Overview
- Educational areaMechanical Engineering
- DegreeMaster of Science, MSc
- LanguageEnglish
- Duration2 years
- Rate of studyFull-time, 100 %
- Instructional timeDaytime
Important dates
- Application opens
- Application closes
Summary
Computational mechanics is the art of modelling and observing advanced mechanical systems to understand and control their behaviour. Whether studying turbulent airflows around a wingtip, understanding why structures fail under stress, or modeling the vibrations in a vehicle at high-speed, you will learn to build models of physical systems using fundamental engineering principles, and then critically assess their performance under simulations.
Programme description
Understand, predict and control how mechanical systems work, through expertise in simulation and modeling. Modern engineering relies heavily on simulation and analysis to observe and understand mechanical systems, ultimately contributing to making them more efficient and more durable.
You will gain deep theoretical knowledge in computational methods, including finite element analysis, finite volume methods, and finite difference methods, combined with hands-on experience applying them to real engineering problems. There are also courses in machine learning and data-driven modelling, reflecting the growing importance of AI-based approaches alongside traditional simulation.
With several specialisations, it allows you to go deeper into particular areas of computational mechanics, including fluid and structural mechanics, and rotating systems. You can also choose your own path through the programme using a combination of different elective courses.
The programme places a strong emphasis on teamwork, reflecting the collaborative nature of the industry. You will carry out project work in teams with students from other disciplines, focusing on skills like communication and engineering ethics, as you tackle industry-relevant problems. These projects often involve problems contributed by relevant industrial partners, and involve direct collaboration with representatives from external organisations.
Job opportunities
After graduation, you will be ready for technically demanding roles wherever simulation, modelling, and computational analysis are central to the work. This spans a wide range of industries, including aerospace, civil and structural engineering, as well as the energy sector or manufacturing.
With several specialisations to choose from, you will be well-equipped for future roles in research and design, computational engineering, and technical consulting in private companies, research institutes and the public sector. Specialising in fluid mechanics provides a natural pathway into flow simulation in areas such as turbomachinery and energy systems. If you focus on solid and structural mechanics, you could move into roles in structural analysis and simulation roles, designing components and structures to be safe, efficient, and durable. The dynamics and control choice opens paths into areas like control systems design and robotics. Computational mechanics graduates are often found working with their respective projects at companies such as AFRY, Alten, CEVT, Fraunhofer, FS Dynamics, GKN, Nevs, Saab, Scania, Siemens, SKF, Trafikverket, RISE, Semcon, Vattenfall, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
Research groups involved in the programme have long-established collaborations with companies including Volvo Group, Scania, SKF, Vattenfall, and more. You may have the chance to complete your master's thesis projects working in collaboration with firms like these, in Gothenburg and Sweden. This opens up many opportunities for early career contacts and to expand your network. For those interested in continuing research, the programme provides a strong foundation for PhD studies.
Research
The Computational Mechanics programme is directly shaped by the wider research environment at Chalmers. Research at the Divisions of Fluid Dynamics, and Material & Computational Mechanics are particularly relevant. Ongoing projects include research into such diverse topics as how different types of insects fly, and how those insights can be applied to advanced technology applications.
Chalmers has a long history of connections with major companies in the region, ensuring that the programme is closely linked to the forefront of industrial research. You will feel the benefit of this directly, with project course problems frequently drawn from real industrial challenges.
You may also have the chance to complete the master's thesis in collaboration with firms like Volvo, ABB, SKF and others, giving you first-hand experience of research and development as it is actually practised.
After graduation, you will also be a natural candidate for PhD studies at several of Chalmers’ different departments in related disciplines.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Mathematics
Prerequisites: Mathematics (at least 30 cr. including Linear algebra, Mathematical statistics or Probability theory, Numerical analysis, Multivariable Analysis), Finite element method (FEM) (including Numerical solution of partial differential equations), Strength of materials or Solid mechanics or Mechanics of Materials (including Structural mechanics (beams, trusses), Buckling or instability, Theory of elasticity in 3D, Stress concentrations and Plasticity), Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Engineering materials, Automatic control or Control theory or Control systems, Programming
English language requirements: Prove your English proficiency
How to apply
From application to admission
This guide explains how to apply for a Master's programme and which documents you need to submit to complete your application.