Structural Design and Construction Management with Sustainability MSc
Subject and course type
- Construction and Surveying
- Postgraduate
Our Structural Design and Construction Management with Sustainability MSc meets the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) if you already have an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) degree. This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building. In addition, this course is fully compatible with the Government and Foresight Strategy on Sustainable Construction.
You are reading:
Learn how the design, build and operation of structures can manage their environmental impact
You will gain specialised knowledge and skills that will enhance your employability.
Each module combines a stimulating mix of lectures, practical laboratory work, group work, case studies and presentations.
At our Penrhyn Road campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
- extensive materials and structures for concrete, masonry, steel and timber
- geotechnical and hydraulics testing facilities
- surveying equipment, such as satellite global-positioning systems
Dedicated computer-aided design facilities include:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad
- finite element analysis‚ computational fluid dynamics
- virtual instrumentation
Students studying this course will also benefit from the John Galsworthy Building. This is a £20 million teaching and learning facility which brings lecture theatres, flexible teaching space and information technology suites together around a landscaped courtyard.
Why choose this course
This course focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing the concrete industry in meeting the demands of sustainability.
Throughout the course, you will examine and develop your knowledge on subjects such as:
- concrete technology
- sustainable construction
- earthquake engineering
- steel and concrete building design
- fire assessment
- geo-environmental engineering
- construction management
Experts at leading civil engineering and construction companies contribute to the course. This input will enable you to develop a wider perspective and understanding of the worldwide issues facing the construction industry.
Through an industry-relevant dissertation, you will be able to extend your knowledge in a specialist area. During this, you will be supervised by a member of our research active academic staff. This ensures our staff are in touch with the latest industry thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
The course will also develop your professional, analytical and management skills, as well as improving your technical skills and knowledge. For example, you will gain communication, teamwork, IT and problem-solving skills.
You can choose to study the course full-time or part-time to fit in with work commitments. September and January start dates give you extra flexibility plus the programme is modular, with the majority of the modules delivered over one week.
We regularly review all our postgraduate courses to make sure that they are up-to-date, reflect industry needs and are comparable to other university courses. This programme was developed in consultation with the leading industrial specialists and will be delivered in association with the Concrete Centre-UK.
The research groups within the Sustainable Technology Research Centre cover a wide range of topics, including:
- land use
- building design and construction
- recycling waste materials
- efficient energy use and distribution
- water resources (hydraulics)
- monitoring using remote sensing
Our lively research culture is reflected in our regular seminars. Recent examples include:
- International Conference on Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
- Recent Advances in the Micromechanics of Ductile Fracture
- Environmental Degradation in Adhesively Bonded Structures
- Modelling of Deformation and Failure of Polymers: Why is Bridging of Length and Time Scales Necessary?
- Why Bolt It When You Can Bond It? The Gluing Evolution
This programme builds on the research excellence in sustainable concrete construction at Kingston University and is fully compatible with the existing Government and Foresight Strategy on Sustainable Construction. It is run in association with The Concrete Centre UK.
Accreditation
Further learning programme – MSc
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 and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, on behalf of the Engineering Council, as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.
It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine if they meet the educational base for CEng registration.
The MSc programme delivered at our partner institutions is not currently accredited by the JBM.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Course content
The hands-on course focuses on the challenges and opportunities for the concrete industry in meeting the demands of sustainability. It combines concrete technology, sustainable construction, earthquake engineering, fire assessment, geo-environmental engineering and construction management.
The structural design in concrete module is assessed by coursework based on the national university competition organised by The Concrete Centre, the trade body representing the concrete industry in the UK.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Core modules
15 credits
This module provides you with an in-depth comprehension in using the Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Construction information Management System (CIMS) in the construction industry. It covers various topics related to BIM and CIMS, including their current application, benefits, challenges in the industry sector, and future developments.
The module will begin by recapping the fundamental concepts of BIM and CIMS, including the evolution of BIM and its importance in the construction industry. It will then delve into the different stages of BIM and CIMS, including modelling, collaboration, documentation, risk management, and collision avoidance and energy efficiency analysis. The module will cover various software tools that are commonly used in BIM and CIMS, such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and BIM 360.
In addition, you will learn how digital construction has revolutionised the construction industry and how BIM and its closely related digital technologies are employed as tools for the realisation of the Construction Industry 4.0.
This module will enable you to apply and evaluate the key principles of BIM, and you will undertake a collaborative interdisciplinary project to apply and develop your skills in a scenario-based group project. The module will discuss the future trends and developments in BIM and CIMS, such as the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Virtual Reality (VR) in construction.
30 credits
This module starts with a general introduction into the management of projects, and then goes more deeply into the technical aspects of project management techniques and project risk. Risk analysis and the identification and mitigation of risk events are dealt with in a construction project context, including human aspects. It covers many aspects of health and safety legislation and practice, starting from the history of health and safety in the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act, risk assessment, and covers major sets of regulations that impact on construction work. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations are dealt with in depth, as this is a key piece of statutory legislation that relates to the construction industry. Good practice and the importance of advice and guidance are emphasised. Quality management is dealt with in relation to the requirements of the latest edition of ISO9000, and the process leading to registration under this standard. Modern Practices in quality and the use of various quality management techniques are covered.
15 credits
This module covers the latest developments in material specification, structural design, and detail of concrete framed buildings. Methods of structural analysis and design in accordance with Eurocode 2 (EC2). Sustainability considerations are also integrated into the module and assessment.
60 credits
The overall aim of the module is to allow you to develop research skills and gain an appreciation of a subject area of your own choosing. In undertaking the work that is required you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing existing published literature and data and through the use of your own efforts apply one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions as a result of your research. The module allows you to study an area of interest in significant depth and allows you to demonstrate a clear understanding of what has been learnt through a variety of means; a literature review, a research proposal, an oral presentation and a substantial dissertation.
30 credits
This module provides you with the experience of performing a group investigation to develop the necessary skills in planning and designing a building project. You will apply and demonstrate your capabilities in engineering knowledge, numeracy, initiative, communication, self-learning, and creativity to plan, carry out, and control a sustainable open-ended design project. You will review the aspects of a client's brief and the feasibility of engineering and economical choices with regards to conceptual designs, structural systems, and materials. Methods of structural analysis and design will be in accordance with Eurocodes 2 (EC2), 3 (EC3), 4 (EC4), 5 (EC5), and 7 (EC7). You will enhance their communication skills through engineering drawing, oral presentation, and writing a technical report. Design thinking, innovation, and engineering judgment will be developed, building your confidence to solve multi-complex problems in your future workplace.
15 credits
15 credits
The Coastal and Flood Defence Systems module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and technologies associated with coastal and flood protection. This module delves into the critical aspects of managing coastal areas and mitigating the impact of flooding, crucial in safeguarding communities, economies, and ecosystems.
Professional placement
Professional placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Career opportunities
The market for sustainable construction management is continually evolving. Graduates from this programme will be prepared for senior technical and managerial positions in both private and governmental sectors.
Potential job roles include:
- civil/structural engineer
- concrete technologist
- materials engineer
- technical manager
- designer/ consultant
- project engineer
- construction engineer
- sustainable construction manager
- systems engineering consultant
- project manager
Further learning programme – MSc
This course is currently undergoing routine JBM accreditation renewal for 2025 entry.
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 and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, on behalf of the Engineering Council, as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.
It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.
Our MSc course in Structural Design and Construction Management with Sustainability is accredited until 2023 entry.
See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Please check the Engineering Council website for more information.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
This course, like many postgraduate courses at Kingston University, enables students to integrate a 12-month work placement into their course. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a Student Route visa.
Our excellent industrial links have developed over many years and throughout many countries. Some examples include work with:
- Matra-Marconi Space Ltd
- Ericsson
- Balfour Beatty
- The National Health Service
- British Gas
Our Industrial Advisory Committee reviews and advises industrial activities. The Committee acts as a forum for discussing teaching, research and consultancy to industry.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
Year 1: 16% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 282 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1,518 hours
Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
Assessment typically comprises
- exams (e.g. test or exam).
- practical (e.g. presentations, performance).
- coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).
The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows.
- 80% coursework
- 20% exams
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £17,600 |
| Part Time | £9,680 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,900 |
| Part Time | £9,295 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Structural Design and Construction Management with Sustainability MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat, hard hat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range between £25 and £100. You may also need to purchase equipment, such as safety gloves, when going on site visits. This may cost up to £50.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to interview, they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
Student success story
Who: Somesh Ainapur
Course: Structural Design and Construction Management with Sustainability MSc (2022)
Since my childhood I loved Maths and problem-solving skills that inspired me to study engineering. I was also fascinated by everything built around me such as buildings and bridges, and this directed my interest to Civil/Structural Engineering.
Having further guidance from my seniors in A-Levels about the role and responsibilities of a Civil/Structural Engineer, I decided to study Civil/Structural Engineering.
Kingston University is probably the only university in the UK offering a dual MSc Structural Design and Construction Management (with Sustainability), which would give me career opportunities in consulting engineering using the Structural Design part or contracting using the Construction Management part. Also, the Sustainability addition would give me current skills as required by all employers due to climate emergency.
Other attractive attributes that convinced me to choose Kingston University included the:
- full accreditation of the MSc
- subject ranking
- course structure
- core modules
- highly qualified practising staff
- prime location of the University
- great alumni
I felt totally confident that I had chosen the right university to kick off my career in Civil/ Structural Engineering.
The Kingston Award was a fantastic opportunity for me to get motivated and be actively involved to gain soft skills that make a student a stand-out personality.
Being an international student, working towards achieving this award helped me to grow personally and professionally.
After the Kingston Award was mentioned during induction, I flagged this and started working towards achieving each attribute necessary by getting involved in various opportunities such as course representative, social media officer for the water sports club, member of the student union and team leader for the course works.
Apart from my activities at the University I gained experience by volunteering at Oxfam and a part-time job at KFC, where I met a lot of people from different diversities, cultures, and places.
These activities improved my soft skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, decision making, self-confidence, financial management, and managerial skills which enhance my employability.
A huge thanks to Kingston University for giving me wonderful opportunities to grow myself and progress in my career.
In my opinion, the University is not just about teaching the modules but also giving students the support and opportunities which a young graduate needs to get pushed into the industry. I am confident that Kingston University has provided me with every opportunity to achieve my success.
The Faculty of Science Engineering and Computing is amazing in encouraging students to achieve great heights of success.
I would also like to thank all academic staff at Kingston University for their incredible support during my MSc and particularly Professor Costas Georgopoulos (Prof Costas) who designed this wonderful postgraduate programme and delivers a major part of it.
Prof Costas, Fellow of the Institutions of Civil and Structural Engineers, taught us the technical knowledge and sustainability parts that are necessary for Civil/Structural Engineers who come to study in the UK from all over the world.
From day one I noted all the information which he supplied in the class such as websites, competitions, Institution events, The Concrete Centre, etc., and I got actively involved with all relevant bodies.
I still remember Prof Costas’ classes and use his lifelong resources such as lecture notes, videos and free computer aided learning software to enhance my knowledge and help my performance in practice.
Prof Costas motivated me and pushed me towards achieving things in tough times such as the pandemic. He has always been part of my career achievements and awards. As a course rep I also heard from many students about his continuous support to them.
Prof Costas has a special way to communicate with students and manages to engage with everyone in making them knowledgeable and employable. He is an email away all the time for all graduates who need his advice and recommendation to secure a job. Prof Costas is also a mentor and sponsor for graduates applying to become a Chartered Civil / Structural Engineer incl. myself.
