MSc/PgDip/PgCert Structural Engineering

Program Overview

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MSc/PgDip/PgCert Structural Engineering

Overview

The MSc Structural Engineering postgraduate degree is designed to equip students with the practical engineering knowledge and experience required by industry. This course is aligned with the principles of the IStructE Chartered Membership examination and is available with full-time and part-time study pathways.

Course Details

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Course Duration

• One year (full-time)
• Three years (part-time)

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

The Structural Engineering MSc at Salford is perhaps the most professionally delivered and industry-focused MSc degree that I have seen at any university in the UK. - Mike Bather, External Examiner

Structural engineers hold the privilege of being responsible for changing the skylines around the world and being custodians for the built environment around us. From skyscrapers and megastructures to bridges and tunnels, major projects need to be fit for purpose, withstand natural disasters, and make the best use of resources. Develop your Structural Engineering knowledge and technique to help deliver them with our accredited MSc Structural Engineering postgraduate degree.

Course Accreditations

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.

Course Team

The Structural Engineering postgraduate course is delivered by an academic team with extensive industry experience and research connections.

• Course leader: Dr. Laurence Weekes

Course Delivery

Our MSc Structural Engineering course is delivered through a range of industry-focused modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises four 30-credit taught modules, plus a 60-credit research-based dissertation project. The 120-credit PgDip comprises four taught modules.

Flexibility is at the heart of our learning approach. You can choose to study this postgraduate course full-time or part-time on campus:

• As a full-time student, you will complete four taught 30-credit modules in each of your first two trimesters on campus. In the third trimester, you will complete a 60-credit research dissertation project.
• As a part-time student, you will complete two taught 30-credit modules across trimesters in years one and two. You will complete your 60-credit research dissertation project during a third year of study.

Learning Experience

We've developed the course to equip you with the practical engineering knowledge and experience required by industry. Current course topics include a focus on general building analysis and design, tall buildings, bridge engineering, seismic engineering with finite element analysis, and computational structural design. You will also strengthen your research and analytical skills by completing a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Course Modules

Trimester One

• Introduction to Structural Design with Computer Applications
• Seismic Engineering and Practical Applications of Finite Element Analysis

Trimester Two

• Bridge Engineering
• Tall Building Engineering

Trimester Three

• MSc Dissertation

Assessment

We use a range of methods to assess taught modules. Typically, the split is coursework (25%), examination (42%), and dissertation (33%).

Employment and Stats

Employment

Structural Engineering graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of contemporary engineering. The skills and knowledge you will develop on the course can open up opportunities to get involved in prestigious building schemes and take a lead in protecting and enhancing the infrastructure that supports everyday life.

Keen to apply the specialist knowledge developed on the course, our structural engineering graduates typically secure roles working as structural engineers at regional and multi-national engineering, design, and consultancy practices.

Further Study

You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. The engineering research hub is home to Informatics PhD and Research Master’s opportunities in areas of structural engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and hydraulics.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

This course is recommended for experienced Civil Engineering graduates or professionals with a relevant engineering degree and/or professional experience, who want to develop a career focus in structural engineering.

English Language Requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

International Applicants

Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Fees

Type of Study

• Full-time home: £10,350 per year (2025/26)
• Full-time international: £17,000 per year (2025/26)
• Part-time: Calculated on a pro-rata basis

Additional Costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Overview

The MSc/PgDip/PgCert Structural Engineering program at the University of Salford provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills in structural engineering. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the field, where they will be responsible for designing and managing the construction of various structures, including buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.

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Objectives

• To equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become professional structural engineers.
• To gain experience in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• To prepare students for the challenges of contemporary structural engineering.

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Program Description

The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis and can be completed in one or three years, respectively. The program consists of a combination of taught modules and a research dissertation. Taught modules cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Structural mechanics
• Structural analysis
• Design of concrete and steel structures
• Bridge engineering
• Earthquake engineering
• Finite element analysis
The research dissertation allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific research project.

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Outline

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Program Content

The program covers a wide range of topics in structural engineering, including:

• Structural mechanics
• Structural analysis
• Design of concrete and steel structures
• Bridge engineering
• Earthquake engineering
• Finite element analysis
• Computer-aided design (CAD)
• Project management

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Program Structure

The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis and can be completed in one or three years, respectively. The program consists of a combination of taught modules and a research dissertation.

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Full-time:

• Year 1: Four taught modules
• Year 2: Four taught modules
• Year 3: Research dissertation

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Part-time:

• Year 1: Two taught modules
• Year 2: Two taught modules

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Individual Modules

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Trimester 1

• Introduction to Structural Design with Computer Applications
• Seismic Engineering and Practical Applications of Finite Element Analysis

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Trimester 2

• Bridge Engineering
• Tall Building Engineering

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Trimester 3

• MSc Dissertation

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Coursework
• Examinations
• Dissertation

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Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria are based on the learning outcomes of the program.

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical work
• Site visits
• Guest lectures

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Faculty

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics.

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Unique Approaches

The program has a strong emphasis on practical work and industry engagement. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and to gain experience in the use of industry-standard software.

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Careers

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Potential Career Paths

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including:

• Construction
• Engineering
• Design
• Consultancy

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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are well-equipped to take on a variety of roles, including:

• Structural engineer
• Site engineer
• Structures consultant
• Technical project lead

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Career Outcomes

Graduates of the program have a high rate of employment and are well-prepared for the challenges of a career in structural engineering.

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Other

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Facilities

The program has access to a range of facilities, including:

• Light structures laboratory
• Heavy structures laboratory
• Computer labs
• Library

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Accreditation

The program offers a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of structural engineering, and it provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in a supportive and stimulating environment.

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| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,990.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00 per year | | Part-time | 2024/25 | £1,665 per 30 credits | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £10,350.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000.00 per year |