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Structural Engineering

  • Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours)
  • 3 to 4 years
  • Full-Time
  • 13 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Edinburgh Campus
More about Heriot-Watt University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Solve the structural engineering problems of tomorrow's world. Ranked in the UK top 20 and 3rd in Scotland for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2021.

This degree offers a thorough grounding in the major branches of Civil Engineering but with a focus on aspects most relevant to Structural Engineering. The aims of the programme are similar to those for Civil Engineering but with a stronger emphasis on the analysis, skills and knowledge appropriate to Structural Engineering design. In addition, this degree aims to cultivate skills for the creative development of designs for construction projects. An unrivalled range of specialist options is available in Year 5 and students complete a professional design project.

We are ranked in the UK top 20 and 3rd in Scotland for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2021. All Structural Engineering degrees are supported by the Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from major multi-national employers offering advice, guidance and work placement opportunities.

In Year 1, you have the opportunity to visit a range of construction sites and experience guest lectures from professional engineers.

In Year 2, you have the opportunity to participate in Constructionarium, which provides hands-on construction working alongside professional engineers and tradesmen to construct scaled down versions of bridges, buildings, dams and civil engineering projects from all around the world.

There is flexibility to transfer between Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering degrees in Years 1, 2 and 3.

In Year 4, students undertake a week long collaborative design project working with students from across the built environment disciplines or can apply to study at a partner institution in Europe or North America.

In Year 5, students have the opportunity to participate in a field trip to Barcelona, looking at the design of some of the worlds’ most iconic structures.

Eligible applicants may be able to commence their studies from year 2 of the 5 year program. Please visit our website for further information.

Students on this programme also have the opportunity to apply for an Inter-Campus transfer to Dubai or Malaysia.

Accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Edinburgh Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 to 4 Years

Start dates

  • 13 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
H210
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Edinburgh Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2, 3

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
H210
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Edinburgh Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BBC

including Mathematics at B for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: BBB including Mathematics.

T Level

We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish HNC
Pass

HNC in a relevant subject with B in graded unit and at least SCQF level 7 mathematics for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: HNC in a relevant subject with A in graded unit with at least SCQF level 7 mathematics.

Scottish HND
Pass

For Year 2 entry: HND in a relevant subject with BB in graded units with at least SCQF level 7 mathematics.
For Year 3 entry: HND in a relevant subject with AB in graded units with at least SCQF level 7 mathematics

Scottish Higher
AABB

including Mathematics.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)

Scottish Advanced Higher
BB

including Mathematics plus AABB at Higher for entry to Year 2.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 30

with Mathematics at Higher Level 5 for entry to Year 1.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

in relevant engineering course (including sufficient Mathematics) for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: DDM in a relevant engineering course (including sufficient Mathematics).

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
Pass

We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level BCC

including Mathematics at B for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: BBB including Mathematics.

T Level

We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.

Scottish Higher BBBC

including Mathematics.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) Pass

We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

English language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.

Learn more on the Heriot-Watt University website

International entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.

Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.

As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790
Scotland£1820
EU & International£25808

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Subject to confirmation

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