Programme Overview

The Undergraduate Programme in General Engineering provides breadth and depth across a range of engineering topics that prepares future engineers to understand the nature of global challenges, consider the human dimensions of technology, communicate effectively, be aware of cultural differences and engage in lifelong learning. The high-quality training, which combines basic engineering sciences with computational thinking, will prepare graduates for the practice of engineering in future societies around the world. The course offers a high curriculum flexibility that gives students the responsibility to select pathways that match their preferences and interests.

The Undergraduate Programme in General Engineering is taught in English.

Applications will not be open in 2025/2026.

Programme Structure

The 1st cycle in General Engineering has a duration of 6 semesters (3 years), equivalent to 180 ECTS.

Throughout the course, each student will personalise their educational path, by selecting the weight they assign to each available curricular unit from the start. Students will have the flexibility to attend classes in a non-linear order, accumulating credits across six different categories: Basic SciencesEngineering Common CoreProjects, Internships and SeminarsEngineering Electives & MinorsComputational Thinking e HASS – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Curricular Units.

The curricula of the 1st and 2nd cycles were reformed in the 2021/2022 academic year, following Decree-Law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model and pedagogical practices.

  1. Basic Sciences (60 ECTS)
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Biology
  2. Engineering Common Core (12 ECTS)
    • Materials Transport Phenomena
    • Materials for Engineering
    • Circuits and Signal Acquisition
    • Operations: Models, Algorithms, and Applications
  3. Projects, Internships and Seminars (24–30 ECTS)
    • Management
    • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Research
    • Business Environment
    • Communication
    • Ethical aspects
  4. Engineering Electives & Minors (48-54 ECTS)
    • Future Engineering Technologies (FET): explore emerging new technologies, privilege the visionary aspects and exploratory nature of advanced multidisciplinary science and cutting-edge engineering. (ex.: Quantum computing, Space Exploration and other future and emerging technological paradigms)
    • Customized Pathway: for specific fields/applications of engineering
  5. Computational Thinking (18 ECTS)
    • Digital Skills
    • Data Science
    • Algorithms
  6. HASS (12 ECTS)
    • Economics
    • Management
    • HASS Elective: English, Politics, Business, Culture, Epistemology, …

Academic Years

The structure of the first two years emphasises a strong practical focus, deepening the foundational components while prioritising learning through hands-on projects. It particularly highlights the Basic Sciences and Computational Thinking categories.

  • 1º ano

    The 1st Cycle in Mechanical Engineering lasts 6 semesters (3 years), equivalent to 180 ECTS credits, consisting of the following curricular units.

  • 2º ano

    The 1st Cycle in Mechanical Engineering lasts 6 semesters (3 years), equivalent to 180 ECTS credits, consisting of the following curricular units.

  1. Elective slot I

    Engineering Electives & Minors

    or

    Engineering Common Core

  2. Elective slot II

    Engineering Electives & Minors

    or

    Engineering Common Core

  • Free pathway

    In the 3rd year of General Engineering, the level of flexibility increases even further, allowing each student to define their own way of completing the course by following one of three proposed pathways.

  • Customized pathway

    In the 3rd year of General Engineering, the level of flexibility increases even further, allowing each student to define their own way of completing the course by following one of three proposed pathways.

  • BSc pathway

    In the 3rd year of General Engineering, the level of flexibility increases even further, allowing each student to define their own way of completing the course by following one of three proposed pathways.

  1. Elective slot III

    Engineering Electives & Minors

    or

    Engineering Common Core

  2. Elective slot IV

    Engineering Electives & Minors

    or

    HASS

  3. Elective slot V

    Projects, Internships and Seminars

    or

    Engineering Electives & Minors 

    or

    HASS

    or

    Engineering Common Core

  4. Elective slot VI

    Engineering Electives & Minors

    or

    Projects, Internships and Seminars

    or

     

  5. Customized pathway
    • Aerospatial Engineering
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Bioengineering and Nanosystems
    • Bioengineering for Regenerative and Precision Medicine
    • Biological Engineering
    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Biotechnology
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Computer Science and Engineering
    • Data Science and Engineering
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Electronics Engineering
    • Engineering Physics
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Industrial Engineering and Management
    • Materials Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Mineral and Energy Resources Engineering
    • Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Engineering
    • Pure Mathematics
    • Radiological Protection and Safety
    • Science and Technology for the Cultural Heritage
    • Telecommunication and Informatics Engineering
  6. BSc pathway

    3rd year of various undergraduate programmes (1st cycle) at Técnico.

Entry Requirements

National Admission to Higher education

  • National Admission Exams1: Mathematics A + Physics and Chemistry
  • Application Grade2: MS x 50% + PI x 50%

1 Minimum grade point: TBA

2 Minimum grade point: TBA

MS: high school final arithmetic average grade | PI: Average of national admission exams’ grades.

National Admission to Higher Education

Admissions can also be done through one of the following ways:

  • Course Change and Transfer
  • Holders of Middle Level/Higher Education degrees
  • Applicants over the age of 23
  • Special Admission Regime for International Students

More information about admissions to Técnico (national and international candidates) is available at:

Admissions

Students' Organisations

Técnico students are encouraged to autonomously and proactively promote projects that complement their academic experience, such as Students’ Organisations. These initiatives help students acquire valuable skills, enhancing their readiness for the job market.