Restructuring of Engineering Programmes in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering

Paper in proceeding, 2026

Starting in the autumn semester of 2025, Chalmers has restructured the engineering programmes in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) to have shared entry pathways for students aiming for a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree (BScEng) and a Master of Science in Engineering degree (MScEng), respectively. The students choose pathway after two years. Admission data for the first student cohorts (2025) and the launch of the restructured programmes indicate that the reform has maintained the programme attractiveness and been well received by students. Applications to Mechanical Engineering increased by 30% compared to previous programmes, reaching 2.2 first-choice applicants per place. Industrial Design Engineering saw a slight decrease but remains high at 4 first-choice applicants per place. Responses from questionnaires and in-depth interviews with newly admitted students, about how they view the common entry and what direction they have in mind, provide further understanding of the reform. Response rates were very high (99% for IDE and 99% for ME), and the results show that a clear majority plan to study five years. At the same time, the flexibility of the programme structure is appreciated, giving students a sense of security and freedom of choice even if they initially plan to pursue a master’s degree. Differences between the programmes are small, though slightly more IDE students’ express uncertainty about study length. Overall, the results show that the reform appears to align with both student needs and strategic goals of increased attractiveness, competitiveness, and flexibility. A key remaining challenge is to follow up on how the choice between three- and five-year outcomes is realized and how the labour market accepts both degrees.