Structural Engineering MSc

Postgraduate

Three people with hardhats and hi-vis vests outside scaffolding

Gain advanced skills in planning, analysis and justified selection of materials like timber, steel, and composites, with practical learning through case studies, simulations and a technical research project.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
With Professional Placement

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years full-time with professional placement

Course code

EEST057

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
July 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

Ideal for civil engineering graduates, this course aims to develop your advanced skills in structural analysis and design. Upon successful graduation, you should gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge that enhances your ability to work in structural engineering roles.

This course has been designed to satisfy the requirements for accreditation by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM). The Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) represents The Institution of Civil Engineers, The Institution of Structural Engineers, The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, The Institute of Highway Engineers and the Permanent Way Institution. We will apply for accreditation in due course.

Focus on designing and analysing structures using materials like timber, steel, concrete, and composites.
Engage in practical learning through site visits, simulations, and case studies.²
Showcase your skills in a real-world research project by conducting in-depth research on a topic of your choice.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Contemporary facilities: get access to advanced computer modelling techniques and simulation tools, gaining exposure to the technologies that you will likely use in your future career.⁴
Industry-relevant skills: the course focuses on the latest materials and construction methods including timber, steel, concrete and sustainable composites, preparing you to work with cutting-edge technologies and solutions in the industry.
Practical learning: we place an emphasis on practicality, so you get a hands-on approach with case studies, site visits to live projects and simulation to enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.²
Gain practical experience: boost your CV with an additional professional placement. See the modules for more details.²

What you'll study

Modules

Advanced Analysis of Structures – 30 credits

Build on your knowledge of structural mechanics, numerical methods, and design to deepen your understanding of material failure and structural analysis. You’ll apply elastic and plastic theory, analyse reinforced concrete slabs with yield line theory, and develop skills in computer modelling and designing complex systems using finite element techniques. The module includes advanced software, industry case studies, and projects to provide an engaging learning environment. Interactive resources in lectures and remote IT facilities support flexible learning on and off campus.

Compulsory

Dynamic Analysis and Design of Structures – 30 credits

Advanced Structural Design – 30 credits

This module focuses on designing steel connections, steel-concrete composite structures, and prestressed members according to Eurocodes. You will apply experimental, theoretical, and computational methods to these structural elements and demonstrate expertise in their use. Additionally, the module introduces you to the concepts of structural robustness and building stability.

Compulsory

Geotechnics and Materials – 30 credits

Enhance your technical skills in solving soil-structure interaction problems to develop strong analytical and decision-making abilities. Learn about sustainable materials and emerging technologies like AI, BIM, and 3D concrete printing, and apply life cycle and carbon assessments to infrastructure. The module uses advanced software and lab equipment to support theory, creating an engaging learning environment. You’ll also have access to interactive resources during lectures and labs and can use IT facilities for remote learning when off campus.⁴

Compulsory

Master’s with professional placement

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.

Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
The professional placement will be integrated into your course learning and outcomes. This will take the form of a reflective diary demonstrating your learning and engagement with the placement experience.
The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.²

For full terms and conditions please visit the enhanced masters landing page.

Optional

Research Project Structures – 60 credits

Develop your research skills by planning, designing, and conducting an independent project in areas like engineering, construction, sustainability, or energy, with guidance from an academic supervisor. You’ll learn to identify problems, review existing research, and develop your own methods. The module covers research design, data collection, analysis, project management, and report writing.

You’ll have access to specialist labs to support your research 4 and receive guidance from a staff member with expertise in your area of study. The module also helps improve communication skills and knowledge of ethics, safety, and risk. Past research topics include human-structure interaction in long-span structures, hybrid reinforcement design, steel frame rigidity effects, and fire performance of post-tensioned concrete slab buildings.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical laboratory sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

formal examinations
written tests
thesis and coursework
computer modelling work.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any science or engineering-related discipline, or a bachelors degree accredited as partially satisfying the educational base for Chartered Engineer.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Typical entry requirements

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 per year £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 per year £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The vast majority of specialist laboratory equipment is based in our Sir John Laing building. Equipment in the lab covers a broad range of discipline areas within civil engineering such as structures, materials, geotechnics, highways and hydraulics. Gain hands-on experience with laboratory testing techniques to assess material and structural performance, using advanced equipment like automated data loggers, stress path soil testing tools, and civil engineering material synthesizers.

Students working in front of a virtual wall.

Simulation Centre

Our interactive training centre includes a ‘virtual’ construction site with fully equipped site cabins and an observation deck. Here, you can take part in role-play exercises to prepare you for a range of situations in the workplace.

Female student working in structures lab with male student looking on.

Structures laboratory

The wood workshop, eight test frames and our industry-standard Instron universal test machines are ready for you to bring your theoretical learning to life. Additionally, the strong floor area features framing and ancillary measurement devices.

Two male students pouring materials into a machine.

Concrete and materials laboratory

Gain an in-depth understanding of material science in this extensive lab setup. Get hands-on experience using dedicated equipment for testing and analysing materials — the same equipment you’ll see in the world of work.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to pursue a career in civil and infrastructure engineering consultancies, work as a contractor or for client organisations.

You should also be able to:

apply in-depth knowledge and detailed understanding of static structural analysis and design, and mechanics of materials to civil engineering components and structures.
model and analyse complex engineering systems by using innovative and advanced computational methods and simulation tools.
apply wide-ranging understanding of experimental, analytical, and numerical techniques for investigative studies environmental, material, and geotechnical engineering; use innovative knowledge in sourcing, analysing and presenting data.
analyse structures and engineering systems under vibrational and dynamic loadings using analytical and numerical techniques.
apply detailed understanding in proposal development and writing; use innovative knowledge in sourcing, analysing and presenting data; and apply research methodologies to undertake independent technical investigation and academic writing of a specialised topic.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work in a variety of roles and for a range of companies:

Graduate structural engineer (National Highways)
Structural engineer (JPSE Construction Ltd)
Graduate structural engineer (JPSE: John Plummer Sustainable Engineering Construction: LTD)
Lecturer at University of West London
Anchorage civil engineer (Edvance)
Graduate structural engineering (McAndrew Martin Ltd)

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.