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Master's Degree - Master programmes

Masters Degree in Civil Engineering Structures

The Master in Civil Engineering Structures (MESTEC) aims to train professionals with a solid education in civil engineering structures, so that they can enter the national and international labour market more competitively.

MESTEC's teaching and dissertation components ensure a solid training in the methods of analysis and design of civil engineering works, where structures and geotechnics have a strong interaction. In this area of knowledge, both nationally and in the Portuguese-speaking countries, there is little or no 2nd cycle training on offer, so the MESTEC will fill an important gap in specialised training, thus fitting in with the missions of UP and FEUP.

MESTEC is potentially of interest to national and international technical staff related to structures and geotechnics. Internationally, it is attractive to students from countries where there is little opportunity for advanced, high quality training in structures and geotechnics at moderate cost.

Type of Course
Masters Degree
Duration
4 Semesters / 120.0 ECTS
Vacancies
25
Language
Portuguese - Suitable for English - speaking students
Tuition Fee (Full Tuition Fee)
Nacional/EU: 1500.00€
International: 6000.00€
CPLP International: 3300.00€

All the information presented relates to 2024/2025

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Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

MESTEC provides students with a a robust and comprehensive education in the area of design and construction processes where structures and geotechnics play a major role, supported by a highly qualified teaching staff, nationally and internationally recognized with extensive academic and professional experience. The study cycle therefore offers:

  • Solid training in the areas of structures and geotechnics, taught in a complementary and innovative way;
  • Proficiency in formulating and applying structural analysis methods;
  • Advanced knowledge in the field of safety and risk assessment of building structures, infrastructures and bridges;
  • Integration of current technical concepts and standards with the rules applicable in European codes;
  • Ability to select, characterise and apply materials to be used in the execution of works;
  • Structural and/or geotechnical design;
  • Design, construction and intervention in structural and/or geotechnical works;
  • Research skills.

Complete Syllabus

Career opportunities

Career opportunities

MESTEC offers theoretical and practical training in advanced topics related to structural design and geotechnics in civil engineering. These two fields of knowledge, taught in a complementary way, are not easily found in the world and therefore open up different job possibilities. MESTEC provides students with connections to design offices and the construction industry, creating opportunities for collaboration during and after their academic careers.

Testimonials

Testimonials

See all testimonials...

I am Mozambican, with a degree in Military Engineering. Later, I completed the Master’s degree in Civil Engineering Structures at FEUP. I chose this program because of its advanced and high-quality training in Civil Engineering Structures.

I acquired a solid structural analysis and design base during the course, emphasizing the interaction between Structures and Geotechnics. The program stood out because it focused on practical design applications, preparing me for real engineering challenges. Working with highly qualified professors was an enriching experience due to their availability and deep knowledge, complemented by excellent laboratory facilities and study spaces, which created a stimulating and productive environment.

In addition to technical knowledge, FEUP helped me develop teamwork and problem-solving skills. The multicultural environment allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from various nationalities, further enriching my experience.

This Master’s program enhanced my technical skills, and I continue to apply the knowledge gained to structural projects. This has made my profile more attractive and competitive on a global level. I am doing a PhD in Civil Engineering at FEUP, consolidating a journey shaped by FEUP, which has been decisive in my career.

Joao_Marcelo_Liguori

I am a civil engineer from Brazil, born in Salvador, Bahia. Before joining MESTEC, I already had experience in structures and knew that this would be the central focus of my studies. I have always aspired to be a professor and also dreamed of studying abroad. Pursuing a master’s degree outside Brazil represented a significant step in preparing myself for a future teaching career.

The Master’s in Civil Engineering Structures at FEUP was a natural choice due to its comprehensive curriculum, perfectly aligned with my interests. The administrative office's responsiveness made the admission process easier, and it was always available to answer questions and contributed significantly to my decision.

Although I was already expecting a high-quality education, I was pleasantly surprised by the excellence of the professors and the depth of the topics covered, which further enriched my technical knowledge. Additionally, the program demanded dedication and effort, contributing to my personal and professional growth.

Living in Porto was an unforgettable experience. In my early days, I explored the city through the eyes of a tourist, but what truly captivated me was living there as a resident, immersing myself in its culture and hospitality.

It is an honour to be part of the FEUP community, carrying with me the technical knowledge I acquired and the inspiration of having studied at an institution of excellence.

Lucas_Carvalho

I graduated in Civil Engineering in Brazil in 2018, during a period of significant crisis in the construction sector in the country, and decided to move to Portugal to continue my studies by entering the MESTEC at FEUP.

Even though I had completed a five-year undergraduate program and had three years of experience in a structural design office for buildings, starting MESTEC made me realize there was still much to learn. The program was an intense experience, with highly experienced professors dedicated to teaching and sharing knowledge. This training significantly deepened my expertise and provided a more analytical and specialized perspective on structural engineering.

After completing the master’s program, various professional opportunities arose, both nationally and internationally, which had previously been a considerable challenge. I decided to continue my studies by pursuing a PhD in Structures at FEUP, where I had the opportunity to participate in extremely interesting research projects, such as developing innovative solutions for prefabricated bridges and monitoring some historical buildings in the center of Porto, Portugal. These experiences would not have been possible without the knowledge I gained at MESTEC.

Videos

Vídeos

Testimony Absalão Nhagumbe

Testimony João Marcelo Liguori

Contacts

Contacts

Secretariat

Hour: 9:30 – 12:30 / 14:00 – 17:00
Tel: 22 508 1901

E-mail: [email protected]

Registration and Accreditation

DGES

Registration n.ºR/A-Cr 92/2017/AL01 in March 29, 2021

A3ES

Date of publication of the accreditation decision: May 2, 2017

Validity of accreditation: 6 years

Information from A3ES
Additional information