Programme Specification for the MSc General Structural Engineering

PLEASE NOTE. This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a
typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that
are provided. This specification provides a source of information for students and prospective students seeking an understanding of the
nature of the programme and may be used by the College for review purposes and sent to external examiners. More detailed information
on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the course handbook
or on-line at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/structuralengineering/msccourses. The accuracy of the information contained in this document
is reviewed by the College and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.

1. Awarding Institution: Imperial College London

2. Teaching Institution: Imperial College London

3. External Accreditation by Professional / Statutory Body: IStructE/ICE/IHIE/IHT

4. Name of Final Award (BEng / BSc / MEng etc): MSc and DIC (Equates to 90 ECTS Credits)

5. Programme Title: General Structural Engineering

6. Name of Department / Division: Civil & Environmental Engineering

7. Name of Faculty: Engineering

8. UCAS Code (or other coding system if relevant): Not applicable

9. Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s) and/or other external/internal reference points

Engineering

10. Level(s) of programme within the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ):

Masters (MSc, MRes) Level 7

11. Mode of Study Full Time / Part Time

12. Language of Study: English

13. Date of production / revision of this programme specification October 2010:

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

14. Educational aims/objectives of the programme:

The Aims of all MSc programmes provided by the Department are:

To provide students with a solid technical basis in the key areas of the engineering
profession through delivery of a coherent, coordinated and balanced degree programme,
integrating core engineering science with practical application
To enable students to acquire a mature appreciation of the context in which engineering
projects are developed within the industry
To develop in our students excellence in oral, written and graphical communication.
To provide students with sufficient material to explore the subject, to carry out self-
organised study, and to think about the issues and challenges of the material, in preparation
for, or advancement in, professional practice

The General Structural Engineering MSc/DIC course at Imperial College provides advanced training in
the design, analysis, assessment and evaluation of concrete, steel and composite structures
including bridges and buildings. These courses are career-orientated and cover both the theoretical
background and practical design considerations. The courses are suitable for practicing engineers
with several years experience and recent graduates.

The courses consist of a number of core subjects and electives modules which are taken in the first
two terms. All core courses must be taken, in addition to electives in both taught terms, to a total of
12 modules in completion of the programmes. For certain spring term modules, the related module
in autumn term is a prerequisite. The electives enable students to develop a primary study theme
(e.g. advanced structural analysis, concrete materials and structural assessment or seismic design of
concrete structures). The courses attach considerable importance to design which is reflected in the
design projects undertaken as part of the Design and Construction core module which is assessed
entirely by course- and project work.

In the final five months of the courses, students undertake either one two-week conceptual design
project and a major investigative research dissertation, or two two-week conceptual design projects
and a major detailed design oriented project.

The programme aims to:

Produce graduates equipped to pursue careers in structural engineering design and analysis in
industry, the public sector and non-governmental organisations;
Provide the basis for the recognition and understanding of the major features of structural
engineering;
Develop an understanding of how this knowledge may be applied in practice in an economic
and environmentally sustainable manner;
Foster the acquisition and implementation of broad research and analytical skills related to
structural engineering;
Attract highly motivated students irrespective of race, gender, background and physical
disability, from the UK and overseas;
Develop new areas of teaching in response to the advance of scholarship and the needs of the
community including vocational training;
Provide an introduction to the subject for students from other relevant disciplines

Distinctive features of this programme include a strong quantitative element and pathways
focussing on different elements of structural engineering through a diverse set of options supported
by world-class teaching and research expertise in relevant disciplines.

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

15. Programme Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and Understanding
A. Knowledge and understanding of:
1. a selection of the major topics in the
subject, their recognition and underlying
fundamental principles;
2. research techniques which might include
information retrieval, experimental design
and statistics, modelling and safety;
3. the essential facts, concepts, principles and
theories relevant to the students chosen taught/learnt and to broaden their individual
area of research (B);
4. management and communication skills,
including problem definition, project design,
decision processes, teamwork, written and
oral reports, scientific publications (B).
2. Skills and other attributes
B Intellectual (thinking) skills include the ability
to:
1. identify, analyse and solve problems using a
multidisciplinary approach, applying
professional judgements to balance
costs, benefits, safety and social and
environmental impact;
2. integrate and critically evaluate information (B);
3. formulate and apply appropriate solutions (B);
4. plan, conduct and write-up a programme of
original research (B).
C Practical skills include the ability to:
1. plan and execute safely a series of
experiments or computations (B);
2. use laboratory methods or field methods or
computer-based tools to generate data (B);
3. analyse results, determine their strength and
MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1
Teaching/learning methods and strategies
Acquisition of A1 to A4 is through a combination
of lectures, seminars, computer-based work,
coursework. A4 is also supported by attendance
at a number of skills workshops offered by
voluntary GSEPS.
Throughout the students are encouraged to
undertake independent reading both to
supplement and consolidate what is being
knowledge and understanding of the subject.
Assessment of the knowledge base is through a
combination of unseen written examinations
(A1-4) and assessed coursework (A1-4) as well
as an individual literature review, presentation
and dissertation focussing on the research
project (A1-4). In addition to this students must
undertake, and present, at least one conceptual
design project.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies
Intellectual skills are developed through the
teaching and learning methods outlined
above
Assessment is through coursework, unseen
written examinations, project reports,
presentations and a final dissertation or
detailed design project
B1-B4 are particularly called upon during
the research-project aspects of the
programme
Practical skills
Practical skills are developed through the
teaching and learning programme outlined
above .
Practical experimental or computational skills
(C1 to C3) are developed through project work,
 validity, and make recommendations (B);
4. prepare technical reports (B);
5. give technical presentations (B);
6. use the scientific literature effectively (B);
D Transferable skills include the ability to:
1. communicate effectively through oral
presentations, computer processing and
presentations, and written reports (B);
2. apply knowledge and modelling skills;
3. management skills: decision processes,
objective criteria, problem definition, project
design and evaluation needs (B);
4. integrate and evaluate information from a
variety of sources (B);
5. transfer techniques and solutions from one
discipline to another;
6. use Information and Communications
Technology (B);
7. manage resources and time (B);
8. learn independently with open-mindedness
and critical enquiry (B);
9. learn effectively for the purpose of continuing
professional development (B).
16. The following reference points were used in creating this programme specification
Subject benchmarking information for Civil and Environmental Engineering
Student Handbook for Course approved by Senate of Imperial College
Marking Scheme for Advanced Courses approved by Senate of Imperial College
MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1
laboratory work, and fieldwork all specifically
designed to achieve these aims using both
independent and group work, together with
project supervisor(s).
Skills C4 and C5 are taught and developed
through workshops feedback on written reports
and presentations.
Skill C6 is developed throughout the course,
particularly during the individual research
project.
Practical skills are assessed through coursework,
project reports and presentations, and by
formal examination of individual competences.
Transferable Skills
The entire course is designed to develop
transferable skills; it is a vocational course, in
this case focussed on concrete but applicable to
the application of science and engineering in
other areas of structural engineering
Skill D1 is taught through workshops and
feedback on reports and oral presentations.
Skill D2 is taught through lectures, practical
work and during individual research projects.
Skills D3 to D6 are developed throughout the
course by its various project work exercises.
Skill D7 is developed throughout the course
within a framework of staged coursework
deadlines; it is the key to success on the course
and must be learnt at an early stage.
Skills D8 and D9 are encouraged and developed
throughout the course, which is structured and
delivered in such a way as to promote them
whilst not explicitly teaching them.
Skill D1 is assessed through written
examinations, course work and oral
presentations.
Skills D2 to D5 are assessed through coursework
of all kinds, written examinations and a
dissertation.
Skills D6 to D9 are not assessed formally but
informally through tutorials as their absence
would result in the student failing.
 Cluster handbook on Assessment
Requirements of the relevant Professional Bodies
Imperial Colleges QA Procedures

16. Programme structure and features, curriculum units (modules), ECTS assignment and award
requirements

Students take a mixture of core and elective modules in the first term (October-December) and second
term (January-March).

An individual investigative design or research oriented project (final project) is carried out continuously
from May. From May onwards, all student time is devoted to the final project. The overall pass mark is
50% with a requirement to achieve 50% in the taught modules (written examination and associated
coursework) and 50% in the final project/dissertation. This is in line with the policy on assessment of
advanced postgraduate courses provided by Imperial College London.

The following tables lists the modules to be undertaken by students on the programmes to which
this Specification refers, for completion of all requirements of the degrees:

Modules Undertaken

Bold denotes core modules.

Code Module Name ECTS H2A1

Struct.1 Concrete Materials 5 H2A1
Struct.2 Reinforced Concrete I 5 H2A1
Struct.3 Prestressed Concrete 5 H2A1
Struct.4 Design & Construction 5 H2A1
Struct.6 Finite Element Analysis 5 H2A1
Struct.8 Structural Dynamics 5 H2A1
Struct.9 Reinforced Concrete II 5 H2A1
Struct.11 Nonlinear Structural Analysis 5 H2A1
Struct.36 Structural Reliability Theory 5 H2A1
Struct.19 Steel Components 5 H2A1
Struct.24 Structural Stability 5 H2A1
Struct.25 Design of Steel Buildings 5 H2A1
Struct.26 Plated Structures 5 H2A1
Struct.32 Cold-formed Steel Design 5 H2A1
Struct.34 Structural Analysis 5 H2A1
Struct.35 Design of Bridges 5 H2A1
Struct.18 Design Project-Dissertation Project 30 H2A1

The modules are assessed by means of unseen examination papers, courseworks, design projects and a
major dissertation. ECTS allocations are listed above by module and in the following tables by
assessment.

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

 H2A1 MSc in General Structural Engineering
Components Explanation of element components ECTS

Core Modules 4 x 2 hour Examinations/Coursework

Steel Components 1 x coursework & project assessment only.
Reinforced Concrete I 5 per module
Design of Steel Buildings Pass, not less than 50% overall average and not 25 total
Design & Construction less than 40% in any individual module
Structural Analysis
Elective Modules 7 x 2 hour Examinations/Coursework
Structural Dynamics
Prestressed Concrete Pass, not less than 50% overall average and not
Concrete Materials less than 40% in any individual module
Structural Stability
Finite Element Analysis 5 per module
Design of Bridges 35 Total
Plated Structures
Reinforced Concrete II
Cold-Formed Steel Design
Structural Reliability Theory
Nonlinear Structural Analysis

Project/Dissertation work Conducted over summer term

50% minimum pass mark 30 total

The programmes are also offered on a part time basis. The academic requirements associated with
the part time modes are the same as those for full time study, but attendance at College is spread
over two or three years on a day release or term release basis. In day release mode, students attend
College between one and two days per week over two or three years. In term release mode, the
student attends College full time for a term in each of three years. Throughout their period of part
time study, students are supported through contact with their Personal Tutors and other members
of staff.

Term 1 (autumn)
All MSc students attend an induction programme, which includes the following:
an introduction to the Department, Safety and use of support facilities, including ICT and
computing
introductions to the library and information retrieval, referencing and avoiding plagiarism
Cluster staff, the programme of studies, the timetable and assessment.

In addition, they meet with their Personal Tutor. Those students with perceived English language
deficiencies are encouraged to at this stage to seek remedial support from the English Language
Support Unit. A series of Maths Workshops are made available to students to assist with the
mathematical components of the programmes. An evening social event, to which all students and
staff are invited, is held in the first few weeks.

Students are required to attend course modules lectures and submit coursework assignments.

Term 2 (spring)

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

Examination are held in the first week of the Spring Term to cover the Autumn Term modules.

Students are advised of available dissertation topics in February and are required to select their topic by
March. They are encouraged to begin to put in place those arrangements that are deemed appropriate
for their research projects from March onwards and especially to focus on developing an understanding
of the research problem.

Those students opting for the Detailed Design project are given their project specifications at the
commencement of their projects.

Term 3 (summer)
The first two weeks of the Summer Term are given over to examination of the modules undertaken in
the Spring Term. Following the examinations all students must undertake a two week conceptual
design project followed either by the research dissertation or a further two week conceptual design
project and then the Major Design Project. Students dedicate themselves full-time to their investigative
design or research orientated project; at this stage it is expected that the students have a full
understanding of the nature and needs associated with the project. All projects and dissertations are
conducted at Imperial College, but may involve an industrial collaboration.

The Design project assessment is based primarily on the written document, initially marked by the
supervisor, and 2nd marked by another academic, then presented to members of staff, industrial
contributors and other MSc Students.

The Research Dissertation is also primarily based on the written document, again 1st and 2nd marked,
then defended by the student at viva-voce examination attended by both markers.

Subsequently, further scrutiny is provided the External Examiner and the Board of Examiners.

18. Support for students and their learning:

An induction programme for orientation, introduction to library and information

technology, and the Department
MSc Student Handbook, which includes information on the campus, advisory services,
course structure and descriptions of each module, project dissertations and health &
safety.
A separate introduction to examination and assessment procedures
The Imperial Study Guide for Masters Students College Publication
Favourable Staff: Student ratio
A large community of postgraduate research students and postdoctoral research workers
who work in the general area of Structural Engineering. The research programmes in the
department provide general as well as specific support
Library and other learning resources and facilities, including the Faculty Learning
Technologist
Excellent library facilities including group and quiet study spaces, and access to
computers
Access to thousands of print and electronic book and journal titles
Access to inter-library loan service
Access to other resources and facilities such as wireless access and Faculty Learning
Technologist

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

 Access to external libraries such as the Institution of Civil Engineers Library.
Dedicated computing facilities
Representation on the Department MSc Staff-Student Liaison Committee and the College
Graduate Student Association
Student email and open personal access to tutorial staff including the Course Director,
Director of Postgraduate Studies, Postgraduate Tutor and Course lecturers
Access to student counsellors on the South Kensington site
Access to Teaching and Learning Support Services, which provide assistance and
guidance, e.g. on careers
Students are exposed to prospective employers and to industry practices by visiting
lecturers from industry, and a series of seminars and recruitment presentations by
industry representatives
Access to all GSEPS courses, notification of which is provided by email from the
Postgraduate Office
Access to a Departmental Disability Officer, personal tutors, post-graduate tutor, safety
officer and the MSc Management Group
Open access to GTA run mathematics workshops
Employer needs and opinions are fed into the programme through input to lectures and
supervision of projects
Much support material is available electronically via the Blackboard system

19. Criteria for admission:

The minimum qualification for consideration for admission is normally an Upper Second Class
Honours degree in Civil Engineering from a UK academic institution or an equivalent overseas
qualification, or an Upper Second Class Honours degree in another engineering discipline or a
science-based subject from a UK academic institution or equivalent overseas qualification with
relevant experience.
Where an applicant has a lesser degree qualification but has substantial work experience and
outstanding references, the Admissions Panel may, exceptionally, make a special case for
admission; few such applications are made, and are subject to the approval of the Graduate
School.

20. Processes used to select students:

Selection is primarily based on the information supplied in the application and supporting
documentation, with particular weight being given to the reference letters, work experience and
academic history. All applications are reviewed by an Admissions Panel, and all decisions are
joint. Historical knowledge and familiarity with qualifications presented inform judgements. A
number of candidates are interviewed in each cycle.

21. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning.

a) Methods for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and
outcome standards:

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

The external examiner system and Boards of Examiners are central to the process by which the
College monitors the reliability and validity of its assessment procedures and academic standards.
Boards of Examiners comment on the assessment procedures within the College and may suggest
improvements for action by relevant departmental teaching Committees.

The Faculty Studies Committees and the Graduate Schools Postgraduate Quality Committees review
and consider the reports of external examiners and accrediting bodies and conduct periodic
(normally quinquennial) and internal reviews of teaching provision. Regular reviews ensure that
there is opportunity to highlight examples of good practice and ensure that recommendations for
improvement can be made.

At programme level, the Head of Department has overall responsibility for academic standards and
the quality of the educational experience delivered within the department.

The Departments MSc courses are accredited by the relevant professional engineering and science
Institutions via the quinquennial Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) review. Accreditation provides the
College with additional assurance that its programmes are of an appropriate standard and relevant
to the requirement of industry and the professions. This accreditation recognised our MSc
programmes as Periods of Further Learning towards Chartership.

Additionally, at local level:

Module reviews, based on feedback from students questionnaires

Annual course review prepared by the Course Director and considered by the Course
Committee and the MSc Teaching Committee
Biennial review of the course by an Imperial College academic staff member from outside
the department with a report and grading to the Graduate School of Engineering &
Physical Sciences Management (or Executive) Committee
MSc Staff Student Committee, held each term, with report to MSc Teaching Committee.
Annual staff appraisal
Annual peer observation of teaching
External Examiners reports

b) Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards:

The Senate oversees the quality assurance and regulation of degrees offered by the College. It is
charged with promoting the academic work of the College, both in teaching and research, and with
regulating and supervising the education and discipline of the students of the College. It has
responsibility for approval of changes to the Academic Regulations, major changes to degree
programmes and approval of new programmes.

The Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (QAAC) is the main forum for discussion of QA policy
and the regulation of degree programmes at College level. QAAC develops and advises the Senate on
the implementation of codes of practice and procedures relating to quality assurance and audit of
quality and arrangements necessary to ensure compliance with national and international standards.
QAAC also considers amendments to the Academic Regulations before making recommendations for
change to the Senate. It also maintains an overview of the statistics on completion rates,
withdrawals, examination irregularities (including cases of plagiarism), student appeals and
disciplinaries.

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

The Faculty Studies Committees and Graduate School Postgraduate Quality Committees are the
major vehicle for the quality assurance of undergraduate / postgraduate courses respectively. Their
remit includes: setting the standards and framework, and overseeing the processes of quality
assurance, for the areas within their remit; monitoring the provision and quality of e-learning;
undertaking reviews of new and existing courses; noting minor changes in existing programme
curricula approved by Departments; approving new modules, changes in module titles, major
changes in examination structure and programme specifications for existing programmes; and
reviewing proposals for new programmes, and the discontinuation of existing programmes, and
making recommendations to Senate as appropriate.

The Faculty Teaching Committees maintain and develop teaching strategies and promote inter-
departmental and inter-faculty teaching activities to enhance the efficiency of teaching within
Faculties. They also identify and disseminate examples of good practice in teaching.

Departmental Teaching Committees have responsibility for the approval of minor changes to course
curricula and examination structures and approve arrangements for course work. They also consider
the details of entrance requirements and determine departmental postgraduate student numbers.
The Faculty Studies Committees and the Graduate School Postgraduate Quality Committees receive
regular reports from the Departmental Teaching Committees.

Additionally, at local level:

Postgraduate Staff Student Liaison Committee
Meetings between Course Director and MSc student representatives
Board of Examiners meets in September to consider awards
Departmental MSc Teaching Committee and MSc Management Group
Employer needs and opinions feed into the programme through frequent guest lecturers
from industry, industry-supervision of projects, and collaboration between academic staff
and industry in research and consultancy

c) Mechanisms for providing prompt feedback to students on their performance in course work
and examinations and processes for monitoring that these named processes are effective:

a. Students are advised on their progress in examinations within six weeks of the sittings.
This is done in letter format using grades as indications of progress
b. GTAS, specifically trained in the marking of coursework and minor project elements are
used to ensure return of marked work within the 4-week specification
c. Marked and annotated Coursework is returned to students
d. Some academic staff provide verbal feedback in class, others distribute written
overviews
d) Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning
experience and how students are provided with feedback as to actions taken as a result of
their comments:

Student Feedback Questionnaires reports are sent to individual staff. The Course Director
is responsible for action on points raised with the relevant member of staff where necessary
SSLC minutes (including actionable items) are posted to the Department Intranet
Meetings with Personal Tutors

e) Mechanisms for monitoring the effectiveness of the personal tutoring system:

Staff-student Liaison committee meetings

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

 Student Feedback questionnaires
Term reports of meetings between students and Personal Tutors

f) Mechanisms for recognising and rewarding excellence in teaching and in pastoral care:

Staff are encouraged to reflect on their teaching, in order to introduce enhancements and develop
innovative teaching methods. Each year College awards are presented to academic staff for
outstanding contributions to teaching, pastoral care or research supervision. A special award for
Teaching Innovation, available each year, is presented to a member of staff who has demonstrated
an original and innovative approach to teaching. Nominations for these awards come from across
the College and students are invited both to nominate staff and to sit on the deciding panels.

g) Staff development priorities for this programme include:

All new lecturing staff are required to undertake CASLAT and Workshops appropriate to teaching.
Each probationary lecturer is allocated a mentor, one of the requirements of the mentor is to audit
teaching.

Further staff development occurs through:

Active research programmes in Structural Engineering;
The staff appraisal scheme and institutional staff development courses;
The College Teaching Development Grant Scheme that funds the development of new
teaching and appraisal methods

22. Regulation of Assessment

a) Assessment Rules and Degree Classification:

The MSc degree is awarded to any student who achieves all of the following:

(1) An aggregate mark of not less than 50% in all examinations and associated coursework, AND
(2) A mark of not less than 50% in the major project or dissertation.
* In line with the policy on assessment of advanced postgraduate courses provided by Imperial
College, no compensation will be given in assessments in which a candidate has achieved less than
40% in one or more of the examination papers.

Provided that all thee of the above criteria are satisfied, the MSc degree will be awarded in one of
the following classifications:

(a) Pass (see above), or

(b) Pass with Merit would normally be awarded if the aggregate mark of all
examinations and associated coursework is not less than 60% AND the mark for the
dissertation is not less than 60% AND the MSc is completed in 12 months, or
(c) Pass with Distinction would normally be awarded if the aggregate mark for the
examinations and associated coursework is not less than 70% AND the mark for the
dissertation is not less than 70% AND the MSc is completed in 12 months

Summary of grades, marks and their interpretation for MSc degree classification

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

GRADE MARKS INTERPRETATION
A 70% - 100% Marks represent a distinction (truly exceptional or excellent) performance
B/C 60% - 69.9% Marks represent a pass with merit
D 50% - 59.9% Marks represent an acceptable performance at MSc level
E 0% - 49.9% Marks represent a fail performance

b) Marking Schemes for postgraduate taught programmes:

See a) Assessment Rules and Degree Classification

c) Processes for dealing with mitigating circumstances:

For postgraduate taught programmes: A candidate for a Masters degree who is prevented owing to
illness or the death of a near relative or other cause judged sufficient by the Graduate Schools from
completing at the normal time the examination or Part of the examination for which he/she has
entered may, at the discretion of the Examiners,

(a) Enter the examination in those elements in which he/she was not able to be examined on the
next occasion when the examination is held in order to complete the examination,

or

(b) be set a special examination in those elements of the examination missed as soon as possible
and/or be permitted to submit any work prescribed (e.g. report) at a date specified by the Board of
Examiners concerned. The special examination shall be in the same format as specified in the course
regulations for the element(s) missed.

Applications, which must be accompanied by a medical certificate or other statement of the grounds
on which the application is made, shall be submitted to the Academic Registrar who will submit
them to the Board of Examiners.

d) Processes for determining degree classification for borderline candidates:

For postgraduate taught programmes: Candidates should only be considered for promotion to Pass,
Merit or Distinction if their aggregate mark is within 2.5% of the relevant borderline. Nevertheless,
candidates whom the Board deems to have exceptional circumstances may be considered for
promotion even if their aggregate mark is more than 2.5% from the borderline. In such cases the
necessary extra marks should be credited to bring the candidates aggregate mark into the higher
range.

e) Role of external examiners:

External examiners (from other universities and research institutes) are nominated by the MSc
Academic Board and approved by the Graduate School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Management (or Executive) Committee. A External Examiner is appointed for each course; and
normally serve for 3 years. The role of External Examiner is that of moderator.

The primary duty of external examiners is to ensure that the degrees awarded by the College are
consistent with that of the national university system. External examiners are also responsible for
approval of draft question papers, assessment of examination scripts, projects and coursework and

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1

in some cases will attend viva voce examinations. Although external examiners do not have power
of veto their views carry considerable weight and will be treated accordingly. External examiners are
required to attend each meeting of the Board of Examiners where recommendations on the results
of individual examinations are considered. External examiners are required to write an annual
report to the Rector of Imperial College which may include observations on teaching, course
structure and course content as well as the examination process as a whole. The College provides
feedback to external examiners in response to recommendations made within their reports.

23. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Employability and favourable comments by External Examiners
Progression to research training in Environmental Engineering and related areas
Review of the Departmental Management Committee of the internal Annual Monitoring Report;
Independent review of the quality of the educational provision of the Civil & Environmental
Engineering Department by the Quality Assurance Agency subject review process
Demand from industry for graduates from the course
Demand from industry for part-time participation on the full MSc courses for the Continuing
Professional Development through taking individual modules
Accreditation by the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers the
Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institute of Logistics and Transport
Pass rates

24. Key sources of information about the programme can be found in:
Key sources of information about this course can be found in:
Postgraduate Prospectus, Imperial College London (available on-line
http://www.imperial.ac.uk)
Postgraduate Training in Structural Engineering at Imperial College (available on-line
http://www.cv.imperial.ac.uk/courses/msc/pg_index.asp)
MSc Course Handbook & Assessment Handbook (available on request to
cvenquiries@imperial.ac.uk)

MSc General Structural Engineering H2A1