Structural engineer
Structural engineers help to design and build large structures and buildings, like hospitals, sports stadiums and bridges.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a structural engineer you could:
- develop engineering plans using computer software
- investigate the properties of building materials like glass, steel and concrete
- work out the loads and stresses on different parts of a building
- use computer models to predict how structures will react to the weather
- inspect unsafe buildings and decide whether they should be demolished
- work out why and how buildings have collapsed
We've identified this as a potential green job
For a structural engineer to be a green job, you could:
- create energy efficient building designs
- recommend the use of low-carbon materials like sustainably sourced timber and recycled steel
- design structures which can be used to generate sustainable energy
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a client's business, on a construction site or on a demolition site.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and at height.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
You could move into:
- construction design
- project management
- research or lecturing
- freelance consultancy work, like providing services to building insurers
- work on construction and engineering projects overseas, with disaster relief agencies
You could also specialise in:
- renewable energy projects
- sustainable building materials
- forensics, where you investigate why a building or structure has failed
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of building and construction
- design skills and knowledge
- excellent verbal communication skills
- complex problem-solving skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
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 accredited courses through 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
More Information
You could do a college course in civil engineering. This might help you to find work as a trainee structural engineer. You'll then need to do more training on the job to qualify.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to do 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
More Information
You could start as a civil engineering technician and study for a degree qualification while you're working.
Career tips
If you're 9 to 18 years old, you can do 'taster' days and short residential programmes 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.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.