Engineering education in the Nordic countries

Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to solve problems. The focus of engineering education is to further students' skills in understanding problems, creating solutions and being creative in technology and science. Engineers work to find solutions for people - everything from noise in classrooms to new aids to the elderly. As an engineer, one becomes an expert in understanding problems, creating solutions and being creative in technology and science.

Universities all over Europe offer engineering programs. Traditional programs are civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering but over the last decades the number of new programs has increased rapidly e.g. energy, medicine, chemical, satellite, financial, environment/ecology, global management and manufacturing engineering. The possibilities are endless.

Engineering is a broad field including many diverse specialties and it offers chances to work with and develop new technologies. Engineers have a background in mathematics, science and critical thinking to design new products that can influence everyday life and make it more efficient. Usually, engineers focus in one area, such as electrical, aerospace or mechanical engineering, with knowledge of the latest technology and developments in their specialties. In all the Nordic countries, as in most other countries in the world, there is a high demand for engineers, so unemployment rates are lower than in most other professions.

The engineering programs in the Nordic countries are similar in some respect but also very different with different structure, entry requirements and subject focus.