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Engineering

Structural Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A structural engineer is responsible for designing, planning and overseeing the construction of buildings, bridges, towers and other structures to ensure they are safe and able to withstand the elements. Their work involves analysing loads and stresses, selecting the right materials, and working closely with architects and construction teams. Structural engineers use specialised software and calculations to predict how structures will behave and solve any issues that arise during the design or construction process. The career often requires a degree in civil or structural engineering and professional accreditation, such as becoming a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Structural Engineers.

Structural Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a structural engineer in the UK ranges from £28,000 to £45,000 per year, with senior engineers earning up to £65,000 or more.

Job Openings

There were over 6,000 job postings for structural engineers across the UK in 2023, according to EngineeringUK.

Growth Outlook

The demand for structural engineers is expected to grow by over 7 percent by 2030, as infrastructure projects and urban development continue to expand.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Bridge Design Engineer

Specialises in designing and assessing the structural integrity of bridges, ensuring they are safe and efficient for public use.

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Building Conservation Engineer

Focuses on restoring and maintaining the structural aspects of historic buildings while preserving their original features.

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Offshore Structural Engineer

Works on the design and analysis of structures used in offshore environments, such as oil platforms and wind farms.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Study Maths and Science at School

Focus on subjects such as maths and physics at GCSE and A-level, as they are essential for engineering careers.

Strong grades in maths and sciences will help you meet the entry requirements for university engineering courses. Consider taking additional STEM-related activities or projects to build your understanding.

Complete an Accredited Engineering Degree

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

Accredited degrees are important as they provide the educational base required for professional registration later on. University courses usually last 3-4 years, and include both theoretical and practical learning.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake a Year in Industry or Work Placement

Secure a placement or internship with an engineering firm during your studies.

Many universities offer a sandwich year or encourage summer placements. This experience helps you apply your knowledge to real-world projects and build professional contacts.

Apply for Graduate Structural Engineer Roles

After completing your degree, apply for entry-level positions at engineering consultancies or construction companies.

Graduate schemes offer structured training, mentorship, and the chance to work on a variety of projects. This is where you will start to develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career.

Become Professionally Qualified

Work Towards Chartered Status

Gain experience and undertake professional development to become a Chartered Structural Engineer (CEng).

Chartered status is highly regarded and often required for senior roles. It involves completing a period of Initial Professional Development (IPD), compiling a portfolio of work, and passing professional reviews or interviews with IStructE or ICE.

Continue Professional Development

Stay up to date with advances in the field through further learning, attending conferences, and taking specialised courses.

Engineering is a constantly evolving profession. Continued professional development ensures your skills remain relevant, and can open doors to leadership or specialist roles.

🎯 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’s role primarily involves the design and analysis of structures such as buildings and bridges, which closely aligns with the responsibilities of a Civil Engineer. Both professions require expertise in structural integrity, materials, and construction principles within the field of civil infrastructure.

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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