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Designed for civil engineers and related graduates, our accredited MSc programme will provide you the skills knowledge required for a career as a structural engineer. Whether you're a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, this research inspired course will prepare you to deal with complex structural engineering issues.
Consolidate your knowledge on structural engineering and meet the educational requirements to become a chartered structural engineer. Opening doors to exciting careers in consultancy, on-site and beyond.
The MSc is a 1 year full-time advanced course, comprising lectures, laboratory work, short experimental projects and a research project. The course can also be taken on a part-time basis over two or three years.
This term consists of three compulsory modules focusing on advanced structures and design, ground investigation which underpins foundation engineering and forensic engineering.
Delivery is via lectures, workshops in e-labs and tutorials. Assessment is based primarily on projects with some elements of closed book examination.
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Our course is tailored to meet the dynamic demands of the engineering and construction industries, both in the UK and abroad. You’ll receive advanced training that propels you towards a thriving future as an aspiring engineer in higher or middle management across public and private sectors.
Engage in research that boldly addresses today’s societal challenges, empowering you to create impactful solutions.
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.
Learn from world leaders in their fields, granting you a qualification that is respected around the world and making you an attractive prospect in a very competitive job market.
Teaching is led by world leading researchers in structural engineering. On several modules there are visiting lecturers from leading engineering consultancies and contractors.
This course consists of 180 credits. This comprises a 60-credit individual research project plus 120 credits in taught learning.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
In order to be awarded an accredited degree a you must have achieved 100 credits in taught modules given that the pass mark at this level is 50.
Core modules:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Advanced Project | 60 | Full Term |
Advanced Structures and Design | 20 | Semester 1 |
Experimental and Numerical Techniques in Structural Engineering | 20 | Semester 1 |
Forensic Engineering | 20 | Semester 1 |
Ground Investigation | 20 | Semester 1 |
Seismic Engineering | 20 | Semester 2 |
Structural Engineering Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
In Civil Engineering or a relevant non-engineering subject
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Acquire the skills to become a standout engineer, both within and beyond the construction industry. Learn to make sound judgements with incomplete information and communicate your conclusions clearly to all audiences. Develop self-motivation and autonomy, empowering you to take initiative and personal responsibility in complex, unpredictable situations.
Gain the transferable skills and independent learning ability essential for continuous professional development and a thriving career in civil/structural engineering. Plus, your MSc counts towards achieving Chartered Engineer accreditation, setting you on the path to professional status.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.