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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 strong, stable, and safe. They use mathematical and scientific principles to calculate the strength and durability of materials and create detailed drawings and specifications. Structural engineers often work closely with architects, builders, and other engineers to bring projects to life, making sure that the finished structure can withstand the loads and stresses it will face during its lifetime. Most structural engineers are employed by engineering consultancies, construction firms, or public sector organisations. The role often involves both office-based design work and site visits to inspect construction and ensure compliance with plans and safety standards. Becoming a chartered structural engineer through professional bodies such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) can enhance career prospects and earning potential.

Structural Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

The average starting salary for a graduate structural engineer in the UK is between £25,000 and £32,000 per year.

Experienced Professional Salary

With several years of experience, structural engineers can earn between £40,000 and £60,000 per year, with senior or chartered engineers earning upwards of £70,000.

Employment Opportunities

There are over 50,000 civil and structural engineers working in the UK, with demand expected to grow due to ongoing infrastructure projects.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Bridge Design Engineer

Specialises in designing and overseeing the construction of bridges, ensuring they are safe, functional, and long-lasting.

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Building Facade Engineer

Focuses on the structural design and performance of external building envelopes, such as glass walls and cladding systems.

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Earthquake Structural Engineer

Works on designing buildings and infrastructure to withstand seismic activity and minimise damage during earthquakes.

Achieve Strong Academic Foundations

Take Relevant GCSEs

Focus on GCSE subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Design and Technology to build a strong foundation for further study.

Achieving high grades in Maths and Science is particularly important, as these subjects are critical for understanding engineering principles. Some schools may also offer Engineering or Technology GCSEs, which can provide useful skills.

Pursue A Levels or Equivalent

Choose A Levels in subjects like Mathematics and Physics, or consider equivalent qualifications such as BTECs in Engineering.

Mathematics is essential, and Physics will greatly help with understanding structural forces. If available, further Maths is also beneficial. For those taking BTECs, ensure the course content covers engineering fundamentals and is recognised by universities.

Obtain a Recognised Engineering Degree

Apply for Accredited University Courses

Select an undergraduate 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 important to meet the educational requirements for professional registration later on. Look for MEng or BEng programmes in Civil or Structural Engineering. Research universities with strong engineering faculties and consider their course content and placement opportunities.

Gain Practical Experience

Participate in industrial placements, internships, or work experience during your degree to develop real-world engineering skills.

Many university courses offer a 'sandwich year' or summer placements with engineering firms. This experience is invaluable for developing practical skills, building professional networks, and enhancing your CV. It can also sometimes lead to a job offer after graduation.

Start Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Roles

Look for graduate structural engineering positions with consultancies, construction companies, or public sector organisations.

Graduate schemes often provide structured training and support towards professional qualifications. Roles may involve design, site supervision, or project management tasks. Be proactive in applying early and tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Work Towards Chartership

Begin working towards becoming a Chartered Structural Engineer by gaining experience and recording your development through a professional body such as the ICE or IStructE.

Chartership is a mark of professional competence and can significantly boost your career prospects and salary. It typically requires several years of work experience, professional development, and passing an assessment or interview. Your employer may support you with mentoring and training.

🎯 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 specialise in designing and assessing structural elements within construction projects, often working on similar types of infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, and other large-scale structures. The qualifications and skills required for both roles overlap significantly in areas like structural analysis, materials science, and project management.

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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