Reformulation of the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering (MIEM) at FEUP in Two Cycles of Studies (Bachelor and Master)

Abstract

This paper presents the reformulation of the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering (MIEM) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) in two independent degrees (bachelor and master). The design of the new cycles of studies, triggered by decision of the Portuguese Government, followed the FEUP’s guidelines and led to a solution close to the one adopted by the existing integrated master. Therefore, the well-known “FEUP Mechanical Engineering product” is maintained, in general, since it is widely accepted in the job market, and improved by correcting some MIEM’s shortcomings. The bachelor is a non-professional degree of preparation to the master. It is clearly distinct from the cycles of studies thought at the polytechnic institutions, providing a broader scientific background, and not including design skills and dissertation. The master is a demanding degree, with innovative content and incorporating the value added by the excellence of the scientific research carried out at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. It is aligned with the needs of the industry, being different from other master degrees in the same area offered in Portugal, and designed to attract students from abroad. A SWOT analysis performed both for the bachelor and the master shows the potential of the two new cycles of studies.