Structural engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering which deals with the design, form and creation of large architectural structures such as buildings and bridges. Structural engineers are concerned with the strength, rigidity and safety of building materials and designs.
In some regions, additional considerations might include earthquake or hurricane safety. You may study structural engineering as a degree in its own right or as part of a broader civil engineering degree.
Another common option is to study structural engineering and architecture as a dual honours degree. Whichever type of degree you choose, you’ll need a strong aptitude for maths and physics to enrol.
Successful graduates of structural engineering can find work in well-paid jobs worldwide. Courses related to structural engineering include architecture, building surveying and civil engineering.
Studying structural engineering abroad at the undergraduate level usually takes four years. This may vary depending on your study destination, degree and mode of study. To become a chartered structural engineer, you must ensure your course is approved by a relevant accreditation body.
Upon graduation, you will then need to register with the regulatory body in the country in which you want to practise. In the UK, this is the Institution of Structural Engineers. Structural engineering can be studied as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, postgraduate diploma and PhD level.
A university degree in structural engineering is usually taught as a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials alongside group work, site visits and individual research projects. You may also have the opportunity to take part in an industrial work placement to enhance your practical and real-world knowledge of the discipline.
Some areas that you may cover in your structural engineering degree include:
1. Construction
2. Engineering mathematics
3. Fire engineering
4. Geology and hydrology
5. Geotechnical design
6. Soil mechanics and foundations
7. Structural design
8. Structural mechanics and materials
Types of structures you may choose to specialise in as a structural engineer include buildings, bridges, pipelines, skyscrapers and spacecraft.
To study structural engineering abroad, you must meet basic entry requirements. These will differ depending on the institution, but broadly speaking, for a BEng degree in structural engineering, you will need:
1. Three A-Levels (or equivalent qualification)
2. Grades equivalent to minimum BBB at A-Level / International Baccalaureate score of 32 points. However, this entry requirement does tend to vary significantly between universities.
3. An A-Level or equivalent qualification in maths or physics.
The language skills you require to study structural engineering overseas will vary between universities and may even depend on the level you are studying at.
But generally speaking, you’ll need an overall IELTS score in the region of 6.0 to 7.0 (or equivalent). Remember to check with your prospective university that your existing qualifications will be accepted before you apply.
If you dream of studying structural engineering as an international student, why not explore some of the best institutions for the subject? According to the QS World University Rankings by subject, the best universities in the world for civil and structural engineering are:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
2. Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)
3. University of California, Berkeley (USA)
4. National University of Singapore (Singapore)
5. ETH, Zurich (Switzerland)
If you want to study structural engineering in Australia, the QS World University Rankings by subject states the best Australian universities for civil and structural engineering are:
1. University of New South Wales
2. University of Sydney
3. University of Melbourne
Or consider studying in New Zealand, where the best institutions for civil and structural engineering, according to the QS World University Rankings by subject, are:
1. University of Auckland
2. University of Canterbury
As urbanisation and the need for safe infrastructure increases, structural engineers continue to be in high demand globally. As a result, it is a profession with great job security and the potential to earn a substantial salary. In the UK, a graduate structural engineering trainee will earn an average starting salary of GBP 26,000. Within five years, this may increase to GBP 45,000, with the potential to earn even more with further experience and/or qualifications.
To become a chartered engineer and have the potential for maximum career progression as a structural engineer, you will need to have attained a master’s degree in civil or structural engineering, which is accredited by the relevant regulatory body in the country you wish to practise.
You may also have to register separately within the country or state. Structural engineers are most commonly employed by engineering consultancy firms, but you may also be employed by:
1. Air or spacecraft manufacturers
2. Local authorities
3. Oil and gas companies
4. Rail companies
As a chartered engineer, you may also set up your own consultancy business. A degree in structural engineering may also assist you in jobs in architecture or building surveying.