Global framework
The Faculty of Applied Sciences has taken part, since their inception, in all the various mobility programmes which have been set up at both the European and world levels.
The numerous contacts it has with professional circles, notably via its Advisory Board, have demonstrated to what extent employers are favourably impressed by a mobility experience in someone’s CV. The ever-increasing internationalization of research via networks linking laboratories throughout the world, speaks in favour of encouraging this mobility.
Students’ interest is aroused at the end of their Bachelor studies, notably via intensive courses such as those of the ATHENS ( ) or BEST ( ) networks.
In the course of the two-year Master’s programme, students are encouraged to take part in a 1- or 2-semester exchange scheme
Within Belgium, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is involved in a privileged partnership with the Faculteit Ingenieurswetenschappen of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, with whom it has set up an exchange scheme relating to the first year of the Master’s curriculum ( ).
At the European level, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is strongly involved in the CLUSTER excellence network ( ). This network encourages internal mobility, since this is a guarantee of quality as concerns both the level of teaching and the hosting of exchange students. Moreover, Cluster partners have signed an agreement recognizing each other’s Bachelor’s curricula. This agreement stipulates that all Bachelors of network institutions will have access to the Master’s studies in any institution on a par with local students.
Outside Europe, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is a partner in the Magalha#s network, which groups about fifteen European universities together with the best South American science and technology universities ( ).
Besides these network partnerships, the Faculty has also signed a number of individual agreements with various universities in Europe, North Americ or elsewhere in the world. A list of these agreements may be found on the website of UCL International Relations ( ).
International possibilities (for UCL students)
UCL is also a partner in the TIME programme ( ) which gives students the opportunity to obtain two engineeering degrees, via a specifically tailored curriculum.
Double Master’s degrees are operational with the following institutions :
- ENSMP France (subsidized by the Institut Français du Pétrole – IFP)
- Supaéro Toulouse (TIME programme)
- ENSICA Toulouse
Besides intensive courses which are one component of international relations, FAS students with outstanding results are encouraged to apply for 5- or 10-month exchange programmes. When taking place during the first Master’s year, exchanges are generally 10 month’s long. In the second year, they only last for a semester, either as courses or else research in a foreign laboratory as a complement to the final thesis.
Some other more specific exchange programmes have been set up with South America, where the academic year is naturally on an “austral” basis.
Students are informed about the various exchnge programmes as from their second Bachelor’s year. They are encouraged to prepare for their exchange in a timely manner, notably by taking language courses at the Modern Languages Institute of UCL.
The FAS’s participation in the MERCATOR exchange programme should also be mentioned.
A double degree Master’s with Clemson University (South Carolina) is also in preparation.
International appeal (for non residents)
The Master’s in Mechanical Engineering proposes a complete and high level training in a universally recognized field, viz. “Mechanical Engineering”. All the facets of the profession are covered, from the most theoretical (Fluid and solid mechanics, Transfer phenomena, System dynamics) through to the application of these theories to design, manufacturing and assembly of a wide range of products. Applications are countless (automobile industry, aviation, machinery, energetics, etc.). Various optional streams (aeronautics, mechanical production and manufacturing, energy, polymer working, metal working, biomechanics, numerical modelling in mechanics, etc.) allow the student to develop advanced competencies in a specific field. The student can also pursue a “standard” course (without any particular specialization) via a free choice of electives. Whatever the choice, the student will be on track for a well-defined profession, that of a professional Mechanical Engineer.
