Structural engineering covers areas such as structural analysis and design, structural mechanics, foundation design and properties of materials. Structural engineers contribute towards shaping the world we live in, often working with architects, on the design, refurbishment and construction of all structures from houses, offices, hotels, offshore oil platforms, sports stadia to bridges, space satellites and many other structures.
Structural engineers use their creativity and innovation to respond with economic and sustainable solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our world, including climate change.
They may work for contractors, consultants, local authorities, institutions or in teaching and research. Many opportunities exist for working overseas.
What do structural engineers do?
Basically they construct. But there is more to it than dreaming up a design and constructing it. When you look at a construction - a bridge, a concert hall, a block of flats - you may not see an apparent similarity with one of nature's finest examples of structural engineering - the human body. But the similarity is there.
The central strength of the body lies in the skeleton, the hidden framework that supports our shape and is integral to our ability to function. Without it we would collapse. To the Chartered Structural Engineer, the same considerations of strength, shape and function are paramount in their conception of the framework of a structure.
Then having chosen appropriate materials - such as steel, brick, concrete or timber - they have to design the structure and make all the necessary checks and calculations to ensure that the foundations will be sound, that the floors and roof will not fall down, and that the construction as a whole will remain safe and serviceable for the length of its intended lifetime.
A structural engineer is a professional man or woman who is involved in the design and supervision of the construction of all kinds of structures such as houses, theatres, sports stadia, hospitals, bridges, oil rigs, space satellites and office blocks.
Every construction project is unique and will involve the expertise of a number of professional people including a structural engineer. The specialist skills of a structural engineer will include calculating loads and stresses, investigating the strength of foundations and analysing the behaviour of beams and columns in steel, concrete or other materials to ensure the structure has the strength required to perform its function safely, economically and with a shape and appearance that is visually satisfying.
Why become a structural engineer?
- Innovation, a challenge, opportunities, responsibility and excitement in a varied career.
- Global profession, where different projects can take you to fascinatingly diverse sites around the world; from the United Kingdom, to Dubai, China or any other country in the world!
- Variety in your role, one day you may be on site, the next in an office. Structural engineering presents creative and analytical challenges, plus there's the day to day interest of managing people, materials and finance.
What do you need to study?
Career paths
There is huge opportunity and choice for young people starting out in a career in structural engineering. Structural engineering is a worldwide profession and membership of the Institution provides a qualification which will allow you to work almost anywhere in the world.
GCSE choices
When choosing which subjects to study in Year 10 and Year 11 it is worth considering what you enjoy as well as what you do well in. Appropriate subjects to study are Mathematics, Science, Computing or Design & Technology. You should also consider whether you have an interest in unusual buildings or structures.
At GCSE level you will study compulsory and optional subjects, however if you are interested in studying subjects directly related to structural engineering it would be worth studying applied GCSEs in Engineering or Construction & the Built Environment for example.
Diploma
The new Diploma qualification offers 14 to 19 year olds a combination of class room learning and hands-on experience. As of September 2008, Diplomas in five subject areas became available in selected schools and colleges. To pursue a career in structural engineering you should consider a diploma in Engineering or Construction & the Built Environment. This will be useful to support your next move whether it is to continue onto higher education or into the world of work.
A level choices
Studying A levels will be useful if you want to go onto higher education. Studying subjects in Mathematics, Physics and other sciences will often be desirable when applying to university.
NVQs, VRQs and Apprenticeships
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Vocationally-Related Qualifications (VRQs) and Apprenticeships are work-related qualifications that aim to develop specific practical skills and knowledge needed in a specific industry. For careers in structural engineering vocational qualifications must usually be in engineering, construction or related subjects, and a qualification demonstrating a good level of competence in Mathematics is normally required. They provide a stepping stone to further education, training or employment and can last from one year to five years.
Careers and learning zone
The Institution and the Institutions’ Educational Trust produces a range of careers and curriculum resources designed to support young structural engineers as they progress through school and onto university. Teaching Packs have also been produced for teachers to incorporate into their lessons to encourage the interest of students and influence the national curriculum in promoting structural engineering to school age students.
All of the following are available free of charge by contacting Membership.
Careers in structural engineering
A brochure containing information on careers in structural engineering, profiling the work of young engineers and the structures they helped to build.
Shape the world
A DVD containing information about the Institution and profiling the different dimensions structural engineers play in the industry.
Structural Awards 08
A booklet about the Structural Awards celebrating the achievements of all winning and commended entries.
Other material which may be of interest to you can be found by selecting one of the following links: