MSc Civil Engineering (Structural Design)
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering discipline. |
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| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering discipline. |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Civil Engineering (Structural Design) at Exeter?
- Gain advanced expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering, from seismic design to dynamic response.
- Master structural analysis and modelling using the finite element method.
- Develop the skills to design safe, resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
- Learn from research-active academics and industry-informed practitioners.
- Prepare for a successful career in the civil engineering sector, ready to contribute to the delivery of resilient infrastructure while safeguarding environmental quality.
Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering
Top 20 in the UK for Civil Engineering
18th for Civil Engineering in The Guardian University Guide 2026
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
Combine your Masters with a year working in Industry
Entry requirements
Typically, you’ll need a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering discipline. Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
The MSc in Civil Engineering with Structural Design is ideal for those passionate about understanding how and why structures stand. This programme equips you with advanced skills in structural engineering, covering essential topics such as soil–structure interaction, dynamic response, and seismic design, areas highly valued by engineering consultancy firms. You will gain in-depth knowledge of modelling structural and geotechnical systems using the finite element method, enabling you to analyse their complex behaviour and performance. The course will help you develop the expertise required to address challenging engineering problems and pursue a career in structural analysis and design. By the end of the programme, you will be fully prepared for a successful career in the civil engineering sector, ready to contribute to the delivery of resilient infrastructure while safeguarding environmental quality.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
180 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Advanced Geotechnical Engineering | 15 | |
| Conceptual Design of Buildings | 15 | |
| MSc Dissertation | 60 | |
| Design of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Structures | 15 | |
| Performance Based Design Under Dynamic Loading | 15 | |
| Digital Mapping and Survey | 15 | |
| Environmental Risk and Resilience | 15 | |
| Digital Structural Analysis | 15 | |
| Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials | 15 | |
ECMM109: Advanced Geotechnical Engineering
Knowledge of the behaviour of soils is a crucial part of geotechnical engineering. In this module you will learn advanced concepts in soil mechanics, including study of elasticity, plasticity, stress paths, and soil behaviour. Using analytical and mathematical skills, you will develop your ability to undertake advanced geotechnical modelling. The focus is on the constitutional modelling of soils in the context of critical state theory.
The purpose of this module is to introduce you to advanced concepts of geotechnical engineering. These include models in soil mechanics, elastoplastic constitutive models for soils, critical state theory, stress paths, and soil tests and applications of elastoplastic models in geotechnical engineering.
ECMM153: Conceptual Design of Buildings
This module discusses principles governing the conceptual design of buildings and their implementation in engineering practice. In particular, you will know about form and functionality, actions on buildings, structural design of tall buildings, sustainability and passive buildings, construction and demolition, resilience of buildings, operation and performance tracking.
You will have the opportunity to examine case studies among others the exotic shape of the Transamerica Pyramid (San Francisco), the revolutionary cell apartments Unité d'Habitation (France), the unusual plan distribution of luxury apartment block (Berlin), the energy efficient Shard London Bridge, and to discuss and implement principles of conceptual design in practical applications.
To provide you with knowledge of fundamental aspects of conceptual design of buildings and implementation in engineering practice.
Lecturers will cover a number of topics including:
- form and functionality;
- actions on buildings;
- sustainability of buildings;
- construction and operation;
- resilience and maintainability.
ECMM164: MSc Dissertation
This dissertation will give you the chance to demonstrate your knowledge, to exercise your initiative and personal responsibility, and to use the research techniques and skills you have developed throughout your degree.
You will be required to solve a research or industrially-related practical problem based on the topics learned within, but not exclusive to, the MSc programme you are registered for. The project work will lead to a major piece of work (dissertation) of approximately 15,000 words (max. 80 pages, including references and appendices) that involves project planning, analytical, experimental or empirical results and their interpretation, showing how the goals of the project have been met. You will receive a list of potential projects and will be required to express your two preferences. Alternatively, you can discuss your own dissertation ideas with the module leader / potential supervisor (academic staff) with a view to explore if they offer required technical rigour and research challenge. You will be encouraged to discuss your preferences with relevant academic staff before we allocate projects. As part of the research project, you are expected to undertake a considerable amount of self-study. There is no formal taught component in the module, apart from the writing support lectures and the suggested regular meetings with your supervisor.
ENGM008: Design of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Structures
In this module you will continue your development as a civil engineer with further study of structural design. The module will focus on advanced code-based design of structures in reinforced concrete and structural steel. You will cover the concept of structural stability and learn about common mechanisms for achieving it in large scale structures. You will learn methods of analysis and design for steel structures such as plate girders, portal frames and trusses. The module will also cover the design of common structural forms such as RC slabs and columns, and prestressed concrete structures. You will learn methods of analysis and design for steel structures such as plate girders, portal frames and trusses. In line with industry practice all of your design work will follow relevant industry Eurocodes.
This module aims to give you a grounding in methods of analysis for both linear elastic and plastic modes of behaviour, and to help you gain an understanding of how engineers apply these methods to the design of real structures. It focuses particularly on steel and reinforced/prestressed concrete. You will learn how, for this reason, simplified but realistic engineering approaches are required for design purposes. In addition, the module aims to help you appreciate the limitations of these methods and to understand the underlying philosophies of current professional Codes of Practice.
ENGM012: Performance Based Design Under Dynamic Loading
This module will provide you with basic knowledge and understanding relevant to vibration and earthquake engineering of large civil engineering structures. Firstly, very briefly recapped will be key concepts of single- (SDOF) and multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems which form foundations of general structural dynamics for dealing with human-, wind- and earthquake-induced dynamic loading on civil engineering structures. The bulk of the module will then focus on specific problems of environmental vibrations affecting serviceability of structures occupied and dynamically excited by humans (floors, footbridges and grandstands) or by ground borne vibrations due to over and underground traffic, and also crucially due to - earthquakes. Methods and tools used routinely for analysing structures to have satisfactory performance under earthquake and human-induced dynamic loading will be presented and then used by students.
ENGM036: Digital Mapping and Survey
Understanding the location in which you intend to build, and the opportunities and constraints that offers, is extremely important to the Civil Engineer. This module will allow you to get to grips with topographical survey methods such as LIDAR and drones, as well as underground investigative techniques, such as ground penetrating radar. You will study topography, the earth’s upper strata and map types, so that you have a strong understating of environment in which you aim to operate. And for the areas that you cannot get sufficient information, you will learn about the best techniques to find out more.
The module aims to give you a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the investigative tools at your disposal, and how you might employ them to assist you in making better decisions about your project. And it will equip you with the ability to use digital tools to manage and analyse the significant amount of data produced by surveys.
ENSM016: Environmental Risk and Resilience
Environmental Risk and Resilience explores high-profile water and environmental challenges in modern engineering practice, focusing on how society can manage risk and build resilience to extreme events. The module covers key topics associated with fluvial, stormwater, groundwater and coastal risks, whilst also exploring the approaches used in practice and research to manage these risks and enhance our urban environments using nature-based engineering.
This module will benefit from both industry masterclasses and recent developments in research outputs from the University of Exeter’s Centre for Water Systems.
Assessment will take place via an extended project on flood risk which will take students through key tasks associated with planning a conceptual flood management strategy. Progress on this project will be guided by workshops throughout the module, which will be supported through software demonstrations and industry-led masterclasses, providing an opportunity for ongoing formative feedback.
This module aims to provide a basic knowledge of contemporary problems in water risk and resilience. It also offers practical experience in using risk and resilience management tools, with a focus on bridging academic content with future environmental engineering careers.
ENSM022: Digital Structural Analysis
Software plays a central role in civil engineering practice, enabling precise analysis, modelling, and design of complex structures, infrastructure, and geotechnical systems. It enhances efficiency, accuracy and productivity. Gaining a thorough insight into your building, before it is built, is essential, so that as an engineer you can select the most appropriate materials, stable framing and efficient connections, that will make your project a success. This module will allow you to operate specialised software for structural analysis competently by developing your modelling and numerical skills. Basics of quality management (Quality Control, V&V, Integrity checks,…) will also be considered. You will then be able to apply these findings back to the real world, to deliver a successful project.
On completion of this module, you will able to create numerical models of complex problems and perform simulations using digital tools. You will gain an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of numerical techniques, and be able to select the most appropriate for the task at hand.
ENSM033: Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials
The challenges posed by infrastructure decay, resource limitations, and climate change demand a transformative approach to construction. This module encourages a critical reassessment of energy-intensive and environmentally taxing construction materials, proposing sustainable alternatives to reduce the carbon footprint. You will expand your understanding of structural engineering through the study of cutting-edge advancements in materials engineering and emerging construction technologies.
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address modern challenges in construction, including infrastructure decay, resource scarcity, and climate change. By critically evaluating the sustainability of traditional construction materials, students will explore the potential of innovative and emerging materials in civil engineering, fostering a forward-thinking perspective on the future of construction.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory credits
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| MSc Dissertation | 60 | |
| MSc Industrial Placement | 60 | |
ENGM028: MSc Industrial Placement
This module aims to provide students with experience beyond the theoretical and taught environment of the university by placing them in a real-world industrial setting directly relevant to their development as an experienced professional.
Students will experience every part of an industry career from the searching for and securing a suitable placement, to integrating and assimilating themselves into a team industrial environment and working in that setting for an extended period between 9 and 12 months. This will allow students to develop individual skills not necessarily or explicitly taught but gained from exposure to a real working environment. During this time the module aims to build resilience, reflectivity and self-assurance in students.
You will get the chance to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired from taught modules to authentic problem solving in the work place. Collaborating with your work placement employer, you will identify an engineering-based project that will constitute your MSc dissertation. Ideally, the dissertation should be based on the work that you will undertake during the placement, but this is not compulsory.
The placement will involve a substantial technical role in the host organisation. Individual placements are subject to availability and approval by the programme coordinator.
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£14,300 full-time
International fees per year:
£30,600 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Dr Alessandro Tombari is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Design in Civil Engineering, specialising in geotechnical earthquake engineering and computational structural mechanics. His research focuses on seismic soil–structure interaction, Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction, and the use of Virtual Reality and digital construction tools in civil engineering.
He also develops industry-oriented software and offers consultancy in computational modelling, FEM, and SSI analysis. Dr Tombari welcomes research students with strong analytical and numerical skills to work on topics including seismic design, soil behaviour and ground motion modelling.
Read more from Dr Alessandro Tombari
Dr Alessandro Tombari
Programme Director
Teaching and research
Teaching and assessment
The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, industrial presentations, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work and a dissertation.
You will develop transferable skills such as management and communication skills, computational techniques, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology. Many of these will be addressed within an industrial and commercial context.
Personal tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, along with support and mentoring from graduates who are now in industry. There is also a Postgraduate Tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.
A research- and practice-led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field. Plus, you’ll become actively involved in a research project yourself.
All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.
Careers
Graduates of the MSc Civil Engineering with Structural Design will be equipped with the advanced technical, analytical, and management skills sought by leading engineering and consultancy firms. The programme develops expertise in structural analysis, geotechnical design and digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and finite element analysis, preparing students to tackle complex real-world challenges.
You will be ready to contribute to the design and delivery of resilient, sustainable infrastructure projects worldwide - from skyscrapers and bridges to sea defences and wind farms. The course also provides a strong foundation for further study, including doctoral research or professional chartership in civil or structural engineering.
Industrial Placement
The year in industry will give you the chance to put what you have learnt to practical advantage in a commercial or industrial environment, thereby gaining a valuable insight into the interplay between theoretical skills and understanding acquired at university and the practicalities of deployment in a “real-world” setting.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
