates to social and environmental issues.

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Engineering

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Educational Quality


Here at VUB we put great care and effort in the quality of our education. Transparency is key. Information on the educational quality of each programme is public, e.g. describing its strengths and actions.

Public info on the quality of the programme

How does it work?

The civil engineering curriculum will provide you with the fundamental knowledge related to mathematics, physics and mechanics. It will train you to become skilful 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 programme 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, on building materials and on water resources management, the programme provides you with a 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.

Study credits

ECTS (European Credit Transfer System): 1 credit represents 25-30 hours of study activity

Elective courses

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

Internships

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 centre of their choice, as they choose and contact the company themselves.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes describe the intended knowledge and understanding, skills and attitudes that you must master after completing your studies. Do you want to know more about the specific learning outcomes of this programme? Click here for more information.

AFTER GRADUATION

A master degree opens doors in many different branches and sectors. You will be able to work in the private sector, (non-) governmental organisations, or continue your academic career as a PhD researcher. Not sure what your next step should be? The VUB helps you with your first steps on the job market.

First step in the job market

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 which 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.

Careercenter


The VUB helps you to make your first step in the job market with workshops, networking events, job fairs, tips ‘n tricks for job interviews. All an ambitious student needs!

First step in the market

Phd?


If you want to continue your academic career, you can apply for a PhD position at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. All you need is a promoter, research subject and sufficient funding. Are you up for this challenge?

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Language requirements

Prospective students can provide proof of sufficient knowledge of English as language of instruction by meeting one of the following criteria. Please find here an overview of the criteria.

Academic requirements

  • I have or will soon have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Sciences of at least three years, or consisting of at least 180 ECTS credits or equivalent (such as 130 US credits or semester contact hours)
  • I have an overall degree above average, which in the US grading means level B+ or a GPA of minimum 3.33 out of 4. For conversion to the US grading system please consult this page.
  • I have obtained a minimum of 20 ECTS credits or equivalent in athematics courses, and 15 ECTS or equivalent in other fundamental science courses such as chemistry, physics and mechanics.
  • I have obtained a score above average for the mathematics courses, which means a score of minimum 3.2 out of 4, 15 out of 20 or equivalent B+ level.
  • I am or will be able to prove my knowledge of the English language.

Specific admission criteria

Direct enrolment for this study plan is possible after having obtained a bachelor degree in engineering or engineering technology in Flanders. Admission decisions for students from other institutions are based on evaluation of a complete application file by the curriculum council.

Find out more and start your application

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Application deadline

Prospective students are advised to apply as soon as possible, even if they have not yet obtained their degree. Applications can only be submitted through our website.

  • Students who require a visa (non-EU/EEA nationals) need to submit their pre-application before April 1st
  • Students who do not require a visa must submit their pre-application before before September 12th
  • Note: if the proof of English proficiency or APS certificate is not ready before the deadline, you can always submit it later instead of missing the deadline

For more details on admission requirements and application

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Tuition fees

Students pay the tuition fee at the institution at which they enrol, in agreement with the institution’s legal requirements. The tuition fee for the non-EU students is recalculated yearly and jointly by both institutions, taking into account the legislation in both regions. Indication of tuition fee: 800 - 3000 euro per year.A detailed overview of the tuition fees can be found here.