How to become a structural engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a degree or postgraduate course in:
- structural engineering
- architectural engineering
- civil and structural engineering
You might have an advantage if you do a course that includes an internship or a year in industry placement. Your university careers service can advise on how to find relevant work experience.
You can find out about accredited courses from the Engineering Council.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You could do a college course in civil engineering. This might help you to find work as a trainee engineer. You'll need to do more training on the job to qualify.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could complete a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship and take professional training afterwards to qualify as a structural engineer.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a civil engineering technician and study for a degree qualification while you're working.
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Career tips
If you're 11 to 18 years old, you can do 'taster' days and short residential courses with the Engineering Development Trust (EDT).
This will give you an idea of what it's like to study and work in engineering.
Professional and industry bodies
You can become a member of The Institution of Structural Engineers.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in structural engineering from The Institution of Structural Engineers and Go Construct.