Structural Engineering with Architecture
BSc (Engineering Science)(NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllIf you’re interested in the beauty of architectural design, and you want to be the one who realises these designs by creating viable solutions that ensure structures stand the test of time, then this is the course for you. The Structural Engineering with Architecture degree at UCD is a two-part degree, with an initial three-year Bachelor’s degree followed by a two-year Master’s degree, focusing primarily on the design of structures. The courses aim is to develop an appreciation for architecture, coupled with the solid fundamentals of an engineering degree. This will enable graduates to challenge the traditional boundaries of structural design.
First Year
Engineering students follow a common first year. Modules include:
- Chemistry
- Creativity in Design
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Computing
- Linear Algebra Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Physics
Second Year
- Engineering & Architecture of Structure
- Design & Communications
- Construction Materials & Practice
- Mechanics of Solids
- Geotechnics 1
- History & Theory of the Designed Environment
- Computer Applications
- Statistics, Probability & Multivariable Calculus 1
Third Year
- Structural Analysis 1 & 2
- Structural Design 1
- Geotechnics 2
- Group Design Project
- History & Theory of the Designed Environment 4
- Energy Systems in Buildings
- Professional Engineering
- Multivariable Calculus 2
Fourth Year
- Structural Design 2
- Geotechnics 3
- Structural Dynamics
- Advanced Materials
- Realising Built Projects
- Innovation Leadership followed by 8-month work placement
Fifth Year
- Structural Analysis
- Structural Design
- Research Project
- Case Studies
- Bridge Engineering
- Professional Engineering (Management)
- Agency: Design/Build
- Quantitative Methods
A student’s week includes attending lectures and tutorials as well as participating in laboratory-based workshops and undertaking independent study.
A combination of end-of-trimester written examinations and continuous assessment is used. In your final year, you’ll also submit a report on your research project.
Progression Requirement
The Structural Engineering with Architecture course is structured as a 3+2 programme, with a 3-year undergraduate BSc programme, followed by a 2-year taught graduate ME programme. Students who do not wish to progress onto the Master of Engineering (Structural Engineering with Architecture) pathway, or who do not qualify for progression, at the end of Year 3 can exit their studies at the end of Year 3 with a BSc (Engineering Science) degree.
Students have the opportunity in their third year to spend either one or two trimesters studying abroad in a partner University. There are options to study in countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA.
The ME programme in Structural Engineering with Architecture is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland, and thus recognised internationally. Graduates can find employment in Ireland and abroad in areas such as:
- Engineering consultancy
- Construction management
- Project management and planning
- Management consultancy and finance
Professional Work Experience
Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated in the ME programme. Eight-month internships (the majority of which are paid) have included the following employers: Arup, Meinhardt (London), OBA Consulting Engineers, O’Connor Sutton Cronin, Thornton Tomasetti (New York), Walls Construction and Waterman Moylan.
You can also pursue an academic career, and a PhD in Structural Engineering, in Ireland or abroad.
“I chose Structural Engineering with Architecture because I always had an interest in the construction industry and how such vast buildings were transferred from paper to real life structures. In school, I had an interest in maths and physics and found that I could put my favourite subjects to use in an engineering course. I chose UCD because of its high employability rate, it also has a 93% first year student retention rate. I like how the course covered a variety of soft skills as well as practical skills. I was delighted to be in offered a job in Sisk. A multi-national construction company where I had the opportunity to watch my work be constructed in real time. I would highly recommend participating in this engineering course.”
Magdalena Michalak, Student
UCD Engineering & Architecture College Office
Engineering and Materials Science Centre
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 1916
Email: katie.oneill@ucd.ie
