Structural Engineering with Architecture BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

UCD’s Structural Engineering with Architecture BSc is a unique program that combines the creativity of architectural design with the technical precision of structural engineering. It’s perfect for students who love both designing spaces and solving complex engineering problems, giving you the skills to create buildings and structures that are both beautiful and safe.

Curriculum Structure

First Year
In your first year, you’ll establish a solid foundation in engineering and design, studying subjects like Calculus, Mechanics, Physics, and Creativity in Design. You’ll also develop essential skills in computing and problem-solving, preparing you to think critically about how structures and spaces are conceived and built.

Second Year
The second year delves deeper into structural engineering and construction practices. You’ll study modules such as Engineering & Architecture of Structures 2, Construction Materials & Practice, and History & Theory of the Designed Environment 3. You’ll also enhance your technical skills in Design & Communications and Computer Applications, bridging the gap between design concepts and engineering solutions.

Third Year
Year three focuses on integrated structural design and advanced analysis. Key modules include Structural Analysis 1 and 2, Structural Design 1, and the Group Design Project. You’ll also explore Energy Systems in Buildings and professional development topics, gaining practical skills that prepare you for real-world challenges and collaborative projects.

Fourth Year
For students continuing in the integrated pathway, the fourth year emphasizes advanced structural and material knowledge. You’ll study modules like Structural Design 2, Structural Dynamics, Advanced Materials, and Realising Built Projects, alongside an eight-month professional placement that offers invaluable industry experience.

Fifth Year
The fifth year builds leadership, research, and specialised skills through modules such as Structural Analysis 3, Bridge Engineering, Research Project, and Quantitative Methods. This stage integrates academic rigour with practical insights, preparing you to take on professional engineering challenges confidently.

Focus Areas

Structural analysis and design, construction materials and mechanics, architectural history, energy systems in buildings, geotechnics, professional engineering, advanced materials, bridge and infrastructure design.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to combine engineering principles with architectural understanding to analyse and design safe, efficient, and innovative structures; apply engineering science and design methods to solve real-world built environment challenges; communicate design solutions effectively; and adapt to professional practice through teamwork and industry experience.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The integrated ME in Structural Engineering with Architecture is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland, giving graduates international professional recognition and eligibility for engineering practice worldwide.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

University College Dublin is among the top 1% of universities worldwide and is well-known for strong graduate employability, particularly in engineering fields, supported by active careers services and industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UCD, you’ll develop practical skills from day one, applying what you learn in real-world settings that mirror professional engineering and architectural practice. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, from collaborative design projects to professional placements, giving you the confidence to tackle complex structural challenges. You’ll also benefit from UCD’s well-equipped workshops, laboratories, and extensive library resources, supporting both your individual projects and group work.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

Collaborative design and model-making projects where engineering and architecture students work together to create and test structural designs, gaining valuable feedback from tutors and industry professionals.
Industry-linked internships through the integrated master’s pathway, offering a 6–8 month professional placement with leading engineering and architectural firms.
Study abroad and exchange opportunities that let you experience different academic and design environments internationally.
Hands-on workshops and laboratories where you can apply theory to practice with real materials, structural testing, and analysis techniques.
Academic research modules that connect you with active research groups, giving training in data analysis, technical communication, and presentation skills.
Access to UCD’s campus facilities, including state-of-the-art libraries, collaborative workspaces, and digital resources to support learning, research, and project work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Structural Engineering with Architecture BSc at University College Dublin are well prepared for exciting careers that combine technical engineering expertise with creative design insight. You’ll be ready to take on roles where you can lead structural projects, work within multidisciplinary design teams, or contribute to sustainable infrastructure solutions. Typical career paths include structural engineer, architectural technologist, design consultant, and project manager. The programme gives you strong foundations and practical experience to thrive in these roles:

Career support services: UCD’s Careers Network provides tailored guidance throughout your studies, including one-on-one coaching, CV and interview preparation, recruitment fairs with engineering and design employers, and internship support to help you connect directly with the jobs market.
Strong employment outcomes: UCD engineering graduates enjoy high employability, with around 90–95% in work or further study within six months of graduating. Graduate engineers can expect competitive starting salaries within Ireland’s engineering sector.
Professional accreditation value: The programme feeds into the integrated master’s pathway accredited by Engineers Ireland, enhancing your long-term career prospects and eligibility for professional chartership and international engineering practice.
University–industry engagement: Students benefit from UCD’s extensive links with consultancy, construction, infrastructure, and design firms, and many complete internships or placements with leading companies as part of their progression.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc, you can continue into UCD’s integrated master’s programmes, such as the Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering with Architecture. This advanced degree offers deeper study in structural design, research, and professional experience, opening doors to specialist roles, academic research, or even a future PhD if you wish to pursue an academic career.