Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen MSc Advanced Structural Engineering requires a minimum 2:2 Honours degree in Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Energy or Structural Engineering, or equivalent. For Chinese applicants, the specific equivalent qualification is not listed on the programme page; you must select ‘China’ in the country selector on the official entry requirements section to view the relevant academic equivalency. The English language requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (with Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0). The international tuition fee for 2026/27 is £26,250, which includes an £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship for self-funded students, reducing the payable amount to £18,250.
Programme overview
The MSc Advanced Structural Engineering is a 12-month full-time on-campus programme with start dates in September and January. The programme is designed for graduates from a variety of engineering backgrounds, including civil, mechanical, aerospace, automotive and energy. Unlike many structural engineering programmes that focus solely on the construction industry, this degree addresses environmental, economic and social challenges across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and oil and gas. The curriculum includes courses in Advanced Composite Materials, Lightweight Structures and Engineering Optimisation.
The programme is accredited by both the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Academic entry requirements
The minimum academic requirement is a 2:2 Honours degree in Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Energy or Structural Engineering, or equivalent. The programme page states that this information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry. For applicants from China, the page includes a country selector tool. To view the specific Chinese qualification equivalency, you must select ‘China’ from the dropdown list on the official entry requirements section.
English language requirements
This programme falls under the Postgraduate Standard English language criteria used by the School of Engineering. The minimum scores are:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 90 overall (Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21)
- PTE Academic: 62 overall (Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59)
- Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 176 overall (Listening 162, Reading 162, Speaking 162, Writing 169)
English language certificates must be within two years prior to commencement of the course. The University also accepts qualifications gained in certain countries, degrees taught and assessed fully in English from an approved list, and high school qualifications from an approved list, provided the certificate is no older than 10 years at the start of the programme.
Tuition fees and the Aberdeen Global Scholarship
For the 2026/27 academic year, the published international tuition fee is £26,250. The programme page states that this fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. The fee payable by self-funded international students is therefore £18,250. Full terms and conditions apply to the scholarship. UK tuition fees are £11,100, with University of Aberdeen graduates eligible for an Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship reducing fees to £7,000.
Document requirements for application
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application:
- An up-to-date CV or resumé
- A degree certificate showing your qualifications
- A full transcript showing all subjects studied and marks achieved (original and official English translation)
- A detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, you can still apply and provide your degree certificate at a later date.
Programme structure
The programme is delivered in two stages. Stage 2 runs from June to August and consists of a 60-credit MSc Individual Project.
What the official page does not specify
The programme page does not publish a specific Chinese degree classification equivalency directly on the page. The country selector tool must be used to retrieve this information live. The page also does not specify application deadlines for January or September 2026 entry. These details should be confirmed directly through the University’s admissions contact or the online application system.
FAQ
What degree classification do I need for the MSc Advanced Structural Engineering?
The minimum requirement is a 2:2 Honours degree in Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Energy or Structural Engineering, or an equivalent qualification. The specific equivalency for Chinese qualifications must be checked using the country selector on the official entry requirements page.
What is the IELTS requirement for this programme?
The IELTS Academic requirement is 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in Listening, 5.5 in Reading, 5.5 in Speaking, and 6.0 in Writing.
How much are the tuition fees for international students in 2026/27?
The international tuition fee is £26,250. For self-funded international students, this includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, reducing the payable fee to £18,250.
Does this programme have January entry?
Yes, the MSc Advanced Structural Engineering has both January and September start dates. The duration is 12 months full-time on campus.
Is this programme professionally accredited?
Yes, the degree holds accreditation from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You need to submit a CV, degree certificate, full academic transcript (with official English translation), and a detailed personal statement. If you have not yet completed your current degree, you can provide the degree certificate later.
Official sources
- Advanced Structural Engineering programme page – University of Aberdeen
- Postgraduate English language requirements – University of Aberdeen