MSc Structural Engineering

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.

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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.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

Normal entry requires a minimum 2.2 UK or overseas undergraduate honours degree in Civil Engineering.

Holders of CEng accredited Bachelor’s degree can enrol on the course provided they meet the entry requirements. This will automatically meet the educational base for Chartered Engineer status.

Holders of an IEng accredited or an overseas Bachelor’s degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to be formally approved for CEng. They may be required to complete extra modules if their Bachelor degree is deemed to be not technical enough.

Applicants with professional/industrial experience and/or training, but not meeting the normal entry requirements will be considered on their merits, with the understanding that on completion of the award they may not be eligible for Chartered status as they will not be fulfilling the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) requirements. Applicants are therefore strongly advised to check with the JBM and Engineering Council before committing to the course.

This course requires IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

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 the Talent Team , 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 Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.