Englisch 
Deutsch Who this M.Sc. in Structural Engineering suits — and what you need to get in
This programme is designed for graduates and young professionals who want to deepen expertise in structural engineering. Typical profiles include: civil engineers in design offices aiming to move into analysis, bridge or high-rise projects; international B.Eng./B.Sc. holders in civil or structural engineering seeking a European master’s to qualify for advanced roles; and employed engineers who plan to study in part-time or full-time mode to position themselves for project leadership.
Admission requirements
Admission is based on a relevant first degree and proof you can follow German-taught coursework at an advanced level.
- First university degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field (e.g. Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering) from a recognised institution. Your studies should cover core areas such as mechanics, structural analysis, concrete/steel design and construction materials.
- Complete application documents: degree certificate, official transcripts and, where requested, a detailed module list to verify subject fit.
- German language proficiency at C1 level for study: commonly accepted proofs include DSH-2, TestDaF (TDN 4 in all parts), telc C1 Hochschule or the Goethe-Zertifikat C2. You also need the ability to read technical literature in English.
- Applicants with foreign qualifications: your documents must be recognised as equivalent; submit certified copies and certified translations where applicable. Non-EU nationals additionally need to plan for student visa and residence formalities.
- Admission without Abitur: not required for a master’s if you already hold a suitable university degree.
The degree awards 120 ECTS over a standard period of 4 semesters on campus in Hannover; study is available in full-time and part-time formats.
Personal requirements
This is an on-campus programme in Hannover. You should be ready to relocate or commute reliably and organise your studies around fixed teaching periods, laboratory work and examinations. Expect a realistic weekly workload of about 35–40 hours (full-time) or roughly 15–20 hours (part-time) across lectures, exercises and independent study.
What really helps you succeed: solid foundations in structural mechanics and mathematics; confident academic writing and calculations; and strong self-organisation to keep projects and exam prep on track. Perseverance is key — complex design tasks and research-oriented modules require iterative problem-solving and careful documentation. For international students, advanced German skills for lectures, seminars and exams are essential; you should also be comfortable with technical English for standards and journal reading. Finally, plan sufficient time for administrative steps (enrolment, health insurance, housing) so your start in Hannover is smooth and you can focus on your studies from day one.
What will you study in the Civil Engineering – Specialization Structural Engineering at Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover?
The programme is taught in German. For admission you will typically need proof of advanced academic German (usually C1 level through recognised tests such as DSH or TestDaF). As a 120 ECTS Master of Science focused on structural engineering, it builds the analytical and design skills you need for complex load-bearing structures and large-scale projects.
You study at a state university (Fachhochschule means university of applied sciences; Leibniz University Hannover is a full university) and complete a research-based degree with a Master’s thesis. This is not a Fernstudium (distance learning) course; classes, labs and exams are held on campus in Hannover.
Content typically clusters into the following areas within structural engineering:
- Structural analysis and modelling – methods for linear and non-linear analysis, numerical modelling, reliability and safety concepts for structures, and the use of advanced computational tools for design and verification.
- Concrete and steel structures – behaviour and design of reinforced and prestressed concrete members, durability and detailing, steel and composite construction, connections and stability.
- Dynamics, seismic and wind – structural dynamics, earthquake-resistant design principles, and wind engineering aspects for high-rise and slender structures.
- Construction methods and materials – innovative materials in load-bearing construction, construction processes, and lifecycle considerations (maintenance, strengthening and retrofit).
- Project and research skills – scientific methods, technical standards, independent project work leading to the final thesis in the fourth semester.
Depending on semester offerings, you can usually tailor the degree with electives to deepen specific interests (for example in bridge engineering, high-rise design, or computational methods). The final semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, often linked to ongoing research groups or industry-related problems.
How does the Civil Engineering – Specialization Structural Engineering distance programme work?
This is not a distance programme. Teaching, assessments and academic support take place on campus in Hannover. If you need a fully remote option you should consider a different course; there is no ZFU approval number because ZFU (the German authority approving distance-learning courses) applies only to Fernstudium programmes.
Teaching language and language certificates
The teaching language is German. You will generally need proof of advanced German suitable for university study, typically at C1 level. Commonly accepted certificates at German universities include DSH and TestDaF, sometimes Goethe-Zertifikat C1. International applicants should plan time to obtain language certification before applying.
Learning format and study materials
Classes are delivered in person with lectures, exercises and, where relevant, laboratory components and design projects. You will use current technical standards and codes, scientific literature and specialised software for modelling and verification. Some digital materials may complement teaching, but the core format is classroom-based.
Exams and whether you can take them from abroad
Examinations are held in Hannover. There is no provision for online proctoring or exam centres outside Germany. You must be present on site for written exams, project presentations and oral assessments.
Mandatory on-site sessions in Germany
Attendance in Hannover is mandatory throughout the degree. This includes weekly teaching during lecture periods as well as exam periods. There are no optional “block weeks” that replace regular attendance; the programme follows a classic semester rhythm.
Weekly workload, time models and time zone
The standard duration is four semesters (full time). A part-time option is available, extending the timeline accordingly; the exact weekly workload depends on your personal study plan. Teaching and office hours run in Central European Time (CET/CEST). Because this is an on-campus degree, plan to live in or commute to Hannover during lecture periods.
Note on visas: as the programme is not purely remote, many non-EU/EEA students will require a student visa and residence in Germany for the duration of their studies.
What does the Civil Engineering – Specialization Structural Engineering cost?
There are no regular tuition fees at this public university. You pay a semester contribution of €409 per semester, which totals €1,636 over four semesters at the current rate. This contribution typically covers student services and public transport benefits in the region; it is payable each semester and may change slightly over time.
If you study longer than the standard duration, you continue to pay the semester contribution for each additional semester. Budget separately for living costs in Hannover, health insurance and study materials; these are not included in the semester contribution. Payments can be made from abroad via standard international methods supported by the university; check processing times to meet re-registration deadlines.
What careers and recognition does the Civil Engineering – Specialization Structural Engineering offer?
You earn a 120 ECTS Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a focus on structural engineering, aligned with the Bologna framework. The degree follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which facilitates international comparison and mobility. The programme is formally accredited through the university’s internal accreditation process and is currently accredited for the period 2025–2033.
Leibniz University Hannover is a public, state-recognised university. For employers and for further study abroad, this signals a standard-compliant Master’s from a recognised institution. If you plan to obtain professional titles such as Chartered Engineer in the UK or Professional Engineer in North America, you will usually need additional country-specific licensing steps after graduation (experience, local exams or membership of a professional body). The M.Sc. provides the academic foundation needed for those routes and for doctoral study.
Typical career paths include:
- Structural engineer in design offices (buildings, industrial plants, high-rise and special structures)
- Bridge and infrastructure engineer in consulting firms or public authorities
- Project engineer or project manager with contractors and engineering consultancies
- Research and development roles or a PhD in structural engineering topics
- Asset management and structural assessment for municipalities and transport agencies
Salaries vary significantly by country, sector and licensing status. Graduates entering design and consulting roles in Germany typically progress with responsibility for independent calculations and verification, moving on to project leadership as experience and professional certification grow.
Who is the Civil Engineering – Specialization Structural Engineering right for – and who not?
This Master’s suits engineering graduates who want to specialise in load-bearing structures and deepen their analytical and design capability in a rigorous, research-informed environment. It is best for those ready to study in German and attend classes in Hannover.
- You hold a relevant civil engineering Bachelor’s and want a focused structural engineering specialisation.
- You prefer in-person teaching with regular contact to teaching staff, labs and design studios.
- You aim for roles in consulting, infrastructure, bridge or building engineering, or for a PhD.
- You are comfortable studying in German and using German technical standards and codes.
- You can relocate to, or commute regularly to, Hannover for the semester rhythm and exams.
There are also clear reasons why this programme may not fit your situation. Consider these points carefully before you apply from abroad.
- You need a distance-learning or fully online programme; this course is delivered on campus only, with no remote exam options.
- You do not have the required German language proficiency (C1 level) for academic study and technical coursework.
- You cannot be present in Hannover during lecture and exam periods (visa, relocation or work constraints).
- You are seeking immediate access to a regulated professional title abroad (e.g., Chartered Engineer/PE) without completing the additional local licensing steps.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Civil Engineering - Specialization Structural Engineering? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover or the editorial team will answer you.