Intro

Our accredited MSc equips you with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of advanced structural engineering principles. As you develop your knowledge and skills in these core areas you’ll learn how to apply them to the design and construction of resilient structures.

You will work on projects closely related to real-life scenarios. Combining theoretical and practical components you will develop the engineering skills to deal with challenges that affect the long-term performance of new and existing structures and their surrounding environments to support sustainable development. Group projects will develop your leadership and teamwork skills, and your understanding of how different specialisms come together to successfully complete a project.

You’ll learn with a course team who are actively involved in research. Case studies, experimental results and design and analysis theories from their research may be incorporated into core modules. Working closely with a member of our team, you will plan, research and produce your dissertation in an area which reflects you career interests. And you have access to our specialist software and experimental facilities such as software for non-linear seismic analysis and a shake table.

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Key facts

Location 91¶¶Òõ: Moulsecoomb

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years

Accredited by Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience
A lower second class (2:2) degree in civil engineering. Candidates with an engineering or physical sciences degree or with relevant professional experience will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Course content

Course structure

You can choose to study this course full-time or part-time.

The course consists of taught and research components which run in parallel throughout the academic year. To be awarded the MSc you must obtain 180 credits. Six taught modules at 20 credits each plus your dissertation at 60 credits. A typical 20-credit module requires a total of 200 hours study time.

Building with earthquake damage

Syllabus

As part of the taught component you will focus primarily on advanced topics in earthquake and structural engineering. The research component is based on your masters dissertation.

Modules

Core modules

  • Dynamics of Structures with Earthquake Engineering Applications

    Following an introduction to the fundamental concepts of dynamics of structures, this module focuses on the prediction of the dynamic response of civil engineering structures using simplified analytical models of increasing levels of complexity. It also deals with the calculation of equivalent lateral forces to be used in codified seismic design.

  • Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures

    Most of the commonly used techniques for the earthquake strengthening of existing reinforced concrete structures will be covered in this module, such as concrete jacketing, epoxy resin injection and fibre-reinforced polymer composites. You will develop a deep understanding of the types and causes of damage and be able to select appropriate strengthening techniques and design strengthened elements.

  • Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering

    This module provides an understanding of advanced geotechnical design methods. It will focus on current design methods for soil and rock structures and foundation systems subject to complex loading conditions, with an emphasis on seismic design. The module will give you experience in using a variety of commercial software commonly used in practice.

  • Random Vibration of Structures

    This module will give you the confidence to model uncertainties involved in the design of structural systems and a framework to critically appraise probabilistic-based Eurocode approaches to design. Stochastic models of earthquake ground motion, wind and wave loading will also be explored. Probabilistic analysis and design of structures will be undertaken through relevant random vibration theory, and you will become confident with probabilistic analysis for design.

  • Transport Modelling for Civil Engineering Applications

    This module will develop your skills in applying different modelling approaches appropriate for traffic engineering and transport planning to make road transport networks safe, sustainable and user appropriate. Topics will include traffic flow, demand and capacity, traffic data sources, processing and forecasting using statistical approaches, design of a junction and traffic signal plan design.

  • MSc Earthquake and Structural Engineering Dissertation

    This dissertation module will enable you to undertake independent research in the fields of earthquake and structural engineering. Through a 10,000-word project, you will demonstrate your capacity for critical thinking and ability to develop innovative solutions through your understanding and application of advanced engineering concepts.

Options*

  • Project Planning and Analysis

    This module provides a problem-solving scenario to help develop individual responses while working in a group environment. The focus is to produce and critically appraise the group’s proposal for a complex project which demonstrates the best trade-offs on time, cost and performance, and takes into consideration health, safety and welfare and ‘constructibility’. You will learn to produce plans using industry-led sophisticated computer software.

  • Rock Mechanics

    This module will provide you with an understanding of the behaviour of rocks and rock mass and enable you to evaluate the instability of rock slopes and tunnels and design reinforcements and supports for unstable rock. Topics will include the stress-strain relationship of intact rock and rock mass, rock mass classification, stereographic analysis, analysis of plane failure and evacuation techniques.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Building with earthquake damage

Careers

Professional accreditation 

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

See for further information.

As part of this accreditation, we have achieved AHEP 4 standard meaning that our degrees meet the requirements of the Engineering Council’s Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (Fourth Edition) in engineering in line with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence.

The MSc is in the ‘Type I’ technical category which means that the MSc offers more learning outcomes than ‘Type II’. This may help students meet the CEng educational requirements even if the previous bachelors degree covers the academic requirements for IEng registration. However, the student must verify with the JBM member institutions to ensure combinedly both courses will give the academic base to meet the CEng educational requirements.

JBM accrediting bodies logo montage

Preparing for your career 

In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree. You will:

  • develop your understanding of the distinct knowledge and skills required in earthquake and structural engineering and associated subject areas
  • participate in group activities to enhance your leadership and teamwork skills
  • advance your independent learning skills for continued professional development
  • build your advanced planning, research and communication skills through working on your dissertation.

Facilities 

Your learning is supported by access to our specialist facilities including:

  • computer suites with specialist software
  • structures lab
  • dynamics lab equipped with shake table
  • soil mechanics lab
  • concrete lab
  • hydraulics lab
  • environmental simulation lab with hydraulic stream table
  • geology lab
  • soil and water analysis lab
  • soil and sediment analysis lab
  • thin-sectioning lab
  • environment and public health lab
  • energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer
  • X-ray diffraction spectrometer
  • scanning electron microscopy facility
  • equipment for field-based geophysical surveying.

Industry links

Senior representatives from around the region meet regularly at our industry advisory board to review our courses, ensuring they remain up to date and relevant to industry.

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,750 GBP

International (full-time) 17,900 GBP

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

What's included

Here you’ll find details of specific resources and services that are included in the tuition fee for our School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering students. To help you to budget for your studies, there is also information on any additional costs that you may have to pay or can choose to pay in addition to your tuition fee.

Find out how tuition fees enable us to support all of our students with important services, facilities and resources across the university - /whats-included-in-your-fee - and check out our finance pages for info about fees, funding and scholarships along with advice on international and island fee-paying status - /fees-and-finance.

You can chat with our enquiries team - /enquiries - if you have a question or need more information.

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees.

  • Travel and accommodation costs are included for all mandatory taught residential field trips, but you’ll need to provide your own food and drink.
  • There will be opportunities to attend additional study trips or optional taught residential field trips throughout the school, but these are not required to pass your course. Normally, a contribution will be required towards expenses such as travel, entrance fees and accommodation. This will vary depending on where and how long the trip is, but you should budget around £1,500.
  • Where optional international field trips are offered, these are not required to pass your course. You should expect to budget £300–£500 for these, to cover flight, accommodation, food and entrance to museums. The total amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
  • If you choose to take an optional paid placement, you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.
  • Some students require specialist outdoor equipment and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) and should budget up to £150.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software; however, many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices, but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses. Find out what free software is available from the 91¶¶Òõ.
  • Course books are available from the university, but you may wish to budget from £15 to £100 per year to buy your own copies and subscribe to design magazines.
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but students may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.
  • Costs of up to £50 are included in the fees for students on engineering courses to pay for materials for their final year projects. On rare occasions where material costs exceed £50, they will need to be paid for by the student.

Architecture, interior architecture, design and product design additional costs

  • Students should budget around £25 for printing and binding dissertations in their final year.
  • In your first year of studies, you will need to buy a drawing and modelling toolkit. Each course will suggest a list of items of which some will be essential, and others optional. You should budget around £100–£250 for these.
  • For most courses you will need to budget between £100 to £300 per year for printing and portfolio costs. Costs will vary depending on type of printer and type and size of paper used. Some students tend to work digitally, spending more on printing and some by hand, spending more on materials so these costs vary widely between students.
  • For most courses you will need to budget between £10 and £100 for material costs per design project. Costs will vary depending on how and what you use to make models. You are encouraged to recycle used materials where possible.
  • You will need to budget between £5–£50 to exhibit work for the end-of-year show. Fundraising by the student society, BIAAS, normally helps towards this cost.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of 91¶¶Òõ seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you’ll find new Students’ Union, events venue and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our Moulsecoomb Place halls and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains so you can access all the exciting things happening in our home city.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you applied for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

91¶¶Òõ: Moulsecoomb

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Mithras Halls are stylish new high-rises in the heart of the student village at our revitalised Moulsecoomb campus with ensuite rooms for more than 800 students.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently?
We can help – find out more about private renting.

Relaxing in halls

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Mithras halls room with a view

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

One of Time Out's 50 best cities in the world

“91¶¶Òõ has… all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) … with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World, 2025

About 91¶¶Òõ

The city of 91¶¶Òõ & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

91¶¶Òõ is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy – as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from 91¶¶Òõ to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from 91¶¶Òõ
91¶¶Òõ Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our 91¶¶Òõ Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at 91¶¶Òõ

Sport 91¶¶Òõ

Sport 91¶¶Òõ brings together our sport and recreation services. As a 91¶¶Òõ student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

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Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

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Take a tour of sport facilities on our Falmer campus

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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