Postgraduate Structural Engineering: Q&A

CONTENTS:

• What is structural engineering?
• Why choose this discipline?
• How do I become a structural engineer?
• Pathways into structural engineering
• What postgraduate courses are available?
• What are the entry requirements for postgraduate structural engineering?
• Tell me about teaching, learning and assessment
• Career progression: what can this qualification lead to?
• Professional accreditation
• Funding

What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focusses on the design and analysis of structures so they can safely withstand weight and environmental stresses. They are concerned with the stability and safety of load bearing structures, ranging from buildings to skyscrapers, bridges to tunnels, reservoirs to dams. Structural engineers use the principles of maths and physics to analyse load bearing, making sure structures do not collapse or crumble due to environmental stresses such as natural erosion or more traumatic impacts of heavy rain, hail, hurricanes and earthquakes. Structural engineers ensure that structures are designed to specification and follow local regulations. As a structural engineer, you are involved in every stage of a structural project, from its conception to construction, maintenance and repair. Postgraduate students who choose to study this discipline will develop a wide range of industry-ready skills, such as: learning to work with different materials, construction styles, computational software and the methodology and regulatory frameworks which govern this industry.

Why choose this discipline?

Structural engineers play an essential role in the built environment and creating the infrastructure needed for functioning modern economies. It is an opportunity to make a real impact on communities and wider society as a whole, by ensuring people have access to safe and modern infrastructure. It’s a popular discipline due to the professional accreditations associated with MSc degrees and credibility within industry and academia, research and innovation, making it a promising career choice for those going into this field and where global demand for structural engineers is high. 

“Fewer professionals have a greater impact on our everyday surroundings than structural engineers. Structural engineers design, construct and maintain the infrastructure upon which we all rely. Studying the subject at postgraduate level enables engineers to develop a deep technical understanding and broad skillset, with which they can adapt their working practices in an ever-changing world.  This is more important than ever when faced with global challenges such as climate change and population growth.” Therese Sheehan, Associate Professor in Structural Engineering, University of Bradford

How do I become a structural engineer?

There are three stages to becoming a chartered structural engineer. Firstly, you will need an academic qualification in structural engineering, with an accredited university. On successful completion of your degree (BEng/MEng/MSc), you will need to complete your initial professional development. This is around four to five years’ work experience in the industry post-graduation. If ready, you can apply for a professional review and begin the process of chartership. Chartership is not mandatory in order to practice, but highly recommended. Most employers expect their graduate engineers to be working towards chartership and you would probably need to become chartered before being considered for a leadership role on a project.

Pathways into structural engineering

As this is a highly skilled and highly regulated industry, pathways are limited to higher education routes only and will require both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in order to become a chartered structural engineer. If you are interested in studying structural engineering at master’s level, but don’t have the criteria to get directly onto a master’s programme, the University of East London offer a PGDip which can help you gain the foundations needed to study at master’s level. In some cases, having significant professional experience or other training may also support your application onto a master’s.

What postgraduate courses are available?

Currently, there are 54 postgraduate degrees at 34 universities across the UK offering different types of degree, depending on your academic level and higher education experience so far. Master’s students will be able to choose from a wide range of taught MSc degrees. These will involve a mixture of classroom taught learning and practical work, covering technical areas as well as providing a strong understanding of the industry. Before, deciding on your university, make sure you check accreditation. If you want to become chartered, you will need to have completed a master’s with an accredited institution. Learn more. 

Doctoral degrees

Choosing to pursue a doctoral degree in structural engineering will allow you to align your interest to a specific area, where you will be able to delve deeper. Doctoral structural engineering degrees courses focus on the design, creation and delivery of research in the field. This might look at certain issues in the industry, or the development of new technologies or methods. You’ll work independently to produce a thesis or major project, where you’ll conduct in-depth research into your chosen area. This be anything from the development of new technologies, methodologies or finding solutions. You will have regular meetings and mentorship from your supervisor. You could choose either an MPhil or a PhD qualification. 

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate structural engineering?

In order to study this discipline at postgraduate level, you will need to have a 2:2 or above, depending on the institution. There may be some flexibility if you have sufficient industry experience and can demonstrate capability to study this discipline at postgraduate level or if you have corporate or chartered membership with a relevant professional institution. You can check entry requirements by using the course search tool. 

Tell me about teaching, learning and assessment

On a master’s, teaching is typically delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions delivered by academics, industry experts and guest speakers. You will cover theoretical concepts and practical application and have the opportunity to apply your learning to case studies and real-world settings, through field work and industry placements, helping you to develop your skills and ability to tackle complex engineering challenges. You will also have access to the latest computer software such as: ABAQUS, ATENA, LS-DYNA. Specific modules vary depending on the university. However, core modules are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of structural engineering principles and advanced analysis techniques.

What modules will I study?

• Advanced Structural Design and Analysis
• Finite Element Analysis
• Structural adaptation
• Structural Dynamics
• Construction management
• Geotechnics and Soil Mechanics
• Advanced Steel and Concrete Design
• Earthquake Engineering
• Research Methods and Dissertation

How will I be assessed?

• Exams
• Coursework
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Project reports
• Dissertation

Career Progression: what can this qualification lead to?

The UK has a long and well-established history of engineering, offering an innovative and dynamic environment to build your career. Moreover, structural engineers are in high demand with opportunities to work on diverse projects and collaborate with global leaders in the business.According to Therese Sheehan, Associate Professor in Structural Engineering, University of Bradford:

“A masters-level qualification in Structural Engineering not only demonstrates commitment to the subject, but also paves the way for becoming a chartered engineer in future, as most professional institutions require a masters-level degree, or equivalent, to meet their educational requirements. The deeper level of technical knowledge and understanding that is attained in a masters may also provide a graduate engineer with opportunities to work in more technical/specialised fields than a graduate with an undergraduate degree.”

Structural engineering jobs include:

• Structural Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Research Engineer
• Construction Manager
• Structural Inspector

Transferable skills include:

• Problem-solving
• Analytical thinking
• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Research

Professional Accreditation

On successful completion of a BEng/MEng/MSc and you have started work, you can become a graduate member of one of the professional institutions, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers or the Institution of Structural Engineers (some engineers become student members first while they are still studying). The process varies between institutions, but typically, after four or five years, you can apply for a professional review. This involves submitting a portfolio of your experience, demonstrating you have met the criteria. If successful, then this will be followed by an interview or exam in order to become chartered. You can learn more about the process by going to the Institution for Structural Engineers registration page. 

Funding

You can find more information about funding and scholarships for Art and Design courses on our site. It is also worth emailing the student finance office for the universities you are interested to find out more about the scholarships,  bursaries and financial aid options specific to their interior design programme. To learn more about funding, check our ULTIMATE guide to postgraduate funding.

You may be interested in a Master’s in …

• Civil engineering
• Architecture 
• Mechanical engineering 
• Construction management 
• Construction Project management 

View all subject guides 

Just some of the institutions around the UK offering structural engineering …

• University of Bradford 
• University of Surrey 
• Coventry University
• University of Glasgow

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