Civil and Structural Engineering

UCAS code: H225

Here's what University of Aberdeen says about its Civil and Structural Engineering course.

Structural Engineering is generally recognised as a specialist area of Civil Engineering but the two areas are very similar. This is a perfect degree programme for those looking to succeed in this field as it offers up our hugely successful standard Civil Engineering degree but introduces a number of key areas of specialism. This Honours degree programme follows a similar structure to the straight MEng Civil Engineering degree. The major difference is the compulsory study of the Advanced Structural Analysis in year 4.

This course extends the basic stiffness method of analysis developed in the pre-requisite courses. Fundamental principles of the stiffness method of analysis, with automatic assembly of the stiffness matrix for rigid jointed plane frames and space structures, are presented in some detail. Elastic instability of frames, and the design of continuous steel beams and portal frames using plastic methods will be undertaken. Analysis of flat plates and slabs using yield line theory, and an introduction to shells also covered. The course concludes with a brief outline of the finite element method of analysis, with computer-based applications forming an important practical component.

The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.

It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.