course-details-portlet

AIS4900

Master Thesis in Mechatronics and Automation

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 30
Level Second degree level
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English and norwegian
Location Ålesund
Examination arrangement Master thesis with adjusting oral examination

About

About the course

Course content

The curriculum is adapted to the candidate's project and within the fields of mechatronics and automation, including topics such as:

  • Design, prototyping, and integration of mechatronic systems
  • Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing
  • Digital twins, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated cyber-physical systems
  • Mathematical modelling and simulation of dynamical systems
  • Computer engineering, programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and machine vision
  • Robotics, control systems, and intelligent machines
  • Mechanical engineering, mechanics, and electronics
  • Possibly other topics

Learning outcome

Competence (knowledge, skills, and general competence)

Upon completion of the master thesis, the candidate can

  • explain, from a scholarly perspective, the theories and methods currently used to develop advanced solutions in automation and mechatronics; demonstrate expertise through project-based design, implementation, and application; and analyse and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of such solutions.
  • identify and analyse complex challenges within the industrial and maritime sectors, taking into account the possibilities in a constantly changing world.
  • explain, assess, compare, and apply advanced methods and tools for the design, implementation, and testing of solutions and systems in automation and mechatronics.
  • gather and critically evaluate technical and scientific information within automation and mechatronics and related fields.
  • apply theories, methods, and principles for the design and implementation of sustainable solutions in automation and mechatronics.
  • utilize advanced research and development knowledge to contribute to the development and implementation of automated mechatronic systems.
  • identify innovation potential, develop proposals for solutions, and demonstrate business understanding of challenges in automation and mechatronics.
  • identify and analyze societal challenges and potential solutions rooted in automation and mechatronics, as well as the consequences and future scenarios of these.
  • reflect on ethical and sustainability norms at individual, societal, and global levels, and apply them in own work.
  • work individually and purposefully, take initiative, collaborate effectively in teams, and demonstrate leadership in project and development work in an organization.
  • communicate appropriately, engage in dialogue, and discuss professionally with various stakeholders of a technological solution.
  • show the ability and willingness for lifelong learning in automation and mechatronics through a genuine interest in scholarly exploration and independent development work.

Learning methods and activities

The master's thesis is generally undertaken as an individual project but can also be completed as a group project. The thesis project will have at least one supervisor from NTNU and one from an associate partner in the project, usually a company or research group. The student, or group of students, is responsible for arranging regular meetings with supervisors.

All formal requirements must be satisfied and all compulsory work must be approved within set deadlines, including a pre-project report at the start of the semester. If not, supervisors and external partners may terminate their involvement with the project and no assessment will be allowed.

More details about formal requirements and compulsory work will be provided to students before the start of the master's thesis project. Some possible examples of compulsory work include:

* Mid-semester oral presentation or pitch presentation

* Submission of a poster presenting the thesis project

* Oral presentation of the finalised submitted master's thesis

Further on evaluation

The assessment arrangement is: master's thesis with adjusting oral examination.

All formal requirements must be satisfied, and all compulsory work approved, for the master's thesis to be assessed. Please see the following webpage for more information about writing the master's thesis: https://i.ntnu.no/masteroppgave

The project work process must be documented in the master's thesis, for example by inclusion of status reports, meeting notes, individual timesheets, and other documentation.

More information about the requirements for the master's thesis will be given at the start of the semester.

Finally, please note that the final grade of the master's thesis is subject to an adjusting oral examination.

Notes:

* The thesis must reflect upon the project's relevance with respect to sustainability and the UN's sustainable development goals.

* A declaration concerning use of generative AI tools in the thesis must accompany the submission.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Mechatronics and Automation (MSMECAUT)

Required previous knowledge

Students must have completed all preceding courses or equivalent corresponding to 90 ECTS. In addition, students must have completed a minimum of 6 weeks work experience. International students can apply for an exemption. Sufficient reasons for the exemptions must be provided.

Course materials

Please see the following webpage for more information: https://i.ntnu.no/masteroppgave

Subject areas

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of ICT and Natural Sciences

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Master thesis with adjusting oral examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Master thesis with adjusting oral examination
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment