General Structural Engineering MSc

The Structural Testing Lab at Imperial.
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

General Structural Engineering

Explore the broad spectrum of structural engineering issues affecting civil engineering structures.

Explore the broad spectrum of structural engineering issues affecting civil engineering structures

Receive expert engineering insights from leaders in industry

Develop the advanced analytical and numerical skills required for a career in civil engineering

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

Receive advanced training in the design, analysis, assessment and evaluation of concrete, steel and composite structures on this one-year accredited Master's course.

You'll gain a comprehensive grounding in key topics related to the mechanics and design of steel and concrete structures, with a particular focus on advanced analytical and numerical techniques.

Whether you are a practising engineer with several years' experience or a recent graduate, this degree will equip you with the skills required to pursue a career in structural engineering design and analysis, or further study at PhD level.

Choosing your stream

You have the option of choosing between two streams. You should consider which stream is right for you according to your career aims and background. If an offer of admission is made, it will correspond to a specific stream. Switching streams is not possible once you have commenced your studies.

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 these core modules.

Core modules

You’ll choose seven 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

  • 18% Coursework
  • 82% 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?

Lightbulb

Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for a structural engineering career.

Microscope

Get practical experience in a laboratory, learn advanced research techniques, and develop management and communication skills

Briefcase with a hand below it

You’ll be highly sought after for employment in a range of diverse professions, from public, private and third sector organisations.

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