BEng Structural and Fire Safety Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

This unique and forward-thinking program is designed for students who are passionate about creating resilient and safe buildings that protect people and assets. You will master the core principles of structural engineering while specializing in the critical field of fire safety, learning to design structures that can withstand extreme events.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students gain a foundation in Civil Engineering 1, Structural Mechanics 1, and Engineering Mathematics 1. The year focuses on developing problem-solving, analytical, and design skills relevant to engineering basics.

Year 2: Core modules such as Structural Mechanics 2, Civil Engineering Hydraulics 2, and Fire Safety Engineering 2 deepen technical understanding. Students begin integrating fire safety with structural design principles.

Year 3: The course advances with Structural Engineering Analysis 3, Fire Dynamics and Modelling 3, and Civil Engineering Materials 3. Practical applications highlight how fire interacts with different materials and structures.

Year 4: The final year of learning includes Structural Design for Fire 4, Civil Engineering Design Project 4, and an Individual Research Project. Students showcase independent research and apply integrated structural and fire safety expertise.

Focus areas: Structural Analysis, Fire Dynamics, Structural Design, Risk Assessment, Building Materials at High Temperatures, Sustainable and Resilient Design

Learning outcomes: Design structures to resist extreme loading, including fire; Analyse the behaviour of buildings in fire; Apply advanced principles of heat transfer and combustion; Develop innovative solutions for enhancing community safety and resilience.

Professional alignment: This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM: ICE, IStructE, IHE, CIHT) on behalf of the Engineering Council, fully satisfying the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially satisfying the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Reputation: The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the world's best universities (Top 30, QS World University Rankings 2024) and its engineering programs are highly regarded for their academic excellence and research impact.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Edinburgh, we believe theory is only as powerful as your ability to apply it. This program is built around hands-on learning that puts you in the shoes of a professional engineer from day one. You'll have access to our world-class laboratories and cutting-edge digital tools to test theories, solve complex problems, and see the real-world impact of your designs. This practical experience is central to your development, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and skills to excel in your career.

Your learning will be brought to life through:

Dedicated Fire Lab: You will gain hands-on experience in our dedicated Fire Lab facility within the School of Engineering, where you can study material behaviour, flame spread, and fire dynamics first-hand.
Structures Laboratories: Apply structural principles in our heavy structures labs, testing materials and components to failure to truly understand their behaviour and resilience under extreme loads.
Industry-Standard Software: Develop vital digital skills using professional analysis and design software central to the field, such as ANSYS for finite element analysis and Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Compulsory Group Design Projects: Tackle authentic, multi-disciplinary challenges through projects like designing a conceptual building, where you must integrate structural and fire safety principles from the ground up, mirroring real-world engineering practice.
Institute for Infrastructure and Environment: Benefit from the world-leading research conducted within our institute, which often informs our teaching and provides context for your practical work on sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are well prepared for roles in civil, structural, and fire safety engineering. Typical careers include Structural Engineer, Fire Safety Engineer, Risk Consultant, and Building Safety Specialist.

University services: Access to the Careers Service for placements, internships, and career mentoring.
Employment stats: Edinburgh has one of the UK’s highest graduate employability rates, with many students securing jobs within six months of graduation.
Industry links: Strong partnerships with Arup, Buro Happold, and Atkins provide real-world projects and placement opportunities.
Accreditation value: Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), offering a pathway to Chartered Engineer status.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates enter global roles in infrastructure design, safety management, and consulting, with competitive starting salaries.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can continue to postgraduate study such as MSc Structural and Fire Safety Engineering or pursue research degrees (MPhil/PhD) in areas like fire dynamics, resilience engineering, or sustainable infrastructure.