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Engineering

Structural Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Structural engineers are responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the construction of buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other structures to ensure they are safe and capable of withstanding the loads and forces they encounter. In the UK, their work is essential for both new developments and the maintenance or refurbishment of existing structures. Daily tasks can include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, carrying out site inspections, liaising with architects and contractors, and ensuring projects comply with health and safety regulations. Structural engineers must have strong problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of mathematics and physics. Most roles require a degree in civil or structural engineering and often further professional accreditation.

Structural Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Structural engineers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £55,000 per year, with senior professionals earning up to £70,000 or more.

Job Openings

In 2023, there were over 5,000 structural engineering positions advertised across the UK, with demand highest in urban and infrastructure development sectors.

Professional Registration

Around 60 percent of structural engineers in the UK are registered with professional bodies such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).

🚀 Careers in this path

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Bridge Engineer

Focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of bridges, ensuring they are safe and structurally sound.

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Façade Engineer

Specialises in the design and analysis of building exteriors, working on elements such as glass, cladding, and structural support.

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Earthquake Structural Engineer

Works on designing buildings and structures to withstand seismic activity, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Take Maths and Science at GCSE and A-level

Focus on subjects such as Mathematics and Physics at school, as these are essential for engineering.

Most universities and employers will expect strong grades in Maths and Physics, as they form the foundation of engineering knowledge. Consider also taking Further Maths or Design Technology if available.

Study an Accredited Engineering Degree

Apply for a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering that is accredited by a professional body such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

An accredited degree is vital if you wish to become a chartered engineer later. Look for MEng or BEng courses with sandwich placements for valuable industry experience.

Consider a Postgraduate Qualification

Some roles or advancement opportunities may require a Masters degree (MEng) in Structural or Civil Engineering.

A Masters degree can deepen your technical knowledge and make you more competitive in the job market. Many universities offer integrated Masters courses or postgraduate options after your Bachelors.

Gain Work Experience

Apply for Summer Placements or Internships

Seek out internships or work experience with engineering firms during your degree.

Work experience is highly valued and can help you build contacts in the industry. Large companies often offer summer placements to students, which can sometimes lead to job offers after graduation.

Complete a Graduate Scheme

Join a graduate scheme with an engineering firm after university to gain structured professional experience.

Graduate schemes provide training, mentorship, and a clear path to professional registration. They often rotate you through different aspects of structural engineering, giving you a broad range of experience.

Achieve Professional Registration

Work Towards Incorporated or Chartered Status

Register with a professional body such as ICE or IStructE and work towards becoming an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Professional registration shows you meet high standards in your field. This often involves further study, submitting a portfolio, and passing interviews or exams. Chartered status opens up higher-level roles and project responsibility.

Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continue learning and updating your skills throughout your career.

The field of structural engineering is always evolving, so attending courses, seminars, and workshops is important to stay current with regulations, software, and methods.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Structural Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Structural Engineer and a Civil Engineer both work within the field of designing and analysing infrastructure projects, focusing on ensuring structures are safe and functional. The roles often overlap in terms of qualifications, technical knowledge, and the application of principles related to construction and structural integrity.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:

  • transport engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • coastal and maritime engineering

You can search for accredited courses through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after university.

You can also do further study for a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering, if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.

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

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College

You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.

Subjects include:

  • civil engineering
  • maths, physics or geography
  • construction and the built environment

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an engineering or construction company.

This takes around 5 years to complete.

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 higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study on the job for a degree or apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. Employers may also look for 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can learn more about how to become a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

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