MSc Structural Engineering University of Surrey

Key information

• Start date: October 2021
• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 5 years
• Distance-learning: 5 years

Why choose this course

Structural engineers create the 'bones and muscles' of human-made structures.

Running since 1966, our Structural Engineering MSc allows you to choose from a rich and varied selection of specialist structural engineering subjects.

You’ll be taught by forward-thinking academics at the top of their games, as well as practising engineers from consultancies and local authorities. You’ll also benefit from the exceptional facilities that Surrey has to offer.

This course is offered as standard full-time study, but there are also part-time and distance learning options available.

What you will study

Our well-established and fully accredited MSc in Structural Engineering will enable you to develop advanced capabilities in analysis and codified design in the specialised areas of structural engineering. As a student on this course, you’ll have the opportunity to build on the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired from your undergraduate studies.

If you’re a practising engineer engaged in the planning, design and construction of structural engineering works, this course will provide you with an opportunity to update your knowledge of current design practice and become familiar with new developments in codes and methods of analysis.

"This course provides an attractive programme structure with a good variety of interesting modules.” Mina Giagia, student

Distance learning

Surrey is one of the only universities in the UK to offer MSc courses in civil and environmental engineering through distance learning. This flexible option allows you to study for our distinctive, accredited MSc courses from anywhere in the world, without the need to relocate or give up your existing job.

As a distance learner, you’ll study eight modules and complete a dissertation in your chosen subject (like full-time and part-time students) but can take up to five years to complete your masters. You’ll be able to access all module materials through our virtual learning environment, SurreyLearn, and arrange to take end-of-module exams at a local university.

Academic support, facilities and equipment

As part of your learning experience, you’ll have at your disposal a wide range of relevant software, including ANSYS, ABAQUS, DIANA, SAP 2000, Integer SuperSTRESS, LUSAS, CRISP, MATLAB, PertMaster DRACULA and VISSIM.

Study and work abroad

There may be opportunities to acquire valuable European experience by working or conducting research abroad during your degree or shortly afterwards. It is possible to do this in the summer period with an Erasmus+ grant working on your dissertation or as a recent graduate. In order to qualify your Erasmus+ traineeship must be a minimum of two months.

Professional recognition

MSc - Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) - Accredited by CIHT as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer under the provisions of UK-SPEC for candidates that have already acquired a CEng accredited BEng(Hons) undergraduate first degree.

MSc - Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) - Accredited by IHE as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer under the provisions of UK-SPEC for candidates that have already acquired a CEng accredited BEng(Hons) undergraduate first degree.

MSc - Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - Accredited by ICE as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer under the provisions of UK-SPEC for candidates that have already acquired a CEng accredited BEng(Hons) undergraduate first degree.

MSc - Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) - Accredited by IStructE as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer under the provisions of UK-SPEC for candidates that have already acquired a CEng accredited BEng(Hons) undergraduate first degree.

MSc - European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE) - This Programme is accredited by the European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE)

Careers and graduate prospects

We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

Our master's courses in civil engineering open up a huge range of career opportunities, not only with major consultancies and contractors but across other sectors such as management and business consultancy.

Recent Structural Engineering MSc graduates have been employed by Jacobs, AECOM, Opus, Fluor, ARUP, SDS ltd, Severfield UK, Arcadis, Rise Consulting Structural Engineering, General Electric Oil and Gas UK, Symmetrys Limited and Blue Engineering.

“As I progressed throughout my degree, I developed as an individual and as part of a team.” Evangelos Alexakis, graduate