Engineering Design - Master

Engineering Design is rooted in engineering science, and you will learn about product design and computational technology applied to challenges related to design, geometry, dynamics, and materials engineering.

The Engineering Design program provides students with an understanding of form development and aesthetic design, along with in-depth knowledge of the mathematical and physical principles and methods involved in the design process. Special emphasis is placed on geometry and form, product design and design processes, structural analysis, material selection, and computer-based modeling and simulation.

One of the most critical aspects of any product is its ability to withstand the stresses it is designed for. For instance, product shape and material choices must be adapted to extreme heat or cold, large loading conditions, or exposure to electrical or thermal radiation. Sometimes friction needs to be maximized - other times minimized. Flexible hinges (like those on plastic bottle caps) must endure repeated use without breaking.

In addition, products often need to meet multiple demands: lightweight, high stiffness, cost-efficiency, or soundproofing. This means that design and material choices must be optimized and sustainably selected. Arctic conditions, such as cold, ice, and snow, are also considered in the design process.

A systematic design process requires detailed analysis and calculations, following established processes and techniques that you will learn throughout the program. Advanced engineering problems can be solved using the deep understanding of mathematical and physical theories you will gain during the study in Engineering Design.

As part of the program, you will also engage in project work where you will design, calculate, model, simulate, redesign, and create prototypes.

Graduating as a Master of Science in Engineering Design, you will have a strong theoretical foundation, making you valuable in any company striving to stay ahead in technological innovation.

Core Subjects

You will learn systematic methods for selecting the right materials and designing various products and structures. The program places strong emphasis on composite materials, as well as modern and advanced materials and structural systems.

In addition, you will study applied mathematics and engineering theory, which are used to model, visualize, simulate, and perform calculations on products and structural components.

You will learn how to apply this knowledge to take a product from an idea, through a virtual model, and all the way to a physical prototype, using modern manufacturing techniques such as 3D-printing.

*The program is offered at Campus Narvik, with all lectures also available online for remote participation.

After passing the program, the candidate has the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• has advanced knowledge within the academic field of mathematics, physics and engineering and specialized insight in a limited area within the field of engineering design (K1)
• has thorough knowledge of different theories and methods in the field of engineering design (K2)
• can apply knowledge to new areas within the academic field of numerical and analytical calculations, computations, materials, systematic design process, computational methods, engineering design (K3)
• can analyze academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field in engineering (K4)

Skills:

• can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments (S1)
• can analyze existing theories, and interpretations in the field of engineering design and work independently on practical and theoretical problems (S2)
• can use relevant methods in engineering design for research and scholarly in an independent manner (S3)
• can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics (S4)
• can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments (S1)
• can analyze existing theories, and interpretations in the field of engineering design and work independently on practical and theoretical problems (S2)

General competence:

• can analyze relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems (GC1)
• can apply the knowledge and skills within engineering design in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects (GC2)
• can communicate extensive independent work and masters language and terminology of the academic field of engineering design (GC3)
• can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field of engineering design, both with specialists and the general public (GC4)
• can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes (GC5)

The study is 2 years long, but with the possibility of an arranged course over 4 years for Norwegian/Nordic applicants.

The teaching is subject-focused, meaning you take only one course at a time for an entire week. A 5 ECTS course is completed over two sets of one week, and in addition there are including self-study weeks followed by an exam week.

The academic year is divided into four terms, each with its own exam period.
This study model is well-suited for students who wish to take individual courses or study part-time alongside work.

Students who are unable to attend on campus can follow lectures remote, and most exams are adapted for online completion.

It is possible to complete parts of the program as an exchange student at other universities. Current partner institutions include:

• University of Applied Sciences and Technologies Salzburg, Austria
• University of Catania, Italiy
• Universita Politecnica della Marche, Italiy

Students have also completed exchange stays at institutions such as:

• Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Copenhagen
• University of Pretoria, South Africa

As a Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering Design, you will be qualified to work in any company that relies on the continuous development and improvement of products.

Career opportunities are not limited to a specific industry. You can work with e.g. manufacturers, designers, or consultancy firms in areas such as automotive production, space technology, the oil industry, marine and lightweight mobile structures, building components, technical equipment, or consumer products.

In addition, you may pursue careers in education, research and development, or take on leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

Engineering Design graduates from UiT Campus Narvik (formerly Narvik University College) are currently working in many well-known companies across Norway. Based on past experience, Engineering Design graduates are highly sought after and often secure exciting roles in both large and small organizations.

Former students have found employment at companies and institutions such as:

• Aker Solutions
• Siemens
• Bane NOR
• The Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket)
• Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace
• Technip/FMC
• SINTEF
• Knowledge parks
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
• UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Several graduates have also started their own companies.

Upon completion of the program, you are entitled to use the Norwegian protected title: “Sivilingeniør" (Master of Science in Engineering), which will be stated on your diploma.

As an engineering designer, you will play a key role in shaping a sustainable future.