Advanced Structural Engineering, MSc

Program Overview

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Advanced Structural Engineering, MSc

Introduction

This advanced programme offers a broader range of courses compared to most structural engineering programmes, allowing you to design your course of study to suit your background and career interests and to tackle environmental, economic and social challenges far beyond the construction industry.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£26,250
UK	£11,100

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Mathematical Optimisation (EG551T): Ever wondered how Excel is able to draw an optimal line through a set of points? This course looks at how typical engineering problems that cannot be described mathematically (or are difficult to do so) can be solved so that the optimal solution is found.
• Lightweight Structures (EG552R): This course is one of the key courses for the MSc Advanced Structural Engineering. The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge and skills of analysis and design of lightweight structures for mechanical, civil, aerospace, automotive and wind energy applications.

Optional Courses

• Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics (EG55F9): The course provides students with detailed knowledge of risers systems design considerations. Typical riser systems including flexible, steel catenary, hybrid and top tensioned riser systems are covered.
• Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis (EG55P6): The world is full of uncertainties and there is a level of risk in every human activity, including engineering. Many industries require an engineer to manage significant risks and design for high reliability, such as oil and gas, subsea, nuclear, aviation and large civil projects (e.g. bridges and dams).
• Finite Element Methods (EG55M1): The background to the finite element method and its use in various industrial applications is explained in this course.

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• MSc Individual Project (EG59M2): The MSc Individual Project is an independent piece of research based on a topic related to a student’s degree programme. Students are encouraged to focus on a problem confronting industry or a related area.

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• Advanced Composite Materials (EM501Q): Advanced materials underpin many industry sectors and are viewed as one of the key enabling technologies that can help address environmental, economic and social challenges the society is facing.
• Structural Vibrations (EG50T9): The need for understanding dynamics in modern structural engineering arises from the fact that structures are often subjected to dynamic loads such as waves, wind, earthquake, blast and impacts.

Optional Courses

• Offshore Structural Design (EA50JG): This course follows on from the Level 3 Design of Structural Elements course and the Level 4 Advanced Structural Design course, extending the earlier concepts into areas relevant to Offshore Structural Design.
• Fire and Explosion Engineering (EG5071): Hydrocarbon fires and explosions produce extreme loading on engineering components. Structural steels lose their strength and stiffness well below the temperatures associated with hydrocarbon fires.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V): The course aims to provide understanding of main principles and techniques underpinning computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combining numerical methods with practical experience using appropriate software.

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc: Advanced Structural Engineering

Funding Opportunities

• Shell U.K. Limited is offering three £20,000 scholarships for students starting a Masters programme aligned with the Centre for Energy Transition (CET) commencing in September 2024.

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Advanced Mechanical Engineering

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Why Study Advanced Structural Engineering?

• Follows the Structural Engineering Institute "Vision for the Future" by offering a broad and flexible curriculum, which allows you to design your course of study to suit your academic background and career interests far beyond the construction industry.
• Suitable for graduates from a variety of engineering backgrounds, including mechanical, civil, aerospace, automotive and energy.

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability.

Accreditation

• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Dr Vahid Vaziri

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements for this programme are a 2:2 Honours degree in Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Energy or Structural Engineering, or equivalent.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• CV: an up-to-date CV/Resumé
• Degree Certificate: a degree certificate showing your qualifications
• Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
• Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Program Outline

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Advanced Structural Engineering

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Degree Overview:

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Program Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyze and design lightweight structures for diverse applications in mechanical, civil, aerospace, automotive, and wind energy sectors.
• Develop expertise in advanced composite materials, lightweight structures, and engineering optimization for solving complex structural challenges related to sustainability, environmental protection, and performance optimization.
• Train future structural engineers with the skills and knowledge needed to embrace emerging technologies like 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and robotics, for tackling challenges like climate change, pollution, and waste.

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Program Structure:

• 12-month duration
• Two program starts per year in September and January
• On-campus learning mode requiring full-time study
• Focus on practical skills development alongside theoretical knowledge

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Outline:

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Stage 1 & Stage 3:

• Compulsory Course: MSc Individual Project (60 credits)
• The project offers an opportunity to independently tackle a research problem within the student's chosen field.
This allows for applying acquired skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems and often involves original research.

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Stage 1:

• Choose TWO optional courses (each 15 credits) from the following:
• Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics (EG55F9)
• Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis (EG55P6)
• Finite Element Methods (EG55M1)

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Stage 2:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Choose TWO additional courses (each 15 credits) from the following:

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Stage 3:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Choose TWO additional courses (each 15 credits) from the following:

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course, but may include:

• Written examinations
• Coursework assignments
• Individual project
• Presentations
• Group work
Assessment criteria generally focus on:
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Application of theoretical knowledge and scientific understanding
• Analysis and design proficiency
• Communication and presentation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration abilities

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Teaching:

• Lectures with opportunities for active participation
• Tutorials and problem-solving sessions
• Laboratory work (optional)
• Individual consultations with faculty
• Research collaboration with industry and research partners
The University of Aberdeen employs a team of renowned experts in structural engineering to deliver the program. These experts actively participate in ongoing research, contributing to the cutting-edge nature of the curriculum.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MSc Advanced Structural Engineering program are equipped for diverse career paths across various industries:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Construction
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Research and development
Potential job titles include:
• Structural Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Research Engineer
• Computational Engineer
• Project Manager
Instead, it equips students with broader skills and knowledge for diverse industries and applications.
• Accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ensuring a curriculum designed and delivered to the highest professional standards.
• Students completing the MSc individual project have the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of leading researchers.

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EU / International students: £27,000 UK: £11,100