Structural Engineering with Architecture (NAS1)

First Year

Engineering students follow a common first year. Modules include:

• Chemistry
• Creativity in Design
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Energy Engineering
• Engineering Computing
• Mathematics
• Mechanics
• Physics

Second Year

• Construction Materials
• Construction Practice
• Mechanics of Solids
• Soil Mechanics
• Architecture for Structural Engineers

Third Year

• Structure & Form
• Analysis of Structures
• Design of Structures
• Energy Systems: Buildings

Fourth Year

• Taught modules in semester one are typically followed by an eight-month work placement.

Fifth Year

• Innovation Leadership
• Advanced Structural Analysis & Design
• Professional Engineering (Management)
• Soil Mechanics & Geotechnical Engineering
• Bridge Engineering
• Research Project

A student’s week includes attending lectures and tutorials, as well as participating in laboratory-based workshops and undertaking independent study. A combination of end-of-semester written examinations and continuous assessment is used. In your final year, you’ll also submit a report of your research project.

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.

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, Spain, China, Australia, Canada, USA, Singapore, New Zealand.  

You may apply to study abroad for either a semester or a year through the Erasmus programme or on a non-EU exchange.

UCD has over 200 Erasmus partners in Europe and an increasing number of non-EU exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and elsewhere.

Students to date have spent semesters at:

• University of Cantabria, Spain
• University of California, USA
• University of Connecticut, USA
• San Jose State University, USA
• University of Washington, USA

See our UCD Global exchanges page for more information

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 an academic career, and a PhD in Structural Engineering, in Ireland or abroad.

Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated in the ME programme. Eightmonth 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), and Waterman Moylan.

Also check out the UCD Career Neworks career guide for the College of Engineering & Architecture for details on the career supports available to UCD students.

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