Structural Engineering - MSc

Structural engineers shape the world with their problem-solving abilities. This accredited course is offered to UK and overseas civil engineering and cognate science/engineering graduates wishing to specialise in structural engineering.

This specialist course is designed to provide advanced analytical and professional skills across planning, design and operational areas of timber, steel, concrete, sustainable composite and lightweight materials and structures. A technical focused MSc research project is also mandatory for students enrolled on this course.

This highly practical course is delivered with input from industry to help you establish or advance your career as a structural design engineer.

Work placement option

This master's programme provides you with the additional option to apply for a 'work placement' opportunity during your first semester with us. The 'work placement' is designed to further develop your skills, knowledge and professional experience with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Find out more about the work placement pathway.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:

Institution of Civil Engineers

The Institution of Structural Engineers

The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

Institute of Highway Engineers

Course information

You will have the opportunity to learn the laboratory testing procedures and techniques used to assess material and structural performance, using modern and upgraded loading equipment automated with data loggers, saturated and unsaturated stress path soil testing apparatus and commercial civil engineering material mixing and synthesising equipment.

This course includes a mandatory Consulting Global Professional Development module developed in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute.

Why choose this course?

Coventry University offers modern facilities in our High Performance Engineering Centre, including construction site management simulation. We have links with industry and the course is developed and delivered by academic lecturers and guest speakers in collaboration with civil engineering employers, such as Underground Professional Services and Morgan Sindall.

The course is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and practices, together with methods used to analyse, design, test and monitor structural engineering systems, materials and structural performance.

From concept to construction, we aim to cover the technical skills required to analyse, design and develop sound solutions to structural engineering projects. Using case studies, practical sessions, simulation labs and site visits to live projects, you will have the opportunity to apply engineering principles and use computer modelling techniques to analyse complex engineering systems, gaining valuable experience of the work you will be able to carry out in an industrial context. Past projects have included the Severn Trent building and the Coventry A45/A46 by-pass.

How you'll be taught

The course can be studied on a one-year full-time basis or over two years part-time. Each module consists of five days of tuition spanning over two weeks (Monday to Wednesday in the first week, and Thursday & Friday in the second week), followed by independent study and completion of assessments.

You will also be given training in research methods to prepare you for the Integrated Project and individual Research Project.

The Integrated Project is normally team-based and investigates a real engineering problem. In the past, students have revaluated the £55-60 million projects at the Coventry A45/A46 By-pass and the I54 Wolverhampton Junction Technopark.

Companies such as Underground Professional Services, currently involved in HS2 rail projects, often suggest research topics for our MSc students. For example, one such project is on the method of monitoring strength gain in sprayed concrete at the tunnel’s crown, comparing thermal imaging (SMUTI) and penetrometer methods.

You will have opportunity to attend Midlands Structural Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers workshops, visit constructions sites, such the Coventry A45/A46 by-pass, and design offices, which are organised in conjunction with industry partners. You will also be invited to special visiting researcher seminars and talks. Workshops and field trips may be subject to additional costs and are subject to availability.

Career prospects

The engineering sector generated 25% of the UK’s total GDP in 2015 (£420.5 billion).

You may want to apply for this course if you are considering specialising in Structural Engineering, or require further qualification to advance your career within the public and private sector as a civil or structural engineer. If you are already working within the profession, the course provides an opportunity to enhance previously acquired knowledge regarding the latest issues and technological advances. For example, all design-related modules are taught in accordance with the new structural Eurocodes. In addition, we employ civil and structural engineering software, such as ANSYS and MIDAS for teaching and learning; you should also be able to download these computer applications to undertake your coursework.

As a postgraduate student, you can also receive support from our faculty’s employability and placements unit EEC Futures, which won the ‘Best Placement Service in the UK’ award at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards in 2015 and 2016.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Visit the Structural Engineering - MSc page on the Coventry University website for more details!