How To Become A Structural Engineer

The best way to become a structural and/or architectural engineer is:

• study hard at high school and get good grades in maths, physics, chemistry, and design.
• go to a quality university and study civil or architectural engineering.
• get a job as a graduate structural engineer.
• work for four years to become a registered structural engineer.
• keep learning throughout your career.

Structural Engineering is a Specialisation of Civil Engineering

A structural engineer in Australia normally completes a civil engineering degree at university and then specializes in structural engineering after graduation.

That’s the old way that it was done.

These days you can specialise in structural engineering during your bachelor of civil engineering degree or you can complete post-graduate studies in structural engineering for further specialisation.

Post-Graduate Structural Engineering Experience

Finishing your engineering degree at university gives you the opportunity to be employed as a graduate structural engineer.

After university, to become a registered structural engineer you need another four years of experience working under an experienced structural engineer.

Requirements in Queensland for Engineering Experience

In Queensland  that work experience needs to be directly supervised and directly monitored by an experienced structural engineer.

What Subjects Do You Need to Study Engineering?

In order to study engineering in Australia you need to have studied:

• English
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Design or drafting or computer modelling.

For more information check out these university websites.

• Queensland University of Technology Assumed Knowledge
• University of Queensland Admissions Criteria
• University of Melbourne Civil, Structural and Architectural Engineering

What Engineering Subjects Will I Study at University?

When you study civil engineering at university, you’ll study subjects such as:

• Engineering Design
• Problem Solving
• Engineering Mechanics
• Electrical Engineering
• Advanced Calculus
• Principles of Construction
• Statics and Dynamics
• Structural Mechanics
• Civil Engineering Systems
• Statistics
• Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
• Engineering Hydraulics
• Reinforced Concrete Structures
• Highway Pavement Engineering
• Structural Analysis
• Transportation Systems

Engineering Experience After Graduation

After you graduate with your bachelor of civil engineering, you will need to gain employment as a structural engineer and achieve 4 years of experience before you can qualify as an RPEQ engineer in Queensland.

Once you are an RPEQ registered structural engineer, you must demonstrate 150 hours over a rolling 3 year period of continuing professional development.

Ongoing learning is very important because while engineering theories are fairly stagnant, you need to stay up to date with new materials and be aware of new problems as they arise.

To become a Structural Engineer

• Study hard at school and do science, technology, engineering and maths subjects (STEM).
• Go to university and study civil engineering.
• Get a job as a graduate structural engineer.
• Complete at least four years of experience working under the direct supervision of an experienced structural engineer.
• Register as a structural engineer.
• Keep learning throughout your career.
• Work hard. Work hard towards being a structural engineer. It’s definitely worth it!