Master of Science
in Engineering:
Mechanical
Engineering
F a c u l t y o f E n g i n e e r i n g S c i e n c e
Master of Science in Engineering: Mechanical
Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a very broad field of study in the engineering sciences. It integrates almost all disciplines of technology. Any device or product that is used in modern, everyday life is the result of an ongoing synergy between different basic techniques.
A car, for instance, is a complex system which consists of very different kinds of materials equipped with an energy-efficient combustion engine and/or electric motor and a multitude of on-board intelligent systems. It must be quiet and safe for occupants and other road users, and must meet many other increasingly stringent requirements. An electric shaver, a hair dryer, kitchen robot, a refrigerator and a washing machine – these machines may seem somewhat less complex, but they, too, are being further refined thanks to the integration of state-of-the-art technology. The same applies to surgical robots, advanced production machines and satellites for telecommunications and earth observation. In short, all products in modern society arose from the merger of different technical disciplines. Mechanical engineering is the preferred integrator specialised for realising this. Technological developments in mechanical engineering are often a catalyst for innovations in related domains. New production techniques make it possible to further miniaturise electro-mechanical systems. This requires a multidisciplinary training and a curriculum in which all these technologies get the place they deserve, no more but certainly no less. The Master of Science in Engineering: Mechanical Engineering is a general training programme integrating all disciplines of basic sciences, engineering and technology. An essential element of the mechanical engineering curriculum at KU Leuven is the direct training of each student in a real-life industrial or research setting. Following up on the design assignment in the Bachelor’s programme, the Master’s programme brings the student in close contact with the industrial reality.
Spotlight: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Innovationis the buzzword for technical and economic development in Flanders. The university, working in cooperation with industry partners, is central to putting that slogan into action. The Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering Science has decades of experience working with established companies and has been crucial to the creation of spin-offs in new, high-tech domains.The department’s spin-offs have achieved impressive results. LMS International, founded in 1979, has grown into a world leader in virtual development techniques. After 30 years of growth, it now employs more than 1,000 staff members worldwide. Nikon Metrology (formerly Metris) sells computer methods for production companies and is an important supplier to major automobile and aeronautics companies. The knowledge and expertise at the Department of Mechanical Engineering is also behind a dozen of SMEs in a wide range of industrial sectors.
These developments are only possible through the technological ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of our staff, students, alumni and partners. KU Leuven works together with industry partners, the city of Leuven and the Flemish Government to further scientific research and technological potential.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has about 250 employees and is organised in four sections (see also www.mech.kuleuven.be):
• The BMe section(Biomechanics) develops modern technologies for the living human by excelling in: the analysis of the mechanical behaviour of the human constitution, mechano-biology, surgery with computer support, implants and prostheses and functional biomechanics. The division works closely with clinical research partners. • The CIB section(Centre for Industrial Management/Traffic and Infrastructure) develops
techniques that improve the management and organisation of production environments. Maintenance, mobility, logistics and planning, both in companies and in traffic, are becoming increasingly important as application domains for Flemish and international economic life. Life-cycle engineering emphasises sustainable development.
• The PMA section(Production Engineering, Machine Design and Automation) is active in different generic areas: mechatronics and robotics, micro- and precision mechanics, production techniques and computer support of processes in the production cycle, dimensional metrology and quality control, sound and vibration.
• The TME section(Applied Mechanics and Energy Conversion) develops advanced techniques in the fields of thermal design and fluid mechanics, combustion, engines technology and explosion safety. The division is a leading partner of the Energy Institute at KU Leuven.
Discover KU Leuven
Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest and highest-ranking university. Founded in 1425, it is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe.
As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research.
KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international scholars spread out over its various campuses. 14% of the university’s 54,000 students are international representing 140 countries.
The university is located in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. Leuven is a modern, bustling and safe student city with a long and rich history. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound. KU Leuven's central location offers a truly international experience. Major European capitals such as Brussels, Paris, London and Amsterdam are only a (very) short train journey away.
Admission
Holders of the following degrees are eligible for direct admission:
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences and Engineering, major in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences and Engineering, major in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Geotechnical and Mining Engineering / Materials Science / Chemical Technology, each with minor Mechanical Engineering
Holders of the following degrees are eligible for admission contingent on completion of the preparatory programme, in consultation with the programme director:
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences
• Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, after admission
Holders of the following degrees are eligible for admission contingent on completion of the preparatory programme (maximum 60 ECTS):
• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (or related Bachelor's degree), after admission
• Other Bachelor’s degrees with an appropriate technical or scientific background
Profile
The programme builds on the curriculum of the Bachelor of Applied Sciences and Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, including its basic courses in mechanical engineering. Mastering this knowledge is a prerequisite to commencing the Master's programme.
After completing the programme, you will have:
• a thorough understanding of high-tech techniques in mechanical engineering (construction and production methods, control systems, design techniques, measurement techniques, numerical simulations) and the standardisation and regulation regarding the design and exploitation of machines and tools;
• own experience in mechanical design, analysis and development within a company or in contact with an industrial enterprise;
Programme
The course package consists of five parts:
• the core training, which is required for all students in the programme (33 ECTS);
• one option, within which you need to take at least 15 ECTS;
• elective courses(12-14 ECTS) selected from a list of general interest courses units;
• elective courses(about 30 ECTS) selected from the list of technical courses that are offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering;
• the Master’s thesis (24 ECTS) written on a subject of your choice.
You choose one of the following option tracks:
• Manufacturing and management: modern techniques for the design and production of discrete components, CAD and computer integration in production, management techniques, maintenance and logistics of a production company
• Mechatronics and robotics: mechatronics is the discipline in which the synergy of construction, sensing, actuation and control of machinery are concurrently defined and tuned for optimum integration.
• Thermotechnical Sciences: analysis, design, construction and operation of combustion engines and thermal and flow machines, cooling machines, etc.
• Aerospace technology: analysis, design, construction, exploitation and operation of aircraft and space systems
• Vehicle technology: design, analysis and production of cars and ground vehicles and of systems for ground transportation
The first three options deal with a family of generic methods and technologies that are used in different application domains. The latter two options apply these generic methods on either air or ground transportation systems.
The study programme consists of at least 120 ECTS. You may choose to take courses mainly from one option or, alternatively, you may also broaden your curriculum by choosing courses in two or more options.
You will work with an academic advisor to compose a study programme that meets your interests and goals. Your advisor is affiliated to the option for which you take at least 15 ECTS.
For a detailed description of the courses and the schedule, please consult www.kuleuven.be/ma/mmeel
Studying abroad and internships
The Erasmus programme gives students the opportunity to complete one or two semesters of their degree at a participating European university. Student exchange agreements are also in place with Japanese and American universities.
Students are also encouraged to learn more about industrial and research internships abroad by contacting our Internship Coordinator. Internships are scheduled in between two course phases of the Master’s programme (in the summer period after the second semester and before the third semester).
These studying abroad opportunities and internships are complemented by the short summer courses offered via the Board of European Students of Technology (BEST) network. This student organisation allows students to follow short courses in the summer period between the second and the third semester. The Faculty of Engineering Science is also member of the international networks CESAER, CLUSTER and T.I.M.E.
Career prospects
The field of mechanical engineering is very wide. Mechanical engineers find employment in many industrial sectors thanks to our broad training programme. Demand for this engineering degree on the labour market is very strong and constant. The table below, which is based on a study by the Royal Flemish Engineers Association, identifies the specific sectors in which graduated mechanical engineers are employed.
• mechanical engineering: e.g. production machinery, compressed air systems, agricultural machinery
• metal and non-metal products: e.g. pressure vessels, piping and suit cases
• off-shore and maritime engineering
• automation industry
• vehicle components, such as exhaust systems, drivetrain components and windshield wipers
• development and production of bicycles
• aircraft components, such high lift devices, aircraft engines and cockpit display systems
• building, textile, plastic, paper sector
• electrical industry
• chemical industry
• environmental engineering and waste management
• energy sector
• financial, banking and insurance sector
• communications sector
• transportation sector: infrastructure and exploitation and maintenance of rolling stock
• software development and vendors
• technical and management consulting: large companies and small offices
• education and research
• technical and management functions in the public sector Our graduates have gone on to become:
• engineer-technical managers
• project engineers
• engineers in design and development
• responsible engineers in production and maintenance
• engineers with technical-commercial responsibility or engineers in a marketing position
After building up a number of years of experience in business, several graduates advance to senior management positions in both public and private sectors.
Learn more
www.kuleuven.be/ma/mmeel
General information
Application: www.kuleuven.be/application
International programmes: www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes International Office: www.kuleuven.be/english
Publications
www.masterskuleuven.be/publications
Faculty Of Engineering Science
Department of Mechanical Engineering info@mech.kuleuven.be
www.mech.kuleuven.be
KU LEUVEN
Oude Markt 13 box 5005 3000 LEUVEN onderwijscommunicatie@kuleuven.be www.kuleuven.be
This brochure provides the most complete and accurate information available for this Master's programme offered by KU Leuven. However, amendments to the composition of this programme may be approved at any time. Consequently, KU Leuven is in no way legally bound by the information provided in this brochure. The most recent information on all our academic programmes can be consulted at www.kuleuven.be/coursecatalogue.
Last updated: October 2013 v.u.: Isabelle V
