Structural Engineering and Architecture MEng

2024-25 entry
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
School of Architecture

This dual course combines the essentials of an architecture course and a structural engineering course, principally aimed at buildings and structures. It covers the essentials of both disciplines, so you could become an architect or an engineer.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Engineers on site in hard hats

    Learn to balance the perspectives of both disciplines on the longest-established dual accreditation course in the UK.

    Sheffield’s MEng in Structural Engineering and Architecture develops you as both a technical and a creative engineer or an architect. You’ll learn to apply your imagination and so create solutions to the challenges of the built environment in the 21st century – graduating with a masters that has RIBA/ARB accreditation, and fully meets the academic requirement for CEng.

    Taught between the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering and the School of Architecture, you’ll collaborate with students from both departments – preparing you for professional relationships in the future.

    You’ll take a two year journey through the fundamentals – exploring everything from maths, mechanics, and geotechnics, to humanities and history of architecture. At the same time, you’ll flex your creative design skills through projects in sustainable structural engineering and architecture.

    In the final two years, we’ll deepen your technical ability through specialist modules, whilst learning how to integrate your design skills in both disciplines, producing holistic responses to challenges such as working with existing buildings and on international projects. You’ll also get the chance to work on a research project in your final year, developing new knowledge in structural engineering, architecture, or both.

    You’ll graduate with a unique understanding of both disciplines, making you exceptionally employable, either as an architect or a structural engineer. You'll be capable of appreciating competing considerations, while able to balance the professional opinion of both disciplines. Our graduates are highly respected and have gone onto leadership positions in leading international engineering and architecture practices.

    Why study this course?

    • Become a structural engineer, an architect, or both - the course is accredited by the JBM as a Masters in Structural Engineering and by the RIBA/ARB as a part 1 Architecture course, allowing graduates to go on to work as structural engineers or architects (or both).
    • Get the best from both worlds - understanding both disciplines gives our graduates the skills required to holistically design sustainable buildings in response to the climate emergency.
    • Unique access to state-of-the-art facilities - you will have unique access to facilities available to structural engineering students in The Diamond and the architecture design studios in the Arts Tower.
    • The longest running dual accredited course in the UK - the course has been running since 1995 - making it the first and longest running - dual accredited structural engineering course in the country. As such, we have extensive experience of delivering a dual degree, ensuring you will get the best possible education in both disciplines.

    Dual and combined honours degrees

    This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution, on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). It is also accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a Part 1 Architecture course, providing graduates a pathway to go on to work as structural engineers or architects, or both. See the ARB, JBM and RIBA websites for further information.

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Structural Engineering and Architecture MEng course structure 2022 and 2023
    UCAS code: HK21
    Years: 2022, 2023
    First year

    Core modules:

    Mathematics and Python Programming

    This module aims to reinforce and extend students' previous knowledge of mathematics studied before university, and introduces the use of computer programming to solve engineering and mathematical problems. 

    Mathematics is further taught to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the department. Combined with the mathematics teaching, this module teaches the opensource programming language, Python, which can be used to efficiently solve a variety of practical scientific and numerical problems. 

    A combination of formal lecture content, tutorials and assisted computer lab sessions, help the students learn and apply mathematical and programming theory. Practice problems are presented showing the links between mathematics and programming learning, to show how the skills learnt can solve practical problems of relevance to the students.

    20 credits
    Engineering Surveying

    In this module you will learn basic engineering surveying skills and the role spatial data plays in civil engineering design and construction. You will gain hands-on experience in using different types of surveying equipment and in basic manipulation of spatial data. You'll gain key transferable skills in metrology and checking data accuracy.

    10 credits
    Civil and Structural Engineering Mechanics

    This module is delivered in both the Autumn and Spring Semesters. Teaching in the first semester is designed to provide a basis of knowledge and understanding of elastic structural analysis and will be applied to two key structural forms - trusses and beams. The focus of the second semester is on the analysis of stress, strain and elastic deformation of beams.

    20 credits
    Environment and Technology 1

    The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio. This module presents principles of planet and place including:

    -  climate literacy and climate justice, building in the era of the climate emergency

    -  principles of regenerative design and ecology

    -  historical overview of solar architecture

    10 credits
    Environment and Technology 2

    The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.

    This module (ARC108) and the preceding module (ARC107) are paired thematically and present principles of planet and place, including in this module:

    - designing with site and context

    - designing with climate and microclimate

    - designing with passive solar principles

    - designing with air and water

    - designing with materials and layers

    10 credits
    Soil Mechanics

    This module is an introductory module to the use of soils in engineering practice. As soils are a naturally varying material, the creation of different soil types is first discussed giving the student a background in why soils differ. This then progresses into the engineering classification of soils followed by the design of simple geotechnical structures. These include retaining walls and earth embankments.

    10 credits
    Humanities 1

    ARC103 explores the reciprocal relationship between architecture, the built environment and society, introducing a broad range of inhabitations and domestic settings across the world and across time. Through a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approach lectures will examine how humans have approached their needs for shelter and inhabitation, and the relationship between domestic types and public life, both in the past and in the present. The course seeks to establish that architecture is socially contextualised through style, symbolic references, typologies, use, materiality, meaning, structure, layout, and form, and also through the framing of human activities and rituals. By adopting a global approach the course engages with broader questions of locality, exchange, and architecture's adaptability.

    10 credits
    Humanities 2

    ARC104 examines how the field of architecture is positioned in relation to its wider contexts - in particular, climate breakdown. Neither architecture nor climate are simply technical phenomena: both are social, political, and cultural; both raise questions about resources, land, economics, labour, policy, infrastructure, and more. We will explore these entanglements starting from a series of building case studies, and moving outwards to explore the wider material and immaterial networks that constitute architecture and climate. You will begin to position yourself in relation to these and other networks, and reflect on how you might encounter them in your future. Lectures will relate the physical making of the modern world to political, social, and other constructions.



    The module will introduce histories and theories of architecture yet emphasise an interdisciplinary approach that mobilises knowledge and methods from across the humanities. It aims to contribute to your development as a critical thinker and researcher and help you both define your own personal agendas and tools and evolve informed and rigorous arguments in both words and images.

    10 credits
    Introduction to Structural Materials Engineering

    This lecture course focusses on materials for structural applications and covers all the main classes of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, natural materials and composites), describing the properties that they show, the root cause of their properties, the structure, and how we can affect this by processing to get the properties we want. The course will also introduce some ways that the best material for a purpose can be selected.

    10 credits
    Global Engineering Challenge Week

    The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

    *The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

    Sustainable Design and Engineering Skills

    This module is designed to ensure students have the skills to design solutions and assess options against sustainability criteria to make evidence based recommendations. Students will be able to look at the bigger picture of a projects impact on our complex systems and society.

    10 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    The following are the main learning and teaching methods implemented within the programme:

    • lectures
    • tutorials (and example classes)
    • practical activities
    • design classes
    • studio time
    • coursework assignments (including presentations)
    • Individual Research Project (final year)
    • online resources

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    We've academic staff who are world-leaders in their respective fields and some have over 20 years' experience in industry. Our staff experience demonstrates how engineering fundamentals are applied in practice through project work that mimics real-life situations. We also bring in leading industry experts to enhance and support our teaching and advise on our curriculum.

    Assessment

    Students are assessed via a mix of the following:

    • examinations
    • coursework assignments
    • online tests
    • reports
    • group projects
    • presentations
    • design work
    • dissertations

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAA
    including Maths

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    AAB, including A in Maths + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering + A in A Level Maths
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering + A in A Level Maths
    Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
    AAAAB + A in Maths
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    A + AA, including Maths
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction (to include Maths and Science or Engineering units), and 6 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
    Other requirements
    • Acceptable Maths subjects include Maths, Maths with Mechanics, Further Maths or Applied Maths, but not Statistics or Use of Maths. Pure Maths is only acceptable when combined with Physics

    • GCSE Physics (or Combined Science) grade 6/B

    • Evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio

      Our guidance on submitting a portfolio
    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAB
    including Maths

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    AAB, including A in Maths + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    34, with 5 in Higher Level Maths
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering + B in A Level Maths
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering + B in A Level Maths
    Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
    AAABB + B in Maths
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AA, including Maths
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (to include Maths and Science or Engineering units), and 15 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
    Other requirements
    • Acceptable Maths subjects include Maths, Maths with Mechanics, Further Maths or Applied Maths, but not Statistics or Use of Maths. Pure Maths is only acceptable when combined with Physics

    • GCSE Physics (or Combined Science) grade 6/B

    • Evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio

      Our guidance on submitting a portfolio
    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    Department of Civil and Structural Engineering

    Our graduates work all over the world, from the UK to Australia and the USA. Recent graduates have gone on to work for AECOM, Arup, Atkins, Buro Happold, Eastwood & Partners, and Kier.

    You'll be able to apply your knowledge and skills to fields as diverse as the built environment, sustainability and improving the environment.

    In addition, architectural engineering graduates might go into a broad range of engineering areas ranging from building services to mechanical, electrical or acoustic engineering.

    Or as a structural engineer, you'll be helping to shape the world around us. Structural engineers design and construct multi-storey buildings, bridges, sports stadiums, tunnels, airports and schools.

    Aatisha Gupta : Graduate Civil Engineer

    School of Architecture

    Our graduates often go into architectural practice for a year or two before doing a two-year MArch in Architecture - either at Sheffield or another school. They also pursue careers in the built environment or move on to a specialist masters course.

    Employers include AHMM, ARUP, Building Design Partnership, Haworth Tompkins Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley, Grimshaw Architects, Hawkins\Brown, and Penoyre & Prasad.

    Graduates of our degree courses are well prepared for a career in roles such as: built environment consultant, government and local authority advisor, creative and strategic policy maker, architectural critic and journalist, arts and heritage manager and design and illustration.

    Department of Civil and Structural Engineering

    Civil engineering is at the forefront of improving the way we live. Whether it's providing the facilities that keep our day-to-day lives running smoothly - from roads and railways to clean water supplies - or working to meet the ever-changing needs of our society in the areas of sustainability, renewable energy and climate change, you'll be helping to create and protect the world we live in.

    Our courses will make you the kind of engineer the world needs right now; forward-thinking, interdisciplinary, environmentally conscious, and capable of the kind of complex thinking our rapidly changing society needs. Wherever you choose to start your career, you'll be in demand.

    We're in the UK top ten for civil engineering, according to The Times UK University Rankings 2024. Our research is internationally recognised, with 96% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF2021). Industry and government value our expertise.

    Our industry partners contribute to teaching through lectures, design classes, projects and site visits. We work with leading consultants, contractors and specialist civil engineering companies to provide industrial opportunities for a number of students each year. We also have industrial tutors and professionals who mentor our first-year students.

    You'll be taught in The Diamond, one of the best teaching spaces in the UK.

    Facilities

    The Diamond building contains state-of-the-art teaching and lab facilities, and uses cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment.

    Department of Civil and Structural Engineering

    School of Architecture

    UG students working in studio

    Come to Sheffield and join some of the best architecture students in the UK - our students have won prizes at the RIBA Student Awards and the Royal Academy Summer Show. They've been shortlisted in the European Architecture Medals and the Inspiring Graduate Awards. Our staff are doing world-class research, helping to make the school a leader in our field across the UK and internationally.

    We believe in architecture that makes a difference. We know that it has the potential to improve the lives of those who inhabit and use it.

    Through our internationally-acclaimed teaching and research, we explore the social, spatial and environmental implications of architecture. As a Sheffield student, you will engage with real issues affecting the built environment and specifically the challenges of the Climate Emergency and zero carbon design.

    We encourage you to explore ideas and collaborate with other students. Through group tutorials and peer review you'll learn how to express your opinions, and value the opinions of others. Sheffield is the perfect place to develop your personality as a designer.

    We provide a balance of theory, design work and professional experience delivered within the context of a strong studio culture. The studio acts as a laboratory for trialling your creative and critical ideas, and for developing fundamental architectural skills. You'll share ideas during group tutorials and review other students' work. This encourages you to express your own opinion and to value the opinions of others, as you begin to develop your personality as a designer.

    The School of Architecture sits high up in the Arts Tower, offering unrivalled panoramic views across Sheffield and beyond. This is where you will spend the majority of your time in the design studio.

    You'll also attend lectures across the campus and take advantage of our drawing studios and facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.

    Facilities

    Our generous open-plan studios promote collaboration and you will be able to take advantage of our facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.

    You'll have access to the latest digital techniques in our computer labs which host a suite of professional Building Information Modelling and Computer Aided Design software. You can also take advantage of our digital review facilities and will have access to 360 degree capture technology.

    Workshops and tutorials are embedded into each course to ensure you have the skills you need.

    School of Architecture

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    Department of Civil and Structural Engineering

    UK top 10 for civil engineering

    The Times UK University Rankings 2024

    UK top 12 for civil engineering

    Complete University Guide 2024

    96% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent

    Research Excellence Framework (REF2021)

    School of Architecture

    3rd in the UK for architecture

    Complete University Guide 2023

    Top 5 in the UK for architecture

    The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 / The Guardian University Guide 2023

    Student profiles

    What our students say
    CIV Jacques Calitz

    The variety of modules also allowed me to alter disciplines with ease. I started off being a structural engineer, but I am now a water engineer

    Jacques Calitz BEng Civil Engineering

    The University offered international student Jacques the necessary support to make Sheffield feel like home away from home and the department gave the necessary care and guidance to help with any technical and language requirements to get me on par with his peers.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Placements

    You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the four year course to a five-year Degree with Placement Year.

    A placement year will help you to:

    • gain an insight into possible careers
    • develop a range of transferable skills
    • build a professional network
    • get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
    • add valuable work experience to your CV
    • gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
    • apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    This dual course combines the essentials of an architecture course and a structural engineering course, principally aimed at buildings and structures. It covers the essentials of both disciplines, so you could become an architect or an engineer.