Programme Overview

Mechanical Engineering is fundamental in the manufacture of the different objects we use daily, as well as in the automation of the world around us. The role of a mechanical engineer is to analyze, design and design components, tools, machines and equipment, and also perform functions of organisation and management of production in an industry.

Study Plan

The 2nd Cycle in Mechanical Engineering has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), which is equivalent to 120 ECTS credits, and is made up of the structure depicted below.

Note: The curriculum distribution, which is shown over the two years, may be different according to the optional modules chosen.

  • 1st year (ECTS)

    • 45
    • 15
  • 2nd year (ECTS)

    • 24
    • 6
    • 30

Programme Structure

The curricula of the 1st and 2nd Cycle were reformed in the 2021/2022 academic year, following Decree-Law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model and pedagogical practices. The MSc programme in Mechanical Engineering derives from the former Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering.

  1. Core Structure (69 ECTS)

    The MSc Programme in Mechanical Engineering (Major) deepens the knowledge acquired in the 1st Cycle, in the following areas of specialisation:

    • Energy: focused on the study of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, looking to develop thermal equipment and energy production systems. Engineers in this area will be able to design combustion engines, turbines, air conditioning systems, among others.
    • Production: directed towards the development and optimization of materials, manufacturing processes, industrial equipment and systems, as well as production management. This specialisation focuses on areas such as mechanical design, materials science, manufacturing methods and even production management in manufacturing units.
    • Systems: directed to the control and automation of mechanical systems, industrial automation and mechatronics. This specialisation focuses mainly on robotics and automated process control, which are widely used in industry.

    The curriculum offers the possibility of choosing subjects within each specialisation area.

  2. Free options (21 ECTS)

    Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose modules not only in Mechanical Engineering, but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.

    This component includes the possibility of taking a Minor – a number of multidisciplinary modules – which equals 18 ECTS credits. The offer cuts across all programmes offered by Técnico.

    Minors

    Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS credit points.

  3. Dissertation (30 ECTS)

    The dissertation is the final assignment of the study cycle, which allows students to focus and specialise on a specific subject that may take any of these formats:

    • Scientific thesis
    • Internship at a company
    • Capstone project

Target Audience

The MSc Programme in Mechanical Engineering is aimed at graduates in Engineering, namely Mechanics, Aerospace, Naval, Materials and related areas.

The programme is taught in Portuguese however may there be international or mobility students enrolled, the curricular units will be taught in English.

Career Opportunities

Técnico MSc graduates in Mechanical Engineering can work in the energy and industrial production sectors, performing functions such as:

  • Manufacture of mechanical and thermal equipment, in an industrial context;
  • Energy production and air conditioning;
  • Maintenance and operations management;
  • Evaluation of mechanical industry projects;
  • Industrial research and development;
  • Marketing of products, equipment and processes;
  • Consulting and leadership, leadership and management functions;
  • Professional training and education.

Facts & Figures

96,6%

employed MSc graduates

81,2%

employability in the area of study

18,8%

internationalization

Técnico Employability Observatory | 2016/17 academic year data.

Entry requirements

To apply for a 2nd Cycle at Técnico you should:

  • hold a 1st cycle degree in Science and Technology (except in the case of the 2nd cycle in Architecture, which requires a 1st cycle degree in Architecture);
  • hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that certifies their ability to do the MSc programme which they apply for.

Candidates are selected according to these criteria:

  • affinity between the degree they hold and the programme they apply for;
  • type of degree they hold;
  • academic success in the programme they attended.

Note: if requested, we may appreciate the academic, scientific or professional curriculum and the candidate’s performance during the interview.

Students' Organisations

Técnico students stimulate autonomously and proactively projects that act as a complement to their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value making them more competitive in the labour market.

Fórum Mecânica is the main students’ organisation of mechanical engineering students and they carry out activities, such as:

  • Field trips
  • Workshops and training
  • Organisation of MECANIST
  • Organisation of the Technology Week
  • Study Materials Repository
  • Técnico Summer Internships
  • Leisure and sports initiatives