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Contemporary Themes in Structural Engineering

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  • Level of study:
    Professional
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    5 February 2026
  • Duration:
    Thursday mornings or afternoons (term-time only)
  • Attendance:
    Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (City Campus)
Bridge in the countryside

About this course

This course evaluates some contemporary themes in structural engineering including railway track systems, earthquake engineering, structural forms and structural optimisation.

Course dates: 5 February 2026 - 30 April 2026

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • comprehensively explain and critique engineering principles
  • produce computer-based models to systematically assess a wide range of contemporary structural engineering problems and challenges - and be aware of their limitations
  • appraise the design process across a range of themes, and adapt techniques and solutions to a wide range of applications
  • evaluate (and endeavour to improve) health and safety issues as they relate to structural engineering and construction practice
  • explain and debate with technical and policy-based evidence, complex sustainability and environmental issues related to structural engineering, and develop strategies and procedures which take them into account.

A CPD certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course.

Successful completion can also contribute 15 credits towards a postgraduate award.

  • Accelerate your career

    Gain new skills and knowledge that are relevant to the industry today.

  • Part-time learning

    Attend one session per week and fit your studies around your busy work schedule.

  • Expert tutors

    Learn from those who have bring industry experience, teaching skills and research to their subject.

  • Study for credit or certificate

    Gain a certificate that confirms your CPD hours, or build credit towards a qualification in the future.

This course will include:

  • the structural aspects of railway track systems such as track gauge, loading and types of sleepers
  • methods of structural analysis of typical railway track systems: One, two and three dimensional structural modelling of track system for stress and deformation calculations
  • earthquake engineering of structures: basic definitions of earthquake terms such as intensity and magnitude of earthquake, wave propagation and epicentre
  • the static and dynamic analysis of structures subject to earthquake loading
  • design considerations of structural components to resist earthquake loading
  • structural forms: skeleton and mass structures, reciprocal frames, domes, shells, tension structures
  • structural optimisation: fundamental concept and definitions of optimisation (objective function, design variables, side and behaviour constraints)
  • methods of structural optimisation: Linear and non linear programming, heuristic and genetic algorithms techniques applicable to structural design optimisation.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

How you're taught

Teaching and learning will take place using a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials.

Who will teach you?

  • Ayad Aldeka

    Senior Lecturer

    Ayad Aldeka is a Civil Engineer with a PhD in Earthquake Engineering. He teaches Advanced Structural Design and Structural Dynamics to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Civil Engineering students at NTU.

    Visit Ayad Aldeka 's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

You should have a minimum of three years’ professional experience and have the support of your employer to integrate study and projects into your day-to-day work.

You will probably be employed on significant infrastructure or building works, with experience of developing and coordinating projects.

If you wish to receive credit, you should also have a 2:2 honours degree in a construction-related subject.

Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International students

You should have a minimum of three years’ professional experience and have the support of your employer to integrate study and projects into your day-to-day work.

You will probably be employed on significant infrastructure or building works, with experience of developing and coordinating projects.

If you wish to receive credit, you should also have a 2:2 honours degree in a construction-related subject.

Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

The fee for this course is £1,150.

Payment is due before the course starts.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

The fee for this course is £1,150.

Payment is due before the course starts.

Careers and employability

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

Applying

UK students

Please read the guidance notes and complete the application form.

You should then email your form to be considered by the academic team.

Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

If you have any questions about how to apply, contact the short course team:

Apply now

International students

Please read the guidance notes and complete the application form.

You should then email your form to be considered by the academic team.

Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

If you have any questions about how to apply, contact the short course team:

Application support

If you have any questions, just drop us a line – we’re here to help every step of the way. You can fill in our online form or give us a call on +44 (0)115 848 2999.

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Keeping in touch

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