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MEngSc in Structural Engineering  (T314)

MEngSc (NFQ Level 9) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Civil Engineering
Attendance
Part-Time
Level
Graduate Taught
NFQ Level
9
Award
Master of Engineering Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Arturo Gonzalez
Overall Programme Credits:
90
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 90 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 90

Curricular information is subject to change.

For more information on this programme, see: MEngSc 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.

This is a calendar year taught programme suited to Civil or Structural Engineering graduates wishing to specialise and pursue careers in the area of Structural Engineering. With a combination of core and optional modules and a research topic in the area of your choosing you have the ability to tailor your learning to those aspects of Structural Engineering of most interest to you. 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.



The learning experience comprises two semesters of lectures, tutorials, studio work and group/individual project work, followed by a final summer semester devoted to a structural engineering research project. Assessment is by a combination of end of semester examinations and continuous assessment which takes the form of individual assignments, practical laboratory work and group projects for taught modules, leadership roles in modules for undergraduate students, and a series of presentations, a written thesis, and an oral examination for your research project. While testing your academic ability this assessment strategy also provides learning in the requisite written, oral, multimedia communication and leadership skills required of a professional engineer.


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.

Stage 1

T314 MEngSc Structural Engineering PT is a 1-year 90-credit part-time Masters Programme. Students must complete 90 credits over the course of their degree. Students should take a minimum of 30 credits in each year, along with the Structural Research Project in Year 2.

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 Options - A) Min 0 of:
CORE MODULES: Students must complete 90 credits over the course of their degree; of which the following 60 credits are Core Modules and must be taken prior to completion. Please note that the year-long module CVEN40600 Structural Research Project must be taken in Year 2
ARCT40030 Realising Built Projects Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
CORE MODULES: Students must complete 90 credits over the course of their degree; of which the following 60 credits are Core Modules and must be taken prior to completion. Please note that the year-long module CVEN40600 Structural Research Project must be taken in Year 2
CVEN40390 Innovation Leadership Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
CORE MODULES: Students must complete 90 credits over the course of their degree; of which the following 60 credits are Core Modules and must be taken prior to completion. Please note that the year-long module CVEN40600 Structural Research Project must be taken in Year 2
CVEN40550 Structural Dynamics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
CORE MODULES: Students must complete 90 credits over the course of their degree; of which the following 60 credits are Core Modules and must be taken prior to completion. Please note that the year-long module CVEN40600 Structural Research Project must be taken in Year 2
CVEN40610 Advanced Materials Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
CORE MODULES: Students must complete 90 credits over the course of their degree; of which the following 60 credits are Core Modules and must be taken prior to completion. Please note that the year-long module CVEN40600 Structural Research Project must be taken in Year 2
CVEN40770 Analysis of Structures 3 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
CORE MODULES: Students must complete 90 credits over the course of their degree; of which the following 60 credits are Core Modules and must be taken prior to completion. Please note that the year-long module CVEN40600 Structural Research Project must be taken in Year 2
STAT40690 Quantitative Methods for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
CORE MODULES: Students must complete 90 credits over the course of their degree; of which the following 60 credits are Core Modules and must be taken prior to completion. Please note that the year-long module CVEN40600 Structural Research Project must be taken in Year 2
CVEN40600 Structural Research Project Year-long (12 months)  30
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULES: Students must select 30 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules over the course of their degree.
ARCT40870 Agency: Design / Build Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULES: Students must select 30 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules over the course of their degree.
CVEN40050 Design of Structures 3 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULES: Students must select 30 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules over the course of their degree.
CVEN40120 Bridge Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULES: Students must select 30 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules over the course of their degree.
CVEN40210 Geotechnics 4 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULES: Students must select 30 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules over the course of their degree.
CVEN40500 Engineering Design Project Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULES: Students must select 30 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules over the course of their degree.
MEEN30130 Energy Systems in Buildings I Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
OPTION MODULES: Students must select 30 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules over the course of their degree.
MEEN40430 Professional Engineering (Management) Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
MTEMP001 Stage 1 - 100.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47