Master of Science in Structural Engineering
The number of persons in Uganda that qualify to study for a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering has progressively increased over the last 10 years since Kyambogo University’s establishment (2003) and the Department of Civil Engineering has so far only been able to produce persons with Bachelor’s Degrees. Many engineers and scientists with good first grade degrees who wish to further their qualifications cannot afford the cost of studying in universities abroad. Currently only one University offers MSc degrees in civil engineering and it cannot absorb the entire demand from government and private Universities offering these science related courses. Thus the need to design a Master’s programme tailored to meet the needs at this level. The Master of Science in Structural Engineering degree is designed to address the above demand gap and enhance Uganda’s capacity in training, research, development and modernisation that will meet Uganda’s Vision 2040 under Chapter 4, Sections 4.1.1 and 4.2.4 and sub-sections 194 – 204.
The targeted group includes holders of:
- Bachelors degrees in Civil Engineering;
The objectives of the programme are to:
- Produce graduate engineers who are well equipped in theoretical, analytical and practical technical knowledge and skills to guide and manage the infrastructure development and construction industry;
- Train people who will be able to advance in research and development in structural engineering and also in other spheres relevant to it;
- Train personnel to work directly or as advisor(s) in government and private sector institutions, in areas of civil science and technology;
- 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;
- 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 Uganda and overseas;
- 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.
Admission to the Master of Science in Structural Engineering shall be done in accordance with the Kyambogo University procedures and regulations.
In addition, a candidate shall be eligible for admission to the programme on meeting any of the following minimum qualifications:
(a) At least an Upper Second class honours Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from a recognised institution.
(b) At least a Lower Second class honours Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from a recognised institution and relevant work experience of at least two years;
(c) A Pass degree in Civil Engineering plus a post graduate diploma in Structural Engineering or related field from a recognised institution and at least three years relevant work experience.
Duration of the Programme
The Master of Science in Structural Engineering is a full time day and evening programme of duration of four semesters.
The first two semesters will be by coursework while the last two semesters will be by research and dissertation. Each semester shall consist of seventeen (17) weeks: fifteen (15) weeks of teaching and two (2) weeks of examination.
By the end of the programme, learners should be able to:
- Articulate and produce work in-depth using the theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering;
- Plan, design, tender for and execute Civil Engineering projects by working with and for other partners or self-employment;
- Carry out research and innovation in Engineering and related science & technology fields;
- Impart the acquired knowledge and skills to other interested persons.
- Obtain the scientific and rational analytical capacity at high level distinctively.