Structural and Foundation Engineering MSc/Diploma

  • Delivery: Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • January, September

Overview

The MSc/Diploma in Structural and Foundation Engineering is designed for graduates and practising engineers who wish to improve their knowledge of structural and foundation engineering. The structure and content of the programme has been carefully designed following liaison with a wide range of employers in the sector.

The staff members who deliver the programme have wide ranging expertise in specialist subjects which include reinforced concrete technology, dynamic and impact testing of materials, offshore engineering, structural safety, soil-structure interaction and numerical modelling.

The research activities of the programme involve combinations of experimental, numerical and theoretical work. The School has excellent practical facilities for static, dynamic, and impact testing and it has access to advanced computer and networking facilities that include a state-of-the-art parallel processing computer.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree. See the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) for further information.

Industry links

The direct relationship between the programme and industry needs is reinforced in two ways: through projects with an industrial context; and through specific aspects of the taught courses, for example, presentation of case studies and seminars. There are also opportunities for visiting lecturers from relevant sectors to get involved in teaching part of the courses.

Graduate opportunities

Recent graduates have gained employment in a multitude of engineering consultancies, civil engineering contractors, local and national government organisations and research establishments.

Programme content

The curriculum covers the specialist technical and computational skills necessary for today’s construction industry and therefore offers excellent preparation for employment across an industry that includes consulting and contracting engineers, public authorities and local government. In addition, the programme also provides a suitable springboard for graduates seeking a career in a research lead environment.

Both MSc and Diploma students undertake the eight taught courses listed below.

Semester One Courses

  • Indeterminate Structures
  • Stability and Dynamics
  • Ground Engineering
  • FEA & Stress Analysis A

Semester Two Courses

  • Safety, Risk and Reliability
  • Earthquake Engineering
  • Foundation Engineering
  • FEA & Stress Analysis B 

The programme may be studied on a part-time basis and will therefore appeal to practising engineers. It is also delivered via distance learning which enables students from all around the globe to study without the need to interrupt their career and travel to Scotland. Examinations may be organised in each student’s country of residence to avoid unnecessary travel costs.

Dissertation

MSc students are also required to submit a research dissertation, the research topic normally aligns with the research interests of the staff in the School but can be tailored to suit the interests of the student or student’s employer. Distance learning and part time students are encouraged to suggest project topics based on their own work experience.

Project

At the discretion of the Programme Leader, MSc students may choose to nominate a research project which enables them to investigate a problem they have encountered in their workplace or elsewhere. The research project can be undertaken in conjunction with a suitable industrial partner on campus or in industry if the industrial partner has the facilities to provide adequate supervision.

Programme leader

Professor Laghrouche is a Lecturer in Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics. His research interests lie in the general area of Applied Scientific Computing with a particular emphasis on elastic and acoustic waves, soil-structure interaction, non-reflecting boundary conditions, finite and infinite elements, meshless methods, non-linear modelling and parallel computing.

Entry requirements

For MSc level entry applicants must have:

  • Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in cognate and semi-cognate subject area. For PG conversion programmes, non-cognate degrees will be considered. Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered.

 

For PG Diploma level entry applicants must have:

  • Third class honours degree in a cognate or semi-cognate subject area PLUS 2 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level completed post qualification.
  • Cognate or semi-cognate ordinary degree PLUS 3-4 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level following graduation. 
  • Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and interview.  Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Admissions and the number of successful applicants will be restricted. 

 

There is no entry at PG Certificate level except through exceptional agreement with approved learning partners.

 

Non-graduating study at masters level:

  • Entry is based on CV or on formal academic qualifications or graduate (or incorporated) membership of a relevant professional institution. 

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required with all elements passed at 6.0 or above. 

Applicants who have previously successfully completed programmes delivered in the medium of English language will be required to provide documentary evidence of this.  Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree programme.   A minimum of one year of full time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required.

Distance learning students

Please note that independent distance learning students who access their studies online will be expected to have access to a PC/laptop and internet.

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

Scholarships & bursaries