Master of Sustainable Design

Aalborg University
Sustainable Design
Masters
Physical Science & Math
Public University
Denmark

The MSc in Engineering in Sustainable Design combines sustainable design with innovation theory and user-centred design, with focus on user involvement, the green transition, the circular economy and innovation. Students learn to develop products, services and systems that take account of users, materials and resources. It is a two-year full-time programme taught in English at the Copenhagen campus, starting in September, and a three-year option for working professionals is expected from 2028. Teaching is project-based, using real-life cases with companies, municipalities and other stakeholders, and students practise design tools, user research and sustainability assessments in cross-disciplinary teams.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Copenhagen
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	23-November,15-june,
Fee Per Year	114400
Application Fee	780
Currency	dkk
Intake Link	https://www.en.aau.dk/education/apply/master/how-and-when-to-apply
Deadline Link	https://www.en.aau.dk/education/apply/master/how-and-when-to-apply
Intakes	February
Program language requirement	All applicants applying for a Master's programme offered in English must prove that their English level is equivalent to level B (Danish level) in English. Danish level B in English compares to: New English requirements from the September 2025 intake: IELTS (including IELTS Online) (academic test): 6.5 overall band score with a minimum score of 6.0 in each section, TOEFL iBT (internet-based + Home Edition): 85 with a minimum score of 20 in each section, C2 Proficiency (CPE): 180/ level C1, C1 Advanced (CAE): 180/ grade C, ECPE: Passed test including certificate,

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree In Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering (with design focus), Architecture, or a closely related field

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates can work as sustainability consultants, design engineers, process or innovation consultants, UX designers or researchers, or in development and transition roles. Other paths include consulting engineering, self-employment and PhD research, and graduates may work in Denmark or abroad. The third semester can include an internship in a company or a semester at a partner university, since AAU has exchange agreements with several Danish and international universities. The entrepreneurship option offers a route to starting a business, and the project work with companies and municipalities helps students build contacts in the field.
Program entry requirement	The following Bachelor’s degrees are deemed qualified for admission to this Master’s programme: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Engineering (Surveying, Planning and Land Management), Aalborg University Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geography, Aalborg University Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Engineering in Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning, Aalborg University (Campus Aalborg) Even though your bachelor’s degree is deemed qualified for admission, please note that this master’s programme has restricted admission and therefore your application will be prioritized based on the selection criteria stated below. Is your bachelor's degree not listed as qualifying? If your bachelor’s degree is not listed as a direct qualifying programme, you can still apply for admission. When you apply, the study board of the specific Master’s programme will make an individual academic assessment of your bachelor’s degree according to the admission requirements in ECTS mentioned below. If your bachelor’s degree is not listed as a direct qualifying programme you can still apply for admission. When you apply, the study board of the specific master’s programme will make an individual academic assessment of your bachelor’s degree according to the admission requirements in ECTS as stated below: Minimum 30 ECTS within the basic urban, energy or environmental planning subject area (e.g., but not limited to, spatial planning, city infrastructure, city design, urban geography, transport planning, heat planning, energy system analysis, renewable energy sources, energy savings, climate action planning, environmental assessment, environmental management, LCA, waste planning, resources, circular economy, participation, GIS) Please note that it is not possible to take supplementary courses in order to meet the requirements. Even though your bachelor’s degree is deemed qualified for admission, please note that this master’s programme has restricted admission and therefore your application will be prioritized based on the selection criteria stated below. Pre-assessments Aalborg University does not pre-assess applications for admission. This means that academic assessments are carried out only when an application for admission is submitted.
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No. GRE scores are not required for admission to this programme; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT Required	No. GMAT scores are not required for admission to this programme.
Application Process	Application Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/aalborg-university-phd-scholarship/
Program accreditation	Aalborg University holds positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (Akkrediteringsinstitutionen), which means its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised under the Danish higher education system. The programme page does not list a separate programme-specific or international accreditation.
Living expenses	Living Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process Details	Visa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timework	Part-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the admission requirements for the MSc in Engineering in Sustainable Design at Aalborg University?

Admission requires a relevant Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field. Applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to Danish level B.

How much does the MSc in Engineering in Sustainable Design cost per year?

The fee for the MSc in Engineering in Sustainable Design is 114,400 DKK per year.

What is the duration of the MSc in Engineering in Sustainable Design program?

The program has a duration of two years and is offered on a full-time basis.

Are there scholarship opportunities available for the MSc in Engineering in Sustainable Design program?

Yes, available scholarship opportunities can be explored at this link: https://studyabroadupdates.com/aalborg-university-phd-scholarship/.

What are the living expenses estimated for students in Denmark?

Monthly living expenses for students in Denmark generally range from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000, depending on the location, with Copenhagen being significantly more expensive than regional cities.