MSc Structural Engineering / Course details

Year of entry: 2023

Course description

This MSc in Structural Engineering comprises eight taught course units worth 15 credits each and a research dissertation worth 60 credits.

The taught units cover advanced aspects of theory and design relevant to the static and dynamic behaviour of structures in steel and concrete. Specialist aspects such as seismic and fire engineering are also covered. Additionally the course provides an introduction to finite element modelling, experimental work and research methods.

A particular highlight of the taught component of the course is studying the behaviour and design of structures against extreme loading including fire and earthquake, which is taught by internationally leading researchers and engineers. 

As a large multi-disciplinary engineering department, MACE has academic staff who are experts in a broad range of research areas and have a wide spread of professional experience in industry.

Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD), the University of Manchester's  new £400m purpose built home for engineering and material science , is nearing completion. The physical move to the new development is scheduled to take place between January 2022 and December 2022. Whilst it is anticipated that access to equipment, or work on projects for which such access is required may be limited during the period of the move, plans are underway to ensure that any disruption caused is minimised, a wide selection of dissertation projects will continue to be available, and excellent student experience remains pivotal. If you have any questions about how the move may affect you, please contact  pg-mace@manchester.ac.uk  

Teaching and learning

Traditional lecture and tutorial-based teaching is supported by well-equipped laboratories for demonstrations and for experimental work and all taught units are also supported within a modern e-learning environment.  Dissertation research provides our students with training in research by investigating a novel and complex problem under the personal supervision of a MACE academic experienced in supervision for higher research degrees. Our teaching and learning philosophy involves teaching our students advanced techniques and supporting them to apply their knowledge to solve problems both in a research context and in industry when they graduate from The University of Manchester.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Experimental Methods (MSc Structural Engineering) AERO61021 15 Mandatory
Dissertation CIVL60000 60 Mandatory
Advanced Structural Analysis CIVL60012 15 Mandatory
Principles of Structural Engineering Design CIVL60031 15 Mandatory
Earthquake Engineering CIVL60912 15 Mandatory
Practice of Structural Engineering Design CIVL63052 15 Mandatory
Fire Engineering CIVL64042 15 Mandatory
Research Methods MECH60041 15 Mandatory
Finite Elements MECH60561 15 Mandatory

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk