Solid mechanics studies the behavior of solid materials, and in particular, their motion and deformation under the action of forces, temperature changes, phase changes, and other external or internal agents.

Solids manifest themselves through a wide range of applications, like:

• Manufacturing(material innovation, additive manufacturing),
• Civil engineering structures,
• Transport (air, land, space),
• Health (biomechanics, pharmaceuticals),
• Environment (contamination, sustainable development),
• Energy (mainly renewable energies),
• Food industry (processing methods).

Thus, solid mechanics is fundamental for mechanical, civil, aerospace, nuclear, and biomedical engineering, for geology, and for many branches of physics, such as materials science. Given the significant increase in knowledge in all these fields today, there is a need for highly qualified managers and engineers with advanced skills in solid mechanics.

A programme of excellence

The European Master of Science in Advanced Solid Mechanics (STRAINS) focuses on modelling (theoretical, numerical or experimental), from conceptualization to realization, based on high-level scientific theories, of cutting-edge experimentation, increasingly resting on imaging and intensive use of high-performance computing.

It paves the way to access both the job market, through early and frequent exposure to the world of industry thanks to the network of industrial partners, and doctoral studies, through a total immersion in the codes, atmosphere and methods of international research.

A very flexible mobility scheme

Openness in disciplines is ensured by thematic complementarity and a strong mobility of students with four main specializations:

• Computational Mechanics
• Mechanics of Materials
• Mechanics of Structures
• Material Design

It differs from the classic tree structure of many international training courses. The Master's degree aims at motivated students who have a scientific maturity and a clear vision of their professional career. They are thus encouraged to increase their autonomy and to play an active role in forming the learning process.

The award of a joint diploma, rather than national diplomas, demonstrates the homogeneity of the international curriculum.

The "STRAINS" master's program offers mobility across 5 European sites: Athens (Greece), Cosenza (Italy), Lille (France), Louvain-la-Neuve(Belgium) and Wroclaw (Poland). The general principle of mobility is summarized in the figure.

In short, semester 1 dedicated to basic knowledge is carried out exclusively at the Lille campus. Thereafter, a pre-orientation semester (semester 2) is established at the Louvain-la-Neuve, Wrocław and Cosenza campuses at the student's free choice. Semester 3 is dedicated to the specialization where students can go to any of the 5 sites. Finally, the master thesis can be carried out anywhere. The objective is for the students to do at least 2 mobilities within their course.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree in Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or equivalent with a strong background in Mechanics, Physics and Mathematics.

The application must contain: a complete curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, 2 original letters of recommendation, certified copies of the diploma and full academic transcripts including certified translations into English and an official document proving the class rank.

All students must provide evidence of their proficiency in English through one of the following documents: a recent TOEFL Certificate: minimum score: 570 points (paper) or 87 points (internet), a recent IELTS Certificate: minimum score: 6.5, a recent Certificate of a University Language Centre testifying that the student masters the necessary knowledge of English to function academically (specify CEF-level / minimum CEF-level B2) and a recent Cambridge English certificate: Cambridge English First (FCE) - Grade A or B.

The application must be submitted in English on http://master-strains.eu/.

If you are preselected, you will be invited to pass an interview in English by video conference or phone, with two members of the selection committee, in order to assess your motivations, the fit between your project and the STRAINS objectives, and to test your knowledge of English.

Candidates selected for admission to the STRAINS Master send all requested supporting documents (certified copies) by post within 2 weeks after notification of the results. Admission is validated after verification of hard copies.

The selection is performed in two successive waves:

• In the first session (February-March 2021), the selection committee evaluates the applications containing scholarship requests. The non-selected candidates will be offered to join the STRAINS Master without a scholarship.
• The second session (April-May 2021) is opened for applicants not requesting a scholarship.

Evaluation criteria

• In addition to the English level, the academic background and ranking are the most important criteria.
• Gender balance will be considered in the enrollment procedure: not more than two candidates may come from the same country, and no less than 40% must be female candidates. To comply with these restrictions some candidates may be removed from the main list and replaced by the next ranked candidates in the reserve list. The Programme Board is committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination and to the promotion

Responsible of the Master at WUST:

Joanna Pieczyńska-Kozłowska, PhD, Eng.
Building D-2, room 123
Telephone: +48 (71) 320 28 41
email: joanna.pieczynska-kozlowska@pwr.edu.pl

Master secretariat:

master-strains@univ-lille.fr

Website: http://master-strains.eu/

Full list of cvourses can be found here.