MEngSc in Structural Engineering  (T314)

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.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

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.