Structural Engineering

Program Overview

This MSc Structural Engineering program at LSBU provides advanced knowledge and skills in structural analysis, design, and construction. Students learn about advanced structural design, computing simulations, and construction materials. The program aims to equip graduates for careers as structural engineers, consultants, project managers, government advisors, or researchers. Accreditation from the Engineering Council enhances graduates' employability prospects.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc Structural Engineering program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in structural analysis, design, and construction. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Advanced structural analysis and design
• Structural computing simulation
• Steel, concrete, timber, and other construction materials
• Design of structures under dynamic conditions
The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to become successful structural engineers, capable of designing safe and sustainable structures for a variety of applications.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced structural analysis and design principles.
• Develop students' skills in using structural computing simulation software.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to design structures using a variety of construction materials.
• Prepare students for careers in structural engineering, including roles as structural engineers, consultants, project managers, government advisors, or researchers.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Duration: 13 months (full-time), 24 months (part-time)
• Start date: September
• Application code: 3994 (full-time), 3995 (part-time)
• Application method: Direct to LSBU

Modules:

The program consists of the following modules:

• Advanced Structural Design: This module covers the application of European structural design codes (Eurocodes) to design steel, concrete, and composite steel-concrete elements.
It includes design of specialized structural elements such as plate girders, trusses, connections, foundations, prestressed concrete structures, and fire design of structures. The module also introduces performance-based design using computer software and discusses the sustainability of construction materials. It combines classic and modern approaches based on numerical methods to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Finite Elements and Stress Analysis: This module covers two main areas: finite element modeling of thin-walled structures using beam, plate, and shell elements, and structural and stress analysis of thin-walled beams subjected to various loads.
Students gain hands-on experience using Abaqus finite element analysis software.
• Masonry and Timber Engineering: This module introduces students to the materials, properties, and design processes using timber and masonry construction.
It utilizes Eurocodes for element design and incorporates proprietary computer programs alongside hand calculations. New techniques are introduced and discussed.
• Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering: This module teaches principles of dynamic analysis and earthquake response of structures.
It covers free and forced vibration of single and multiple degree-of-freedom systems, defining concepts like natural frequency, damping, and mode shapes analytically and experimentally. The module also explores the effect of earthquakes on structures using a shake table and introduces methods for calculating dynamic response to earthquake loading. Eurocode 8 is summarized, and forensic case studies of earthquake-damaged structures are analyzed.
• Advanced Computing and Structural Simulation: This module provides students with experience using advanced structural analysis software (Robot), building information modeling (BIM) software (Revit), and finite element analysis (FEA) software (ABAQUS) for modeling steel, reinforced concrete, and composite structures.
• Project/Dissertation: This module constitutes one-third of the course and involves an individually supervised piece of work, typically either a research project or an innovative design exercise.
The theme is related to topics covered in the program.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary by module and include:

• 100% Coursework: for Advanced Computing and Structural Simulation and Project/Dissertation.

Teaching:

Teaching techniques include:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Laboratories
• Field trips
• IT-based blended learning
Visiting lecturers from industry contribute to some modules.

Careers:

Employment prospects for graduates of Structural Engineering are strong. Successful students will enter into a variety of positions with employers, which might include:

• Structural engineer
• Consultant
• Project manager
• Government advisor
• Researcher

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Engineering Council, making it easier for graduates to gain Chartership.
• LSBU is currently engaged in numerous research and development projects with industrial collaborators, providing industry-relevant dissertation topics.
• Students receive training in the most up-to-date structural analysis and design software, including Robot, Revit, and Abaqus.
• The program has a 93% satisfaction rate among current students (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023).

UK fees: £11000 Int. Fees: £15500 Full-time year 1 The fee shown is for entry 2024/25 UK fee: £11000 International fee: £15500 AOS/LSBU code: 3994 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: UK: £11000 International: £15500 year 2 The fee shown is for entry 2024/25 UK fee: £11000 International fee: £15500 AOS/LSBU code: 5352 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: UK: £11000 International: £15500 Part-time year 1 The fee shown is for entry 2024/25 UK fee: £4888.89 International fee: £6888.89 AOS/LSBU code: 3995 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £11000 International: £15500 year 2 The fee shown is for entry 2024/25 UK fee: £6111.11 International fee: £8611.11 AOS/LSBU code: 3995 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £11000 International: £15500