International Master's Programme in Advanced Computational and Civil Engineering Structural Studies (ACCESS) Dresden University of Technology

ACCESS seeks to facilitate the development of a strong knowledge base in the fields of computational mechanics and structural analysis, working together with advanced civil engineering design. Technical innovations for challenging engineering tasks rely heavily on numerical simulations. Therefore, the programme aims to provide the skills for understanding these approaches as well as modelling and analysing in the broader context of application and design. The focus is on theory and application of computational mechanics, as well as research in numerical structural analysis, current developments in civil engineering design, and advanced construction methods.

The course of study has a modular structure. The content of the individual modules is imparted, consolidated and treated in-depth in lectures, exercises, seminars, tutorials and projects and has to be accompanied by self-study. Self-study is supported by mentoring.

The course is divided into two parts. The first part lasts three semesters, totalling 90 credit points. It consists of eight mandatory modules, including an application-based science project and presentation, and five modules selected out of 12 elective modules. The second part of the Master's programme consists of producing a Master's thesis, including a colloquium in the fourth semester. For the Master's thesis including the colloquium, 30 credit points are granted.

Semester one:
Mandatory modules:

• Building Materials
• Continuum Mechanics, Tensor Calculus
• Energy Methods, Finite Element Method
• Numerical Methods
• Mentoring Programme for Study Skills and Methodological Skills

Semester two:

• Mentoring Programme for Study Skills and Methodological Skills

and five modules to be selected from the following 12:

• Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures
• Form Finding of Lightweight Structures
• Timber and Lightweight Structures
• Constitutive Modelling of Soils
• Structural Use of Glass
• Safety Concepts
• Building Physics
• Multiscale Mechanics
• Computational Dynamics
• Modelling and Simulation in Pavement Engineering
• Bridge Design
• Zero Carbon Building Design using BIM and Digital Twins

Semester three:

• Building Information Modelling: Methods and Concepts
• Applications of Computational Engineering Methods
• ACCESS Application-Based Science Project
• ACCESS Application-Based Science Project Presentation

Semester four:

• Master's thesis and colloquium

None

• University degree in engineering with above-average marks
• Good knowledge of mathematics and mechanics

Currently, students pay ~340 EUR per semester (i.e. for six months). This includes a ticket for public transport and regional trains in all of Germany ("Deutschlandticket"). Additionally, students can use a bike rental service all over the city for free for 30 min. The contribution also assures concessions in the university cafeterias and offers benefits (e.g. price reductions) for many cultural and leisure activities in Dresden.

Dresden offers high quality of living at very moderate costs. Currently, students should expect to pay around 850 EUR per month including rent, food, insurance and basic expenses. This figure is relatively low compared to other big German cities.

In order to top up their budget, some students may want to look for temporary work in Dresden. If so, different regulations apply for students from EU member states, countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, and students from outside the European Union and the EEA area. In addition, restrictions on the duration of employment may apply. Professors, lecturers and group leaders involved in the Master's programme may offer students the possibility of working as academic assistants. However, living expenses can be financed only partially through a job as an academic assistant.

Information on scholarships and funding for students is summarised on a dedicated web page of the TU Dresden.

TU Dresden offers plenty of counselling and training by the Career Service to help students with finding professional orientation. They offer workshops to equip students with professional skills and help to optimise their CVs.

Additionally, there are special workshops for international students to get to know the German and Saxon job market and network.

It is still relatively easy to find affordable accommodation in Dresden. Accommodation is available either via the "Studentenwerk Dresden" or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 250 EUR per month.
Private housing can be found online. We recommend that you move into a hall of residence at the beginning of your stay in Dresden. Subsequently, you can look for a place on the private market or in a shared apartment, which is known as a "Wohngemeinschaft" in German.