MSc Structural Engineering

Program Overview

MSc Structural Engineering

Overview

Develop advanced expertise in structural engineering through our industry-focused MSc programme. Blend technical excellence with sustainable practices whilst gaining the leadership and analytical skills needed to excel in this dynamic field of engineering. Industrial placement opportunities are available.

Course Detail

Start Date

September

Duration

Full-time: 12 months (Sep start) | Part-time: 24 months (Sep start)

Award Title

MSc

UCAS Code

Apply Direct

What's it all about?

Our MSc Structural Engineering programme equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and technical skills essential for modern structural engineering practice. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, you'll develop expertise in advanced structural analysis, innovative design approaches, and sustainable engineering solutions.

The programme is delivered by our experienced academic team, who bring over 60 years of civil engineering education experience and maintain strong industry connections.

The programme integrates theory with practical application, enabling you to tackle complex engineering challenges in unfamiliar situations. You'll learn to analyse problems and devise sustainable design solutions while considering commercial, legal, and environmental risks. This approach ensures you can communicate complex issues effectively to diverse stakeholders.

A key strength of our programme is its focus on emerging technologies and contemporary issues in structural engineering. You'll develop plans to address relevant regulations, while learning to incorporate environmental sustainability and energy management principles into your engineering practice. The programme's structure allows for detailed exploration of specific areas through an individual research project, letting you align your studies with your professional interests and aspirations.

Industry Placement

Please note: you will be registered on the MSc Structural Engineering, which includes a research project. All students will get the opportunity to apply to undertake an industrial placement as an alternative to the research project. Placements, subject to availability, are on a competitive basis and are subject to an application and interview with the placement provider. If successful, you will be moved on to the MSc Structural Engineering with Industrial Practise.

The benefits of studying this programme

• Flexible study options: Choose between full-time and part-time study paths, with entry points in September and January
• Industry relevance: Benefit from our university's strong industry links and high research rating in Civil & Environmental Engineering within Scotland
• Career advancement: Develop leadership skills and technical expertise required for senior positions in the field
• Sustainable focus: Learn to integrate environmental sustainability and energy management principles into structural engineering practice, meeting industry's growing demand for sustainable solutions

What you learn

• Advanced structural and geotechnical engineering principles
• Finite element analysis and its practical applications
• Innovative design methodologies and their implementation
• Environmental and safety management in structural engineering
• Research methods and their application to real-world challenges
• Sustainable design solutions incorporating contemporary environmental considerations

Career Opportunities

A graduate of this degree can enter a wide range of sectors, including:

• Construction
• Civil Engineering
• Aerospace and Defence Engineering
• Environmental
• Offshore and Marine
• Conservation and
• Sustainable Design and Green Engineering
• Forensic Engineering
• Government and Public Sector
• Academia and research

Modules

Year 1

• Structural Design and Geotechnical Engineering (EEM400) Provides an understanding of the role of geotechnical engineering in the engineering design process and an advanced ability to analyse and design structures in timber and steel.
• Offshore Geotechnical Engineering (EEM525) Utilising knowledge and understanding in geotechnical engineering to solve complex geotechnical problems by considering advanced solutions which are cost-effective and environmentally-friendly.
• Health, Safety and Environmental Management (EEM500) Increasingly many organisations have recognised that the environment is a management issue and not just a matter of legislative compliance.
• Innovation in Design (EEM516) This project module focuses on the theory and practice of identifying and implementing innovation of products and systems in organisations.
• Finite element analysis and application (EEM519) Introduction to the theory of finite element analysis and its application in research and industry.
• Advanced Structural and Geotechnical Engineering (EEM524) The aim of this module is to provide you with the ability to investigate and solve structural and geotechnical problems related to the build environment.
• Research Methods (ANF514) This module is designed to introduce you to research methods and statistical analysis.
• MSc Dissertation (EEM517) Individual in-depth investigation of a particular aspect of their own specialism.

With Industrial Practise

• MSc Dissertation (Industrial Practise) EEM518 This modules provides the opportunity to undertake individually an in-depth work-based investigation in a relevant area of interest within the industry, consolidating theory and examining practice and providing a basis for the writing of a substantial dissertation.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry

The programme welcomes graduates with a minimum of a second class (2:2) honours degree or equivalent in Building/Building Technology, Geotechnical Sciences, Geotechnology, Construction, Construction management, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering.

We also consider applicants with relevant professional experience through our Recognition of Prior Learning procedure.

International Entry

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants across the world.

Typically, international applicants should have:

• The equivalent of a lower second class (2:2) in Building/Building Technology, Geotechical Sciences, Geotechnology, Construction, Constrution Management, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering.
• We'll also consider applicants with relevant professional experience through our Recognition of Prior Learning procedure

All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

Fees & Funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Scholarships

The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.

• Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships This £3,000 award is open to all prospective new international postgraduate students at Abertay University.