Research work into the behaviour and design of steel structures.
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Structural Steel Design

Understand the theory and practice of structural steel design.

Understand the theory and practice of structural steel design

Receive training in the analysis, design and assessment of steel and composite structures

Learn to analyse, design and assess steel and composite structures

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in civil engineering, natural sciences, earth sciences or other numerate disciplines

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Develop your skills as a design engineer specialising in steel structures on this one-year Master's course.

You'll receive advanced training in the design, analysis and assessment of steel structures including bridges and buildings. The programme will cover both theoretical background and practical design considerations.

Suitable for both practising engineers with several years' experience and recent graduates, this degree will develop your expertise for a future career in structural design and analysis in industry, the public sector or with non-governmental organisations.

In addition to lectures from College staff, you'll learn from renowned visiting professors and industry experts.

Structure

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

You'll take all of these core modules.

Core modules

You’ll choose seven modules from the options listed.

Optional modules

In the summer term, you’ll undertake a design project dissertation with regular guidance from a College supervisor, by private study or by arrangement at your place of employment.

This work will also incorporate a conceptual group project.

Professional accreditation

This MSc degree is accredited on behalf of the Engineering Council by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising:

  • Institution of Civil Engineers
  • Institution of Structural Engineers
  • Institute of Highway Engineers
  • Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
  • Permanent Way Institution

This degree is recognised as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree**. 

Registering as a Chartered Engineer will improve your career prospects and provide higher earning potential. It will also help to demonstrate your commitment to professional standards, the engineering profession and sustainable development.

Our accreditation agreement with members of the Joint Board of Moderators is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement is due to be renewed in 2026.

**Candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited Bachelor's degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Independent study

  • 25% Lectures and seminars
  • 75% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • In-class quiz
    Online quizzes
  • Computer sessions
  • A group of people interacting
    Group exercises
  • Design project blueprints
    Design projects
  • Books for research studies
    Research project
  • Slide-based presentations
  • Code on a computer screen
    Programming code
  • Summary reports
  • Individual research project
    Individual research dissertation

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework and exams
  • Project

  • 14% Coursework
  • 86% Examinations

Assessment methods

  • Individual and group coursework assignments
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • Research dissertation or detailed design project
  • A group of people interacting
    Group conceptual design project
  • Group projects and presentations

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Thursday 4 April 2024

Tuition fees

Home fee

Full-time

£17,600

2 years, part-time

£8,800per year

3 years, part-time

£5,867per year

Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.

Overseas fee

Full-time

£40,900

2 years, part-time

£20,450per year

3 years, part-time

£13,634per year

Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

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Gain the essential engineering skills and knowledge you need for a successful engineering career.

Management organisational chart

Learn to manage effectively, solve problems, write reports, and model and communicate.

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Graduates typically work in industry, government, and non-government organisations.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications