Master of Science in Engineering MSE, Profile Civil Engineering, FHNW School of Architecture, Construction and Geomatics

With the MSE Civil Engineering programme, you open up new professional opportunities – whether as a sought-after project manager, specialist or in a leadership role. You can contribute to exciting infrastructure and construction projects that shape our environment, mobility and quality of life. Your expertise helps ensure that socially relevant structures are implemented sustainably and safely – today and in the future.

The Master's program, totaling 90 ECTS credits, is divided into the following three main parts:

• Core Modules (30 ECTS credits), Zürich
• Specialization (30 ECTS credits), Muttenz
• Master's Thesis (30 ECTS credits), Muttenz

In contrast to the content-defined foundational studies, the Master's program aims to allow for a flexible structure tailored to individual preferences. The goal is to create a study plan customized to your personal preferences. The framework of the study structure is visualized in the following graphic.

You can complete the MSE program either full-time in three semesters or part-time over five semesters. If you choose the part-time option, you have the opportunity to work alongside your studies – either at an engineering firm or at the Institute of Civil Engineering.

The Civil Engineering study profile offers you four distinct specialization areas where you can deepen your knowledge and skills

• Structural Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management
• Transportation Planning and Traffic Systems

Specialization in Structural Engineering

Concrete Construction

You explore a wide range of topics related to concrete and prestressed concrete construction. A particular focus is placed on earthquake analysis and structural monitoring.

Structural Mechanics

You dive into advanced methods of structural mechanics and mechanics of materials, working with both concrete and steel structures. You can specialize in areas such as stability and plasticity theory, earthquake analysis, prestressed concrete, and bridge construction. You learn how to develop sophisticated structural concepts and translate them into practical designs, considering both static and dynamic demands.

Specialization in Geotechnical Engineering

You analyze and assess natural events and work on planning, designing, and supervising geotechnical structures and measures. With a solid foundation in soil mechanics, you apply numerical methods and advanced constitutive models, and you learn to describe the behavior of partially saturated soils. You can specialize in deep foundations, ground improvement, geosynthetics, and rock mechanics to prepare for complex, project-oriented challenges.

Specialization in Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management

You focus on pressing future issues such as climate change and its impact on river flow regimes and catchment water balances. You study substance transport in surface and groundwater, ecological revitalization, and sustainable water management. You also gain skills in hydrological and hydraulic (2D, 3D) modeling, eco-hydraulics, and sustainable construction methods.

Specialization in Transportation Planning and Traffic Systems

You engage with traffic engineering and control, public transport concepts, and comprehensive transportation planning. You learn to develop mobility solutions that meet today’s and tomorrow’s complex demands.

The Master's program in MSE CE is designed as a consecutive course following the Bachelor's program in Civil Engineering. It builds on the foundational content of the Bachelor's degree, primarily targeting individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (ECTS grade "A" or "B")
• Degree as Diploma Engineer FH (overall grade "good" to "very good")
• Or admission based on suitability assessment by the program director

One-third of your MSE program consists of centrally organized courses for all German-speaking universities of applied sciences, held in Zurich (Lagerstrasse 41). You will complete a total of 11 modules, each worth 3 ECTS credits, covering theoretical foundations, specialized knowledge, and context. You can find a full overview and detailed descriptions of all modules in the Appendix of the MSE Examination and Study Regulations and on the official MSE website.

You can find further information on www.msengineering.ch.

Current Study and Examination Regulations for the MSE program at the School of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geomatics at FHNW:

• Framework Regulations for the Study Programs at FHNW in the Field of Education
• Study and Examination Regulations for the Master of Science in Engineering

Appendix to the MSE Examination and Study Regulations of the HABG:

• PuS MSE FHNW - Anhang Civil Engineering
• Fee Regulations of the FHNW

Your specialization takes place at FHNW and includes two specialization projects, your master's thesis, and participation in additional seminars and events. The MSE program at the Muttenz campus is strongly shaped by the experimental possibilities offered by FHNW’s state-of-the-art construction laboratory. Take a look at the following impressions to get a glimpse of the lab environment.