Structural Engineering with Architecture

If you’re interested in the beauty of architectural design, and you want to be the one who realises these designs by creating viable solutions that ensure structures stand the test of time, then this is the course for you. The Structural Engineering with Architecture degree at UCD is a two-part degree, with an initial three-year bachelor’s degree followed by a two-year master’s degree, focusing primarily on the design of structures. The programme’s aim is to develop an appreciation for architecture coupled with the solid fundamentals of an engineering degree. This will enable graduates to challenge the traditional boundaries of structural design.

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

First Year

Engineering students follow a common first year. Modules include: Calculus • Chemistry • Creativity in Design • Electrical/ Electronic Engineering • Energy Engineering • Engineering Computing • Linear Algebra Mathematics • Mechanics • Physics

Second Year

Engineering & Architecture of Structure 2 • Design & Communications • Construction Materials & Practice • Mechanics of Solids • Geotechnics 1 • History & Theory of the Designed Environment 3 • Computer Applications • Statistics, Probability & Multivariable Calculus 1

Third Year

Structural Analysis 1 & 2 • Structural Design 1 • Geotechnics 2 • Group Design Project • History & Theory of the Designed Environment 4 • Energy Systems in Buildings • Professional Engineering • Multivariable Calculus 2

Fourth Year

Structural Design 2 • Geotechnics 3 • Structural Dynamics • Advanced Materials • Realising Built Projects • Innovation Leadership followed by 8-month work placement Fifth Year Structural Analysis 3 • Structural Design 3 • Research Project • Case Studies • Bridge Engineering • Professional Engineering (Management) • Agency: Design/Build • Quantitative Methods

A student’s week includes attending lectures and tutorials, as well as participating in laboratory-based workshops, group projects and undertaking independent study.

A combination of end-of-trimester written examinations and continuous assessment is used. In your final year, you will also submit a report on your research project.

Progression Requirement

The Structural Engineering with Architecture course is structured as a 3-year undergraduate BSc programme, followed by a 2-year taught graduate ME programme. Students who do not wish to progress onto the ME pathway, or who do not qualify for progression, at the end of Year 3 can exit their studies with a BSc degree.

Professional Work Experience

Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated into the 4th year of the integrated ME Structural Engineering with Architecture programme. Eight-month internships (the majority of which are paid) have included the following employers: Arup, Meinhardt (London), OBA Consulting Engineers, O’Connor Sutton Cronin, Thornton Tomasetti (New York), Walls Construction and Waterman Moylan.

International Study Opportunities Students have the opportunity in their third year to spend either one or two trimesters studying abroad in a partner University. There are options to study in countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA.

The ME programme in Structural Engineering with Architecture is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland, and thus recognised internationally. Graduates can find employment in Ireland and abroad in areas such as:

• Engineering consultancy
• Construction management
• Project management and planning 
• Management consultancy and finance

You can also pursue a research path, commencing with a PhD in Structural Engineering, in Ireland or abroad.

• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

UCD Engineering and Architecture College Office

Tel: +353 1 716 1916
e. katie.oneill@ucd.ie

By joining the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture, you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. The mission of the College of Engineering and Architecture is to affect a just transition to a more sustainable and equitable future through our education of professionals in engineering, architecture, planning and policy, and our research in technology, design, and policy.  The College, in our engineers and architects, brings together the technical expertise to deliver and create infrastructure and technologies that can create a more sustainable future and, uniquely, the College, in our planners and environmental policy researchers, also brings together the research and professions required to create the policies and the regulatory environment that supports technological and infrastructure development, and that can also scrutinise and investigate the behavioural changes affected by our technologies.

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their education where most relevant.

Engineering: 

The college offers a wide range of engineering disciplines, ensuring that our students are educated in the fundamental principles of engineering, while also embedding sustainable practices and principles. The goal is to educate engineering professionals who can play an active role in developing innovative, engineering-based solutions to the challenges of sustainability and equity.

• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) 
• Climate Action (SDG 13)

“I chose Structural Engineering with Architecture because it was a great way of combining my interests in maths, physics, art and the built environment. UCD offers an excellent balance of technical knowledge and soft skills. I was able to develop my knowledge of structural analysis and design while also working on skills such as communication, creative-thinking, and problem-solving. My fourth-year work placement allowed me to further develop my understanding of structures and to contribute to live construction projects. My UCD degree gave me the best possible start to my career as a structural engineer.  My work is challenging but very rewarding. I can see the value of my designs when they become physically realised on site to become buildings that people can enjoy."

Roseanne Dizon - Graduate