Module manager: Mr David Richardson
Email: D.Richardson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Admission to MSc programme Academic and English language qualifications required for entry to the MSc (Eng) in Structural Engineering (or the part-time study variant) Structural design of reinforced concrete and structural steel at UG level Structural analysis at UG level
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module requires the students to develop concept and detailed structural engineering design solutions to meet the requirements of a site-specific client's brief. The results of the design activity are presented in the form of a written report and drawings with supporting calculations and, where applicable, computational output
- To develop at least 2 distinct and viable alternative concept design solutions to a structural engineering problem;
- To critically appraise and evaluate alternative concept solutions and recommend a preferred concept solution taking into account safety, stability, buildability, durability, sustainability and economy;
- To justify the size and disposition of all the principal structural elements (including the foundations) of a structural engineering solution by appropriate processes of structural analysis and detailed element design using the guidance contained within current guides and codes of practice;
- To present concept design evaluations and detailed structural engineering proposals in the form of drawings, a report and supporting calculations;
- To demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of construction process and health and safety risk management through the provision of an outline construction programme, method statements and risk assessment.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of maths/engineering principles, to formulate/analyse complex problems and reach substantial conclusions/solutions (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M1 & M2);
2. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3);
3. Apply an integrated approach to design solutions for complex problems that demonstrate originality and meet the diverse needs of various stakeholders (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M5 & M6);
4. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems, including the entire life cycle of a product or process, to minimise adverse impacts (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M7);
5. Consider ethical implications and make well-reasoned ethical choices (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M8);
6. Use risk management processes to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks associated with the project and adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to mitigate security risks (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M9 & M10);
7. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M13);
8. Demonstrate an understanding of continuous improvement in the context of complex problems (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M14);
9. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M16);
10. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M17);
11. Adopt an inclusive approach to structural design and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M11).
This module contributes to AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M7, M8, M9, M10, M11, M13, M14, M16 and M17.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Academic:
a). The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively;
b). An ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of structural Engineering design problems.
Digital:
c). The ability to find, evaluate, organise and share information across a variety of formats, ensuring the reliability and integrity both of the sources used;
d). The ability to use digital technology and techniques to create digital items, and the willingness to engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.
Enterprise:
e). The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
Sustainability Skills:
f). Understands and evaluates multiple outcomes; their own visions for the future; applies the precautionary principle; assesses the consequences of actions; deals with risks and changes; uses scenario planning;
g). Applies different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainable development problems; develops viable, inclusive and equitable solutions; utilises appropriate competencies to solve problems; develops innovative and creative solutions.
Work ready:
h). The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines;
i). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and numerical skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate analytical and numerical data;
j). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and creative skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data;
k). The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding and anticipate problems. To use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions.
- Structural engineering problem solving strategies and critical evaluation of alternative concept solutions.
- The precise range of topics covered will vary from year to year depending on the design brief set but will, typically include:
- Concept Design: evaluation of the design brief; consideration of alternative structural forms and framing solutions (appropriate to the design brief); consideration of alterative materials and methods of construction taking into account safety and stability, economy, maintenance and durability, exposure conditions; physical and operational site constraints; sustainable design principles and buildability.
- Detailed Design: serviceability (deflection, settlement effects, vibration and crack control) and ultimate limit states (axial, flexural and torsional load effects/actions and combinations, as appropriate; global and local stability; robustness); wind load effects; design of a variety of different structural forms (to meet the needs of the brief); evaluation of ground conditions on the site, foundation design.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lectures | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Seminars | 16 | 1 | 16 |
| Private study hours | 242 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 58 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
The weekly group consultation meeting provide students with feedback on their own work and the chance to compare their own progress with others. Tutorials are led by academic staff, but student participation is encouraged and developed over the course of the module.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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