Advanced Structural Engineering MSc



Develop skills in design and assessment of engineering structures subject to seismic, extreme loading and environmental conditions

Overview

Accredited by relevant professional bodies and designed to meet the needs of the modern construction industry, this course offers a wide range of structural engineering principles as you learn about issues relating to steel and concrete structures and foundations.

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September. Please enquire for more information.

Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting applications from international applicants for this programme for January 2025.

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Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

1 year

Start date:

JanSep

Civil Engineering staff list

Get in touch with programme leaders, lecturers and researchers.

Course details

Through this highly technical course you will develop skills in numerical simulation using a variety of advanced software.

You will also learn failure analysis methods, the Eurocodes and the code of practice for the design of various construction materials, research skills and the legal issues surrounding construction.

The course is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).

Industry practitioners are regularly invited as guest speakers and lecturers.

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    How you’ll be taught

    The main approach is face-to-face lectures and tutorial. In addition to this, computer labs are used to teach engineering software and structural laboratory will be used to conduct small to large-scale structural test.  You will also undertake independent learning and research. 

    This is a full-time course and is split up into three trimesters. You can choose to start in either January or September.

    Duration:

    • September starts: 12 months
    • January starts: 18 months with a three-month break over the summer (after the first taught trimester)
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    Assessments

     Your performance will be assessed by course work, assignments, laboratory reports and final examination.
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    Facilities

    Heavy structural lab at Merchiston allows to conduct small to large scale structural engineering tests. Computer suites supports students to use different finite element based software to analyse and design structures.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Advanced Mechanics of Material and Finite Element Analysis ( CTR11129 )

Review of Matrix algebra; force method & stiffness method Stress, strain and their relation, equilibrium and compatibility.Yield criteria and limit analysis.Formulation of boundary value problems in elasticity, solution techniques and examples.Torsion theory, membrane analogy, effect of warping restraint.method, Solution of large systems of linear equations Finite element method, solution procedures, and solution bound Plane strain and plane stress elements Isoparametric elements Beam elements Plate bending elements Flat shell elements Structural dynamics & eigenvalue problems Three-dimensional stress analysis

Further information

Advanced Structural Concrete ( CTR11118 )

Unit 1: Introduction - Materials for making concrete - Properties of Fresh ConcreteUnit 2: Concrete mix design principles and Properties of hardened concreteUnit 3: Materials science and Fracture Mechanics for ConcreteUnit 4: Dimensional Stability of ConcreteUnit 5: Durability of Concrete and Inspection StrategiesUnit 6: Introduction to Prestressed Concrete DesignUnit 7: Design of Prestressed Concrete Structures – BendingUnit 8: Design of Prestressed Concrete Structures (Shear) and Composite Prestressed/RC structuresUnit 9: Design of Composite Prestressed/RC structures – ExamplesUnit 10: Introduction to Composite Steel-Concrete structuresUnit 11: Design of Composite sections (ULS) and shear connectors

Further information

Advanced Structural Steel Design ( CTR11119 )

Unit 1: Design process and design philosophies, Review of Analysis topics Unit 2: EC0 and EC1: use of Eurocodes for structural design principles and loading, Unit 3: EC3: Use of Eurocode 3 for the design of structural steelwork: review of material properties, section classification, axially loaded members (in tension and compression).Unit 4: EC3: Use of Eurocode 3 for the design of structural steelwork: review of design requirements for flexural members.Unit 5: Elastic instability implications and advanced examples on the design of Lattice girders (part I).Unit 6: Advanced examples on the design of Lattice girders (part II).Unit 7: EC3: Flexural and torsional buckling of lattice girdersUnit 8: EC3: In-plane behaviour of thin plates in lattice girdersUnit 9: EC3: Design approach for lattice girders with stiffenersUnit 10: Fatigue analysis of steel under different loading conditions

Further information

Geotechnical Earthquake and Offshore Engineering ( CTR11134 )

This module deals with the behaviour of soils and their interaction with structures under cyclic or seismic loading. So far, you have examined the effect of static loading regime upon soils. But earthquakes and other types of dynamic loading (such as vibrations, wind load and ocean waves) create a different condition, where loads are applied at a certain pattern (sinusoidal or random), frequency and time duration. Such a loading regime normally requires a different approach in design. Keeping this in mind, the module is divided in two sections: In the first section we will start by introducing some fundamentals on the dynamic response of discrete systems, wave analysis, soil dynamics and site effects. In the second section of the module, we will review some of the static geotechnical design procedures you should have already met, or at least be capable of mastering, such as bearing capacity of foundations, lateral earth pressures and retaining wall design. We will then proceed to explore the response and the various design considerations under seismic loading for typical engineering structures, such as retaining walls, slopes, pipelines, inshore and offshore piles.

Further information

MSc Dissertation ( CTR11111 )

Research Theory and Experimentation: research hypothesis, research design, experimentation and data gathering, hypothesis testing and data analysisResearch Presentation: abstracts, synopses, documentation, writing, referencing and presentation

Further information

Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Design ( CTR11102 )

Unit 1: Introduction to Structural Dynamics: This unit introduces the module layout and provides fundamental concepts of dynamic loads and the behaviour of structures under dynamic loads.Unit 2: Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) Systems: An introduction to SDOF systems will be provided. A basic mathematical model for SDOF systems and its application in structural analysis will be delivered.Unit 3: Undamped and Damped Free Vibration of SDOF Systems: A detailed discussion on the differences between damped and undamped structures will be delivered. Approaches for analyzing damped and undamped structures under free vibrations are introduced in this section.Unit 4: Response of SDOF Systems to Harmonic, Periodic, and Arbitrary Dynamic Excitations: Principles of analyzing structures under forced vibrations (e.g., machinery and wind) are presented in this section. Various mathematical approaches to support these analyses are included.Unit 5: Numerical Evaluation of Dynamic Response of SDOF Systems: Advanced mathematical approaches are presented to analyze SDOF structures under arbitrary loading and blast loading.Unit 6: Introduction to Multiple Degree of Freedom (MDOF) Systems: In this unit, the fundamental concepts of MDOF systems will be introduced to analyze multi-storey structures. Analytical and numerical methods will be delivered to assess MDOF systems under random (blast) loads.Unit 7: Introduction to Earthquake Engineering: In this section, aims and objectives, references, and Assessment practice are discussed.Unit 8: Principles of Structural Analysis in Earthquake Engineering: This part will enhance your knowledge on assessing seismic capacity, considering factors such as typology, configuration of structural elements and non-structural issues. Further explanation of seismic hazard/risk follows and links with underlying physics and structural dynamics are presented. Unit 9: Estimating seismic actions to Eurocode 8: The response spectrum concept is explained on the basis of considering responses from SDOF systems to a particular ground motion. The link between the Unit 10: Seismic analysis to Eurocode 8: Principles of earthquake resistant design are discussed and different options for analysis methods are given. The Lateral Force Method of Analysis is epxlained and relevant examples are presented.

Further information

Timber Engineering ( CTR11136 )

2. An Introduction to the Module, Timber and Timber engineering – Robert Hairstans (RH)
3. Ultimate Limit State & Serviceability Limit State and the Basis of Timber Design – Andrew Livingstone (AL)
4. Member design: analyse and DESIGN statically determinate timber beams, columns and load bearing elements – (AL)
5. Material Grading, Classification and Mechanical Properties: the material properties of time and how it is classified and graded for structural use – Dan Ridley Ellis (DRE)
6. Case Study / Coursework: an overview of a case study with design related coursework activity – (AL)
7. Connections 1: The theory of connection DESIGN and Eurocode design principles – (AL)
8. Connections 2 / Diaphragm Action: An overview of other connection types such as toothed nailed plates and moment connections and also the design of systems using connections such as wall diaphragms – (AL)
9. Engineered and Truss Systems: the DESIGN principles of engineered systems including truss design - Wojciech Plowas (WP)
10. Mass timber design: the DESIGN principles – (WP)
11. Massive Timber Systems: an overview of the varying types of mass timber systems and their structural DESIGN considerations – (RH); Engineering Timber Products and Systems: Case study of structural timber use by an invited guest lecturer – TBC
12. Fire: fire performance of structural timber systems in the temporary and permanent state – Ivor Davies, Dynamics / Vibrational Performance: theory of the dynamic response of timber systems and vibrational performance – (Abel)

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

ACCREDITED BY

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution 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).

See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited Bachelor degree accredited for IEng only or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Advanced Structural Engineering?

The entry requirement for this course is a 2:2 or above for a Bachelor (Honours) Degree within the Civil Engineering discipline.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry.

Can I get admission into Advanced Structural Engineering based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £7,650
Overseas and EU £20,395 £21,430

Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding

The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here
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Careers

What can you do with a MSc Advanced Structural Engineering degree?

The MSc Advanced Structural Engineering degree at Edinburgh Napier University provides in-depth, specialized knowledge in the field of structural engineering. Holding this degree can open up opportunities for various positions with increased responsibilities and salary potential, including:

  • Structural Engineer
  • Transport (bridge design) Engineer
  • Construction Supervisor
  • Oil and Refinery/offshore Engineer

You will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, allowing you to contribute to the advancement of the field while gaining valuable research experience, so you can continue in the field of research. You will develop proficiency in analyzing complex structural systems using advanced computational methods and software tools. You will also develop project management skills necessary for planning, coordinating, and executing structural engineering projects effectively. This includes budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and communication with stakeholders.

What does an Structural Engineer do?

The daily responsibilities of a structural engineer can vary depending on their specific role, industry, and project requirements. You may often spend time designing and analyzing various structural systems, including buildings, bridges, dams, and other infrastructure projects. This involves using specialized software tools to perform calculations, simulations, and finite element analysis to ensure that structures meet safety, performance, and durability requirements.

You will typically work closely with architects, contractors, project managers, and other professionals involved in the design and construction process. You will review architectural plans, engineering drawings, and construction specifications to ensure compliance with building codes, regulations, and industry standards.

As a structural engineer, you will play a critical role in the design, construction, and maintenance of safe and resilient structures that withstand various environmental, seismic, and loading conditions. Their daily tasks involve a combination of technical analysis, collaboration, project management, and quality assurance activities to deliver successful engineering projects.

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