| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | September 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Engineering |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering discipline. |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years full time |
| Entry year | September 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Engineering |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering discipline. |
|---|---|
Overview
- 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 15 in the UK for General Engineering
13th in the Complete University Guide 2026
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
Top 15 in the UK for General Engineering
13th in the Complete University Guide 2026
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 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 we outline here 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.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 180 credits of compulsory modules: | ||
| ECMM153 | Conceptual Design of Buildings | 15 |
| ENGM006 | Civil Engineering Materials | 15 |
| ENSM016 | Environmental Risk and Resilience | 15 |
| ENSM022 | Digital Structural Analysis | 15 |
| ENGM012 | Performance Based Design Under Dynamic Loading | 15 |
| ECMM109 | Advanced Geotechnical Engineering | 15 |
| ENGM036 | Digital Mapping and Survey | 15 |
| ECMM150 | Structural Design | 15 |
| ECMM164 | MSc Dissertation | 60 |
Year 1
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECMM153 | Conceptual Design of Buildings | 15 |
| ENGM006 | Civil Engineering Materials | 15 |
| ENSM016 | Environmental Risk and Resilience | 15 |
| ENGM012 | Performance Based Design Under Dynamic Loading | 15 |
| ECMM109 | Advanced Geotechnical Engineering | 15 |
| ECMM150 | Structural Design | 15 |
| ENSM022 | Digital Structural Analysis | 15 |
| ENGM036 | Digital Mapping and Survey | 15 |
Year 2
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 120 credits of compulsory modules: | ||
| ENGM028 | MSc Industrial Placement | 60 |
| ECMM164 | MSc Dissertation | 60 |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£14,300 full-time; £7,150 part-time
International fees per year:
£30,600 full-time; £15,150 part-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 University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details..
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.
