Structural Engineer

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Structural Engineers help to design and build large structures and buildings, like hospitals, sports stadiums and bridges.

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate award in:

structural engineering
architectural engineering
civil and structural engineering

You can find out about courses accredited by professional engineering institutions from the Engineering Council.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You can take a Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering at college, which may help you to find work as a trainee engineer. You’ll do more training on the job to qualify.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

Apprenticeship

You could complete a civil engineer degree apprenticeship and take professional training afterwards to qualify in structural engineering.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Study when Working

You could start as a civil or construction engineering technician and study for a degree qualification while you’re working.

You’ll need the following skills:

knowledge of engineering science and technology
maths knowledge
knowledge of building and construction
design skills and knowledge
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of English language
thinking and reasoning skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

In this role you could:

develop engineering plans using computer software
investigate the properties of building materials like glass, steel and concrete
advise on which material is best for the job
work out the loads and stresses on different parts of a building
use computer models to predict how structures will react to the weather
work out ways to improve energy efficiency
inspect unsafe buildings and decide whether they should be demolished
prepare bids for contract tenders
supervise project teams
give progress reports to clients and senior managers
work out why and how buildings have collapsed, like after an earthquake

You could move into construction design, project management, research and lecturing.

You could specialise in work like conservation projects, building using more sustainable materials or forensics where you might investigate why a building or structure has failed.

You could also move into consultancy work, like providing services to building insurers, or work overseas on construction and engineering projects with disaster relief agencies.

The following salaries are a guide only:

Starter: £22,000
Experienced: £70,000

Working Conditions

You could work at a client’s business, on a construction site, on a demolition site or in an office.
Your working environment may be cramped, dusty, at height, outdoors some of the time and noisy.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Your working hours would generally be 40 hours per week and may be unsocial, including weekend work.

Additional Information

Structural Engineer

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University

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Next Steps

Engineering Council

Structural Engineers Instutute

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