The MSc in Structural Engineering encompasses both theory and design relating to the static and dynamic behaviour of structures in steel and concrete.
This course prepares you for the future of the built world.
Taught across eight units, worth 15 credits each, you gain the opportunity to truly specialise with a research dissertation worth 60 credits.
Over the duration of this MSc, you will explore everything from seismic and fire engineering to finite element modelling, experimental work, and research methods.
A particular highlight of the taught component is studying the behaviour and design of structures against extreme loading, including fire and earthquakes - which are taught by internationally-leading researchers and engineers.
The content of this MSc allows students to develop the skills essential to the practice of structural engineering, and this is evidenced by our high number of graduates with successful careers around the world. Similarly, the course provides students with a strong platform for research, and several of our graduates annually go on to pursue rewarding careers in research.
Within both the discipline of Civil Engineering and the wider School of Engineering, our experts focus in on a broad range of research areas, including but not limited to fire engineering, structural resilience, machine-learning in structural engineering, sustainable construction materials, low carbon concrete, recycling and reuse, and have a wide spread of professional, real-time experience in industry.
Course Duration 12 months (full-time)
Accreditation This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators
Total Self-study Time Approximately 30 hours per week (depending on individual learning needs and preferences)
Teaching Time Approximately 12 hours per week (inc. pre-recorded and live lectures, and practical exercises)
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
Our students typically aim for careers in structural design, consultancy, or project management. Many aspire to become chartered engineers through institutions like ICE or IStructE.
Others pursue roles in specialist fields such as seismic, bridge, fire, or offshore engineering. Some graduates transition into construction project management, overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects.
Additionally, some students continue into research or academia, contributing to advancements in materials and sustainable structures.
With strong technical skills and industry knowledge, graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles in the engineering and construction sectors.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
Our students go on to work in a rich and varied range of construction areas globally, with names including some of the best multinationals in the world.
Our recent graduates have gone to work for companies including:
- Accenture
- Arcadis
- Balfour Beatty
- EDF
- Mott Macdonald
- Network Rail
and have gone into roles such as:
- Consulting structural engineer
- Design engineer
- Structural engineer
- Project manager
- Sustainability consultant
- Urban designer
OUR STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 Structural design of upwelling pipes for carbon dioxide mitigation in the ocean
Explores innovative structural solutions for deploying upwelling pipes to enhance oceanic carbon sequestration.
🔎 Advancing carbon quantification for net zero buildings Focuses on improving methods for measuring and reducing carbon emissions in building design to achieve net-zero targets.
🔎 The use of AI-assisted sensitivity analysis to find the important factors in earthquake damage to buildings Applies artificial intelligence to identify key structural vulnerabilities in seismic events.
🔎 Developing a virtual deconstruction demonstrator Creates a digital tool for simulating and optimising the disassembly of buildings for sustainable reuse.
🔎 CO2 uptake capacity of recycled concrete fines coated with graphene oxide Investigates how graphene oxide enhances the carbon absorption potential of recycled concrete materials.
🔎 Demountable reinforced concrete structure Explores modular and reusable reinforced concrete designs to improve sustainability and reduce construction waste.
Dr Lee Cunningham Reader in Structural Engineering, and Discipline Head of Education for Civil Engineering
ACADEMIC'S VOICE
This course aims to equip students with the Structural Engineering skills needed to tackle the challenges of today’s construction industry. Benefiting from our world leading research and facilities, students learn in an environment that encourages ingenuity and creativity.
The content of the MSc Programme allows students to develop the skills essential to the practice of structural engineering and this is evidenced by the high number of our graduates with successful industry careers around the world. Similarly, the programme provides students with a good platform in research and several of our graduates each year go on to pursue rewarding careers in research.
ALUMNI'S VOICE
After earning my master's degree in Structural Engineering from The University of Manchester, I embarked on a dynamic career journey that has spanned multiple roles and industries. My education provided a robust foundation in structural design and analysis, which has been instrumental in my professional growth.
I began my career as a structural engineer, focusing on the structural design and analysis of various structural elements in different types of buildings. Currently, I am a structural engineer in the bridges department, specialising in bridge inspections, ratings, repairs, and the design of new bridges.
My master's degree has been pivotal in shaping my career, equipping me with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and fostering a global perspective. Qualities that have been invaluable in my professional journey, and continue to shape my career every day.
Mohamad Ramez Bouaram MSc Structural Engineering Graduate, Class of 2019
Current role: Structural Engineer at Hatch Ltd., Montreal, Canada
The University of Manchester Oxford Rd Manchester M13 9PL UK