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Course overview

Who is this course for?

Are you fascinated by the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures? Do you want to be part of the team responsible for designing and building impressive feats of engineering?

At its core, structural engineering is about creating safe, efficient, and innovative structures that can stand the test of time. By studying structural engineering, you’ll learn to use science and mathematics to design and analyse structures, and develop a deep understanding of the materials and techniques for construction.

What knowledge will I gain?

ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ing structural engineering will provide you with a wide range of skills that can be applied in various industries. Use mathematical and physical principles to design and analyse structures. Learn about topics such as statics, dynamics, mechanics and materials.

Understand the properties and behaviour of different materials such as steel, concrete, wood and masonry and how they react to different loads and stresses.

Learn how to analyse the strength and stability of structures as well as how to design structures to withstand various loads and environmental factors.

Why should I choose ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´?

Hear from Georgia Thermou, Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering at the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´, as she discusses her research, what makes the MSc programmes in the Department of Civil Engineering unique, and potential career paths for master's students.

Why choose this course?

Top 100

for civil and structural engineering

7th

in the UK for research power

REF 2021

Top 100

university in the world

3rd

most targeted university by top UK employers, and have been top 10 since 2013

The Graduate Market, High Fliers Research 2026

Course content

The course integrates theory, application and design. Theory will be introduced alongside its application using in advanced software and computer modelling, in structural engineering and in BIM, so that you can see how it relates to real-world problems.

Structural design is a core element of the course, providing you with the opportunity to extend your knowledge of steel and concrete structures. Tall buildings and bridges provide further opportunities for you to integrate advanced analysis with design in a practical context.

Modules

Computational Structural Analysis

The module will introduce concepts of linear and nonlinear finite element theory for structural engineering. Content will involve finite element formulation, i.e. bar, beam, plane stress, plane strain and plate/ shell elements as well as their implementation within the direct stiffness method. Aspects of material and geometrical nonlinearities will be examined.  Load, displacement, and general control nonlinear static analysis schemes will also be examined and implemented for the solution of finite element problems. Concepts will be practiced through a software. 

Advanced Structural Design

Students will be presented with a challenging design problem and will first review possible solutions using specialised structural engineering techniques such as composite beams and floors, portal frames, tubular trusses, and pre-stressed concrete beams and slabs. They will then select specific solutions to investigate in greater depth, considering how the systems can be modelled and how they are treated within design codes. They will then present their evaluation of the different options and propose a solution to be worked up in detail. The module will emphasise student centred learning.

Bridge Engineering

This module introduces bridge engineering, covering the classification of bridges, details of bridge components, bridge erection methods, the design process, and structural considerations. The types of actions applied to bridges, as well as the different types of connections between superstructure and substructure, will be analysed. Furthermore, the substructure and superstructure will be designed to resist typical loads. 

Civil Engineering Project

This is the major project element for all MSc plans in the Department of Civil Engineering. It will normally take the form of an in-depth investigation. The detailed technical content of the module will depend on the specific area under examination. The project must include an element of management related principles. 

Contextual Topics in Civil Engineering

This is a compulsory course for all students studying an MSc in the Department of Civil Engineering. The course provides an introduction into important aspects affecting the professional practice of Civil Engineering and facilitates the development of knowledge and skills required to understand and address the prevalent challenges within the Civil Engineering industry, including identifying the existing state-of-the-art solutions and communicating the findings. The module will incorporate a mixture of learning environments/resources to communicate potential solutions related to the existing challenges within the Civil Engineering sector. 

Technical writing and project preparation

This compulsory course for all MSc students in the Department of Civil Engineering introduces key aspects of research in the discipline and develops the knowledge and skills required for the summer Civil Engineering project. The module makes use of a range of learning approaches and focused on undertaking and critically reviewing existing literature. 

BIM and Digital Construction - Group Design Project

This module focuses on the integration of digital technologies into the construction industry. It covers the fundamental concepts, principles, standards, adoptions and implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Furthermore, the module introduces Digital Twins (DTs), Smart Sensors (e.g., Internet of Things (IoT)), construction automation, digital built asset and project management (costing, planning and control). These are explored in the context of construction project lifecycle, from conceptual design to post-construction. Students will work on a BIM-based design project that implements one or more of these digital technologies. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 03 July 2026.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Computer labs
  • Workshops
  • Supervision
  • Self-study
  • Group study
  • Tutorials

This programme will allow you to develop a detailed theoretical understanding of structural engineering, and how to apply that understanding to practical design situations and the response of structures to various loads, such as winds.

How you will be assessed

  • Written exam
  • Group coursework
  • Group project
  • Presentation
  • Dissertation

A range of assessment methods are adopted, with a pass mark of 50%. To attain the accredited MSc degree, students must pass 100 credits of their taught modules (comprising 120 credits) and have a weighted average of at least 50%. The Civil Engineering Project module must be passed to attain the accredited MSc degree. 

Contact time and study hours

Teaching on this course takes place throughout the week during term-time, with a 10-credit taught module usually having three hours of lecture time per week (six hours for a 20-credit module). Self-guided learning is an expectation on the course, with an expectation that students nominally dedicate approximately 10 hours of work per credit over the course of the term. Each student will work closely with a member of academic staff who will provide general guidance and support as well as specific instruction related to the student's chosen area for the summer project. 

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2027 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 in relevant subject. Applicants need to have studied structural analysis and structural design in each year of their undergraduate programme.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £13,800
International £34,000

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

The blend of academic study and development of practical and professional skills that the course provides is an ideal preparation for the future challenges of working in a multidisciplinary environment. Graduates of this course will be highly sought after and will be suitable to enter into a professional career related to the field of structural and civil engineering.

Institution of Structural Engineers

  • This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators of the , , and .

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

  • This MSc is accredited by the (ICE), the  and by the  on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer
  • You'll need to hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree to comply with full Chartered Engineer registration requirements

The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)

  • This MSc is accredited by the (ICE), the  and by the on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
  • You'll need to hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree to comply with full Chartered Engineer registration requirements.

Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)

  • This MSc is accredited by the (ICE), the  and by the on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
  • You'll need to hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree to comply with full Chartered Engineer registration requirements.

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators of the , , and .

It is accredited 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. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

Related courses

This content was last updated on Friday 03 July 2026. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.