MSc Advanced Structural Engineering

The course

Delivery
Full-time, Part-time
Course type
Taught
Location
Edinburgh
Entry date
September

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).

Contact

Got questions about this programme?

Contact our enquiries team.

Overview

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 2023 entry

The deadline for applications from Scottish and RUK students is 31 August 2023. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 1 August 2023.

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.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for further learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng (BEng) accredited undergraduate degree. See the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) for further information.

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 5 mandatory and 3 optional taught courses from the list below. MSc students also complete a Masters dissertation.

Semester 1 Semester 2
  • Advanced Design Of Reinforced Concrete Structures (mandatory)
  • Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering (mandatory)
  • Finite Element Method Linear Analysis (mandatory)
  • Ground Engineering (optional)
  • Structural Materials (optional)
  • Plastic Analysis of Structures (mandatory)
  • Advanced Design Of Steel And Steel-Concrete Composite Structures (mandatory)
  • Foundation Engineering (optional)
  • Safety, Risk and Reliability (optional)
  • Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings (optional)
  • Design of Low Carbon Buildings (optional)
  • Finite Element Method Nonlinear Analysis (optional)
  • Computational Modelling Of Concrete And Steel (optional)

Entry requirements

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)

Fees

Tuition fees for entry
Status Full-time Part-time
UK £9632 £4816
Overseas £22264 £11132

Footnotes

  1. Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
  2. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

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.

Additional scholarship information

Built Environment Innovation Masters Fund

Built Environment - Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) are funding Masters candidates who can help solve climate change, create smarter, healthier places and develop a workforce and culture that supports the new future.

Built Environment Innovation Masters Fund