Course summary
This advanced programme offers a broader range of courses compared to most structural engineering programmes, allowing you to design your course of study to suit your background and career interests and to tackle environmental, economic and social challenges far beyond the construction industry. Unlike most other programmes in structural engineering that focus on the construction industry, the MSc Advanced Structural Engineering at Aberdeen has been developed to ensure engineers from any background - including civil, mechanical, aerospace, automotive and energy - can contribute to the advancement of society on a global scale. In particular, we focus on topics such as advanced composite materials, lightweight structures and engineering optimisation – skills and knowledge that are crucial for engineers interested in pursuing careers in aerospace, automotive or wind energy sectors where lightweight structures made of advanced composite materials and highly optimised for their performance play a key role. Almost all industry sectors are experiencing a period of tremendous change with technological developments in areas such as 3D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. This advanced programme is designed to produce the next generation of structural engineers who can embrace these opportunities to tackle the challenges of sustainable development, climate change, pollution and waste. Our teaching is informed by our industry partners and our research. The School of Engineering is highly regarded its research in civil engineering and has one of the best hydraulic laboratory facilities in Scotland associated with a high-level research profile. The Structures Research group in particular investigates fundamental and applied aspects of the design and analysis of structural systems, components, connections and materials, and evaluates the performance, condition and health of existing structural systems. This programme is accredited by both the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ensuring that the curriculum is designed and delivered to the highest professional standards.
Modules
Offers courses such as Advanced Composite Materials, Lightweight Structures and Engineering Optimisation, which are crucial for students interested in pursuing a career in Aerospace, Automotive or Wind Energy sectors, where lightweight structures made of advanced composite materials and highly optimised for their performance play a key role.
Assessment method
View the programme page to find out more about how you will be assessed. You can be assessed by coursework, written or oral examination, essays, your dissertation and other methods of assessment relevant to your subject. The University offers Student Support Advisors, personal tutors and peer mentoring to help you study towards the different methods of assessment.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Civil Engineers, Institution of
- Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements for this programme are a 2:1 (upper second class) Honours degree in Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Energy or Structural Engineering, or equivalent. Those with a 2:2 Honours degree in a relevant Engineering discipline may also be considered if they can demonstrate 2+ years of relevant industry experience and keen motivation.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2025/2026. For guidance, the fees on the University Online Prospectus website are for 2024/25.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX