MSc Structural Engineering

Southwark Campus

Mode: Full-time; Part-time; Day release

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Contact information

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Overview

Visible realisations

Structures are perhaps the most striking and visible realisations of mechanical principles in our environment. Encompassing everything from residential dwellings and refurbishments, to sweeping bridges and iconic skyscrapers, structural engineers combine technical expertise with creativity and craft in order to provide a safe and sustainable built environment for our society.

The Shard London

This course covers advanced structural analysis and design, structural computing simulation and also offering units linked with steel, concrete, timber and other construction materials. It will also provide you with knowledge to design structures under dynamic conditions.

Why Structural Engineering at LSBU?

: Specialised tutelage in advanced design techniques and a range of construction materials, both traditional and novel.
: Accredited by the Engineering Council. Highly-technical course makes gaining Chartership easier.
: Currently engaging in numerous research and development projects with industrial collaborators, providing industry-relevant dissertation topics.
: Training in the most up-to-date structural analysis and design software, included Robot, Revit and Abaqus.
: Ranked 2nd amongst London competitors for Student Satisfaction in Civil Engineering (Complete University Guide 2021).

Accreditations

Key course information - ordered by mode
Mode	Duration	Start date	Location
Mode Full-time	Duration 13 months	Start Date September	Location Southwark Campus
Mode Part-time	Duration 24 months	Start Date September	Location Southwark Campus
Mode Full-time	Duration 16 months	Start Date January	Location Southwark Campus
Mode Part-time	Duration 28 months	Start Date January	Location Southwark Campus

Modules

Teaching techniques include: lectures, workshops, tutorials, laboratories, field trips and IT based blended learning. Visiting lecturers from industry contribute in some modules.

At the end of the course, you'll either conduct a structural related research project or a design project.

If you'd like any further information, please contact the course administrator, Ms. Jo Hillman: hillmajl@lsbu.ac.uk / 020 7815 7106.

Module descriptions

Advanced structural design
In this module, students are instructed in the application of the European structural design codes (Eurocodes) to design steel, concrete and composite steel-concrete elements. Design of specialised structural elements: plate girders, trusses, connections, foundations, prestressed concrete structures, including fire design of structures. Introduction to performance-based design using computer software. Discussion of the sustainability of construction materials.
Soil-structure engineering
This module concerns the study of the interaction of two very different materials (structural and soil). A combination of a classic and modern approach based on numerical methods is delivered for the students to ensure the understanding of the topics.
Finite elements and stress analysis
The module covers two main areas of study: firstly, the finite element modelling of thin walled structures using beam, plate and shell elements. A hand-on approach is used for the finite element modelling exercises using Abaqus finite element analysis software. Secondly, the structural and stress analysis of thin walled beams subjected to axial, bending, shear, torsion and torsion-bending loads.
Masonry and timber engineering
This module introduces students to the materials, properties and design processes using timber and masonry construction. Eurocodes are used for the design of elements. Proprietary computer programmes are used alongside hand calculations. New techniques are introduced and discussed.
Structural dynamics and earthquake engineering
This module teaches principles of dynamic analysis and earthquake response of structures. It starts with basics of free and forced vibration of single and multiple degree-of-freedom systems. The concepts of natural frequency, damping and mode shapes will be defined analytically and also shown experimentally and on FE models. The effect of earthquake on a structure will be described and demonstrated using a shake table. Two different methods for calculating the dynamic response of structures to earthquake loading will be introduced. Eurocode 8 will be briefly summarised. Forensic case studies of structures damaged by earthquake will be analysed and the design implications discussed.
Advanced computing and structural simulation
In this module students will be experiencing the use of advanced Structural Analysis Software (Robot), Building Information Modelling (BIM) software (Revit) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (ABAQUS) for modelling steel, reinforced concrete and composite structures.
Project / dissertation
This module is one third of the course and is an individually supervised piece of work that is typically either a research project or an innovative design exercise. The theme is related to topics covered on the course.

Assessment

Methods of assessment by module
Module title	Assessment
Advanced Structural Design	70% Examination	30% Coursework
Finite Elements and Stress Analysis	50% Examination	50% Coursework
Soil-Structure Engineering	70% Examination	30% Coursework
Advanced Computing and Structural Simulation	100% Coursework
Masonry and Timber Engineering	70% Examination	30% Coursework
Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering	70% Examination	30% Coursework
Project (three modules value)	100% Coursework

Employability

Employment prospects for graduates of Structural Engineering are strong. Successful students will enter into a variety of positions with employers which might include: structural engineer, consultant, project manager, government advisor or researcher.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Professional links

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.*

: The Institution of Civil Engineers is a qualifying body, a centre for the exchange of specialist knowledge, and a provider of resources to encourage innovation and excellence in the profession.
: The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation is concerned specifically with planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure. It has 12,000 members.
: The Institution of Structural Engineers is the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in structural engineering. It has 27,000 members in 105 countries.
: The Institute of Highway Engineers (formerly the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers) is the professional institution for practitioners in highway and traffic engineering offering Engineering Council registration and professional development support.