Structural Engineering with Management MSc
About this course
This course focuses on enhancing the key management skills required of leaders in civil engineering and construction. Through it you'll explore the sustainability, management and environmental impact of structural engineering and applied technical themes.
Through an application of engineering principles in structural and building construction, you’ll gain a strong understanding of the design, management and construction of structures. You'll also develop an advanced approach to research methods, enabling you to appreciate and understand the continually changing issues in civil engineering project management, design and construction.
Who is this course designed for?
Our MSc Structural Engineering with Management course is suitable for professionals working in construction-related industries, who aspire to senior management positions. Additionally, it's suitable for BSc (Hons) and BEng (Hons) undergraduate students looking to progress to study a technical postgraduate programme. The skills and knowledge gained on this course will open up opportunities for application to senior technical and middle/senior management positions.
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This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) and 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. -
2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024). -
100% of Civil Engineering with Management students would recommend studying at Nottingham Trent University to others (PTES, 2024). -
Our study routes support part-time learners who wish to balance employment with further study. Academic support and guidance is in place to help students who are returning to study after extended periods in employment.
The course is accredited, under license from the Engineering Council, by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), which represents the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT). The course is due for reaccreditation by the JBM during the 2021/22 academic year to cover intakes from 2022 onwards.
Part of our postgraduate civil engineering suite
We have a suite of postgraduate civil and structural engineering courses. Take a look at our course comparison table to help find the right course for you.
What you’ll study
Our MSc Structural Engineering with Management course is formed of eight taught modules, totalling 180 credit points. The modules’ credit points are weighted based on the total time you can expect to spend studying the module content, both in terms of contact hours and non-contact hours. You will study six common modules with our MSc Structural Engineering with Materials course (including the research project/dissertation).
Full-time students will study the modules over the course of one year. Part-time students will study four modules in Year One, and four modules (including the research project/dissertation) in Year Two.
Common modules
- Advanced Structural Engineering
- Research Project/Dissertation
- Contemporary Themes in Structural Engineering
- Advanced Structural Analysis
- Finite Element Analysis
- Analysis and Design of Specialised Infrastructure
Other core modules
- Managing Organisations and Projects in Civil Engineering
- Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics
- Lean Construction
Advanced Structural Engineering
15 credit points
- This module provides an understanding of the fundamental principles of structural elements design, according to Eurocodes. It covers advanced aspects of structural engineering design of box beams for long-span bridges, steel-concrete composite beams, and structural elements for bridges and buildings.
- The module intends to provide best practice requirements for the fire-resistance design of structures. A review of case studies where movements (dimensional variations) caused severe cracking or failure will be investigated.
- The module aim is to provide a background in the design of structures and an understanding on advanced topics in the subject with the use of new concepts, construction techniques and materials.
- The module will be delivered via lectures and seminars, and assessed via coursework and an exam.
Research Project/Dissertation
60 credit points
- The aim of this module is to manage and produce an extended piece of work, which draws upon extensive and deep knowledge of primary and secondary source material, to investigate a complex problem.
- You will define an appropriate project scope and review a selection of published works, pertinent to your investigation. Using a methodology that you have proposed, you will collect primary data, and secondary data, analysing the results and interpreting numerical outputs, to derive meaning from the data and draw appropriate conclusions. The output will be a substantial dissertation based upon your investigation, which will presented in writing.
- The chosen topic should aim to integrate your learn, show well-developed research skills, show your ability to analyse and evaluate, and bring your own perspective to an unfamiliar and complex problem.
- This module will be primarily self-directed, supported by a series of lectures and seminars relating to research methods, and one-to-one tutorials with your project/dissertation supervisor.
Contemporary Themes in Structural Engineering
15 credit points
This module evaluates some contemporary themes in structural engineering, including railway track systems, earthquake engineering, structural forms and structural optimisation. It aims to:
- Provide advanced understanding of highly specialised areas within structural engineering, such as track systems and structural forms.
- Optimise the design of structures using seismic analysis.
- Develop the skills to select and use relevant computer programmes for solving problems related to specialised topics in structural engineering.
- Develop the skills to apply various design codes and an ability to establish and evaluate them critically.
This module will be delivered via lectures, seminars and computer labs, and assessed via coursework, including a report and oral presentation.
Advanced Structural Analysis
15 credit points
This module gives an introduction to the more specialised topics within structural analysis and the design field, including the stiffness method, plastic analysis, plate analysis and dynamic analysis of structures. It aims to:
- Provide the necessary tools for carrying out more refined structural analysis.
- Develop your ability to apply pertinent engineering concepts and mathematical knowledge for modelling structural systems.
- Develop a better understanding of the behaviour and performance of more complex structural systems.
- Develop skills to use structural analysis software for solving problems, and comparing the results with manual calculations.
This module will be delivered via lectures, seminars, computer labs and workshops, and assessed via coursework and an exam.
Finite Element Analysis
15 credit points
- In this module, you will evaluate the Finite Element Method (FEM) for its application to obtain an approximate solution, for the analysis of complex structural problems. You will be introduced to the theory behind FEM, how to derive the governing differential equations, and how to apply the method in sample structural problems. You will be introduced to proprietary FEM software - a leading engineering analysis tool that uses a comprehensive element technology, extensive library of material models and advanced post-processing capability.
- The aim of the module is to provide you with the intellectual tools necessary to use proprietary FEM software, enabling you to produce computer models of various complex structural problems in order to obtain approximate numerical solutions.
- You will learn how to use the advanced post-processing capability of the software to produce reports. As part of the module, you will be required to produce solutions for two small projects, which will be assessed for your ability to apply, refine and develop computer models to solve structural problems, and to generate reports supported with the appropriate graphs and data.
- This module will be delivered via lectures, seminars and computer labs, and assessed via coursework.
Analysis and Design of Specialised Infrastructure
15 credit points
This module engages the student with advanced study of the principles, analysis and design aspects relating to the design of infrastructure such as roads, airfields, ports and industrial ground floors.
The module aims to:
- Critically appraise the fundamental scientific and engineering principles of infrastructure design.
- Appraise and contrast conflicting theories that underpin the application of design techniques.
- Make judgements based on skills and knowledge to apply various design codes and be able to evaluate them critically.
- Evaluate alternative design strategies and be able to critically select an appropriate design strategy in accordance with design requirements.
Managing Organisations and Projects in Civil Engineering
The module is intended to provide prospective civil engineers with an understanding of the complex political, cultural, economic and financial environments within which civil engineering, architectural design and construction organisations operate at both a strategic organisational and individual project level. In doing so it will explore:
- The strategic needs and capabilities required to plan and manage a business in complex environments such as Learning from manufactures, Lean thinking, VM.
- Project and risk management.
- A range of different management techniques and tools
Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics
15 credit points
- This module provides students with an understanding of fundamental aspects of structural dynamics and earthquake engineering. It familiarises students with skills for analysing the seismic response of structures subjected to earthquake excitations using structural dynamics principles.
- Background knowledge in engineering seismology including seismic design principles will be covered to provide a comprehensive perspective to the topic and to provide a sound understanding of the rationale behind seismic codes.
This module will be delivered via a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminar groups and tutorials, and assessed via project work, including a submission, a portfolio and a presentation.
Lean Construction
15 credit points
- This module will introduce you to the concept of lean thinking, and how it applies to construction and design. Using project simulations and real life examples, you'll be introduced to the philosophy of lean construction, and the key underlying principles.
- You'll explore the likely benefits of transforming your construction culture, along with steps to adopt the lean construction process.
- This module will be delivered via a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, simulations and case studies, and assessed via a project and an exam.
The course of delivery will be given to you at the beginning of the year. The course team reserves the right to reschedule, but will give reasonable notice when that becomes necessary.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
A wide range of teaching and learning methods are used to deliver course content. In most modules, you’ll take part in sessions of key point lectures, supported by study guides and other literature. Live site visits and laboratory sessions will support your lecture and seminar-based learning.
Many modules include presentations by external industry specialists, to provide a real-life perspective on the module content. Some modules also include laboratory investigations and computer applications. Non-contact hours include direct out-of-classroom reading and activities, and independent learning and reading is deemed necessary to achieve the learning outcomes for the course.
Study trips
Field trips and study visits play a part in your learning. Trips may include site visits to live construction projects and local partners. Where a trip is mandatory it will be aligned to your modules and inform project work, and substantive costs – including travel and accommodation – will be paid for by the school.
Balancing work and study with our full-time or part-time study options
All of our taught postgraduate civil engineering courses are offered either as a full-time or part-time study route. Full-time study typically takes one year, but there is the option of extending this to two years, and the part-time route takes between two and five years to complete.
The part-time route is suitable for students in full-time employment. We offer weekend delivery for various modules which is popular with employers, as it tailors study requirements to sit comfortably alongside employment.
Delivery options
- Midweek delivery
Modules are taught for up to two days a week, for thirteen weeks and are run in parallel with other midweek modules, enabling you to study more than one module a week.
- Weekend delivery
Some modules will be delivered over four intensive weekends. These modules will be delivered consecutively, and in parallel with the midweek delivered modules.
Most of the modules delivered at weekends in one year, will be delivered as weekday modules the following year, and vice-versa.
Full-time students will be studying a mixture of midweek and weekend delivery modules, whereas it is likely that part-time students will opt to predominantly study weekend delivery modules.
How you're assessed
Assessment methods vary from module to module, however assignments and case studies form a significant part of the assessment process. You may also be required to develop reports and designs for assessment.
Assignments may be essays, case studies, reports and designs. They are investigative in nature, enabling you to develop principles, analyse, critically appraise and evaluate relevant issues, demonstrating your creativity and sustainable thinking.
Careers and employability
Mentoring and support
During your research project/dissertation, full-time students will be allocated an NTU supervisor, whilst part-time students will have the chance to be mentored by a nominated Employer Tutor alongside their NTU supervisor. This will probably be a line manager who will be willing to act as a mentor to you during the course, supporting you throughout the course and specifically during the Research Project/Dissertation module. The Employer Tutor will also be a point of contact, and represent your employer to discuss your progress.
Course accreditation
This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators of the Engineering Council, satisfying the educational requirements necessary for advancement to Chartered Engineer status with the following professional bodies:- the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and the Institution of Highway Engineers (IHE), and will give you the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to progress into a senior management role in civil engineering.
Your employability
Students from this course will graduate with improved professional and technical skills to operate at senior positions in the construction industry. Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links with industry. Graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of national and international organisations in senior positions in both the consulting and contracting fields. Alternatively, some graduates have chosen to continue within the education sector and embarked on PhD studies.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From geotechnical design to sustainable energy systems, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
What our students are doing now
NTU apprentice wins the ICE International Emerging Engineers Award
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) apprentice and senior civil engineer at Dice Consulting Engineers, George Grant, has been named the winner of this international engineering contest.
Civil Engineering alumni celebrate 40 years since graduating
NTU students reach Grand Final of Engineers Without Borders’ People Design Challenge
Campus and facilities
Facilities for Civil Engineering students
The School has a range of specialist industry-standard facilities to enable you to maximise your development and apply your project work to practice. These include dedicated concrete, materials, hydraulics, geotechnical and technology labs and structural testing equipment.
See a full gallery of facilities used by our civil engineering students.
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City Campus, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage, and high-speed online printing services (with a free printing allowance for each student).
Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.
Books and library resources
In the library, you will have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the Built Environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.
You'll also benefit from a liaison librarian, who has specialist subject knowledge. They can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources and also support on things such as Harvard referencing and research skills.
Entry requirements
UK students
Academic entry requirements: 2:2 honours degree in civil engineering or an appropriate built environment subject area.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Additional requirements for UK students
Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience
We will also consider applicants with the following qualifications:
- Postgraduate diploma, or equivalent academic achievement in civil engineering or appropriate built environment subject area.
Applying with industry experience
- Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. Assessment of your experience will confirm that you have achieved the necessary skills in the course of your general experience.
- If you are applying for the part-time mode, you would typically have two to three years’ experience, and have the support of your employer who will wish to integrate study and projects into your day-to-day work.
- You will probably be employed on significant infrastructure, and civil engineering and/or building works, either as a direct employee of local or national government, or in the private sector. You will likely have experience of developing and coordinating significant infrastructure, and civil engineering or building projects.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 2:2 honours degree in civil engineering or an appropriate built environment subject area.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
