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This part-time, distance learning Postgraduate Diploma course aims to develop the next generation of senior construction professionals working in concrete production, construction and design. It’s designed to provide you with advanced, in-depth knowledge of both the theory and practical application of concrete technology to prepare you for a variety of senior roles.
You’ll gain academic and industrial expertise using a range of online resources that give you the flexibility to study around your work and personal lives. From health and safety and quality control to mixture proportioning, repair and maintenance and life cycle analysis, you’ll develop an understanding of a wide range of issues that affect professionals in the concrete industry today.
The programme also has close links with our interdisciplinary Institute for Resilient Infrastructure, which collaborates with industry to focus on key challenges facing the construction sector. It broad scope incorporates the impacts of the engineering, environmental, economic, social and political domains on the whole life performance of infrastructure assets.
You can also study for a MSc qualification over 36 months, which means you’ll study the same content and complete an additional research project.
The course is accredited by the Institute of Concrete Technology.
This part-time, distance learning Masters course aims to develop the next generation of senior construction professionals working in concrete production, construction and design. It’s designed to provide you with advanced, in-depth knowledge of both the theory and practical application of concrete technology to prepare you for a variety of senior roles.
You’ll gain academic and industrial expertise using a range of online resources that give you the flexibility to study around your work and personal lives. From health and safety and quality control to mixture proportioning, repair and maintenance and life cycle analysis, you’ll develop an understanding of a wide range of issues that affect professionals in the concrete industry today.
If you complete the MSc, you’ll also have the chance to conduct your own research project – a chance to focus on a single topic and demonstrate valuable skills when you present your findings in a comprehensive technical report.
This course is for professional engineers who want to specialise in structural engineering or move into this area of expertise to advance their career. Normally students have an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related discipline. Students who don’t have qualifications in civil engineering usually have relevant work experience in civil engineering structures so they are familiar with working within the specific technical domain.
From analysing how carbon nanofibers can reduce the effect of corrosion in concrete to gaining insight from experts developing the new Forth Bridge, this MSc in Civil Engineering Structures has been designed to be broad in scope so you can develop your own area of structural engineering expertise.
As a department, we have broad interests from defining new structural forms to practical application of new materials. We believe civil engineering is a creative and collaborative profession, as much as a technical one. This course gives you the tools to immerse yourself in both the analytical and experimental side of the subject, so you can investigate diverse problems to generate your own structural solutions.
The Civil Engineering Structures MSc mirrors industry practice, so you will work in groups with your peers from the first term onwards and learn from a group of world-leading engineers with diverse research strengths. From earthquake engineering to sustainable construction, you have the opportunity to learn in breadth and depth using high-end industry software to develop safe solutions for real-world projects.
This degree is accredited 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. the JBM website for further information.
There is a large dedicated lab on site equipped with facilities to investigate different structures and construction materials from concrete to timber. You also have access to other workshops where you can liaise with mechanical or electrical engineers to develop innovative scale models. There is access to specialist soil labs and large-scale equipment including wind tunnels.
We have an extensive library housing all the references, journals and codes of practice that you will need during your studies.
As part of the University of London you can also become a member of Senate House Library for free with your student ID card.
You will be taught by the staff team within the School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering and also from visiting industry experts from around the world.
Teaching mainly takes the form of lectures, but IT sessions and seminars also form part of the Masters degree. Modules are shared between two ten-week teaching terms running from October to December and January to March. Although work for the MSc dissertation starts during the second term, you will conduct most of the research work during the summer months.
The length of the full-time degree is 12 months. A part-time route is also available where you can spend either two or three years completing the programme. If you follow the two-year part-time study route, you will need to attend lectures for up to two days each week. Alternatively, you can complete the degree over three years by attending a single day each week. The timetable has been designed to offer flexibility for part-time students.
In the first term you will consider core technical topics and be introduced to new concepts such as structural reliability. In the second term you will begin to focus your studies by selecting your dissertation topic and by selecting options getting involved in a specific areas of your own interest. Spread over the year you will have design presentations, class tests and reports.
If you select an experimental dissertation you will have the opportunity to use a range of materials. Skilled technical support is available in the workshop and you have access to recently refurbished facilities, including specialist geotechnical labs which accommodate a large flexible laboratory space used for centrifuge model preparation and testing. Adjacent to this you have concrete mixing and casting facilities, a temperature-controlled soil element testing laboratory and a concrete durability laboratory.
For the theoretical modules, you will be assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. Examinations are shared between the January and April/May examination periods. For the design-oriented modules you are normally assessed by coursework only, where you will work both in groups and individually on challenging projects.
There are six core modules which give you a strong technical foundation and three elective modules from which you can choose two. These reflect the specialist expertise on offer within the academic team. These modules will give you unique insight into computer analysis of structures for blast and fire, bridge engineering, and earthquake analysis where you may look at techniques for analysing structures and safe design. In the final part of the programme you undertake a dissertation in which you can explore an area of interest from a proposed list of themes, some of which are industry-related.
Core modules
Elective modules
You will be able to study two of the following elective modules:
Graduates have secured employment with leading civil engineering consultants, research institutes and government agencies and pursued doctoral studies both in the UK and internationally. The cohort of 2015 have moved on to jobs and further study working within the following organisations:
This course is for professional engineers who want to specialise in structural engineering or move into this area of expertise to advance their career. Normally students have an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related discipline. Students who don’t have qualifications in civil engineering usually have relevant work experience in civil engineering structures so they are familiar with working within the specific technical domain.
From analysing how carbon nanofibers can reduce the effect of corrosion in concrete to gaining insight from experts developing the new Forth Bridge, this MSc in Civil Engineering Structures has been designed to be broad in scope so you can develop your own area of structural engineering expertise.
As a department, we have broad interests from defining new structural forms to practical application of new materials. We believe civil engineering is a creative and collaborative profession, as much as a technical one. This course gives you the tools to immerse yourself in both the analytical and experimental side of the subject, so you can investigate diverse problems to generate your own structural solutions.
The Civil Engineering Structures MSc mirrors industry practice, so you will work in groups with your peers from the first term onwards and learn from a group of world-leading engineers with diverse research strengths. From earthquake engineering to sustainable construction, you have the opportunity to learn in breadth and depth using high-end industry software to develop safe solutions for real-world projects.
This degree is accredited 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. the JBM website for further information.
There is a large dedicated lab on site equipped with facilities to investigate different structures and construction materials from concrete to timber. You also have access to other workshops where you can liaise with mechanical or electrical engineers to develop innovative scale models. There is access to specialist soil labs and large-scale equipment including wind tunnels.
We have an extensive library housing all the references, journals and codes of practice that you will need during your studies.
You will be taught by the staff team within the School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering and also from visiting industry experts from around the world.
Teaching mainly takes the form of lectures, but IT sessions and seminars also form part of the Masters degree. Modules are shared between two ten-week teaching terms running from October to December and January to March. Although work for the MSc dissertation starts during the second term, you will conduct most of the research work during the summer months.
The length of the full-time degree is 12 months. A part-time route is also available where you can spend either two or three years completing the programme. If you follow the two-year part-time study route, you will need to attend lectures for up to two days each week. Alternatively, you can complete the degree over three years by attending a single day each week. The timetable has been designed to offer flexibility for part-time students.
In the first term you will consider core technical topics and be introduced to new concepts such as structural reliability. In the second term you will begin to focus your studies by selecting your dissertation topic and by selecting options getting involved in a specific areas of your own interest. Spread over the year you will have design presentations, class tests and reports.
If you select an experimental dissertation you will have the opportunity to use a range of materials. Skilled technical support is available in the workshop and you have access to recently refurbished facilities, including specialist geotechnical labs which accommodate a large flexible laboratory space used for centrifuge model preparation and testing. Adjacent to this you have concrete mixing and casting facilities, a temperature-controlled soil element testing laboratory and a concrete durability laboratory.
For the theoretical modules, you will be assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. Examinations are shared between the January and April/May examination periods. For the design-oriented modules you are normally assessed by coursework only, where you will work both in groups and individually on challenging projects.
There are six core modules which give you a strong technical foundation and three elective modules from which you can choose two. These reflect the specialist expertise on offer within the academic team. These modules will give you unique insight into computer analysis of structures for blast and fire, bridge engineering, and earthquake analysis where you may look at techniques for analysing structures and safe design. In the final part of the programme you undertake a dissertation in which you can explore an area of interest from a proposed list of themes, some of which are industry-related.
As part of the University of London you can also become a member of Senate House Library for free with your student ID card.
Core modules
Elective modules
You will be able to study two of the following elective modules:
Graduates have secured employment with leading civil engineering consultants, research institutes and government agencies and pursued doctoral studies both in the UK and internationally. The cohort of 2015 have moved on to jobs and further study working within the following organisations:
Learn how to deal with structural dynamics problems in areas of earthquake engineering, civil vibration engineering, and blast and impact.
Our teaching is based on the expertise of The Concrete and Earthquake Engineering Research Group, known internationally for its applied approach to civil engineering dynamics.
We are one of the largest and most active civil engineering departments in the UK. All our masters courses are informed by our own world-leading research and industry needs. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) puts us in the UK top four.
Our structures-based courses are accredited by The Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and Institute of Highway Engineers as satisfying part 2 academic base requirements for a Chartered Engineer under UK-SPEC.
Our graduates work for top UK and international consultancies, contractors, regulators, universities and other private and public sector organisations.
Many of them join engineering consultancies, in roles such as Structural Engineer, Building Services Engineer and Sustainability Consultant. Some join architecture practices. Employers include Arup, Buro Happold, Capita Symonds, Roger Preston and Partners, Cundall and Foster and Partners.
Our laboratories are equipped to a very high standard:
Large-scale tri-axial apparatus for stress path and cyclic load testing; flexible walled tri-axial calibration chambers; optical microscopy, digital camera and measurement software; model pile testing and durability testing facilities. We have recently established the Centre for Energy and Infrastructure Ground Research that is home to our world leading 4m diameter beam centrifuge and complementary £1m teaching facility.
Lectures, design tutorials, computational tutorials, lab work and industrial seminars.
All courses use lectures by academic staff and industrial partners, laboratory work, site visits, design projects and dissertation. Assessment is by formal examinations, coursework assignments and a dissertation with oral examination.
September–June: taught modules and preparation for your dissertation.
June–August: complete your dissertation.
Your research dissertation gives you the opportunity to work with an academic on a piece of research in a subdiscipline. We’ll give you training in research skills.
Graduate students will find the programme of substantial use in developing their knowledge and skills base for bridge analysis, design and management.
The programme also offers the opportunity for practising bridge engineers to update their knowledge of current design and assessment codes and guidelines, become familiar with developments in new techniques for the design, construction and management of bridges.
The Bridge Engineering programme encompasses a wide range of modules addressing the whole life-analysis of bridge structures from design to end-of-life.
Optional modules from some of our other study streams are also offered, covering structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, construction management, and infrastructure engineering and management.
Graduates are highly employable and may progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.
This programme is studied over either one year (full-time) or between two and five years (part-time or distance learning). It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project.
This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Bridge Engineering Group Modules
Structural Engineering Group Modules
Geotechnical Engineering Group Modules
Construction Management Group Modules
Infrastructure Engineering and Management Group Modules
Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
Dissertation
The programme aims to provide graduates with:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
This flexible MSc programme is suitable for individuals who already have an accredited undergraduate civil engineering degree and who are seeking to further their engineering skills and achieve chartered status.
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators 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 and for holders of an IEng-accredited first degree, to meet the educational base for a chartered engineer.
You will study a range of advanced civil engineering subjects linked to cutting-edge research. These include earthquake engineering dynamics and design, advanced geotechnics and rock mechanics, bridge engineering and advanced hydraulics. You will also develop the skills demanded in civil engineering consultancy offices around the world.
On the course, you will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced technical software for numerical modelling.
The course is flexible and allows you to combine advanced civil engineering with related subjects including water environmental management, construction management and sustainable construction.
All of the taught modules are delivered by research-active staff and pave the way for a career at the forefront of ambitious civil engineering projects.
The course has an emphasis on practical applications of advanced civil engineering concepts. You will make use of our advanced laboratories, modern computer facilities and technical software.
The MSc requires successful completion of six modules together with a dissertation on an agreed technical subject; a dissertation is not required, however, for the PGDip.
The taught component of the course comprises six core modules, and you can either take all six of these modules or choose four with an additional two approved modules from other MSc courses in the School of Environment and Technology. You can use this flexibility to study related subjects including water and waste-water treatment technology, construction management and sustainable construction.
Core modules cover geotechnical earthquake engineering, dynamics of structures with earthquake engineering applications, seismic design of reinforced concrete members, random vibrations of structures, bridge loads and analysis, rock mechanics, hydrogeology, coastal engineering and wave loading.
Coastal Engineering and Wave Loading
This module provides a basic understanding of different wave theories and their applications in coastal engineering practice.
You will develop an understanding of the coastal sediment transport processes and the means to deal with issues associated with coastal protection and sea defence.
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
This module provides an understanding of advanced geotechnical design methods with an emphasis on seismic design. It focuses on current design methods for soil and rock structures and foundation systems subject to complex loading conditions.
You will gain experience in using a variety of commercial software.
Rock Mechanics
The module gives you an understanding of the behaviour of rocks and rock mass and enables you to evaluate the instability of rock slopes and tunnels in order to design reinforcements for unstable rock.
Dynamics of Structures with Earthquake Engineering Applications
You will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of dynamics of structures. The module then focuses on analytical and numerical methods used to model the response of civil engineering structures subjected to dynamic actions, including harmonic loading, blast and impact loading, and earthquake ground motion.
Random Vibration of Structures
The module gives you the confidence to model uncertainties involved in the design of structural systems alongside a framework to critically appraise probabilistic-based Eurocode approaches to design.
Stochastic models of earthquake ground motion, wind and wave loading are explored. Probabilistic analysis and design of structures is undertaken through pertinent random vibration theory.
You will become confident with the probabilistic analysis for the design against earthquake, wind and wave loadings through various checkable calculations.
Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures
The module gives you an understanding of the types and causes of damage to reinforced concrete structures. It then focuses on current techniques for repair and strengthening of existing structures.
The course is particularly appropriate for work in structural, geotechnical and coastal engineering.
Graduates have gone on into roles as structural engineers and civil engineers in a number of structural design offices around the world.
Others have been motivated by the research component of the course and followed a PhD programme after graduation.
The civil engineers of the future will have to find innovative solutions to environmental challenges. We believe graduates from our MSc will be at the forefront of the new generation.
The core modules give you a grounding in engineering analysis and design. In the second semester, you can follow your interests and choose from a list of specialist modules.
We are one of the largest and most active civil engineering departments in the UK. All our masters courses are informed by our own world-leading research and industry needs. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) puts us in the UK top four.
Our structures-based courses are accredited by The Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and Institute of Highway Engineers as satisfying part 2 academic base requirements for a Chartered Engineer under UK-SPEC.
Our graduates work for top UK and international consultancies, contractors, regulators, universities and other private and public sector organisations.
Many of them join engineering consultancies, in roles such as Structural Engineer, Building Services Engineer and Sustainability Consultant. Some join architecture practices. Employers include Arup, Buro Happold, Capita Symonds, Roger Preston and Partners, Cundall and Foster and Partners.
These vary but can include:
Lectures, design tutorials, computational tutorials, lab work and industrial seminars.
All courses use lectures by academic staff and industrial partners, laboratory work, site visits, design projects and dissertation.
Assessment is by formal examinations, coursework assignments and a dissertation with oral examination.
Your research dissertation gives you the opportunity to work with an academic on a piece of research in a subdiscipline. We’ll give you training in research skills.
