Structural Engineering
Structural engineers apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and evaluation of materials and systems used in building load-bearing structures like roads, buildings, rail lines, dams and offshore platforms.
What is Structural Engineering?
Structural engineers perform roles related to the design of these structures, their longevity, and their ability to withstand extremes such as earthquake, high winds, blast or fire.
What You Study
Core engineering studies include systems design, mathematics, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Structural engineering study areas include structural theory and design, design in steel, geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure.
Career Outcomes
Structural engineering students learn from researchers recognised internationally for their expertise in high-rise structures, and earthquake and blast resistant technologies. Design seminars, fieldwork and workshops also provide students with opportunities to work with industry professionals in their final year. Employment opportunities include work as structural engineering design consultants in companies ranging from international firms to small private practices, as well as other areas such as government departments associated with public works and infrastructure, construction companies, and research organisations and universities. Structural engineers can find employment with national and global companies such as Arup, Bonacci Group and AECOM.
How to Become a Structural Engineer
Step 1: Civil Systems
The Civil Systems major may be taken as a part of either of the following degrees. You can find out more about each degree on the following websites:
Bachelor of Commerce students may choose the Civil Systems sequence, and study between eight and ten engineering subjects as the breadth component of their degree. You can find out more about the degree on the following website:
Duration
300 credit points / 3 years full-time
Fees
Domestic Students
Commonwealth Supported Places: Fees per 100 credit points (depending on subjects taken) $4547–$7262 (with 10% up-front discount)
Commonwealth Supported Places are guaranteed until 2019 for the duration of the undergraduate degree and Master of Engineering course.
International Students
Typical yearly fee range per 100 credit points (depending on subjects taken) $28,788–$33,004
For more information please refer to the Fees page on the University’s Future Students website.
Course Structure
Sample Course Plan — Bachelor of Environments (Civil Systems)
This example is provided as a guide only. Subject availability will vary from year to year and there is no guarantee that the listed subjects will be available in future years. This information is for students with VCE Units 3 and 4 Specialist Mathematics.| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Reshaping Environments | Constructing Environments | First Year Environments subject | Calculus 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | Natural Environments | First Year Environments subject | First Year Environments subject | Linear Algebra |
| Year 2 | Semester 1 | Engineering Mechanics | Engineering Mathematics | Environments elective | Breadth |
| Year 2 | Semester 2 | Engineering Materials | Earth Processes for Engineering | Environments elective | Breadth |
| Year 3 | Semester 1 | Risk Analysis | Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics | Major elective | Breadth |
| Year 3 | Semester 2 | Systems Modelling and Design | Structural Theory & Design | Environments elective | Breadth |
Step 2: Master of Engineering (Structural)
Graduates with a Civil Systems major (with a 65% average) are eligible for a two-year Master of Engineering (Civil) or a Master of Engineering (Structural).
- Find out more about the Master of Engineering (Civil)
- Find out more about the Master of Engineering (Structural)
Sample Course Plan —Master of Engineering (Structural)
| Year 4 | Semester 1 | Structural Theory and Design 2 | Engineering Site Characterisation | Sustainable Infrastructure Systems | Structural elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | Semester 2 | Systems Modelling and Design | Engineering Project Implementation | Structural Theory & Design 3 | Structural elective |
| Year 5 | Semester 1 | Research Project | Integrated Design | Structural elective | Structural elective |
| Year 5 | Semester 2 | Research Project | Integrated Design | Structural elective | Structural elective |
| Structural Systems subjects | Electives | Breadth subjects |
Make an Enquiry
Please call or email Eastern Precinct Student Centre:
13 MELB (13 6352)
+61 3 9035 5511 (overseas)
Apply Now
Engineering Study Guide
Download Engineering Study Guide [PDF 2.9MB]
Manh Ngo
Manh Ngo came from Vietnam to complete his Bachelor of Environments with a major in Civil Systems at the University of Melbourne. He is now undertaking a Master of Engineering (Structural).
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do exactly, I could be an architect, an engineer or a construction manager. I did the Bachelor of Environments, because in that course you have your options wide open until the second or third year of the course. When I did my second year I decided, I'm more of a science person so I chose to be an engineer.
I want to be an engineer focusing on high rise structures. After I graduate I hope to get a job in that field.