Structural Engineering MSc
Conceptual Design Project M ENG5273
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Engineering
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course is a Civil Engineering group-based design project that brings together knowledge and skills from a wide range of Civil Engineering courses in order to undertake the design of a major building/structure. The course activities include conceptual architectural, civil and environmental design, detailed engineering design and analysis, construction knowledge, health and safety, functionality and sustainability.
Timetable
6 hours per week. One hour tutorials on Monday and Tuesday and a 3 hour workshop on Fridays.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
65% Group Portfolio
25% Individual Contribution - (Weekly progress and peer assessment (5%) and technical calculations (20%))
10% Group Presentation
(NB: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all timetabled workshops and engage fully with all the ILOs in order to pass this course.)
Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No
It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.
[No exceptions]
Course Aims
The aim of this course is to develop high level structural engineering design, analysis, problem solving, communication skills and project management skills in a simulated office-based environment through the group design of a major building/civil engineering structure.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ conceptually design a large, complex engineering structure, its associated infrastructure and major components;
■ apply detailed design principles and analysis techniques to all major structural components;
■ evaluate the relative merits (aesthetics, cost, functionality, safety, buildability, sustainability, carbon footprint) of various designs within a group;
■ consider the challenges of multi-disciplinary coordination within different specialisms on the project
■ explain design concepts and solutions to peers, tutors and external assessors
■ produce a comprehensive technical document that describes the design process and finalised scheme.