MSc STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

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.

If you'd like any further information, please contact the course leader Ottavia Rispoli at rispolio@lsbu.ac.uk.

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.
93% satisfaction rate among current students (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023).
Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
ModeFull-time Duration13 months Start dateSeptember Application code3994 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time Duration24 months Start dateSeptember Application code3995 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time Duration16 months Start dateJanuary Application code5352 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time Duration28 months Start dateJanuary Application code5353 Application method Direct to LSBU

Course Accreditations

  • ENGC

Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

  • 2:2 UK BEng Honours Degree in a relevant discipline or international equivalent; or
  • 2:1 UK BSc Honours Degree in a relevant discipline or international equivalent; or
  • Substantial work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

United Kingdom

£11000

Tuition fees for home students

International

£16000

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

  • Part-time

    part-time

    MSc Structural Engineering (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £4888.89 International fee: £7111.11
    AOS/LSBU code: 3995 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £11000
    International: £16000

    MSc Structural Engineering (PT) (JAN) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4662.22 International fee: £6888.88
    AOS/LSBU code: 5353 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £10490
    International: £15500

    MSc Structural Engineering (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £6111.11 International fee: £8888.89
    AOS/LSBU code: 3995 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £11000
    International: £16000

    MSc Structural Engineering (PT) (JAN) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £5827.78 International fee: £8611.11
    AOS/LSBU code: 5353 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £10490
    International: £15500
  • Full-time

    full-time

    MSc Structural Engineering (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £11000 International fee: £16000
    AOS/LSBU code: 3994 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Structural Engineering (FT) (JAN) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £11000 International fee: £15500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5352 Session code: 1FS00

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

International students

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

Home

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Mode Full-time Duration 13 months Start date September Application code 3994 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time Duration 24 months Start date September Application code 3995 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time Duration 16 months Start date January Application code 5352 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time Duration 28 months Start date January Application code 5353 Application method Direct to LSBU

Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).

Accommodation

Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.

Prepare to start

We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.

Enrolment

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.

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, Ottavia Rispoli at rispolio@lsbu.ac.uk

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 titleAssessment
Advanced Structural Design70% Examination30% Coursework
Finite Elements and Stress Analysis50% Examination50% Coursework
Soil-Structure Engineering70% Examination30% Coursework
Advanced Computing and Structural Simulation100% Coursework
Masonry and Timber Engineering70% Examination30% Coursework
Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering70% Examination30% Coursework
Project (three modules value)100% Coursework

Careers

Employability Service

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:

  • Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
  • 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.
  • LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

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

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.

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.*

Institute of Civil Engineers logo
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.
Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation logo
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.
Institute of Structural Engineers
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.
Institute of Highway Engineers logo
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.
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Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500

International team enquiry

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7815 6189