Studying Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering. As its name suggests, the subject is concerned with studying, designing and building of structures. These structures can be those of residential properties, commercial properties like school, offices, hotels and hospitals, bridges and even dams and oil rigs.

Structural engineers ensure that the structure of a building or bridge is robust. They work along with other professionals like architects and civil engineers to make sure the building or bridge is strong enough to withstand stress and pressures resulting from human use and environmental factors. They may also carry out inspections to see whether old buildings and bridges are still structurally sound, safe and fit to be used.

The UK is at the forefront of structural engineering teaching, learning and research. There are about 40 universities offering study programmes in civil engineering and its sub-disciplines.

The kind of the popular rolesattained by MBA graduates include:

• Teesside University
• London South Bank University

Salary and Career Prospects

Structural engineers are employed by construction companies (Balfour Beatty, Carillion, and Skanska), electricity and power companies (EDF, British Gas), utilities (United Utilities), petroleum companies (Shell, BP), manufacturing (Mars, Unilever) and government departments.

They work in roles like Graduate Structural Engineer, Structural Analysis Engineer, Senior Structural Engineer and Project Structural Engineer.

Salaries vary with location, qualifications and experience. As a guide, newly qualified structural engineers are paid in the region of £22,000 to £28,000 (21-26 lakhs INR), but with experience and additional certifications, this could go up to£70,000 (68 lakhs INR)

Why Study in UK?

The UK is a world-renowned seat of learning, teaching and research with 3 universities in top 10 and 7 in top 50 in THE World Rankings 2018.

British government is investing heavily in major engineering projects like HS2, Cross rail (rail projects), Birmingham City Project, Hinkley Point (nuclear power plants) and in motorway upgrades.

The country is home to some of world’s most prestigious engineering companies like Balfour Beatty, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Siemens and Skanska.

It is possible for students to remain in the UK after finishing their studies provided they meet the prevailing visa requirements.