Earthquake Engineering MSc

An earthquake engineering demonstration.
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Earthquake Engineering

Learn to analyse, design and assess structures under seismic action and extreme conditions.

Study the analysis, design and assessment of structures under seismic action and extreme conditions

Learn alongside industry experts in the largest and most highly rated civil engineering department in the UK

Undertake a group conceptual design project and develop your technical and practical engineering skills

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in Civil Engineering, Natural Sciences, Earth Sciences or other numerate subject

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Undertake comprehensive training in the analysis, design and assessment of structures under seismic actions on this one-year MSc course.

You'll explore a broad range of issues related to structural engineering, earthquake engineering, engineering seismology, soil dynamics and advanced numerical techniques.

This course covers both theoretical background knowledge and practical design considerations to enhance your skills for further PhD study or a future career in this field.

Suitable for both practising engineers and recent graduates, this programme aims to produce graduates equipped to pursue careers in seismic analysis and design in industry, the public sector and non-governmental organisations.

You'll also benefit from insights from those working at the forefront of this critical area of engineering, including guest lectures from visiting professors and eminent industrialists.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all of the core modules and complete a design project.

Core modules

You’ll choose three modules from the options listed.

Optional modules

In the summer term, you’ll undertake a design project dissertation with regular guidance from a College supervisor, by private study or by arrangement at your place of employment.

This work will also incorporate a conceptual group project.

Professional accreditation

This MSc degree is accredited on behalf of the Engineering Council by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising:

  • Institution of Civil Engineers
  • Institution of Structural Engineers
  • Institute of Highway Engineers
  • Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
  • Permanent Way Institution

This degree is recognised 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**. 

Registering as a Chartered Engineer will improve your career prospects and provide higher earning potential. It will also help to demonstrate your commitment to professional standards, the engineering profession and sustainable development.

Our accreditation agreement with members of the Joint Board of Moderators is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement is due to be renewed in 2026.

**Candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited Bachelor's degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Independent study

  • 25% Lectures and seminars
  • 75% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • In-class quiz
    Online quizzes
  • Computer sessions
  • A group of people interacting
    Group exercises
  • Design project blueprints
    Design projects
  • Books for research studies
    Research project
  • Slide-based presentations
  • Code on a computer screen
    Programming code
  • Summary reports
  • Individual research project
    Individual research dissertation

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework and examinations
  • Project

  • 13% Coursework
  • 87% Examinations

Assessment methods

  • Individual and group coursework assignments
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • Research dissertation or detailed design project
  • A group of people interacting
    Group conceptual design project
  • Group projects and presentations

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025

Tuition fees

Home fee

Full-time

£18,500

2 years, part-time

£9,250per year

3 years, part-time

£6,167per year

Fees are charged by year of entry to the university and not year of study.

Overseas fee

Full-time

£42,900

2 years, part-time

£21,450per year

3 years, part-time

£14,300per year

Fees are charged by year of entry to the university and not year of study.

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Person in a bubble surrounded by 4 skills

Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for a career in earthquake engineering or similar fields.

Computer with Pencil Compass and Ruler

Cover theoretical background and practical design considerations on this career-oriented course.

Management organisational chart

These include management, modelling, analysis, problem-solving, and report writing.

Hand holding a branch of three leaves

Meet some of the UK's leading academics and industry experts from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Graduate Cap above rolled Degree

Around 15% of Imperial Civil and Environmental Engineering graduates choose to do further study.

Briefcase with a hand below it

Over 75% go into employment in areas as diverse as geotechnical engineering, transport planning and environmental consultancy.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications