• Postgraduate

Structural Engineering MSc

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Overview

Overview

Our Structural Engineering course will help you to advance your skills in structural analysis, design and adaptation.

The course will also enhance your practical experience in the strengthening and retrofitting of structural buildings when refurbishment or function change is needed.

Throughout this Masters course, we will help you to develop your ability to use computer modelling for the analysis and design of structures under technical uncertainty.

You will have access to dedicated computing laboratories and a range of digital resources. Additionally, you will gain an insight into the broader issues of construction risk management, geotechnical problems and structural research.

All these skills will help you compete in design offices and construction sites.

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the:

This degree meets the academic requirement for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, you must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Two office-style buildings pictured on a sunny day

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Structural Engineering with us?

Why study Structural Engineering with us?

A collage of students
A collage of students

What our students say…

This new course will prove to be very much beneficial for the prospective Civil Engineering graduates. Structural Engineering is evolving rapidly, and this course will help civil engineers to cope up with the latest trends in the buildings' structural design.

Malav Hemantkumar Patel

In this course, students will not only learn the behaviour of the structure, but they will also enhance their knowledge on the buildings’ structural systems. As a result, students will widen their scope of work once they compete in the market.

Dikshant Choudhary
Next
Structural Engineering multiple professional accreditations
There are seven labs and studios in the School
Industry focused teaching
Graphic advising on-site Macs and PC Labs
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

The MSc Structural Engineering course contains advanced structural modules such as Structural Adaptation, Structural Systems Analysis, and Advanced Structural Design to enhance your knowledge and understanding of structural engineering within the context of building structures.

Recruitment is anticipated from civil and structural graduates with an interest in analysis and design of structural elements.

You will develop the skill base required for working as a site or design office engineer. The course develops these skills in an integrated manner.

The unique understanding of structural engineering related to building structures will make you highly skilled and sought after by employers.

You will be able to appreciate competing considerations while being able to balance professional opinions. You will also develop the skills required for involvement in new schemes and the rehabilitation of existing structures using traditional and advanced methods.

The course can be the basis for further education, progressing to study for PhD in Civil and Structural Engineering.

Facilities

Our facilities and labs are regularly used throughout the course for teaching and research purposes in various modules. PC labs are used in multiple modules in which analytical work and special software tools are necessary to carry out relevant coursework.  Soil mechanics and Concrete labs can be used for dissertation experimental work if needed.

Our library facilities provide an excellent environment for you to work in a group or individually for coursework and prepare for examinations. The library contains Help Zones where you can get assistance from Library staff as well as a range of IT services to support you.

Teaching Staff

Our dedicated professional academic staff have extensive experience in teaching, research and industry which will offer you the best possible support during studying the taught modules and dissertation preparation. Academic staff are members of relevant professional bodies (ICE, IStructE, CIHT, CIWEM, CIOB and IBSE, CInstCES and CILT).

Compulsory modules

  • Structural Systems Analysis

    This module aims to equip you with the knowledge required to conceptualise, analyse, and propose structural systems for different architectural design. In addition, the module aims to assess the material, structural components, beam systems, different slab systems, and different roof covering.

  • Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

    During this in-depth module you'll gain an understanding of advanced geotechnical modelling and its real-world applications. You will examine innovative and new geotechnical methods and experimental tests, such as advanced technics for stabilisation of slopes and soil cuts.

  • Research Methods (Structural Engineering)

    This module provides in-depth knowledge on specific tools and theories to develop your research skills at Master’s level in structural engineering. You will learn how to carry out an extensive literature review of a topic, selected in agreement with the assigned supervisor. Additionally, you will also learn to design research questions, their methodology and aims.

  • Structural Adaptation

    This module will explain the reuse and adaptation of existing structural buildings and provide environmental and regulatory aspects associated with building refurbishment and different retrofitting techniques. The module will also provide you with an understanding of the functioning and development procedures for existing buildings.

  • Advanced Structural Design

    This module provides the skills, knowledge and creativity required to conceptualise, safely analyse and design multi-story concrete structures. Structural engineering problems are tackled and design solutions (in groups and individually) sought in a way that reflects current industry practice. Enhanced understanding of underpinning design codes is also covered.

  • Construction Risk Management

    On this module you will study risk management processes within construction projects. You will have an overview of the essential risk-control issues as they relate to processes, requirements and management.

  • Dissertation in Structural Engineering

    This module aims to assess the capability of students to undertake an independent research-based work (such as development of conceptual design project in a field of structural engineering) and apply research skills and knowledge to investigate potential methodology/techniques/solutions in a technical problem/project in structural engineering.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) in civil engineering or another engineering qualification at an equivalent level.

We may also offer you a place based on a combination of an ordinary degree (e.g. BSc/BEng in engineering without honours) together with relevant experience from within the work environment.

All applications are considered individually.

You need to meet English language competency at either IELTS 6.5 or above overall, and a minimum of 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening), or Pearson PTE Academic at a score of 51 or above, or an equivalent secure English language test. Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need comparable qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. You will be considered individually, and your qualifications are assessed for comparability with equivalent UK qualifications using information produced for universities by the National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

You will be interviewed by a representative from the International Office to establish whether you are capable of coping with the numerical aspects of the course.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront. Government regulation does affect your fees, so what you pay may go up in future. For example, government regulation around future inflation may increase your course fees.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

If you are studying a Masters course you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan, this may help contribute towards your course fees and living costs.

Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as disabled students or those with dependants.

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, including awards for specific subjects.

Awards for computing and engineering students are also on offer.

Help with funding
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront. Government regulation does affect your fees, so what you pay may go up in future. For example, government regulation around future inflation may increase your course fees.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Dr Ibrahim Shaaban profile picture

Professor Ibrahim Shaaban

Ibrahim graduated from Ain Shams University, Egypt, in 1984. Since his graduation as a civil engineer, his career has progressed through three parallel paths, namely:

  • academic (teaching and research)
  • professional engineering
  • education development and higher education policy and strategies.

He was awarded a PhD from the University of Dundee, UK, in 1993. Over the years he taught several courses related to design of concrete structures, structural analysis, properties of materials and concrete technology.

In 2005, he secured a professor post at Benha University, Egypt, which was a new independent university at that time. In 2007, he was promoted to Head of Department of Civil Engineering at the same university and in 2011 became the first Elected Dean for the Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University. From January 2013 to August 2014, he worked as Director of the “Higher Education Enhancement Projects Unit”. Through that position, he became part of the network of higher education development experts in the MENA region. From September 2014 to January 2018, Benha University VC appointed Ibrahim as consultant and expert in higher education strategies. In addition, Ibrahim was a part time visiting professor at University of Petronas, Malaysia from 2010-2013.

Ibrahim has been active in providing professional engineering consultancy since his graduation in 1984 through various routes (ie self-employment, well established engineering offices as well as the university consultancy service). Ibrahim's work has included laboratory testing of building materials, in situ testing of existing structures, structural design, redesign of structures for change in use, construction site supervision, revision of designs of other designers and provision of evidence in courts of law/public hearings regarding the state of structures after inspection. Ibrahim has earned Chartered status from the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers, which is the professional qualification awarding body in Egypt.

In October 2015, Ibrahim returned to the UK as a scholar visitor at the University of Liverpool. He started multidisciplinary research work with colleagues from Egypt, Malaysia, Coventry, and Liverpool. Ibrahim’s research interests include innovative and sustainable materials, retrofitting of structural buildings, durability of structural concrete elements and their relation to structural design. He participated in publishing more than 100 journal and conference papers with authors from many countries. Since 2002, he supervised 11 PhD candidates till completion, and he is currently supervising 10 MSc and 3 PhD students. Ibrahim was invited as External Examiner (EE) for 55 MSc students and 23 PhD students in a number of national universities such as Coventry, Derby, Wales, and international universities in Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sudan.

In July 2016, Ibrahim was granted fellowship of the Institution of Civil Engineers and currently is active in committees and subcommittees in the ICE. After he became a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in 2016, Ibrahim started teaching undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Liverpool. Later in 2018, Ibrahim was appointed as a senior lecturer in University of Liverpool.

In 2019, Ibrahim was appointed as a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of West London with more teaching duties in Civil Engineering subjects. He consciously links teaching activities to his industrial experience and complies with the quality assurance criteria for higher education (measurement of learning outcomes, student surveys, open communication with students, documentation of course materials, etc.). As a sort of appreciation for his contribution during the last three years, the University of Liverpool offered Ibrahim an honorary post as an honorary fellow (Visiting Professor) to keep the academic link. In January 2021, Ibrahim was promoted to a Reader in Civil engineering. Between 2019-2021, his applications for various professional bodies have been successful and Ibrahim is now entitled to use the designatory letters CEng, FICE, SFHEA, MIStructE, FIStructE.

In September 2022, Ibrahim developed and became the leader for the MSc Structural Engineering program. In October 2023, Ibrahim became Head of Civil Engineering. Ibrahim became Head of the Sustainability in Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Research Group in January 2024. Ibrahim Shaaban is currently Professor of Structural Engineering.

If you are looking to pursue a full time MSc Structural Engineering course or full time/part time PhD in one of Professor Shaaban’s research topics, please feel free to directly email for any question or check the current PhD topics at Doctoral Research page.

Personal distinctions

  • Best Researcher Award in Natural Fibres (2024) from Science Father, South East Asia
  • Member of Academic Qualification Panel of the Institution of Structural Engineers, UK (2023 - present)
  • Co-Chair at the second international summit on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (ISCSEE2024), 18-20 March 2024, Florence, Italy. Find out more on the ISCSEE2024 website.
  • Keynote Speaker at the International Conference on Sustainable Building and Infrastructure (A conference of World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (EASTCON)). Speech entitled: 'Greener Concrete for Future Sustainability', Kuala Lumpur convention centre, Malaysia. (Keynote Speech, University of Petronas, Malaysia 2010)
  • Member of the judging panel for the ICE North West Civil Engineering Awards (Invitation to Perform, ICE 2017)
  • Member of the Judging Panel for the International Greenwich Project Olympiad (IGO) – A Secondary School Project Competition on Friday, 15 July 2022.
  • Keynote speaker on the Research and Industry Day organised by School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London on 29th of June 2022, delivered a keynote presentation jointly with Professor Joe Rizzuto, entitled “Sustainability and durability in building structures”.

Elsevier, Wiley & MDPI Reviewer Certificates

  • Certificate of Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing: Construction and Building Materials 2019
  • Certificate of Reviewing: Journal of Building Engineering 2019
  • Certificate of Reviewing: Transportation Research Part A 2019
  • Certificate of Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing: Engineering Structures 2018
  • Certificate of Reviewing: Alexandria Engineering Journal 2015
  • Certificate of Reviewing: Construction and Building Materials 2013

Peer review

International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, World Scientific (Journal article reviewer 2021 - )

International Journal of Civil Engineering, Springer (Journal article reviewer 2021 - )

  • Structural Concrete, Journal of the fib, (Journal article reviewer 2021 - )
  • MDPI Journals (Journal article reviewer 2020 - )
  • Ain Shams Engineering Journal (ASEJ), ScienceDirect.com (Journal article reviewer 2020 - )
  • Structures and Buildings, proceeding of the Institution of Civil engineers (Journal article reviewer 2020 - )
  • - Journal of Building Engineering, ScienceDirect, Elsevier (Journal article reviewer 2019 - )
  • Case Studies in Construction Materials, Elsevier (Journal article reviewer 2019 - )
  • Structures Journal, ScienceDirect, the IstructE (Journal article reviewer 2019 - )
  • Engineering Structures Journal, Elsevier (Journal article reviewer 2018 - )
  • Asian Journal of Civil Engineering (Journal article reviewer 2018 - )
  • Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures 'JMES' (Journal article reviewer 2017 - )
  • Construction and Building Materials Journal (Journal article reviewer 2017 - )
  • Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering (Journal article reviewer 2017- )
  • Alexandria Engineering Journal: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/alexandria-engineering-journal/ (Journal article reviewer 2007 - )
  • Review panel for academic posts promotions (associate professors and professors) in Egypt, Syria, Sudan and Malaysia (Evaluator for academic promotion nominees, (12 Associate professors and 8 professors). 2007 - )

External examiner

  • External examiner for the University of Wales for Civil Engineering Program, September 2021 –
  • Ain Shams University, Egypt (PhD, 2021, 2022, 2023)
  • German University, Egypt (PhD, September 2021)
  • University of Derby (PhD, November 2021)
  • Coventry University, UK (MSc 2019)
  • Ain Shams University, Egypt (MSc 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018)
  • Cairo University, Egypt (PhD 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018)
  • Assiut University, Egypt (PhD 2014)
  • University of Petronas, Malaysia (PhD 2009, 2010, 2013)
  • Menoufia University, Egypt (PhD 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013)
  • Tanta University, Egypt (PhD 2013)
  • University of Om Dorman, Sudan (PhD 2012)

Member of Editorial Boards

Guest Editor for International Journals

Ibrahim graduated from Ain Shams University, Egypt, in 1984. Since his graduation as a civil engineer, his career has progressed through three parallel paths, namely:

  • academic (teaching and research)
  • professional engineering
  • education development and higher education policy and strategies.

He was awarded a PhD from the University of Dundee, UK, in 1993. Over the years he taught several courses related to design of concrete structures, structural analysis, properties of materials and concrete technology.

In 2005, he secured a professor post at Benha University, Egypt, which was a new independent university at that time. In 2007, he was promoted to Head of Department of Civil Engineering at the same university and in 2011 became the first Elected Dean for the Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University. From January 2013 to August 2014, he worked as Director of the “Higher Education Enhancement Projects Unit”. Through that position, he became part of the network of higher education development experts in the MENA region. From September 2014 to January 2018, Benha University VC appointed Ibrahim as consultant and expert in higher education strategies. In addition, Ibrahim was a part time visiting professor at University of Petronas, Malaysia from 2010-2013.

Ibrahim has been active in providing professional engineering consultancy since his graduation in 1984 through various routes (ie self-employment, well established engineering offices as well as the university consultancy service). Ibrahim's work has included laboratory testing of building materials, in situ testing of existing structures, structural design, redesign of structures for change in use, construction site supervision, revision of designs of other designers and provision of evidence in courts of law/public hearings regarding the state of structures after inspection. Ibrahim has earned Chartered status from the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers, which is the professional qualification awarding body in Egypt.

In October 2015, Ibrahim returned to the UK as a scholar visitor at the University of Liverpool. He started multidisciplinary research work with colleagues from Egypt, Malaysia, Coventry, and Liverpool. Ibrahim’s research interests include innovative and sustainable materials, retrofitting of structural buildings, durability of structural concrete elements and their relation to structural design. He participated in publishing more than 100 journal and conference papers with authors from many countries. Since 2002, he supervised 11 PhD candidates till completion, and he is currently supervising 10 MSc and 3 PhD students. Ibrahim was invited as External Examiner (EE) for 55 MSc students and 23 PhD students in a number of national universities such as Coventry, Derby, Wales, and international universities in Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sudan.

In July 2016, Ibrahim was granted fellowship of the Institution of Civil Engineers and currently is active in committees and subcommittees in the ICE. After he became a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in 2016, Ibrahim started teaching undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Liverpool. Later in 2018, Ibrahim was appointed as a senior lecturer in University of Liverpool.

In 2019, Ibrahim was appointed as a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of West London with more teaching duties in Civil Engineering subjects. He consciously links teaching activities to his industrial experience and complies with the quality assurance criteria for higher education (measurement of learning outcomes, student surveys, open communication with students, documentation of course materials, etc.). As a sort of appreciation for his contribution during the last three years, the University of Liverpool offered Ibrahim an honorary post as an honorary fellow (Visiting Professor) to keep the academic link. In January 2021, Ibrahim was promoted to a Reader in Civil engineering. Between 2019-2021, his applications for various professional bodies have been successful and Ibrahim is now entitled to use the designatory letters CEng, FICE, SFHEA, MIStructE, FIStructE.

In September 2022, Ibrahim developed and became the leader for the MSc Structural Engineering program. In October 2023, Ibrahim became Head of Civil Engineering. Ibrahim became Head of the Sustainability in Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Research Group in January 2024. Ibrahim Shaaban is currently Professor of Structural Engineering.

If you are looking to pursue a full time MSc Structural Engineering course or full time/part time PhD in one of Professor Shaaban’s research topics, please feel free to directly email for any question or check the current PhD topics at Doctoral Research page.

Personal distinctions

  • Best Researcher Award in Natural Fibres (2024) from Science Father, South East Asia
  • Member of Academic Qualification Panel of the Institution of Structural Engineers, UK (2023 - present)
  • Co-Chair at the second international summit on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (ISCSEE2024), 18-20 March 2024, Florence, Italy. Find out more on the ISCSEE2024 website.
  • Keynote Speaker at the International Conference on Sustainable Building and Infrastructure (A conference of World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (EASTCON)). Speech entitled: 'Greener Concrete for Future Sustainability', Kuala Lumpur convention centre, Malaysia. (Keynote Speech, University of Petronas, Malaysia 2010)
  • Member of the judging panel for the ICE North West Civil Engineering Awards (Invitation to Perform, ICE 2017)
  • Member of the Judging Panel for the International Greenwich Project Olympiad (IGO) – A Secondary School Project Competition on Friday, 15 July 2022.
  • Keynote speaker on the Research and Industry Day organised by School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London on 29th of June 2022, delivered a keynote presentation jointly with Professor Joe Rizzuto, entitled “Sustainability and durability in building structures”.

Elsevier, Wiley & MDPI Reviewer Certificates

  • Certificate of Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing: Construction and Building Materials 2019
  • Certificate of Reviewing: Journal of Building Engineering 2019
  • Certificate of Reviewing: Transportation Research Part A 2019
  • Certificate of Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing: Engineering Structures 2018
  • Certificate of Reviewing: Alexandria Engineering Journal 2015
  • Certificate of Reviewing: Construction and Building Materials 2013

Peer review

International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, World Scientific (Journal article reviewer 2021 - )

International Journal of Civil Engineering, Springer (Journal article reviewer 2021 - )

  • Structural Concrete, Journal of the fib, (Journal article reviewer 2021 - )
  • MDPI Journals (Journal article reviewer 2020 - )
  • Ain Shams Engineering Journal (ASEJ), ScienceDirect.com (Journal article reviewer 2020 - )
  • Structures and Buildings, proceeding of the Institution of Civil engineers (Journal article reviewer 2020 - )
  • - Journal of Building Engineering, ScienceDirect, Elsevier (Journal article reviewer 2019 - )
  • Case Studies in Construction Materials, Elsevier (Journal article reviewer 2019 - )
  • Structures Journal, ScienceDirect, the IstructE (Journal article reviewer 2019 - )
  • Engineering Structures Journal, Elsevier (Journal article reviewer 2018 - )
  • Asian Journal of Civil Engineering (Journal article reviewer 2018 - )
  • Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures 'JMES' (Journal article reviewer 2017 - )
  • Construction and Building Materials Journal (Journal article reviewer 2017 - )
  • Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering (Journal article reviewer 2017- )
  • Alexandria Engineering Journal: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/alexandria-engineering-journal/ (Journal article reviewer 2007 - )
  • Review panel for academic posts promotions (associate professors and professors) in Egypt, Syria, Sudan and Malaysia (Evaluator for academic promotion nominees, (12 Associate professors and 8 professors). 2007 - )

External examiner

  • External examiner for the University of Wales for Civil Engineering Program, September 2021 –
  • Ain Shams University, Egypt (PhD, 2021, 2022, 2023)
  • German University, Egypt (PhD, September 2021)
  • University of Derby (PhD, November 2021)
  • Coventry University, UK (MSc 2019)
  • Ain Shams University, Egypt (MSc 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018)
  • Cairo University, Egypt (PhD 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018)
  • Assiut University, Egypt (PhD 2014)
  • University of Petronas, Malaysia (PhD 2009, 2010, 2013)
  • Menoufia University, Egypt (PhD 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013)
  • Tanta University, Egypt (PhD 2013)
  • University of Om Dorman, Sudan (PhD 2012)

Member of Editorial Boards

Guest Editor for International Journals

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

An abstract image of a cityscape

You will develop the skills base required for working as a site or design office engineer. You will also develop the skills required for involvement in new structural buildings and the rehabilitation of existing structures using traditional and advanced methods.

This course can be the basis for further education, or a research position, progressing to study for PhD in Civil, Structural Engineering, and other technical PhDs in Engineering.

How to apply

How to apply

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Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.