Structural engineers must constantly evolve to anticipate the materials, environments, and technologies that will shape our future buildings.
They use innovative materials and manufacturing methods to design efficient, adaptable, and sustainable building infrastructure.
Because this infrastructure must be resilient in the face of a changing environment, structural engineers must also understand the future hazards and risks likely to arise – whether from cyclones, earthquakes, or other natural disasters.
Develop the capacity to create innovative solutions to structural engineering challenges using a variety of materials including steel, timber and concrete, and solve advanced design problems.
You'll learn how to apply digital design and construction technologies and build your understanding of the role of wind loading, fire safety and sustainable design.
Specialisations
To study this major, you'll have to choose an engineering specialisation first. The structural engineering major is available to study within the civil engineering specialisation.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Structural engineer
- Civil engineer
- Project engineer
Early-career salary
Structural Engineer
payscale.com
Mid-career salary
Structural Engineer
payscale.com
“Engineering for me is a degree where I can combine my love for maths with practical skills. It is where I am given the opportunity to learn the skills to help me create and design the best version of the world around me.”
Matilda MeppemCurrent student, Bachelor Of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Bachelor Of Business Management
“Before studying civil engineering, I would never have thought about the amount of engineering that goes into something as simple as billboards on the side of the road, nor the variety of career paths civil engineering can lead to. I started to see civil engineering everywhere and the diversity in this major.”
Christie PattersonCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
“I really enjoyed civil engineering for the range of things you were able to design - such as bridges, building water ways, foundations - and the different approaches to technical analysis for each of them.”
Steven EttemaGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)
“Engineering for me is a degree where I can combine my love for maths with practical skills. It is where I am given the opportunity to learn the skills to help me create and design the best version of the world around me.”
Matilda MeppemCurrent student, Bachelor Of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Bachelor Of Business Management
“Before studying civil engineering, I would never have thought about the amount of engineering that goes into something as simple as billboards on the side of the road, nor the variety of career paths civil engineering can lead to. I started to see civil engineering everywhere and the diversity in this major.”
Christie PattersonCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
“I really enjoyed civil engineering for the range of things you were able to design - such as bridges, building water ways, foundations - and the different approaches to technical analysis for each of them.”
Steven EttemaGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)
Events
See all events
18 May
Live Q&A webinars: Studying sustainable energy at UQ
9 June
Experience Zoology and Conservation Biology webinar
Stories
See all stories
Careers
What jobs can you do with a Bachelor of Science?
Careers
Jobs you can get with an environmental science degree
Careers
Engineers studying economics are reaping the benefits
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
Meet Hazel from Kenya, studying Environmental Management in Australia
Careers
What can you do with a quantum technology degree?
How you'll learn
In 2022, we'll be teaching on campus, with online options (for most programs and plans) for students who can't attend in person. See the list of programs and plans you can't commence online.
Course delivery modes may change in future semesters.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Structural Analysis
- Design of Steel and Concrete Structures
- Structural and Steel Design
- Design of Timber Structures
Keep up to date
Sign up to get information about applying and studying at UQ.
We will use your information to keep you informed about UQ programs, news, events and scholarships. By submitting this form, you consent to the terms of UQ's privacy notice.