The M.Sc. in Structural Engineering is a two-year, four-semester, full-time postgraduate program offered by Pokhara University School of Engineering under the Faculty of Science and Technology of Pokhara University. The degree carries 60 credits and focuses on Structural and Earthquake Engineering.
Introduced in 2017, the program covers advanced structural analysis and design, structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, solid mechanics, finite element methods, foundation engineering, structural materials, laboratory work, research, electives, and thesis. Its academic direction includes the analysis, design, construction, assessment, and rehabilitation of structural systems.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | M.Sc. in Structural Engineering |
| Degree | Master of Science in Structural Engineering |
| Institution | Pokhara University School of Engineering |
| University | Pokhara University |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science and Technology |
| Duration | 2 Years / 4 Semesters |
| Mode | Full-time |
| Total Credits | 60 |
| Seats | 15 |
| Established | 2017 |
| Focus | Structural & Earthquake Engineering |
| Location | Pokhara-30, Kaski, Nepal |
The program is designed for students entering postgraduate study after Civil Engineering or an equivalent academic background. Its 2026 revised curriculum moves from advanced analytical and mechanics courses into earthquake-resistant design, structural materials, specialized electives, laboratory work, research project work, advanced structural design, and a 12-credit thesis.
Structural Engineering at master's level goes beyond the undergraduate treatment of structural analysis and design. Students work with more advanced approaches to structural behavior, dynamics, computational methods, soil-structure considerations, earthquake-resistant design, structural materials, and specialized structural systems.
The program objectives include developing the ability to analyze and design structural systems using appropriate materials, codes, analytical methods, and engineering principles. It also includes project planning and implementation and independent research in structural engineering.
The academic structure may be particularly relevant to Civil Engineering graduates who want to concentrate their postgraduate study on structural systems, seismic behavior, design, assessment, rehabilitation, or research.
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent degree or program from a recognized university or institution.
The graduate academic requirement is:
A minimum CGPA of 2.0 at bachelor's level for graduates of Pokhara University; or
A minimum second division or equivalent grade at bachelor's level from another recognized university or institution.
The 2026 structural engineering curriculum also identifies a Civil Engineering or equivalent qualification with at least 16 years of formal education and a minimum CGPA of 2.0 or equivalent.
Graduates of Bachelor of Civil Engineering therefore have a directly identified academic background for this master's program, subject to the applicable graduate admission requirements.
Master's admission at SOE follows an entrance and merit-based procedure.
The process includes:
Call for applications for the entrance examination.
Entrance examination for eligible applicants.
Publication of the merit list of successful candidates.
Correction period for the merit list where applicable.
Publication of a revised merit list where required.
Notice for spot admission.
Merit-based admission according to rank and the announced schedule.
Completion of document review and admission formalities.
M.Sc. in Structural Engineering has 15 seats at SOE.
Academic eligibility and final admission are separate stages. Applicants must satisfy the required bachelor's background and academic standard before taking part in the entrance and merit-based selection procedure.
Successful candidates are required to present the applicable admission records, including:
Citizenship, national identity, or another identity certificate and a copy for Nepali applicants.
Passport and/or national identity card and a copy for foreign applicants.
Academic transcript.
Degree certificate.
Character certificate.
Equivalent academic records where applicable.
Two passport-size photographs.
Completed admission form.
Proof of the required admission payment.
Official sponsorship letter where applicable.
The revised 2026 curriculum carries 60 credits across four semesters.
| Semester | Main Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| I | Advanced Structural Analysis, Structural Dynamics, Advanced Solid Mechanics, Soil Dynamics and Foundation Engineering, Computational Methods | 17 |
| II | Finite Element Method, Earthquake Engineering and Seismic-Resistant Design, Advanced Structural Materials, Elective I, Elective II | 15 |
| III | Advanced Structural Design, Structural Engineering Laboratory, Research Project Work, Elective III, Elective IV | 16 |
| IV | Thesis | 12 |
The first semester contains five courses and carries 17 credits.
Advanced Structural Analysis develops the structural analysis component at postgraduate level. Structural Dynamics introduces the behavior of structures under dynamic actions, while Advanced Solid Mechanics provides deeper study of material and structural response.
Soil Dynamics and Foundation Engineering connects structural study with foundation behavior and soil-related dynamic effects. Computational Methods adds the analytical and numerical dimension needed for advanced engineering work.
Together, these courses form the analytical base for the earthquake engineering, finite element, structural design, and research courses that follow.
Semester II carries 15 credits.
Students study Finite Element Method, Earthquake Engineering and Seismic-Resistant Design, and Advanced Structural Materials. Two three-credit electives are also included.
Earthquake Engineering and Seismic-Resistant Design is central to the stated Structural and Earthquake Engineering focus of the program. Finite Element Method adds an advanced computational approach to structural analysis, while Advanced Structural Materials extends study into material behavior and application.
The first two electives allow students to begin developing a more specific academic direction within structural engineering.
The third semester carries 16 credits and combines Advanced Structural Design with laboratory, research, and elective work.
Its components are:
Advanced Structural Design — 4 credits
Structural Engineering Laboratory — 3 credits
Research Project Work — 3 credits
Elective III — 3 credits
Elective IV — 3 credits
This semester creates a direct link between advanced design study and research preparation. Structural Engineering Laboratory adds an experimental or practical component, while Research Project Work introduces structured research before the final thesis.
Four electives are completed across Semesters II and III, with each elective carrying three credits.
The revised curriculum provides a broad elective pool covering structural systems, seismic engineering, materials, analysis, rehabilitation, monitoring, and specialized design.
Available electives include:
Design of Bridge Structures
Design of High-Rise Structures
Design of Hydraulic Structures
Design of Industrial Structures
Design of Masonry Structures
Fracture Mechanics
Nonlinear Structural Analysis
Optimization Techniques in Structural Design
Performance-Based Design
Prestressed Concrete Design
Seismic Risk Assessment
Structural Condition Assessment and Retrofitting
Structural Control and Base Isolation
Structural Health Monitoring
Sustainable Engineering Materials
Theory of Plates and Shells
The elective pool allows students to extend the core curriculum into areas such as bridges, high-rise structures, hydraulic structures, seismic risk, retrofitting, structural monitoring, nonlinear analysis, prestressed concrete, and sustainable engineering materials.
The fourth semester is devoted to a 12-credit thesis.
The thesis follows three semesters of advanced coursework, laboratory study, research project work, and electives. It provides the main independent research component of the degree and allows students to work in a focused area of structural engineering.
Research is therefore not confined to the final semester. Students encounter Research Project Work in Semester III before moving into the larger thesis requirement in Semester IV.
The academic format includes more than regular classroom study. Students participate in advanced coursework, design projects, research activities, technical presentations, seminars, workshops, and interaction with engineering professionals and academic experts.
Field visits are also part of the program's practical exposure. Activities have included visits to structural and infrastructure projects such as the Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Fast Track Road Project and bridge sites in and around Pokhara Valley.
The curriculum itself reinforces this practical and research direction through Structural Engineering Laboratory, Research Project Work, four electives, and the final thesis.
Across the four semesters, students work with areas including:
Advanced structural analysis
Structural dynamics
Advanced solid mechanics
Soil dynamics and foundation engineering
Computational methods
Finite element methods
Earthquake engineering
Seismic-resistant design
Advanced structural materials
Advanced structural design
Structural laboratory work
Research methodology through project work
Structural assessment and rehabilitation
Specialized structural systems through electives
Independent thesis research
The program therefore combines analytical, computational, design, experimental, seismic, and research-oriented study.
Career areas identified for graduates include:
Structural design and consulting engineering
Seismic and earthquake engineering
Bridge and infrastructure engineering
Construction and project engineering or management
Engineering consultancy
Research and academia
University teaching
Doctoral study and research
These are possible professional directions rather than guaranteed outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on technical competence, research experience, professional requirements, work experience, location, and available positions.
For students planning an academic path, the thesis and research components also provide preparation for further research and doctoral-level study.
M.Sc. in Structural Engineering may suit Civil Engineering graduates who want to move beyond a broad undergraduate civil engineering curriculum and concentrate on structural analysis, design, earthquake engineering, structural materials, assessment, rehabilitation, or research.
Students should be prepared for advanced analytical work as well as laboratory, project, presentation, elective, and thesis requirements.
The course is particularly structured around students who are comfortable working with:
Structural mechanics and analysis
Mathematical and computational methods
Structural design
Earthquake and seismic engineering
Foundation and soil-structure concepts
Research and technical writing
Independent thesis work
The final decision should take into account the applicant's Civil Engineering background, academic eligibility, interest in Structural and Earthquake Engineering, readiness for full-time postgraduate study, and intended research or professional direction.
The program runs for two years across four semesters and is offered in full-time mode.
The complete program carries 60 credits.
M.Sc. in Structural Engineering has 15 seats at SOE.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent degree or program from a recognized institution.
Pokhara University graduates need a minimum CGPA of 2.0 at bachelor's level. Graduates from another recognized university or institution need at least second division or an equivalent grade.
Yes. The program focuses on Structural and Earthquake Engineering, and Semester II includes Earthquake Engineering and Seismic-Resistant Design.
Yes. Semester III includes Research Project Work, and Semester IV contains a 12-credit thesis.
Students complete four three-credit electives across Semesters II and III.
