Educational Routes FAQ
Questions
How can I tell whether structural engineering would interest me?
What educational qualifications do I need to become a structural engineer?
What type of course should I find out about if I want to do a degree or HNC/HND?
Tell me about degrees in civil or structural engineering?
Tell me about studying for a HNC/HND in civil or structural engineering?
What are appropriate NVQ/SVQ qualifications for structural engineers?
Are NVQ/SVQ, HND/HNC and degrees equivalent qualifications?
What is the difference between a Chartered and Incorporated Engineer?
Answers
How can I tell whether structural engineering would interest me?
Well, if you have the opportunity to do work experience, then try and arrange it with a structural/civil engineering design consultancy or with a builder or construction company.
But, you could start by considering the subjects you enjoy most at school or college and the activities or hobbies that interest you.
In your education - you probably enjoy some or all of the following subjects:
- Technical drawing
- Engineering
- Design and Technology
- Computing
- Maths
- Physics
In your own time - unusual buildings or structures, such as bridges and elegant towers may fascinate you.
As one of your hobbies - you may like designing and making things, like models of structures from different materials or construction kits.
With other people - you may enjoy organising activities and working together in teams.
When faced with a challenge - you get satisfaction from thinking up different solutions and finding the best one.
If any of this sounds like you - read more to find out what further education or training you need to become a structural engineer.
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What educational qualifications do I need to become a structural engineer?
There are a number of ways you can learn about structural engineering. Here are some examples.
Academic route: By studying full-time for A levels at school, then going to university or college to do a 3-year Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or 4-year Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in civil and/or structural engineering.
Vocationally related route: By studying full-time or part-time at a college or training centre for BTEC National and Higher National Diplomas or Certificates (i.e. HND and HNC) in engineering or construction related subjects.
Occupational route: By working in a structural engineering design office, and achieving National or Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQ/SVQ) assessed on your performance and the knowledge and experience that you gain.
Don't forget that these are only examples, and there are other types of equivalent qualifications. Also, you can start on one route and change to another to get a more advanced qualification, as long as you have first achieved the appropriate entrance requirements.
You can find out more about different qualifications at www.citb.org.uk
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What type of course should I find out about if I want to do a degree or HNC/HND?
If you want to learn about structural engineering through a degree, an HNC or an HND, then you want to find out about courses in:
- Structural engineering
- Civil engineering (structural engineering is included in civil engineering courses)
- Civil and structural engineering
- Engineering science
- Building
These are the main examples, but you will find other engineering courses that include structural engineering, and some courses that combine it with other subjects, e.g. architecture, management, environment and languages.
If you want to find out more about civil engineering, visit the Institution of Civil Engineers School Zone.
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Tell me about degrees in civil or structural engineering?
You can study for a degree at a university or college. A full-time Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree usually takes 3 years to complete, while a Master of Engineering degree (MEng) takes 4 years, full-time. Some degree courses are extended to include time for additional industrial training, in a design office or on a construction site.
You will find the entry requirements vary from one college or university to another. They include GCSEs, A levels, Highers and Advanced GNVQ/GSVQs and their equivalents. The vocational qualifications must usually be in engineering or a related subject, and a qualification demonstrating a good level of competence in Maths is normally required. Physics and Maths are often preferred A levels. You can also apply to do a degree course if you have achieved an HNC/HND in civil or structural engineering.
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Tell me about studying for a HNC/HND in civil or structural engineering?
You can study at a college or training centre for Higher National Certificate (HNC), for two years part-time, or a Higher National Diploma (HND) for two years full-time.
Entry requirements vary between institutions. They can include GCSEs, A levels, Highers, NVQ/SVQs, GNVQ/SNVQs, BTEC National Diplomas or Certificates. Vocational qualifications must usually be in an engineering related subject, and you should be competent in Maths.
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What are appropriate NVQ/SVQ qualifications for structural engineers?
If you work as a technician or draftsperson in an engineering design office, you can work towards a Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in Technical Design (Built Environment). You can find out more about these NVQ/SVQs at http://www.cisc.org.uk/resource_centre/
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Are NVQ/SVQ, HND/HNC and degrees equivalent qualifications?
NVQ/SVQ, HND/HNC and degrees in civil and structural engineering are not equivalent qualifications, but they can all be used as a first step to becoming as a professional structural engineer.
The different qualifications lead to two different grades for professional engineers:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) which would qualify you as a Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (MIStructE). The first step towards this would be a MEng or BEng(Hons) degree, officially recognised for CEng grade. Additional study would be required on top of a BEng(Hons) degree to match the more advanced MEng qualification.
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng) which would qualify you as an Associate-Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (AMIStructE). The first step towards this would be a BSc or BEng degree or HND/HNC, recognised for IEng grade. Additional study would be required on top of a HND/HNC to match the more advanced BSc or BEng qualification. .
With all qualifications, except for NVQ/SVQs, you would need a period of practical training and professional development actually working in structural engineering before you were eligible for professional status as either CEng or IEng.
You can identify whether a course is officially recognised for CEng or IEng grade by checking whether it has been accredited by the Institution of Structural Engineers. Don't forget that this is important if you want to become a Member or an Associate Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
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What is the difference between a Chartered and Incorporated Engineer?
Chartered Engineers have a broad appreciation of engineering as a whole. They undertake and lead work that is essentially intellectual in nature. Their work involves applying fundamental engineering principles to the development and construction of innovative engineering designs. They may be involved with the management and direction of important structural engineering projects, and they can supervise the work of other engineers.
The work of Incorporated Engineers tends to be more practical in nature, but still requires an understanding of fundamental engineering principles. They perform the technical duties on a project, and they can have a substantial amount of responsibility and authority.
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