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MEngSc in Structural Engineering

MEngSc (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Studying this Masters, you will cover a wide range of topics not traditionally covered in undergraduate degrees; the programme includes specialist modules in structural dynamics, bridge engineering, structural design and professional engineering. You will also learn how to work in a multidisciplinary setting through combined modules with Architecture students. Structural engineering is a continually evolving profession, and through the third Trimester Research Project you will learn how to apply this specialist knowledge to develop new concepts and ideas under the supervision of research active academic staff. This programme will distinguish you as having specialist knowledge in the area of Structural Engineering and provide you with a competitive edge over your peers in the job market. Modules are taught by a combination of experienced academic staff and senior industry practitioners to provide students with the conceptual and managerial perspectives vital to a successful career in structural engineering.

  • Multidisciplinary learning through collaborative modules with the School of Architecture and industry
  • Advanced taught modules in structural design, conservation and sustainability
  • Application of specialist knowledge to solve problems in new or emerging structural engineering applications
  • This programme is delivered by a School ranked in the top 200 in the QS world subject rankings.

Please note for the part time version it is the full-time programme taken over two years. Lectures take place during the working week; however, the schedule allows more flexibility for those working. Typically, in Year 1, a student would take 4 modules in Trimester 1 and 4 modules in Trimester 2. In Year 2, a student would take the Structural Research Project module and the remaining taught modules.

About This Course

The programme provides advanced learning in the field of Structural Engineering and will provide you with an ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex structural engineering problems and also to develop the requisite skills to design and conduct experiments and to apply standard and specialised research tools and methods of enquiry to solve problems in new and emerging areas of Structural Engineering. These skills are key attributes for lifelong learning and continued professional development in an ever evolving society.

  • Students will be able to interpret, apply and use scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles, data and models (both numerical and physical), coupled with appropriate research methodologies, to evaluate and solve complex problems.
  • Students will be able to recognise the built environment and its interactions with the natural environment as a set of inter-related systems governed by scientific, mathematical and engineering principles.
  • Students will be able to research, appraise and synthesize data and information from a variety of sources, have the ability to design and conduct experiments and apply a range of standard and specialised research tools and techniques to solve complex problems.
  • Students will be able to work independently and alone when required but also be effective team-members and leaders.
  • Students will be effective communicators, being able to i) communicate their own ideas and solutions to colleagues, clients and the public using different media and, ii) listen to the needs of clients, society and colleagues.
  • Students will become independent critical thinkers with the skills required to engage in self-directed learning throughout their careers having undertaken independent research and learning to define, solve and report on complex engineering problems.
  • Students will understand the responsibilities of their profession and the importance of high ethical standards in professional practice, along with the role and responsibilities of engineers in developing an inclusive and equitable society.

Our graduates would typically follow careers in structural engineering consultancy, engineering contracting, construction management, project planning both in Ireland and abroad. Employed at Masters levels graduates can expect more responsibility, and faster professional progression, earlier in their careers.

Graduates have progressed to career opportunities in a broad range of internationally recognised companies including: Roughan 
O’Donovan, Arup, Sisk, Jacobs, RPS, OCSC, Walls, Ward & Burke, and Mott McDonald amongst others.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ARCT40030 Realising Built Projects Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40390 Innovation Leadership Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40550 Structural Dynamics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40610 Advanced Materials Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40770 Analysis of Structures 3 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 STAT40690 Quantitative Methods for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40600 Structural Research Project Year-long (12 months)  30
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 5 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select 30 credits of Options in the Spring Trimester.
 ARCT40870 Agency: Design / Build Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 5 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select 30 credits of Options in the Spring Trimester.
 CVEN40050 Design of Structures 3 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 5 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select 30 credits of Options in the Spring Trimester.
 CVEN40120 Bridge Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 5 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select 30 credits of Options in the Spring Trimester.
 CVEN40210 Geotechnics 4 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 5 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select 30 credits of Options in the Spring Trimester.
 CVEN40500 Engineering Design Project Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 5 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select 30 credits of Options in the Spring Trimester.
 MEEN30130 Energy Systems in Buildings I Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 5 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select 30 credits of Options in the Spring Trimester.
 MEEN40430 Professional Engineering (Management) Spring  5

UCD ranks 1st in Ireland and in the top 50 worldwide in the QS Sustainability rankings 2023, which focus on what institutions are doing to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges

Graduate Profile - Angelene Dascanio, USA

This Masters is fast-paced, challenging and encompasses the skills required for a career in structural engineering. It includes both general and specialty concepts, for example, I took modules in steel and concrete design, but was also able to take a bridge engineering module to fulfil my interest in that particular field. I was initially drawn to the program because it uniquely incorporates some architecture modules into its curriculum. Also, I found the program framework, 60 credits of coursework and 30 credits of a research project, to be very efficient.

During the academic year I was able to focus solely on my coursework, meet with my professors for extra help, and study for examinations. Then, during the summer, my efforts were placed on carrying out a research project with the guidance of a professor in my field of interest. As an international student (from America), I felt welcomed by the faculty and fellow classmates. I experienced a smooth transition between the material I learned as an undergraduate and the material presented on this Masters. As a whole, the program effectively prepared me with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a structural engineering career.

MEngSc in Structural Engineering (T279) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9530
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

***Fees are subject to change

Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/

The College of Engineering & Architecture also offer scholarships for non-EU students, for more information see: www.ucd.ie/eacollege/currentstudents/noneuscholarships.

  • An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with minimum 2:1 award  or international equivalence in a Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering degree programme.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MEngSc in Structural Engineering:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T279
MEngSc in Structural Engineering
Master of Engineering Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T314
MEngSc in Structural Engineering
Master of Engineering Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T279
MEngSc in Structural Engineering
Master of Engineering Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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