UK Structural Engineering Degrees

Become an expert in the design, construction, and maintenance of structures that support or resist loads

Studying for a structural engineering degree in the UK involves rigorous academic and practical training that prepares graduates for careers in designing and constructing safe and sustainable buildings, bridges, and other structures. The course curriculum usually covers a wide range of topics, including mechanics, materials science, mathematics, structural analysis and design, computer-aided design (CAD), and project management.

In addition to theoretical classes, students are also required to participate in laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and design projects to develop their practical skills and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. These projects often involve collaborating with other engineering students, architects, and construction professionals to design and construct prototypes, test structural components, and analyse the performance of buildings and infrastructure.

Studying structural engineering in the UK provides students with access to a wide range of professional and academic resources. Many universities have strong ties to industry partners, which can offer students opportunities for internships, work placements, and networking. Additionally, students can join engineering societies and organisations, such as the Institution of Structural Engineers or the Royal Academy of Engineering, to connect with other professionals in the field and stay up-to-date with the latest developments and innovations in structural engineering.

Types of Structural Engineering Course

BEng Structural Engineering

A BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) degree in structural engineering is a four-year undergraduate degree that is offered at many universities in the UK. This is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, analyse, and build safe and sustainable structures such as buildings, bridges, and tunnels.

The curriculum of a BEng structural engineering degree typically covers a range of topics, including mathematics, mechanics, materials science, structural analysis and design, computer-aided design (CAD), and project management. Students will also learn about sustainability, health and safety, and the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the design and construction of structures.

Throughout the course, students will be assessed through a combination of coursework, exams, and practical assessments. In the final year of the degree, students will typically undertake a major individual project, where they will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific research or design challenge in structural engineering.

Master’s in Structural Engineering

A master's in structural engineering is a postgraduate course that typically lasts for one to two years and covers a range of advanced topics, such as structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, advanced structural analysis, and computational mechanics. Students will also have the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of interest, such as bridge engineering, tall building design, or structural health monitoring.

Structural Engineering Tuition Fees

The average international fees for a structural engineering degree in the UK can vary depending on the university and the specific course. Generally, international fees for undergraduate degrees range from £18,000 to £35,000 per year, while postgraduate degrees range from £20,000 to £40,000 per year.

Structural Engineering Course Duration

In the UK, undergraduate courses in structural engineering typically last for four years, including a foundation year for students who do not meet the standard entry requirements. Students who have completed an appropriate foundation course or meet the entry requirements can typically start directly at Year 1 of the undergraduate degree.

A master's in structural engineering can typically last for one to two years, depending on whether it is full-time or part-time. Some universities also offer integrated master's that combine a bachelor's degree with a master's degree, which can take five or more years to complete.

Doctoral programmes in structural engineering typically take three to four years to complete and involve conducting original research in the field, culminating in the submission of a thesis or dissertation.

Structural Engineering Careers

After completing their degree, graduates can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including consulting engineering firms, construction companies, government agencies, and research institutions. Structural engineers are in high demand in the UK. Common structural engineering jobs include:

• Consulting Engineer: Consulting engineering firms work with clients to design and construct a wide range of structures, from bridges and tunnels to high-rise buildings and stadiums.
• Construction Engineer: Construction engineering involves overseeing the construction of buildings and infrastructure, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.
• Structural Designer: Structural designers are responsible for designing the structure of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They use their knowledge of engineering principles, materials science, and computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed designs for structures that are safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.
• Researcher: Structural Engineering graduates can work in research, investigating new materials, testing structural components, and developing new designs and technologies.
• Sustainability Specialist: As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration in the construction industry, structural engineering graduates can work as sustainability specialists, developing designs and materials that are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

Structural Engineering Salary

For new graduates in structural engineering, the average starting salary is typically around £25,000 to £30,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on the company, the location, and the level of experience of the candidate.

For experienced professionals in the field of structural engineering, the average salary is higher, with a range of £35,000 to £60,000 per year. Senior Structural Engineers with extensive experience and a track record of managing complex projects can earn significantly higher salaries, with some earning upwards of £80,000 to £100,000 per year.

Structural Engineering UK Entry Requirements

For undergraduate degrees in structural engineering, applicants must have completed high school or equivalent and have a strong background in Mathematics and Physics. For postgraduate degrees, applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 32 points
• Typical A-level requirements: ABB, including Mathematics
• Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any one component

Where can I study Structural Engineering in the UK?

To learn more about the best structural engineering universities in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering) universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:

1. University of Bath
2. University of Leeds
3. University of Manchester
4. University of Sheffield
5. University of Edinburgh
6. Queen's University Belfast
7. Heriot-Watt University
8. University of Dundee
9. University of Liverpool
10. Liverpool John Moores University

Study Structural Engineering in the UK

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