Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
About this program
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
The master Program in Architectural Engineering trains designers to harvest the synergy between two disciplines: engineering and architecture. Our approach combines the many dimensions of architecture and construction engineering. You’ll be trained to design large-scale architectural projects that add value to complex, mainly urban, situations. You’ll spend at least one-quarter of your time in a design studio, where many aspects of your study come together: analysing a historical, architectural and urban context, setting up a programme and designing a pleasant, sustainable, resource-efficient building complex. The compulsory programme also includes courses in architecture, construction, and engineering sciences: history and theory of architecture, construction and urbanism, structural engineering, design of building equipment, construction management and training in engineering research methods. Our optional courses give you the chance to specialise in a specific scientific field. You’ll also do a master's thesis. The programme fosters the interaction between the different disciplines and nurtures a scientific attitude. In doing so, you’ll receive a high-level scientific education, optimising your preparation for the job market.
Admission requirements
Language requirements
Prospective students can provide proof of sufficient knowledge of English as language of instruction by meeting one of the following criteria:
- Having successfully completed one of the following language proficiency tests:
- TOEFL iBT with minimum level: 79;
- IELTS with minimum level: academic module 6.5;
- ITACE with minimum level: B2;
- Cambridge English Qualification Scale with the following minimal level: 170;
- Certificates and other proof of language tests may not pre-date the first enrolment by more than five years.
- Having successfully completed at least one year of secondary education with English as language of instruction, or having successfully completed secondary school in a Belgian institution;
- Having successfully completed Program units in higher education with a minimum of 54 ECTS-credits where English was the language of instruction.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website
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Program content
Compulsory Courses
Compulsory Courses year 1 of the standard learning track in arch. engineering
- Design of Concrete Structures
- Sustainable Architectural Design Studio
- Design of Steel Structures
- Parametric Design of Transformable Structures
- Research methods in architectural engineering
- Energy Performance of Buildings
- Spatial Structures: Design and Analysis
- Structural Renovation Techniques
- Post-war History of Construction and Architecture
- Sustainable Urban Design Studio
Pre-defined Courses year 2 of the standard learning track in arch. engineering
- Architectural Engineering and Construction Project Management
- Low Energy Design for Sustainable Buildings
- Daylighting in Buildings
- Design Project Competition
- Theory of Architecture and Urbanism
Advanced Design Studio year 2 of the standard learning track in arch. engineering
- Advanced Design Studio
Elective Courses
Year 1
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Room Acoustics
- Soil Mechanics
- Form-active structures
- Structural Analysis and Finite Elements
- Introduction to construction engineering
Year 2
- Structural Analysis and Finite Elements
- Low voltage electrical systems for buildings
- Timber and masonry structures - Renovation techniques and construction pathologies
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Soil Mechanics
- Form-active structures
- Prestressed Concrete
- Innovation in Construction Materials
- Mechanics of Composite Materials
- Structural design
- Internship (60 days)
- Steel Bridge Construction
- Experimental Techniques for Testing, Non Destructive Techniques and Structural Health Monitoring
- Industrial Techniques for Water Management
- Design of Engineering Constructions
- Urban Sociology
- Introduction to construction engineering
- Room Acoustics
- Internship (40 days)
- Architectural Engineering and Construction Project Management
- Low Energy Design for Sustainable Buildings
- Daylighting in Buildings
- Design Project Competition
- Theory of Architecture and Urbanism
- Infrastructure and mobility
- Light and Lighting: Visual Environment and Domotics
- Form-finding and Structural Optimisation
- Robustness of structures and reliability of materials
- Construction
Master Thesis MA Architectural Engineering
- Master Thesis Architectural Engineering
Tuition
EEA students: 835 Euro per year.
Non-EEA students: 2,782 Euro per year.
Continuing studies
After graduation students can continue their academic career as a PhD researchers.
Career paths
A master degree opens doors in many different branches and sectors. You will be able to work in the private sector, (non-) governmental organisations.
Job opportunities
Architectural engineers have access to specific job opportunities, distinct from those open to architects and civil engineers. Large construction projects require a project leader who is able to integrate and coordinate the aesthetic, programmatic, structural and technical aspects. The evolution of the building industry and the equipment of contemporary architecture projects make this synthesis ever more complex and require an integrated knowledge of heating, ventilation and airconditioning, the physical behaviour of materials and structures and the principles of sustainable building. The Program prepares students to a wide range of job profiles such as:
- architect and structural engineer
- project manager
- consultant
- employee or executive in an architectural or engineering office
- supervisor of the built heritage
- policy maker for urban planning
- researcher
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About this institute
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
VUB is a public and modern university located in Brussels, the heart of Europe. Ranked as one of the world’s top universities, it offers a full range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes taught in English. The University counts over 21,500...
Why study at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
When moving about in Brussels, you hear a lot of different languages. That’s no coincidence, because the city is a melting pot of cultures. With 35% of the population of foreign origin, you can expect a rich cultural environment. Brussels is home to the EU Institutions and several affiliates, NATO HQ, diplomatic representation offices, headquarters for many international companies, NGOs, trade associations, one of the world’s largest press corps, as well as a whole host of international and European schools.
It goes without saying that Brussels offers unique career opportunities. As the home to more than 2,000 international organisations and companies, it offers a wide range of internship possibilities and future career options. Flagship areas include ICT and communication, life tech, finance and law consulting, communications and media agencies, and creative industries.
VUB Education Delivers Strong Individuals, Critical Minds & World Citizens
Interactive and personal
Being a medium-sized university has its advantages. First of all, it allows frequent personal contact between students, professors and teaching assistants. This is part of a real direct contact culture that is well embedded within the university. Additionally, students are strongly encouraged to interact with each other through group assignments within the curriculum and through the various extracurricular activities.
Choice and flexibility
VUB offers a full range of programmes taught in English where the key concept is flexibility. A system of majors and minors enables students to plan and personalise their curriculum in a way that best meets their interests.
Guidance and service
It is important to VUB to help students familiarise themselves with university life and to provide good guidance. Educational counsellors and study advisers provide students with personalised study guidance on a range of topics. The International Relations office provides students with information on university life and facilitates their integration by organising cultural, social and sports activities with student associations. They also provide information on administrative aspects regarding living in Belgium.
Contact info
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
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