MSc in Structural Engineering

The MSc in Structural Engineering program of study provides the opportunity to Civil, and other relevant engineering degree holders a fast-track approach towards a professional career in the area of Structural Engineering as it applies to Civil Engineering structures. This is a highly concise and practical program geared towards providing the state-of-the-art skills necessary for immediate entering or reentering practice at the highest level. The MSc in Structural Engineering aims to provide further technical knowledge in the area of structural engineering and it is intended to provide the educational platform to encourage the development of competent, confident, articulate, numerate and inquisitive postgraduates who are able to link theory with practice; hence postgraduates can look forward to playing a leading role in the profession providing for the safety and welfare of the public.

The program covers fundamental and modern structural engineering subjects providing a combination of analytical and design topics as well as experimental techniques and the use of computers reflecting current and likely future practice. The analytical work will include the theoretical framework of the matrix methods and the use of modern structural analysis software leading to the development of problem solving skills for the analysis of complex engineering structures. The design-related subjects will be taught in accordance with the latest European and national regulatory and legal framework (Euro codes), which provide the most up-to-date specialized knowledge and technical competences.

The successful completion of the program requires the completion of a thesis covering a topic related to structural engineering. The research activities involve combinations of experimental, numerical and theoretical work. Research will be promoted by means of encouraging the development of collaboration networks between the university and other academic and social partners on a local, regional (Mediterranean) and international level. The establishment of such networks is critical as a means of acquiring experience, achieving effective exploitation of research results, good practice examples and innovation.

The MSc in Structural Engineering is developed to meet the needs for education in the field of structural engineering by providing the skills needed to key professionals, who are or will be active in the private sector, in governmental institutions and local authorities and as consultant engineers.

Specifically, the proposed program will provide the skills for:

1. Engineers who have recently completed their Bachelor studies in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline and seek a higher and focused education before entering the market
2. Engineers who have recently completed their Bachelor studies in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline and seek to get involved in research and acquire an MSc before pursuing a PhD degree
3. Engineers who wish to engage in consulting in structural engineering
4. Professionals with experience in the field, who wish to extend their knowledge and place emphasis on the topics covered by the programme
5. Professionals from public and semi-public organisations, whose work is related to structural engineering and related legislation

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:

1. Acquire the ability and skills to analyze and design civil engineering structures as professional Structural Engineers
2. Provide the engineering and scientific background for further studies or research
3. Provide further knowledge of engineering principles and develop an ability to interpret and evaluate structural engineering problems
4. Obtain an in depth comprehension of the European and national regulatory and legal framework (Euro codes and National Annexes)
5. Develop detailed knowledge on the assessment of the structural integrity of buildings
6. Understand the techniques of structural modelling and use a significant range of analysis and design software skills
7. Understand the properties and applications of modern materials, equipment and methods of construction of civil engineering structures
8. Evaluate the dynamic and earthquake behavior of structures
9. Design and create innovative structural configurations
10. Plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation or development within the context of structural engineering
11. Critically review existing practice and develop original and creative solutions to problems
12. Communicate and work effectively with peers and academic staff in a variety of tasks, demonstrating appropriate levels of autonomy and responsibility
13. Be capable of using research results in education, within their professional environments and in society
14. Work independently to acquire knowledge, review and evaluate current research results and conduct individual research
15. Be able to gather information about the main local and international funding opportunities for participating in research consortiums and funded research

Frederick University academic year consists of the fall and spring semesters. The calendar is arranged so that students may start classes either during the last week of September or the first week of February. Candidates may submit an application for admission in any of the semesters. Due to the fact that formalities for the issue of an entry visa take at least 6 weeks, candidates are urged to file an application at least 8 weeks prior to the expected date of enrolment. Students are expected to be on campus prior to the beginning of the intended semester/session. In response to arising need, courses could be provided within the summer period.

Admission Requirements

Candidates’ minimum qualifications for admittance to the program are:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited University in Civil or any related engineering field
• Fluency in English

In the case that the number of candidates may be greater than the maximum number of students that can be admitted to the program, additional criteria for the selection of the students would be:

• Bachelor’s degree overall Grade Point Average (GPA);
• Professional experience
• Knowledge and experience in the use of information and communication technologies

Eligible candidates will be selected and admitted to the Programme, after a personal interview. The interviews will be conducted by an evaluation committee, formed by the Program Coordinator (chair of the committee) and two members of the program’s teaching staff.

A. Nationals of EU countries
Candidates who are nationals of EU countries can enter Cyprus as visitors. On arrival at Frederick University they must submit to the Admission Office the following:

• A fully completed application form.
• An application fee of Euro 25 (non-refundable).
• Attested (certified true) copies of their academic qualifications.
• Evidence of proficiency in English, (if available).
• A photocopy of their passport. The passport should be valid for at least one year from the date of their arrival to Cyprus.
• A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.

Furthermore, they must pay the registration fee, the semester tuition fees, and register for subjects. Next they must apply to the Migration Department for a temporary residence permit. The application to the Migration Department must be supported by evidence that they have paid their tuition fees for the semester, have enough funds for their initial living expenses and have obtained local health insurance coverage.

B. Applicants from non EU countries
International Students from non EU countries need to have a valid student visa in order to be allowed to enter Cyprus. The issue of an entry visa takes about 6 weeks from the date of the submission of the application. It is therefore recommended that candidates submit their application at least 8 weeks before the beginning of the semester. Cyprus Migration Department requirements in respect of the issue of a student visa, which from time to time may be modified, are available to candidates in a separate document.

Once the Conditional Acceptance Letter is issued by the University, the prospective student is directed
by an Admissions Officer to send to the University several documents by email and then by courier.
The documents are as follows:
1. Original attested passport copy must be valid for 2 years
2. Original attested copy of High School Leaving Certificate and mark sheets
3. Original attested Police Clearance Certificate must be valid for 6 months
4. Original attested bank letter showing that the student’s sponsor has the financial ability to
support tuition fees and leaving expenses must be valid for 6 months
5. Original attested bank statement which clearly shows the minimum amount of €7,000 in the
sponsor’s account must be valid for 1 month
6. Original attested chest X-ray report for Tuberculosis must be valid for 4 months
7. Original attested blood test results for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C must be valid for 4
months
8. Attested document of parental consent for the student’s proposed stay in Cyprus and its
official translation in Greek or English– only for applicants below the age of 18 years
(minors).
9. Attested reports of medical tests showing that they are not suffering from Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis and a chest X-ray report.
10. A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of
origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct
certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the
semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing
and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.
11. Attested letter from a bank in the country of origin or residence stating that the student or
his/her parent (s) – full names to be mentioned – have the financial capability to cover the
cost of living and studying in Cyprus, and the student’s repatriation cost, as well as recent
bank statement showing a balance of at least €7000 (seven thousand Euro).

It is estimated that, on average, a student spends about 600 Euro per month for private accommodation, utilities, food and transportation. Of course, a budget is a very personal thing, depending on one’s preferences.

Full time students from non EU countries are entitled to seek employment of 20 hours per week during the study period, provided that the employment hours will not coincide with their study hours at the University, or 38 hours per week during their holidays. The right to employment starts after the completion of six months study and residence in Cyprus. 

Scholarships aim is to support young people with capabilities to distinguish and to contribute to the development and social progress.

The university offers full and partial scholarships to incoming students based on the academic merit of the high school performance. The University also has in place a scholarship scheme for continuing students which reduces tuition fees based on the GPA achieved by the student. The percentage of reduction is related to the GPA achieved.

Additionally, Frederick University has a broad range of scholarships to athletes.