Master's Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering: Computational Engineering and Design
Mechanical design is foundational to the modern industrial value chain, spanning everything from everyday household products to large-scale structures like cruise ships. Every high-quality product, machine, and supporting infrastructure requires a rigorous design process powered by a diverse suite of advanced design tools.
Today, design is strongly supported by digital technologies. Tools such as CAD modeling, simulation, and optimization help engineers develop better products faster and with fewer physical prototypes. These tools also facilitate collaboration across engineering disciplines and connect the full development process—from concept development and embodiment design through design evaluation, detailed design, and manufacturing. As a result, digital design methods not only make development processes more efficient and reliable but also open new entrepreneurial opportunities through novel business models and integrated products, services, and systems.
The Computational Engineering and Design track is intended for students who wish to develop expertise in modern, simulation-driven engineering design. The track builds a strong foundation in mechanics and computational thinking, with emphasis on applying simulation and numerical methods to support informed engineering decisions. These competencies are increasingly critical across mechanical engineering disciplines, as products and systems grow more complex and performance demands more stringent.
Students in this track learn to model and analyze machines, structures, and fluid systems using established numerical methods and industry-relevant engineering software. The curriculum also covers advanced simulation techniques and algorithm-based optimization, enabling engineers to enhance performance, reduce material usage, and improve efficiency early in the design process. Beyond technical proficiency, the track fosters teamwork and communication skills essential for contributing effectively to multidisciplinary projects and succeeding in professional engineering roles.
Computational Engineering and Design is one of the three specialisation tracks of the Master's Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering. The other specialisation tracks are
Entry requirements
General Requirement
You are an eligible applicant for Master’s-level studies if
- you have a nationally recognized first cycle degree – normally a Bachelor’s degree – from an accredited institution of higher education,
- your degree corresponds to at least 180 ECTS (European credits) or three years of full-time study,
- your degree is in a relevant field for the Master’s degree programme that you’re applying to. Please check the section on track-specific admission requirements for detailed degree requirements.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have excellent English language skills and a certificate that proves those skills. You can indicate your language skills by taking one of the internationally recognized English language tests.
Applicants must reach the minimum required test results to be eligible for the University of Turku. No exceptions will be made. Read more about the language requirements here.
Before you start preparing your application, always read the full admission requirements on the application portal Studyinfo.fi
The applicant’s previous degree based on which s/he is seeking admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering must be in a relevant field of study. Relevant fields for the Computational Engineering and Design specialisation track are
- mechanical engineering
- materials engineering
- systems engineering
- industrial engineering
- industrial design
- civil engineering
You may not apply to more than one specialization track within the same Master’s Degree Programme at the University of Turku. Therefore, you should carefully consider the suitability of your educational background for the applied track.
The decision of admission will be based on
- the relevance of the applicant’s awarded degree(s)
- the amount, relevance, and grades of the courses in the degree(s)
- the language test result (see Language requirements)
- the motivation video (see full entry requirements for details)
- possible relevant work experience
- possible interview
The academic evaluation is made only for complete applications received during the application period. Any preliminary assessment of suitability or chances for admission will not be given.
Programme in brief
The Master’s Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering: Computational Engineering and Design is a two-year programme of 120 ECTS credits.
- Joint mechanical engineering studies 20 ECTS
- Computational Engineering and Design studies 20 ECTS
- Thesis and project 40 ECTS
- Minor or Thematic Studies 20-25 ECTS
- Other studies 15-20 ECTS
Curriculum will be published in the study guide in May 2027.
The University of Turku fosters students' professional growth and global perspective by promoting internships and student exchanges. Every degree student can take advantage of these opportunities – all internships come with a guaranteed subsidy, and every exchange programme includes a grant.
Does this page answer your questions about the programme's content and academic matters? If not, contact infoscitech@utu.fi.
At at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, we aim to establish a high-quality and attractive research environment for mechanical and materials engineering.
The focus of mechanical engineering research is on smart systems, laser based manufacturing processes, structural design, system design and high-fidelity numerical simulations.
Learn more about the research at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.
Masters’ theses topics are immensely versatile since mechanical engineering is present in every industry. Typical topics include the design of new machines or components, finding new solutions for existing problems, or developing design processes.
Career prospects
The Master's Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering: Computational Engineering and Design gives students the knowledge and tools needed for modern, simulation-driven engineering design. The common courses in the programme provide students with skills in digitalised design, manufacturing, and management. The specialisation courses deepen students' knowledge in design methodology, computational mechanics, finite element methods, computational fluid dynamics, and structural optimization.
Students gain professional experience in an industrial environment through master's thesis and project work. They also develop communication skills through writing technical reports, delivering oral presentations, and conducting information retrieval. The free elective courses enable students to further pursue topics of interest in relevant fields such as robotics, data analysis, and numerical methods.
Upon completing the Computational Engineering and Design track, students will be able to conceive and evaluate concepts and embodiments of products and systems using modern computational methods and tools, simulate advanced structural and fluid flow problems, optimize product and component designs, and integrate design, analysis, and manufacturing within a cohesive digital workflow. Students can identify opportunities within an industrial context for applying computational engineering methods and articulate their value. They are able to interpret engineering reports, communicate results through written reports and oral presentations, and advocate for the implementation of simulation-driven design methodologies in industry.
Students also develop personal and social competencies throughout their studies. The programme cultivates analytical and computational thinking as well as teamwork and leadership abilities. Graduates are prepared to become next-generation engineering leaders, equipped with strong foundations in computational design and the integrative capability to connect simulation, optimization, and digital engineering across the product development process.
Possible job titles are:
- Design Engineer
- Simulation Engineer
- Structural Analyst
- Product Development Engineer
- Computational Design Specialist
- R&D Engineer
- Technical Team Leader
- Product Development Manager
After graduation the students will be eligible to the doctoral studies at the University of Turku in mechanical engineering.
