MSc Advanced Structural Engineering
Skip to section
Key information
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September
- Duration
- 1 year
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
Civil and Structural Engineering at Heriot-Watt is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world, top 18 in the UK and 2nd in Scotland (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
Our Structural Engineering course is aimed at graduates and practising engineers. It's designed to help improve your knowledge of structural and foundation engineering. The degree's been developed together with a wide range of employers in the sector. So there's a strong relationship between the course and the engineering industry. The course also builds directly on staff research activities, which include experimental, numerical and theoretical work. You'll have access to excellent practical and advanced computer and networking facilities too. Civil and Structural Engineering at Heriot-Watt is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world, top 18 in the UK and 2nd in Scotland (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
September 2024 entry
The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.
Flexible study options
This course can be studied full-time or part-time on campus. It can also be studied via Online Learning, ideal for those in employment or with other commitments, providing flexible study options that fit around work or family.
Course content
The curriculum of Advanced Structural Engineering covers the specialist technical and computational skills necessary for today's construction industry and therefore offers excellent preparation for employment across an industry that includes consulting and contracting engineers, public authorities and local government. In addition, the course also provides a suitable springboard for graduates seeking a career in a research lead environment.
Both MSc and Diploma students undertake the five mandatory and three optional taught courses from the list below. MSc students also complete a Masters dissertation.
Year 1
Semester 1
Mandatory
- Advanced Design Of Reinforced Concrete Structures
- Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
- Finite Element Method Linear Analysis
Optional
- Ground Engineering
- Structural Materials
Semester 2
Mandatory
- Plastic Analysis of Structures
- Advanced Design Of Steel And Steel-Concrete Composite Structures
Optional
- Foundation Engineering
- Safety, Risk and Reliability
- Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings
- Design of Low Carbon Buildings
- Finite Element Method Nonlinear Analysis
- Computational Modelling Of Concrete And Steel
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 10600 | 5300 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 24496 | 12248 |
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
Entry
Masters (MSc) level entry applicants must have one of the following:
- Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in a related subject area
- For postgraduate conversion courses, non-related degrees will be considered
- Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered
PG Diploma level entry applicants must have an ordinary degree in a related subject area and relevant post qualification industry experience.
Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and possibly interview. Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Recruitment.
Recognition of Prior Learning
We are committed to providing study opportunities to applicants who have a wide range of prior experiences through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). For more information on RPL, please contact the Admissions Team (studywithus@hw.ac.uk) ahead of application. We can only consider requests for RPL at the time of application to a course of study.
English language requirements
If English is not the applicant's first language a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required with all elements passed at 6.0 or above. Please refer to English language requirements for further details.
Some applicants may be asked for alternative evidence in line with UKVI recognised English speaking countries. Applicants who have previously successfully completed courses delivered in the medium of English language may be considered and will be required to provide documentary evidence of this. Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree. A minimum of at least one year of full time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required.
All evidence of English language needs to be dated within two years of the commencement of study.
We also offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your master's programme:
- 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)
Why Heriot-Watt?
Ranking (Civil Engineering, Complete University Guide 2023)
We are ranked 3rd in Scotland and 18th in the UK for Civil Engineering by The Complete University Guide 2023.
Ranking (Civil Engineering, Guardian Good University Guide 2023)
We're ranked 3rd in Scotland and 14th in the UK for Civil Engineering by the Guardian Good University Guide 2023.
Ranking (Civil Engineering, The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
We are ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 15 in the UK for Civil Engineering by The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Lifelong connections
Upon completing your studies you will automatically join the UK's oldest alumni association The Watt Club, with 147k members worldwide.
Constructionarium
Students can participate in Constructionarium, which provides hands-on construction working alongside professional engineers and tradesmen to construct scaled down versions of bridges, buildings, dams and civil engineering projects.
Clubs and activities
At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!
Edinburgh campus accommodation
Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union
Edinburgh Campus facilities
At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!
Health and wellbeing
Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.
Heriot-Watt Student Union
There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.
Living in Edinburgh
Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.
Sport facilities
Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.
We are accredited by the following organisations
At Heriot-Watt University we develop degrees that are relevant for the world of work. We work with Professional bodies and Institutes to gain appropriate Accreditations and Professional Memberships for your industry. Find out below how this degree aligns to industry.
Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).