Structural Engineering MSc

Study level: 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

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
June 2026


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.
Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

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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

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

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.

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 fees3 and 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.


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

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