The STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Master in Advanced Solid Mechanics is a two year joint degree coordinated by the University of Lille in collaboration with several leading European universities. The program provides a comprehensive education that combines theoretical foundations, experimental approaches, and advanced numerical methods in the field of solid mechanics. It equips students with a joint diploma that reflects international academic cooperation and scientific excellence.
Students benefit from mobility across different European institutions, completing their studies in at least two to three partner universities. This structure enhances both interdisciplinary learning and professional development while fostering international exposure. The program is academically rigorous and designed to prepare graduates for careers in research, industry, or further doctoral studies.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-09-2020
- End date 30-09-2026
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The STRAINS Erasmus Mundus program is a Master’s in Advanced Solid Mechanics offered by top European universities, focusing on theoretical, experimental, and numerical methods
| France |
| Belgium |
| Poland |
| Greece |
| Italy |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program
The STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program is the trailblazer joint master’s in Advanced Solid Mechanics—crafted for science-savvy students with big dreams. It empowers you to go from theoretical modeling to real-world applications using experimental and computational tools, adding a collaborative European twist.
Key Features of the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program
- A powerful trifecta: theoretical, experimental, and numerical foundation.
- Four specialized fields: Computational Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Mechanics of Structures, and Material Design & Properties.
- A unique joint diploma
- Industrial and research immersion—straight into the deep end of advanced mechanics careers and PhD pipelines.
Mobility Tracks of the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1: Kick off at Lille with a foundational boost in solid mechanics.
- Semester 2: Pre-orientation at your pick of UCLouvain (Belgium), WUST (Poland), NTUA (Greece), or UNICAL (Italy), depending on your flavor of mechanics.
- Semester 3: Open options—any of the five institutions, specialization deep dive.
- Semester 4: Wrap it with a master’s thesis or internship (30 ECTS)—either inside the consortium or in industry/research elsewhere.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s in Mechanics, Mechanical or Civil Engineering (or equivalent) with strong Mechanics, Physics, and Math background.
- English proficiency at CEFR B2 or higher: TOEFL (570P / 85I), IELTS 6.5, Cambridge FCE A or B, or equivalent.
How to Apply for STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Complete the online application via their platform—fill in your details and upload PDFs in English (translated if necessary).
- Provide details of two referees—letters must be submitted directly from them, not by you.
- Attach: recommendation letters, degrees and transcripts (with translations), English certificate, residence proof, ID/passport, CV, and any extras.
- Submit before the deadline for administrative validation—keep your credentials safe.
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed—cover motivations, project fit, mechanics background, and English.
- Results land mid-April (first call) or May/June (second). Scholarship holders must confirm promptly—reserve list applicants may opt as self-funded.
Tips to Win the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program
- Bring your A-game in your academic records and make them shine—highlight your standout ranking and research projects.
- Let your motivation letter speak passionately—show thoughtful ambitions aligned with STRAINS’ goals.
- Secure stellar recommendation letters—and ensure they come via institutional emails.
- Nail the interview: show confident English, solid mechanics awareness, and crystal-clear motivation.
- Be mindful of diversity rules: no more than three scholarship holders per country, and at least 40% must be female. A dash of civil/mechanical discipline balance helps too.
Application Timeline
- Opens: October
- Deadline: January
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program
Semester 1 – at Lille: Mathematical Tools, Numerical Methods, Continuum Mechanics, Constitutive Laws, Dynamics & Vibrations, Experimental Mechanics (all ~5 ECTS each).
Semester 2 – at individual partners:
- UNICAL: Nonlinear Structural Analysis, Computational Mechanics, Steel Structures, Advanced Structural Design, Earthquake Engineering.
- WUST: Functional Analysis, Analytical Mechanics, Multibody Systems Modeling, Engineering Materials Design, Probabilistic Methods, AI in Engineering.
- UCLouvain: Material Selection, Mechanics of Materials/Composites, Durability, Planar Structures Calculations, Rheology.
- NTUA: Electives including Non-linear FEA, Structural Behavior, Boundary Elements, Structural Optimization, Biomechanics, Seismic Design, Engineering Materials.
- Semester 3 – specializations across partners, subjects vary.
- Semester 4: Master’s thesis or internship (30 ECTS), defense included.
Coordinator Contact
- E-mail: master-strains@univ-lille.fr (for general queries)
- At NTUA: Prof. Spiliopoulos, email: kvspilio@central.ntua.gr.elke.ntua.gr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program?
The STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program is a Master’s in Advanced Solid Mechanics offered by a consortium of top European universities.
What are the admission requirements for the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applicants to the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanics, Mechanical or Civil Engineering, with strong foundations in physics and mathematics, along with proof of English proficiency.
What career opportunities are available after completing the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Graduates of the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program can pursue careers in research, advanced engineering industries, or continue with doctoral studies.
How long is the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program?
The STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program is a two year Master’s degree consisting of four semesters with mobility across European partner universities.
How can students apply for the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applications to the STRAINS Erasmus Mundus Program are submitted online through the official website, with required documents including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.
