MSc in Mechatronics and Automation | Specialisation in Maritime Autonomous Systems

• First and second semester consists of compulsory and elective courses.
• In the third semester you specialise further through mandatory and elective courses and specialisation project.
• In the fourth and final semester you write your master thesis.

Autumn - Year 1

• Fundamentals of Automation and Mechatronics Engineering
• Design for Automated Manufacturing
• Modelling and Simulation of Maritime Systems
• Fundamentals of Maritime Systems Engineering

Spring - Year 1

• Digital Twins for Predictive Maintenance
• Applied AI and Control
• Computer Aided Engineering

Autumn - Year 2

• Mechatronics and Systems Integration
• Marine Systems, Specialization Project
• Complementary courses

Spring - Year 2

• Marine Systems, Master's Thesis

On Master in Mechatronics and Automation you will have courses covering topics such as mechatronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, product design, industry 4.0, systems engineering and digital twins.

You will learn to design, implement and apply automated mechatronic systems, for example:

• industrial and collaborative robots
• solutions for automated and digitised production
• maritime mechatronic systems like autonomous ships

Throughout the master's programme, you get to work on real-world chalenges and build your own mechatronic systems in the laboratories. These are often fully functional scale models of large cyber-physical systems, for which you will also develop a digital twin.

Such a setup, with both a digital twin and a scale model, is referred to as a digital triplet. This provides you with an excellent opportunity to gain experience with 'hardware-in-the-loop' in addition to simulation using a digital twin.

Marine Autonomous Systems

The specialisation Marine Autonomous Systems is about mechatronic systems that operates in the ocean, both above and below the sea surface.

You get an in-depth introduction to use and design of mechatronic systems in maritime operations. You get to learn and work hands-on through a "gigaproject" where you work with a large maritime project. Your courses will be linked to the project and give you additional knowledge, tools and skills related to tasks addressed in the project.

This project strucutre is typical in the maritime shipbuilding industry, and the project will be carried out in collaboration with the maritime sector.

Relevant projects that you can get the opportunity to work with through your master can be:

• retrofitting smaller vessels with renewable energy systems and electrical drive
• make control systems that can be applied on for example autonomous ship, autopilot and remote control,
• design and operate digital twins of vessels
• design and prototype subsea robotics

With a master’s degree in Mechatronics and Automation you’ll get a broad engineering competence with specialisation in mechatronics and automation. This competence is in high demand at tech companies worldwide.

You’ll get to work with everything from designing the mechanics to developing the software that runs the system. Examples are advanced offshore ships, and robots in goods-producing industries and in hospitals. This expertise can be applied in the ongoing digital transformation and the green shift in all sectors.

Mechatronics and automation are vital in the digital transformation, sustainability needs and green shift currently going on all over the world. The study programme opens up a range of career opportunities in a large variety of industries, e.g., health technology, automated production, or the maritime sector.

Relevant jobs:

• Robotics Engineer
  Design and develop robotic systems for manufacturing, healthcare, exploration, or other industries.
• Automation Engineer
  Implement automated systems to control and optimise processes in manufacturing, energy production, or other sectors.
• Control Systems Engineer
  Design and implement control systems for various applications, such as manufacturing processes, traffic systems, or environmental systems.
• Mechanical Design Engineer
  Work on the design and development of mechanical components and systems, especially those with integrated electronic and control elements.
• Instrumentation Engineer
  Develop and maintain instrumentation and control systems used in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or chemical processing.
• Systems Integration Engineer
  Integrate different engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, and software) to create comprehensive systems, such as mechatronic systems.
• Research and Development (R&D) Engineer
  Engage in research to develop new technologies, products, or processes that involve mechatronics and automation.
• Product Development Engineer
  Work on designing, testing, and improving products that incorporate mechatronic and automated systems.
• Quality Control Engineer
  Ensure the quality of products and processes through the implementation of automated inspection and testing systems.
• Renewable Energy Engineer
  Contribute to the development and maintenance of automated systems in the renewable energy sector, such as solar or wind power.
• Biomedical Engineer
  Apply mechatronic principles to design and develop medical devices and equipment.
• Aerospace Engineer
  Work on the design and development of automated systems for aircraft, spacecraft, or unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Manufacturing Engineer
  Optimize manufacturing processes through the implementation of mechatronic and automated systems to improve efficiency and quality.
• Consultant
  Provide expertise and guidance to companies looking to implement mechatronics and automation solutions.

Student mentor

As a new student on Mechatronics and Anutomation you will get a student mentor the first semester of your studies. The mentor is a student from your study programme who will share their experience and assist you if you have any queries.

The student mentor will arrange social gatherings and give practical information in smaller groups that you are part of automatically.

Student organisation - Archimedes

In the buddy week you will be welcomed by the student organisation Archimedes.

Throughout the academic year you will be invited to social and professional events such as cabin trips, climbing, hikes, skiing trips, quiz and professional days. All members of the student organisation have access to Archimedes´ sailboat located not far from campus. Archimedes is also the student organisation of other study programmes at NTNU in Ålesund, so you get to know students outside the study programme that you’re enrolled to.

Student community at NTNU in Ålesund

With its 2500 students, the student community in Ålesund is tight-knit and welcoming. There are various organisations and activity groups that students engage in. The student organisations are based on volunteering and provides valuable experience in management, event planning, and marketing. The students have their own meeting place at Banken studenthus located at campus, were you’ll find pub/café, concert scene and can take part in events like quiz and movie nights.

Why Ålesund?

NTNU in Ålesund is located between fjord, mountain, and ocean. Here you get the perfect combination of city life and outdoor life. The region has fantastic nature and close access to everything from strolls in open coastal landscape, surfing on waves in open sea, to climbing on spectacular mountain peaks in the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. Summer like winter, the nature experiences are for everyone all year around.

Ålesund in a beautiful port with several islands that stretch out in the ocean. Located North in the western fjord landscape surrounded by the majestic Sunnmøre Alps.