Structural Engineering MSc

at Coventry University

Why you should study this course

Coventry University offers modern facilities in our High Performance Engineering Centre, including construction site management simulation.
 

• The course is developed and delivered by academic lecturers and guest speakers (subject to availability) in collaboration with civil engineering employers, such as Underground Professional Services and Morgan Sindall.
• The course is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and practices, together with methods used to analyse, design, test and monitor structural engineering systems, materials and structural performance.
• From concept to construction, we aim to cover the technical skills required to analyse, design and develop sound solutions to structural engineering projects. Using case studies, practical sessions, simulation labs and site visits to live projects (subject to availability), you will have the opportunity to apply engineering principles and use computer modelling techniques to analyse complex engineering systems, gaining valuable experience of the work you will be able to carry out in an industrial context.
   

What you'll study

You will have the opportunity to learn the laboratory testing procedures and techniques used to assess material and structural performance, using modern and upgraded loading equipment automated with data loggers, saturated and unsaturated stress path soil testing apparatus and commercial civil engineering material mixing and synthesising equipment.

The course culminates in a technical research project, during which you can apply the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired so far from your academic training on real structural problems. Previous research projects have covered a wide range of topics, including: human structure interaction problems in long span, hybrid and slender structures; non-conventional reinforcement design for rigid pavements and overlays; the effects of joints rigidity on steel frames; and study of fire performance of post-tensioning concrete slab buildings.

Modules
 

• Connection Design - 15 credits

  This module aims to extend your previously acquired knowledge of structural design of steel structures, empowering you to tackle structural designs of greater complexity. You should develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of design techniques for complex steel connections, as well as demonstrate expertise in their application.

  Compulsory
   

• Applied Finite Element Analysis - 15 credits

  This module is designed to extend your previously acquired knowledge of applied numerical methods. You should develop and apply knowledge and understanding of advanced methods of computer modelling and analysis and demonstrate expertise in their usage.

  Compulsory
   

• Soil-Structure Interaction - 15 credits

  This module aims to provide you with the technical knowledge and skills to develop the analytical, decision-making and critical powers required to solve soil-structure interaction problems with Ground Engineering, along with the transferable skills to enable a leading career in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering). This module focuses on delivered lectures, problem solving and experimental testing sessions.

  Compulsory
   

• Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering - 15 credits

  This module aims to extend your previously acquired knowledge of structural analysis. You should develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of advanced methods of analysis and demonstrate competence in their application to earthquake engineering. The module deals with structural vibrations with emphasis on advanced applications of analysis and implications for design.

  Compulsory
   

• Plastic Theory of Structures - 15 credits

  This module aims to extend your previously acquired knowledge of structural mechanics and design principles for the plastic analysis of structures, including steel beams, steel frames and concrete slabs. You should develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of advanced techniques and demonstrate expertise in their application.

  Compulsory
   

• Pre-stressed and Composite Structures - 15 credits

  This module is aimed to give you a deeper insight and understanding into the fundamental principles and theory about the structural behaviour and design criteria of prestressed concrete and composite structures. The module introduces the fundamental principles and methods of prestressing.

  Compulsory
   

• Structural Health and Performance Assessment - 15 credits

  This module is aimed to give you an understanding of fundamentals of structural health and performance issues of civil structures. It explores structural health and performance monitoring techniques, state-of-the-art data acquisition and analysis.

  Compulsory
   

• Integrated Project - 15 credits

  The project calls for the application of academic knowledge (some gained during master’s level study, some from previous education), engineering judgment, professional skills and personal resourcefulness to analyse challenging civil engineering / construction problems in a comprehensive manner and propose well justified and presented solutions.

  Compulsory
   

• Technical Research Project - 50 credits

  This module is specifically designated to satisfy the requirement of accreditation for a Technical MSc course as specified by the Joint Board of Moderators. This module will develop your research and investigative skills by carrying out an independent investigation into a technical area of Civil Engineering under the supervision of a member of academic staff experienced in the field.

  Compulsory
   

• Supporting to Transition to Postgraduate Study - 0 credits

  The module aims to assist and prepare you in the transition to postgraduate education by developing your academic skills to improve and enhance your personal effectiveness as a learner. The module will look at areas such as critical reading, academic writing and referencing skills.

  Compulsory
   

• Preparing to Research - 0 credits

  This module is designed to provide additional support before undertaking your final research project. It provides a mechanism to support the scoping of the research and will reinforce knowledge of research design and methods and aim to ensure their effective application to your area of interest.

  Compulsory
   

• Leading Diverse Workforces - 10 credits

  This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategically diverse and inclusive way. You will be given the opportunity to develop strategic priorities for leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion.

  Compulsory

• Normal entry requires a minimum 2:2 UK or overseas undergraduate honour's degree in Civil Engineering.
• Holders of CEng accredited bachelor’s degree can enrol on the course provided they meet the entry requirements. This will automatically meet the educational base for Chartered Engineer status.
• Holders of an IEng accredited or an overseas bachelor’s degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to be formally approved for CEng. They may be required to complete extra modules if their bachelor's degree is deemed to be not technical enough.
• Applicants with professional/industrial experience and/or training, but not meeting the normal entry requirements will be considered on their merits, with the understanding that on completion of the award they may not be eligible for Chartered status as they will not be fulfilling the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) requirements. Applicants are therefore strongly advised to check with the JBM and Engineering Council before committing to the course.
   

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. 

International Tuition Fees:

£18600 per year

On successful completion of the course, you should be able to:
 

• Apply knowledge and wide-ranging understanding of health, safety and environment principles and legal framework within which the construction industry operates and undertake full ethical and professional responsibilities in the discharge of your duties.
• Apply in-depth knowledge and detailed understanding of structural analysis and design, innovative construction and performance assessment and maintenance techniques to civil engineering structures.
• Apply innovative and advanced computational methods and simulation tools to model and analyse complex structural and coupled-field engineering systems.
• Apply wide-ranging understanding of experimental, analytical & numerical techniques for investigative studies in structural and geotechnical engineering.
• Apply detailed understanding in proposal development and writing; use innovative knowledge in sourcing, analysing and presenting data; and apply research methodologies to undertake independent technical investigation and academic writing of a specialised topic.
• Develop your personal abilities in teamwork, leadership and communication.
• Apply corporate strategy and systems theory to the management of projects in engineering and construction industry.
   

You may want to apply for this course if you are considering specialising in Structural Engineering or require further qualification to advance your career within the public and private sector as a civil or structural engineer.

If you are already working within the profession, the course provides an opportunity to enhance previously acquired knowledge regarding the latest issues and technological advances. For example, all design-related modules are taught in accordance with the new structural Eurocodes. In addition, we employ civil and structural engineering software, such as ANSYS and MIDAS for teaching and learning.