Master in Industrial Design, MSc in Engineering

Master in Industrial Design, MSc in Engineering is one of 12 English-taught Industrial Design programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 5 institutions. 10 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from EUR 6,700 to EUR 9,000; this programme lists EUR 7,455 a year. 10 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.

The MSc in Engineering in Industrial Design at Aalborg University teaches you to run product design in a strategic and business context. The starting point is product design, and you learn how a design-focused approach to product development creates value for companies and organisations. The programme is internationally oriented and taught in English.

What you study

You work through all parts of the design process, from product development to business model. You learn to integrate product design in a strategic context and to turn ideas into business. You create tangible, useful products and work with materials, technology and design. The mix of engineering knowledge and business understanding, problem solving, analysis, aesthetics, technical knowledge, concept development and project management gives you skills for developing solutions that make life easier.

You combine creative design and development processes with knowledge of ergonomics, materials, environment, strategy, design management and economics. You do not only work with specific product types but also with how design and development processes proceed. You learn to create products and solutions that combine functionality, interface, construction and materials with a company's strategy, marketing and production.

How the programme is organised

The two-year programme is divided into four semesters, each running from September to January or February to June, with January and June partly reserved for exams. Each semester has three or four course modules and one project module. Teaching is in English and centred on problem-based project work in groups. You also get the chance to collaborate with companies on your projects.

The first semester theme is Product Development for a Client. You take the project Corporate Product Development (10 ECTS) and courses in Production and Economy (5 ECTS), Advanced Integrated Design: Prephase (5 ECTS) and Component Construction (5 ECTS).

The second semester theme is Product Development for a Sector. You take the project Sector Product Development (15 ECTS) and courses in Process Technology and Material Characteristics 2: Flexible Automation (5 ECTS), Technology and Form (5 ECTS) and Advanced Integrated Design: Business Development (5 ECTS).

The third semester is Professional Development. You choose one of four options. Option 1 is the project Engineering in the Design Field: Value, Method and Approach (20 ECTS) plus the course Project, Design and Construction Management (5 ECTS) and two of three Advanced Simulation Methods courses: Process Management, Technology Interaction, or Ergonomic Design and Simulation Interaction (5 ECTS each). Option 2 is an internship (25 ECTS) with the course Project, Design and Construction Management (5 ECTS). Option 3 is study at another university (30 ECTS). Option 4 is a long master's thesis (30 ECTS extra).

The fourth semester is the master's thesis (30 ECTS).

Who it suits

This programme suits you if you want to combine creativity, engineering and teamwork. You should be comfortable with group work and with tackling real problems from companies. The programme is for someone who wants to understand both the design process and the business side, and who wants to work with how products are developed, not just what they look like.

Admission, language and next steps

All teaching is in English. To apply for a master's programme at Aalborg University, you apply directly to the institution. Check the programme's admission requirements page for the specific entry requirements. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland study free of charge; other students pay a fee set by the institution. The study start is September.

Master’s applications go straight to Aalborg University, not through optagelse.dk, and the institution sets its own deadline. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, residence permits and housing.