Course overview
Structural engineers help to make, shape and maintain the built environment, from buildings and bridges to water supply systems, power plants and flood defences. They are professionals who enjoy innovation, challenges, opportunities, responsibility and excitement in a varied and very satisfying career. Working in structural engineering provides a tremendous opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives and their environment.
Our Structural Engineering MSc will equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills to succeed in this challenging industry. You’ll build your understanding of a range of core topics such as concrete and steel design, structural analysis, design optimisation and how structures are designed and managed in earthquake zones. You’ll also develop your research skills and focus on a specific topic when you complete your own research project.
Taught by leading academics and practitioners, you’ll prepare to face some of the significant challenges of the 21st century and have the chance to familiarise yourself with our industry-grade facilities at Leeds so you’re fully equipped to pursue a career in this area when you graduate.
This course also has close links with local and regional industry, as well as the Yorkshire branch of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) – and you’ll benefit from the expertise of our active research groups across the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
Why study at Leeds:
- This Masters degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators.
- Gain real-world experience: Build professional skills and glean insight through an eight-week optional online work experience programme, working on a real project with a partner organisation.
- Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in structural engineering.
- Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as engineering, structural engineering design, advanced structural analysis and design and management of structures in earthquake zones.
- Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in researching and delivering a project that focuses on a real-world problem and explores your specific interests and career ambitions.
- Access industry-relevant facilities including bench-top testing facilities, testing rigs, specialist software and a dedicated study suite for Masters students.
- Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and industrial experience, and who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research as part of the Materials and Structures, Cities, Infrastructure and Energy, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and Robotics@Leeds research groups.
- Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have pursued careers in engineering and are now working with reputable corporations worldwide.
- This course offers flexible study options where you can study full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months.
- Build professional skills and industry insight: You can complete an eight-week optional online work experience programme, working on a real project with a partner organisation.
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Accreditation
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
This course is professionally accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council. The JBM represents the five main professional bodies in the UK registering Civil Engineers, including The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), The Permanent Way Institution (PWI), The Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), and The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).
This Masters degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng-accredited undergraduate first degree* See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.
This course is also accredited by EUR-ACE, the European quality label for engineering degree programmes at bachelor and Masters level.
Course details and modules
You’ll study a set of core modules that give you a firm foundation in the key elements of structural engineering.
You’ll develop and expand your understanding of structural analysis and foundation engineering whilst exploring design issues related to key building materials like concrete, steel and composites. From there, you’ll learn design optimisation and examine real-life examples.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Compulsory modules
Advanced Concrete Design – 15 credits
You'll investigate the importance of the Serviceability Limit State in the design of reinforced concrete structures, particularly when the load is an indirect load. You'll focus on the link between the performance of reinforced concrete structures at both limit state designs and material performance.
Advanced Steel and Composite Design – 15 credits
Introduces the concepts of advanced steel design and composite construction, and their applications in engineering. Provides a basic means for the design and analysis of steel and composite structures and familiarises students with a range of typical processing techniques.
Advanced Structural Analysis – 15 credits
Covers the latest developments, particularly the applications of computational methods in structural analysis. The review of fundamental principles of structural analysis will bring students with various knowledge backgrounds to a common level.
Design and Management of Structures in Earthquake Zones – 15 credits
Covers the fundamentals of structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, including finite elements in applied dynamics, application of engineering dynamics in practical engineering situations, evaluation criteria for earthquake-damaged structures and current retrofitting methods.
Design Optimisation – 15 credits
Provides an understanding of the scientific principles of design optimisation and the ability to arrive at an improved design for an engineering system that satisfies given requirements.
Foundation Engineering – 15 credits
Learn about the behaviour of soil to cover the range of foundations available for structures, including shallow foundations such as strip, pad and raft foundations, deep foundations such as caissons, shafts and piles; and composite foundations such as piled rafts and ground improvement.
Structural Engineering Design Project – 30 credits
We place a strong emphasis on applying your knowledge to real-world problems. Over the two semesters, you’ll work on your own design project, where you’ll develop, evaluate and recommend concept design solutions to a structural engineering problem that meets the requirements of a site-specific client’s brief. The results of the design activity are presented in the form of a written report and drawings, with supporting calculations and, where applicable, computational output.
MSc Dissertation – 60 credits
During semester 1 and 2 — but particularly over the summer months — you’ll also develop and apply your research skills to a real-world problem and complete an independent research project.
The dissertation project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.
Recent projects by Structural Engineering MSc (Eng) students have included:
- Dynamic shear resistance of collar-jointed masonry panels
- Performance of reinforced concrete tunnel linings in fire situations
- Comparisons of tensile and compressive creep in concrete
- Review of the latest developments in the design and construction of carbon composite bridges
- Structural health monitoring of full-scale bridges
- Dynamic performance of grandstands under various spectator actions
- Identification of soil-structure interaction within earthquake response data from real tunnels
- Characterisation of low-carbon concrete for next-generation sustainable infrastructures
A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry and can include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.
Enhance Your Academic and Subject-Specific Language
As part of your course, you will have access to the Professional and Academic Communication module that provides valuable insights into studying a postgraduate degree in the UK while helping you develop your academic and subject-specific vocabulary.
Through a combination of in-person workshops and independent online study, you will explore the use of technology—such as translation tools and generative AI—to support effective communication. You will also build the language and literacy skills necessary to become a more confident and capable communicator throughout your studies.
Part-time study options
This course is also available to study part-time over 24 months. Please get in touch with our admissions team to discuss part-time study options.
Learning and teaching
Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll be taught by staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with the team through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.
Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.
Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.
Specialist facilities
You’ll have access to our specialist facilities, such as bench-top testing facilities to look at the fundamental behaviour of material soils and testing rigs for full-scale structures. We have all the specialist software you’ll need for your programme. Plus, you’ll have access to a dedicated study suite for Masters students.
Programme team
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in engineering, earth sciences, natural sciences or other numerate subjects.
We also encourage you to apply if you have a 2:2 (hons) in one of the subjects listed above, relevant work experience or professional qualifications. We take a flexible and inclusive approach and consider every application on its individual merits.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
30 July 2027 – International applicants
10 September 2027 – UK applicants
Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.
If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Team
Email: pgcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Fees
UK: £14,900 (Total)
International: £33,800 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
Structural engineering is one of the oldest professions in industry, however, the demand for skilled engineers will only continue to grow as large corporations in areas like construction and architecture will always need the expertise you’ll gain on this course to design, renovate and build.
From designing large-scale constructions like bridges or buildings to making alterations and extensions on existing properties or structures — the career opportunities with the skill set you’ll graduate with are exciting, rewarding and far-reaching across the globe.
This programme will also greatly enhance your ability to obtain status as a Chartered Structural Engineer which will give you the edge employers in industry are looking for.
Our graduates from this course have secured positions at companies such as:
- Civil and Structural Engineer, Cheng & Ling Architect & Engineering
- Structural Engineer, Angkasa Consulting Services Sdn Bhd (ACSSB)
- Graduate Structural Engineer, Mason Clark Associates
- Bridge Design Engineer, DELF Consulting Engineers (India) Pvt. Ltd.
- Site Engineer, Ministry of Works and Transport
- Design Engineer, Kier Group
- Senior Process Engineer, Syngenta
- Structural Engineer, ARUP
- Graduate Civil Engineer, Capita Real Estate and Infrastructure
- Engineer, Skelly and Couch Ltd.
- Graduate Bridge Engineer, WSP
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.
- Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
- MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
- Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
- Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Find out more about career support.
Work placements and industry experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an eight-week virtual work experience, working on a project aligned with your academic discipline in partnership with a relevant organisation.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain valuable insight into your chosen field, helping to solve a real business challenge based on a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your prospects of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the virtual work experience:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to build your professional network.
- Gain valuable insight and consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle real business challenges.
- Apply your learning in practice and develop hands-on skills.
- Strengthen your employability and career prospects.
- Build confidence, make new connections and explore your future career options.
Throughout the eight-week programme, you’ll be supported by an academic tutor who will meet regularly with your group. You’ll also receive guidance from the employability team at every stage.
We’ll provide tailored careers support sessions to help you develop professional behaviours and showcase your skills to employers. On completion, you’ll receive a reference letter from Leeds recognising the skills and experience you have gained.
When you begin your MSc, the employability team will introduce the scheme during a lecture in your first month, answer any questions and explain how to register.