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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 14,620
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
27 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Construction | Civil Engineering | Structural Engineering
Area of study
Engineering
Education type
Fully Online
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 14,620
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
2026-01-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Advanced Structural Engineering

Overview

Earn your structural engineering Masters online and at your own pace. Study flexibly in an online degree that fits around full-time work.


Key Info

  • Learning Mode: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate SCQF Level 11
  • Credits: 180
  • Typical Duration: 27 - 30 months
  • Start Month: September or January
  • Indicative Cost: £14,620

What You'll Study

Become one of the next generation of leading structural engineers, capable of applying your skills across a wide range of sectors.


This flexible online Masters degree will prepare you for careers in industries including:


  • Structural engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Construction
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Renewable energy
  • Oil and gas

With expert guidance from engineers, academics, and industry itself, you'll develop advanced skills in structural engineering and learn to tackle environmental, economic, and social challenges.


Tailored to You

Flexible course choices mean you can customise your studies to suit your needs and interests, based on your academic background and career ambitions after graduation.


Train in New Technologies

Get ready to embrace opportunities in 3D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning as a structural engineer, to tackle the challenges of sustainable development, climate change, pollution, and waste.


Go Beyond Construction

With distinct specialist courses in Advanced Composite Materials and Lightweight Structures, earn the skills you need for careers in aerospace, automotive, or wind energy, where these structures and materials are vital.


Who Can Join This Online Structural Engineering Degree?

This distance learning degree is open to graduates from all engineering backgrounds, including:


  • Civil
  • Mechanical
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Energy
  • Structural

Choose the University of Aberdeen for Your Online Masters in Structural Engineering

Fits Around Full-Time Work

This degree fits around full-time work, with flexible hours and 24/7 study access.


You're in Expert Hands

We've been training world-class engineers for over 100 years and delivering online learning for decades.


20% Alumni Discount

University of Aberdeen alumni receive 20% off fees for this online degree.


What You'll Study

You can choose to study for a:


  • Masters (180 credits)
  • Exit early with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
  • Exit early with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or
  • Start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (15 credits)

You can build your way to a qualification one short course at a time.


Master of Science - 180 Credits

You'll work through eight 15-credit courses and a 60-credit project to earn your MSc.


You can begin in September or January and progress at a pace that suits you.


Duration

Typically, it takes 27 months to complete the MSc part-time. To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term.


In this flexible degree, you can also take breaks between courses.


Compulsory Courses

Earn 60 credits from these four compulsory courses.


  • 15 credits: Advanced Composite Materials (September)
  • 15 credits: Structural Vibrations (September)
  • 15 credits: Lightweight Structures (January)
  • 15 credits: Mathematical Optimisation (January)

Optional Courses - September Term

Choose two of these courses.


  • 15 credits: Computational Fluid Dynamics (September)
  • 15 credits: Fire and Explosion Engineering (September)
  • 15 credits: Offshore Structural Design (September)

Optional Courses - January Term

Choose two of these courses.


  • 15 credits: Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis (January)
  • 15 credits: Finite Element Methods (January)
  • 15 credits: Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics (January)

Project

Then complete your project to gain your final 60 credits and complete the MSc.


  • 60 credits: MSc Individual Project (June or January)

Start with a Short Course

Not sure you can commit to a full degree? You can start with a short course that's part of the degree instead.


The credits from each of these short courses count towards this MSc. However, some courses are compulsory, and some are optional. Check the full degree prescription before deciding what to study.


You can study any of these courses standalone, or build your way towards the full degree.


How You'll Study

Online Learning

This distance learning structural engineering degree is delivered flexibly, 100% online.


You can learn with us anywhere in the world, no student visa required, and set your study hours to suit you.


Your Teaching

Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools, and support you'll need in your studies.


You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone, and laptop, 24 hours a day. You'll find a range of resources available, including online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.


Your Tutors

This degree is delivered by our School of Engineering.


You'll learn from highly research-active lecturers who, in partnership with industry, have designed this programme to ensure you are taught the latest technologies and thinking in the field.


Your Industry Advisory Board

Members of the Industry Advisory Board for this degree are: BP, Ramsay & Chalmers, Fairhurst, Kent Plc, SSEN, WM Donald, and the Aberdeen Association of Civil Engineers (AACE).


Representatives from these organisations ensure your degree content is informed by the latest industry needs and developments.


Assessment

This degree is assessed online.


We'll use several types of assessment throughout your studies, including:


  • Coursework
  • Reports, including lab reports
  • Numerical tests
  • Online exams, including open-book exams

For each course that's part of this degree, assessment will consist of at least two elements, ensuring that all learning outcomes are tested effectively.


Study Hours

Hours for Taught Courses

If you plan to study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. Students typically take one or two 15-credit short courses per term.


  • 15 credits: Around 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
  • 30 credits: Around 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete.

This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes. This includes time for independent study, as well as teaching and assessments.


You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.


Activities at Fixed Times

Some activities will be scheduled for fixed times, such as online meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.


Hours for 60-Credit Projects and Dissertations

A 60-credit project or dissertation is around 600 hours of study time.


This is around one term of full-time study.


You can dedicate a full term to your project or dissertation and work on it full-time. Or you can complete it part-time, spreading the hours you dedicate to it over two terms.


Study Experience

When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you're never alone in your studies.


But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.


Your most important commitment will be time - the time to work through, reflect on, and understand your teaching materials.


Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:


  • Be realistic
  • Create a weekly schedule as a guide

If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We're here to help.


Support

Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren't alone in your studies. You'll have contact with your coordinator via email, MyAberdeen, and Microsoft Teams. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.


We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:


  • Careers and Employability Service
  • Disability support
  • IT support
  • Library support
  • Student Support Service - help with finances, stress, wellbeing, and non-academic issues
  • Student Learning Service - study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
  • Aberdeen University Students' Association (AUSA) - run by students for students
  • Toolkit - clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier

Wherever you are in the world, you'll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.


Use Your Local University Libraries

We're a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).


Access Study Spaces, Books, and Journals in Your Area

The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.


You'll be able to use study spaces, books, and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.


Your Support Team

Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during, and after your studies.


Dr Vahid Vaziri

Vahid is the degree coordinator. He'll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.


Lyn Magee


Lyn is part of the School's administration team. She'll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.


Where This Will Take You

Your MSc Qualification

You'll graduate with a respected MSc in Advanced Structural Engineering from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK's six ancient universities.


You'll receive exactly the same degree qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.


Your MSc qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world, opening up international opportunities.


Careers

This degree is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in a range of technical or professional fields, as well as academia, and research organisations.


Your qualification will help you pursue a career in sectors including:


  • Structural engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Construction
  • Energy
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Engineering consultancy
  • Sustainability consultancy
  • Governmental and non-governmental organisations
  • Academia

Lifelong Career Support

Our career support doesn't stop when you graduate.


You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.


  • 1:1 appointments
  • CV checks
  • Interview prep
  • Job opportunities

Fees and Funding

Master of Science

180 credits


£14,620


This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.


The fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.


Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.


Pay as You Go

This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.


You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.


You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.


How It Works

  • You decide how many credits to study for each term.
  • At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you're taking that term.
  • This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.

Additional Costs

Learning Resources

Access to all the essential books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They'll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.


We also provide optional recommended reading lists. Many of these resources are available electronically through our library, although purchases may be required if you wish to read the full list.


Printing

You may want to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.


Funding Your Studies

There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:


  • Employer sponsorship - we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
  • Student loans
  • Scholarships - search our funding database for scholarships

Discounts

20% Alumni Discount

You're entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen.


Entry Requirements

MSc

Our minimum requirements for entry to this degree are:


  • A 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, or Structural Engineering.

Short Course Route to Online MSc Advanced Structural Engineering

If you prefer to start with a short course, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into this degree.


International Students

Entry Requirements

We welcome students from all over the world.


See the minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications from your country.


Visa Requirements

You do not need a student visa to study online with us.


English Language Requirements

Teaching is delivered in English.


If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.


English Language Tests and Scores

If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept for this course or degree.


These are our Postgraduate Standard requirements.


  • IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, or IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)
    • 6.5 overall
    • 5.5 for listening, reading, and speaking
    • 6.0 for writing
  • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
    • 90 overall
    • 17 for listening
    • 18 for reading
    • 20 for speaking
    • 21 for writing
    • TOEFL DI code is 0818
  • Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
    • 176 overall
    • 162 for listening, reading, and speaking
    • 169 for writing
  • LanguageCert Academic / LanguageCert Academic SELT
    • 70 overall
    • 60 for listening, reading, and speaking
    • 65 for writing
  • Oxford ELLT Digital - English Language Level Test Online
    • 7.0 overall
    • 5.0 for listening, reading, and speaking
    • 6.0 for writing
  • PTE Academic (online test not accepted)
    • 62 overall
    • 59 for listening, reading, speaking, and writing
  • Skills for English: SELT
    • B2 pass with merit
  • Duolingo - tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward
    • 120 overall
    • 95 for listening, reading, and speaking
    • 105 for writing
  • University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)
    • Pass
    • Valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date
  • Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities
    • Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1)
    • B2 in all four skills
    • Certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course

How to Apply

You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.


What You Need to Apply for This Degree

  • Degree transcript
  • Personal statement
  • Degree certificate
  • CV / Resume

When to Apply

You can apply to start in either September or January.


Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.


September 2025 Intake

For our September 2025 intake, the application deadline is 8 September 2025.


You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 15 September 2025.


Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.


January 2026 Intake

Teaching starts on 26 January 2026.


Application deadlines will be announced in due course.


IT Requirements

You will need access to:


A Computer (PC, Laptop, or Mac) with an Up-to-Date Operating System

Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.


Reliable Internet Access

We recommend:


  • A wired connection
  • A minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.

Speakers or Headphones

  • We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you're likely to study in an environment with background noise.
  • A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.

Software

We'll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive and install these programs on up to five personal devices.


If your course requires specialist software, we'll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.


See our detailed IT requirements for more information.


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