Novelty in the Baltic States – Master’s degree program in the innovative road and bridge engineering

July 2, 2014
Variations in the operational time of world and Lithuanian bridges, happen to be significantly shorter than those, provided for, in their design or building conditions. The operational life-time of roads and bridges can be prolonged, applying modern technological solutions, but specialists have to be able to adjust them properly. In order to integrate scientific and practical knowledge in road and bridge building, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) and Riga Technical University (RTU) established the first in the Baltic States joint Master’s degree program – innovative road and bridge engineering.



"The majority of bridges and viaducts in Lithuania are of quite poor condition, so it is very important, in planning appropriate road economic development, to make effective engineering solutions. Today, as never before, specialists, having the interdisciplinary competences, taking into account the environmental impact and the cost reduction of transport as well as the public safety needs, while constructing or renovating bridges and roads, are of utmost importance." – said Donatas Čygas, the dean of VGTU Faculty of Environmental Engineering.



The first innovative road and bridge engineering study program will prepare broad-spectrum specialists of Master’s degree, able to apply the latest modern and innovative bridge and road engineering technologies. They will be able to develop, evaluate and independently make effective road management and development solutions, based on the latest scientific research.



The new Master’s degree program will accept the Bachelor’s degree students from construction and transportation. The studies will be held in English: students will study in the first semester at VGTU and in the second semester – at RTU. The duration of the Master's degree study program – 1,5 year. The tuition fee of five students, with the best learning results, will be partially reimbursed.



The training will be focused on the computer design of buildings as well as on professional knowledge of modern computer software. This decision has been influenced by the digital construction reform in Lithuania and the desire to increase the efficiency and quality of the construction processes.

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