The Master’s in Structural and Mechanical Engineering will provide you with all the necessary engineering tools to turn challenges into opportunities.
2 years (4 semesters)
English
August every year


The master programme provides expertise and advanced knowledge, skills and general competence in Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Material Technology. Graduated students will have a background in engineering science and basic engineering subjects. The students will be able to apply this knowledge within their area of specialisations. The students will be qualified to participate and manage the development and implementation of new technology, methods and principles. Candidates with a master’s degree in Structural and Mechanical Engineering will be qualified for many attractive jobs in civil engineering structures, production and manufacturing industries, mechanical systems, renewable energy projects and offshore industries.
This degree is well suited to those who have an interest in structural engineering (both civil and offshore), mechanical engineering and renewable energy industries. The master’s programme currently has two specialisations:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
The specialisation in Mechanical Engineering is well suited to those who have an interest in design and manufacturing of machinery equipment, industrial and subsea systems, clean energy production. Analysis, design and manufacturing of pumps, valves, compressor, power transmission systems and gear boxes, mechanisms, 3D printing products along the material characterization is included in the learning outcomes of the specialisation.
The specialisation in Structural Engineering is well suited to those who have an interest in analysis, design, construction and maintenance of civil and offshore structures. The learning outcomes of the degree programme provide core competences and skills to work with engineering aspects of building, bridges, offshore platforms, wind turbines, towers, retaining structure etc.
Career prospects
The programme qualifies the graduates for a broad range of positions in private industry and public organisations. Since the core of the master programme consists of commonly usable principles and methods, graduate students can qualify for many attractive job positions in the area of mechanical and structural engineering and materials technology in offshore and civil engineering industries, renewable energy projects, production and manufacturing industries and a diverse range of mechanical operations.
There will always be a need of buildings, roads, bridges, materials, machinery, production and manufacturing processes wind/wave and solar energy systems. Graduates will therefore be attractive in the industry and in the international job market.
Many will also have interesting job opportunities within research, education, or in public sector devoted to control, regulation and law enforcement of industrial sectors.
A completed master's degree with a minimum average grade B for courses and grade A or B for the Master thesis, may qualify for admission to the PhD programme in Offshore Technology at the University of Stavanger. Graduates are eligible to apply for relevant PhD programmes in other universities.
Learning outcomes
All study programmes at the UiS have a set of defined learning targets. Read more about the learning outcome for this study programme.
After having completed the master’s programme in Structural and Mechanical Engineering, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:
Knowledge
K1: The candidate has advanced knowledge in the analysis, design and maintenance of engineering structures and specialised insight depending on the choice of specialisation (i.e., Mechanical Engineering or Structural Engineering).
K2: A candidate with a course package in mechanical systems has a thorough knowledge of design, modelling, analysis and manufacturing of mechanical components/systems, microstructure and properties of metallic materials, corrosion and corrosion protection. A candidate with a course package in renewable energy has a thorough knowledge on design, wind and wave energy conversion systems, passive energy systems, energy conversion efficiency, and business models involving renewable energy, energy systems interaction, sustainable city development and climate change.
A candidate with a course package in civil engineering structures has a thorough knowledge of non-linear static/dynamic analysis, environmental loads, fatigue and accidental limit state designs, material technology, concrete construction, concrete technology, structural integrity and life extensions.
A candidate with a course package in offshore structures have thorough knowledge of non-linear static/dynamic analysis, environmental loads, fatigue and accidental limit state designs, functional requirements, material technology, marine technology and operations, structural integrity and life extensions etc.
K3: The candidate has basic knowledge he/she can use for research and development work in mechanical and structural engineering.
K4: The candidate has knowledge on general ethical aspects in the engineering discipline.
Skills
S1: The candidate can apply existing theories, methods and scientific insight in the field and work independently to solve practical and theoretical problems.
S2: The candidate has higher order skills in analysis, critical evaluation, or professional application and the ability to solve complex problems and think rigorously and independently.
S3: The candidate can analyse and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments. The candidate can identify state of the art for the technology as well as relevant national and international standards within relevant disciplines.
S4: The candidate can use independently relevant knowledge for research and professional development in field.
S5: The candidate can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.
General Competence
G1: The candidate can analyse relevant academic problems and be qualified to participate in developing and implementing new technology, methods and principles for the analysis, design and maintenance activities in specialised discipline (i.e., mechanical systems, renewable energy systems, civil engineering structures and offshore structures).
G2: The candidate can apply their knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced tasks and projects.
G3: The candidate can communicate extensive independent work and master language and terminology of the academic field.
G4: The candidate can communicate on academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field, with both the specialists and the public.
G5: The candidate can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes.
Academic requirements
For specialisation in Mechanical Engineering:
A bachelor's degree in mechanical, material, marine, process, structural engineering or equivalent is required.
For specialisation in Structural Engineering:
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or equivalent with minimum 40 ECTS credits of structural engineering specialisation courses is required.
All applicants:
All applicants must have at least 30 ECTS credits in mathematics/statistics/calculus.
Admission to this master's programme requires a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (according to ECTS Standards) in your bachelor's degree. Applicants with a result Second-class lower Division or lower are not qualified for admission.
Application and admission
Deadlines
and other admission requirements
Contact
For inquiries regarding admission to international Master's programmes, send an email to: admissions@uis.no
Find more information here: When to apply?
Study plan and courses
Enrolment year: 2023
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Specialisation Structural Engineering
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Compulsory courses
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Fatigue and fracture
Year 1, semester 1
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Structural Dynamics
Year 1, semester 1
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Life Extension of Structures
Year 1, semester 1
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Finite Element Methods, Advanced Course
Year 1, semester 1
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Environmental Loads
Year 1, semester 2
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Plastic Analysis of Structures
Year 1, semester 2
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Corrosion
Year 1, semester 2
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Mechanics of Solids, Advanced Course
Year 1, semester 2
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Master thesis in Structural and Mechanical Engineering
Year 2, semester 3
Master thesis in Structural and Mechanical Engineering (MKOMAS)
Study points: 30
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Electives or exchange studies 5th semester - 30 points
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Courses at UiS 3rd semester
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Recommended Electives 3rd semester
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Concrete Technology
Year 2, semester 3
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Concrete Structures, advanced course
Year 2, semester 3
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Advanced Analysis and Design of Steel Structures
Year 2, semester 3
Advanced Analysis and Design of Steel Structures (BYG665)
Study points: 10
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Welding and In-service Inspection Technologies
Year 2, semester 3
Welding and In-service Inspection Technologies (MSK585)
Study points: 5
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Offshore Wind Turbine Engineering
Year 2, semester 3
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Other Electives 3rd semester
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Practical Training in Structural and Mechanical Engineering
Year 2, semester 3
Practical Training in Structural and Mechanical Engineering (MSK690)
Study points: 10
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Offshore Field Development
Year 2, semester 3
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Pipelines and Risers
Year 2, semester 3
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Exchange 3rd semester
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Exchange studies 3rd semester
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Spesialisation Mechanical Engineering
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Compulsory courses
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Fatigue and fracture
Year 1, semester 1
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Structural Dynamics
Year 1, semester 1
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Finite Element Methods, Advanced Course
Year 1, semester 1
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Fluid Dynamics
Year 1, semester 1
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Electronmicroscopy
Year 1, semester 2
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Corrosion and materials technology
Year 1, semester 2
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Mechanics of Solids, Advanced Course
Year 1, semester 2
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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Year 1, semester 2
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Master thesis in Structural and Mechanical Engineering
Year 2, semester 3
Master thesis in Structural and Mechanical Engineering (MKOMAS)
Study points: 30
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Electives or exchange studies 3rd semester - 30 points
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Courses at UiS 3rd semester
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Recommended Electives 3rd semester
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CAD/CAM and Additive Manufacturing
Year 2, semester 3
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Welding and In-service Inspection Technologies
Year 2, semester 3
Welding and In-service Inspection Technologies (MSK580)
Study points: 10
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Offshore Wind Turbine Engineering
Year 2, semester 3
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Energy, Energy Technologies, and Energy System Integration
Year 2, semester 3
Energy, Energy Technologies, and Energy System Integration (PET515)
Study points: 10
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Other Electives 3rd semester
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Life Extension of Structures
Year 2, semester 3
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Project Management
Year 2, semester 3
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Societal Transition and Transformation - Energy and Climate Change
Year 2, semester 3
Societal Transition and Transformation - Energy and Climate Change (MEE100)
Study points: 10
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Practical Training in Structural and Mechanical Engineering
Year 2, semester 3
Practical Training in Structural and Mechanical Engineering (MSK690)
Study points: 10
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Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies
Year 2, semester 3
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Exchange 3rd semester
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Exchange studies 3rd semester
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get about this study programme.

Is it possible to complete the study part-time, or remote?
The program is set up as a full-time program, and there are many compulsory group-based assignments in almost all subjects. We therefore do not recommend to study remotely. As the study is a full-time study, it is not possible to get a part-time admission, but a student with admission to a 2-year master's degree has study rights for 3 years. You can find more information here.
I have previously passed courses at another educational institution. Can I get any of these subjects approved to a new degree?
Yes, it is possible to apply for approval of previously passed courses that are not part of the admission basis to a new degree. You can find more information here.
Is it possible to apply for leave from studies?
Yes. You can find more information here.
Do I have the opportunity to go on an exchange during my studies?
Yes! Students can study abroad during the 3rd semester of the master's programme in Structural and Mechanical Engineering.
Student exchange
By going on exchange to one of our partner institutions abroad as part of your studies, you will have an opportunity to get a unique education. In addition to improving your career opportunities, you grow as a person and gain the ability to greater reflect on the topics you study as part of your degree. All about exchange
Schedule for the exchange
Students can study abroad during the 3rd semester of the master's programme in Structural and Mechanical Engineering. This semester consists of 30 ECTS credits of electives. During the exchange semester you can choose subjects similar the master program specialization. The courses you want to take abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the subjects/ courses from abroad not overlap with subjects you have already taken. Some advice is to think about your specialisation and your field of interest.
Recommended institutions:
Student exchange for specialisation in Mechanical Engineering:
• San Diego State University, USA
• University of Adelaide, Australia
• Grenoble INP, France
• Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
• Polytechnic Milano, Italy
• University of Twente, Netherlands (ECIU University)
• University of Trento, Italy (ECIU University)
• University of Aveiro, Portugal (ECIU University)
• Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania (ECIU University)
• Linköping University, Sweden (ECIU University)
• Soul Tech University, South Korea
Student exchange for specialisation in Structural Engineering:
• Aalborg University, Denmark
• University of Iceland, Iceland
• Technico Lisboa, Portugal
• Polytechnic Milano, Italy
• Technical University of Munich, Germany
• University of Twente, Netherlands (ECIU University)
• University of Trento, Italy (ECIU University)
• University of Aveiro, Portugal (ECIU University)
• Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania (ECIU University)
More opportunities
In addition to the recommended universities listed below, University of Stavanger has several agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at UiS, provided that they find a relevant subject offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.
Contact your Study Adviser at the Faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of topics.
General questions about exchange: Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk
Student exchange
- All countries
Kaunas University of Technology
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is one the largest technological universities in the Baltics. Known for its linkages with business, leadership in scientific research and flexible interdisciplinary study programmes, it is the perfect institution for an unforgettable study experience.
Linköpings universitet
Linkøpings universitet er et av Sveriges største universitet med en sterk tradisjon for samarbeid over landegrenser. Universitetet er kjent for sin innovative profil innenfor forskning og utdanning, og er, som UiS, medlem av nettverket European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.
The University of Adelaide
Universitetet ligger i Adelaide, Australias femte største by. Med sine 1.2 millioner innbyggere er Adelaide en trygg, kosmopolitisk by som er betraktelig rimeligere å bo i enn flere sammenlignbare byer i landet. Universitetet er medlem av Group of Eight, en koalisjon av de åtte ledende universitetene i Australia.
University of Twente, Enschede
Opplev Europa og det internasjonale studiemiljøet i Nederland. University of Twente er UiS` partneruniversitet i ECIU-nettverket og tilbyr utvekslingsmuligheter for mange studenter ved UiS. Det er et moderne og innovativt campus-universitet som satser stort på entreprenørskap.
- Australia
The University of Adelaide
Universitetet ligger i Adelaide, Australias femte største by. Med sine 1.2 millioner innbyggere er Adelaide en trygg, kosmopolitisk by som er betraktelig rimeligere å bo i enn flere sammenlignbare byer i landet. Universitetet er medlem av Group of Eight, en koalisjon av de åtte ledende universitetene i Australia.
- Danmark
- Frankrike
- Island
- Italia
- Litauen
Kaunas University of Technology
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is one the largest technological universities in the Baltics. Known for its linkages with business, leadership in scientific research and flexible interdisciplinary study programmes, it is the perfect institution for an unforgettable study experience.
- Nederland
University of Twente, Enschede
Opplev Europa og det internasjonale studiemiljøet i Nederland. University of Twente er UiS` partneruniversitet i ECIU-nettverket og tilbyr utvekslingsmuligheter for mange studenter ved UiS. Det er et moderne og innovativt campus-universitet som satser stort på entreprenørskap.
- Portugal
University of Aveiro
Er du på utkikk etter et annerledes utvekslingsopphold? Få faglig påfyll ved et av Portugals mest innovative og dynamiske universiteter som ligger i vakre Aveiro, Portugals Venezia.
- Sør-Korea
- Sverige
Chalmers tekniska högskola
Tenker du på utveksling til Sverige har Chalmers tekniska högskola i Gøteborg mye å tilby. Chalmers er et teknisk universitet i Göteborg med rundt 10.000 studenter og fokus på forskning og utdanning innen teknologi, naturvitenskap og arkitektur.
Linköpings universitet
Linkøpings universitet er et av Sveriges største universitet med en sterk tradisjon for samarbeid over landegrenser. Universitetet er kjent for sin innovative profil innenfor forskning og utdanning, og er, som UiS, medlem av nettverket European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).
- Tyskland
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.
- USA
Contact us
Faculty Administration TN
Kontor for utdanningsadministrative tjenester
Faculty Administration TN
Kontor for utdanningsadministrative tjenester
Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science
Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science
Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science
The Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science is a leading academic environment for education and research within offshore technology as well as land-based industry.
The department is focusing on mechanical and civil disciplines, including the petroleum and renewable energy sectors.
The students will be qualified to take over challenging careers in industry in a broad capacity, inclusive of design and robust engineering of complex systems, developing and implementing new technology, methods and principles for optimization of engineering systems, etc.
The department has about 50 faculty and staff members. The current enrolment is about 20 PhD degree students, 90 master degree students and 250 bachelor degree students.
The main areas of the department’s expertise are:
- Civil and Structural engineering
- Mechanical design, production and simulation
- Marine and Subsea technology
- Industrial Asset Management
- Energy and Gas technology
- Materials science
To support leading educational and research activities, the Department has developed its lab facilities and other resources, including:
- Mechanical workshop
- Welding laboratory
- Concrete and cement laboratory
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
- Corrosion laboratory
- Metrology and mechanical testing laboratory
- Gas and energy laboratory
- CAD and FEM Computer laboratory
- Soil mechanics
- Surveying laboratory
- Rapid prototyping (3D printing) laboratory
The department has a very close cooperation with the industry to support its educational and research activities. The Centre for Industrial asset management (CIAM), based in the department, is an important key to establishing such cooperation.
One of the most up-and-coming is the Risavika Gas Centre, a research and development centre for environmental and gas technology, located in the Stavanger region.
In addition to the local expertise and competencies available, the Department actively collaborate with some of the leading educational and research organizations around the world.
News from the department
Receives award for innovation in computing
Professor Dimitrios G. Pavlou was recently awarded the prestigious Hojjat Adeli Award for Innovation in Computing.
Their article in Physics of Fluids was selected as “Featured Article”
Physics of Fluids (PoF) belongs to American Institute of Physics (AIP) academic journals and is traditionally known as o...
UiS researchers were awarded with scholarship
Only 34 young researchers around the world were selected to participate in the OMAE2023 Outreach for Engineers Forum. Th...
Large Offshore Wind Turbines: Structural design accounting for non-neutral wind conditions
How to reduce cost of energy for future large offshore wind turbines in free-wind and wake conditions by using full-scal...
Olympiad in Engineering Science summed up
Scientists and engineers from all over the world were gathered in Olympia in Greece to take part in the first ever engin...
UiS takes part in research on Arctic shipping
The goal is to find environmentally friendly solutions for shipping and transport in Arctic waters.
3 million for green offshore research
UiS researchers got funding for Polish-Norwegian collaboration.
From Ethiopia to UiS to study mechanical engineering
Three doctoral students and two master students share their experiences after one semester with engineering studies at t...
Students visited Rosenberg
28 students participated in a trip to the Rosenberg Worley facilities in Buøy.
Civil and Structural Engineering research group
Our research group has competence on design, analysis and testing of materials and structures. The current research and ...
Won Innovation Award for master's students
On the 25th of October 2022, Izwan Ahmad was awarded the 2022 Innovation Awards for master’s students by Rogaland county...
Won prize for best abstract
PhD candidate Bernardo Costa came out on top in the competition for best extended abstract during a wind engineering con...
Maintenance of ageing structures and mechanical equipment
Fredrik Bjørheim, PhD candidate at the Faculty of Science and Technology, has investigated damage assessment and modelin...
This invention produces electricity from marine and riverine currents
Researchers at UiS have developed an energy converter that creates electricity from sea currents and river flows.
Fatigue and Structural Integrity Group (FSIG-UiS)
The reason of 98% of the failures of mechanical systems and 60% of the failures of structures subjected to variable load...
Paper from UiS won the best paper award
The paper was awarded at the 40th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE2021).
Scholarship awarded to 6 UiS PhDs
Only 25 young researchers around the world were selected to participate in the OMAE2022 Outreach for Engineers Forum. 6...
Industrial Asset Management
Smart Assets, Digital and Integrated Operations, and Condition monitoring and Maintenance Analytics.
Mechanical engineering and materials science
The research group for mechanical engineering and materials technology has broad expertise in the design of mechanical c...
Marine and Offshore Technology / Ocean Technology
Oceans cover more than 70 % of the earth’s surface. However, those are still much unexplored.
Akmaral studied online in a different time zone
– This semester completely changed my daily routine, but it was worth it, says Akmaral Tokbergenova from Kazakhstan.
New safety solutions for the wind sector
Master student Sharath Chandar Joghee is collaborating with the local company Energy Innovation to implement new safety ...
Lean 6σ Learning Academy
UiS is part of the Lean 6σ Learning Academy, organised by European Networks for Performance Enhancement in Mechanical (M...
Their paper became "featured article" in Physics of Fluids
Muk Chen Ong and Guang Yin recently got their paper published in Physics of Fluids, one of the best fluid mechanics jour...
OTICS – collaboration
Ocean Technology Innovation Cluster Stavanger (OTICS) connects researchers, educators and students at UiS with partners ...
OTICS – Offshore Wind
The demand and development of global wind power energy have significantly increased in the past decades. The wind power ...
OTICS – Fjord Crossings
This area focuses on Wind and Wave Load and Response Modelling and Monitoring.
OTICS – Marine and Subsea Technology
UiS researchers study a range of issues connected to Offshore and Subsea Technology.
Became editor of the highest impact factor journal in Civil Engineering
Professor Dimitrios Pavlou at Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science recently became ...
Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science
The Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science is a leading academic environment for educ...
Offshore Technology, Mechanical and Structural Engineering - PhD
Offshore Technology, Mechanical and Structural Engineering is a subfield within the doctoral programme in Science and Te...