Study structural engineering abroad

Structural engineering focuses on the design, maintenance, repair, and improvement of buildings and other infrastructure. From houses and hospitals to oil rigs and aircrafts, you’ll learn how to construct safe structures that can withstand human and environmental pressures.

As well as testing the structural integrity of existing infrastructure, you’ll become familiar with the properties of different building materials, including steel, timber, and concrete. You’ll also develop the professional skills you’ll need to work with clients, contractors, architects, surveyors, and other industry experts.

Societies around the world depend on the work of structural engineers for their essential infrastructure. By studying abroad, you’ll see how global infrastructure is influenced by local cultures and geography. You’ll encounter different engineering approaches, projects, and laws, transforming you into a more experienced and versatile engineer.

There are several different options to choose from when it comes to studying structural engineering.

Although a bachelor of engineering (BEng) is studied over a minimum of three years, most courses will include an industry sandwich year, adding an extra 12 months onto your program.

Four-year master’s of engineering (MEng) programs are also available. You’ll take the same classes as BEng students for your first two years of study, before diving into more specialized and advanced topics for the remainder of your program. Completing an industry placement means your course will take five years to finish.

If you studied a different branch of engineering at the undergraduate level, you can still enroll in a one or two-year structural engineering master’s. From here, you might decide to pursue a research-based PhD which can take anywhere between four and seven years.

The licensure required to become a chartered engineer varies within and between countries. Therefore, it’s important to check what kind of accreditation you’ll need if you want to work in a specific part of the world.

Teaching methods normally blend theory and practice to give students a well-rounded understanding of the field. Your timetable will be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, site visits, and fieldwork.

The precise content of your program will depend on your university and country of study. That said most degrees address these core topics:

• Engineering mathematics and modeling
• Electronics and mechanics
• Properties of materials
• Structural analysis
• Concrete and steel structures
• Engineering design and drawing
• Computer-aided design
• Engineering surveying and construction technology

Structural engineers are amongst the most in-demand and well-paid graduates. Your knowledge of essential structures like transport, buildings, energy supplies, and water distribution will make you an invaluable asset to societies around the world.

Due to the global shortage of qualified structural engineers, engineering firms, manufacturers, energy companies, and governments are always on the lookout for passionate and hardworking graduates. Here are some of the careers paths open to you:

• Structural engineer
• Civil engineer
• Site engineer
• Water engineer
• Surveyor
• Estimator
• Design engineer
• Nuclear engineer

Participating in relevant work experience will help lay the foundations of a successful career. Not only will it demonstrate your commitment and talent to potential employers, but it’ll also help you to figure out your career aspirations and build a professional network.