Active teaching strategies and non-technical skills

The teaching methods used in the Master’s degree programme in civil engineering are consistent with those of the Bachelor’s degree programme in engineering sciences: active learning, an equal mix of group work and individual work, and emphasis on the development of non-technical skills. In particular, our pedagogy prioritises projects (including a large scale project that puts student groups in a semi-professional situation).

Students will be exposed to various teaching methods: lectures, exercise sessions, problem solving sessions, case studies, industry or research internships, group work, individual work, seminars and conferences offered by the industrial sector. This variety of teaching techniques helps students to build their knowledge in an iterative and progressive manner while at the same time develop their autonomy as well as their organisation, time management and communication skills.

Use of Foreign Languages

Globalisation demands that all societies open up to foreign markets. In addition, the main language used in computer science is English. The use of English throughout the programme allows students to develop their mastery of this language, which will facilitate their integration into universities and foreign companies. Course materials as well as educational support are in English. However, students may express themselves in French during class or evaluations. Specifically, the Master’s thesis or graduation project may be written and defended in English or French.

Furthermore, the programme foresees the possibility of taking language classes at the ILV and participating in study abroad programs.

Overall, the programme is taught in English with the exception of the biomedical engineering major and the majors in management and small and medium sized business creation.

Open to other disciplines

Students are encouraged to enlarge their training to include other engineering sciences and techniques, management as well as the humanities and social sciences. In fact, over the course of their careers, computer scientists must manage (team) projects and show an interest in the complex socio-economic context in which computer science takes place. They must dialogue with colleagues from different educational backgrounds who prioritise other aspects of a project. Thus it is imperative that students enlarge their field of vision beyond computer science.