The MS in civil engineering is a two-year programme that aims to equip students to analyse and identify solutions to civil engineering challenges in our modern society. After completing the Master's degree, students can apply for the right to use the title of engineer.

Is the program for you??

• Are you looking for an exciting and varied programme?

• Do you want a programme tailored to your interests?

• Would you like to learn more about the design of various structures?

• Are you interested in working on a realistic thesis project based on Icelandic conditions?

• Do you enjoy tackling a wide range of challenges?

• Do you want to build up your domestic and international contact networks?

• Would you like to have the professional title of engineer?

What is the study about?

The MS in civil engineering at the University of Iceland trains students to understand Icelandic conditions and requirements, while also providing an international perspective on engineering. The programme teaches students core engineering subjects through mandatory courses, while also offering elective courses to broaden and deepen their knowledge in specific areas.

The programme is designed to be flexible; the student's administrative supervisor will help the student select courses to suit their needs. Instructors at the Faculty are active researchers and highly experienced engineers.

Programme structure

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.

The programme is made up of:

• Courses, 60-90 ECTS

• Research project, 30-60 ECTS

The final thesis must be a basic research study that will benefit the entire engineering profession. Students may choose to complete either a 30 ECTS thesis with practical value for engineers in Iceland or a 60 ECTS thesis with scientific value.

Students may choose between the following specialisations:

• Building and earthquake engineering with a focus on engineering for Icelandic conditions, taking into account the harsh natural environment and the risk of natural hazards. Students focus on a specific area within this specialisation.

• Geotechnical and transportation engineering with a focus on young sedimentary strata and Icelandic conditions. Students focus on geotechnical engineering, rock mechanics, road or transportation engineering.

• Renewable energy – energy engineering with a focus on hydroelectric and wind energy. Students take an interdisciplinary approach to renewable energy potential and hydroelectric plant design and operations.

Students may take elective courses at other departments within the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, with the consent of the administrative supervisor. Students select a thesis topic in consultation with the administrative supervisor.

Organisation of teaching

The programme is taught in Icelandic and English.

Students often take one semester, up to 60 ECTS, abroad.

Objectives

The programme aims to provide students with the knowledge required to develop and design safe and practical engineering solutions that have a positive impact on health and the environment.

Students learn to apply their knowledge to analyse and resolve realistic challenges for Icelandic conditions.

Other

After completing the Master's degree in civil engineering, students can apply for the right to use the title of engineer. This professional title is legally protected.

Completing a Master's degree in civil engineering allows you to apply for doctoral studies.

• See the PhD in civil engineering