

M-TECH in Structural Engineering at Manipal Academy of Higher Education


Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Structural Engineering at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This Structural Engineering program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on advanced analysis, design, and construction of civil structures. It addresses the growing infrastructure demands in India, preparing engineers for critical roles in building sustainable and resilient urban and rural environments. The program emphasizes theoretical depth and practical application.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for civil engineering graduates seeking specialized knowledge in structural design and analysis. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upgrade their skills for complex projects like bridges, high-rise buildings, and industrial structures in India. Professionals aspiring for research or academic careers in structural engineering will also benefit.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in leading Indian construction firms, consulting agencies, and government infrastructure projects. Roles include Structural Design Engineer, Project Manager, or Research Analyst, with starting salaries typically ranging from INR 6-10 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience in the Indian market.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on deeply understanding fundamental subjects like Advanced Concrete Technology and Matrix Methods of Structural Analysis. Utilize online resources like NPTEL lectures and solved problems from standard textbooks to solidify theoretical knowledge, crucial for passing competitive exams.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Standard textbooks on Structural Analysis, Online problem sets
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are essential for cracking technical interviews and excelling in core structural design roles.
Develop Software Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard structural analysis software such as STAAD.Pro, ETABS, and SAP2000. Participate in departmental workshops or online certification courses. This practical skill is highly valued by Indian design and consulting firms.
Tools & Resources
STAAD.Pro, ETABS, SAP2000, Official software training modules
Career Connection
Proficiency in these tools is a prerequisite for most structural design and analysis positions in the industry.
Engage in Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems collaboratively. Utilize the department''''s common study areas for regular brainstorming sessions, fostering a deeper understanding and improving problem-solving abilities crucial for team-based engineering projects.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, Departmental common areas, Online collaboration tools
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills, vital for collaborative engineering environments.
Intermediate Stage
Initiate Capstone Project- (Semester 3)
Actively engage in Project Work – I, selecting a relevant and challenging research problem. Conduct thorough literature reviews and develop a robust methodology, laying a strong foundation for the final thesis project, which is critical for academic and industry recognition.
Tools & Resources
Research journals (Scopus, Web of Science), MAHE Digital Library, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Develops research aptitude, problem-solving skills, and independent thinking, valuable for R&D roles and higher studies.
Attend Technical Seminars- (Semester 3)
Prepare and present a compelling technical seminar (MSTE 6191) on an emerging topic in structural engineering. This improves public speaking, research synthesis, and scientific communication skills, highly valued in professional settings.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Academic databases, Feedback from faculty/peers
Career Connection
Refines presentation and communication skills, essential for conveying technical ideas in professional meetings and client interactions.
Strategic Elective Selection- (Semester 3)
Choose advanced elective courses that deepen specialization in areas with high demand in India, such as earthquake engineering or advanced bridge design. This allows for focused learning and makes you more competitive for niche roles.
Tools & Resources
Departmental course catalogue, Career counseling, Industry reports on demand trends
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge directly aligns with specific industry needs, leading to targeted job opportunities and expertise recognition.
Advanced Stage
Exemplary Thesis Completion- (Semester 4)
Dedicate the final semester to completing Project Work – II, ensuring comprehensive analysis, compelling results, and a well-written thesis. Aim for impactful conclusions relevant to current industry challenges or academic advancements, crucial for career launch.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, Plagiarism checkers, Grammar tools (Grammarly), Thesis templates
Career Connection
A strong thesis demonstrates advanced research capabilities and contributes significantly to your professional portfolio, attracting top employers.
Placement and Interview Preparation- (Semester 4)
Intensively prepare for job interviews, focusing on structural engineering concepts, software proficiency, and problem-solving. Leverage the university''''s career services for mock interviews and resume building tailored to top Indian and MNC firms.
Tools & Resources
University Career Services, Online interview platforms, Industry-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Effective preparation leads to successful placements in leading structural engineering companies and consulting firms.
Professional Networking & Career Planning- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with alumni and industry professionals through workshops and LinkedIn. Develop a clear career roadmap, considering roles in design, R&D, or project management, and explore opportunities for further professional certifications in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional bodies (IEI, ICI), Alumni network events, Mentorship programs
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network and having a clear career plan are vital for long-term career growth and accessing exclusive opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Civil Engineering with minimum 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA from any recognized University/Institution. Selection based on valid GATE score or Manipal Entrance Test (MET) score.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSTE 5101 | Advanced Concrete Technology | Core | 4 | Concrete making materials, Admixtures and additions, Special concretes, Concrete durability, High performance concrete, Quality control of concrete |
| MSTE 5102 | Matrix Methods of Structural Analysis | Core | 4 | Basic concepts of flexibility and stiffness methods, Analysis of indeterminate structures, Energy methods in structural analysis, Introduction to finite element method, Applications to beams and frames, Computer applications in structural analysis |
| MSTE 5103 | Advanced Design of Concrete Structures | Core | 4 | Limit state design principles, Design for shear and torsion, Design of deep beams and corbels, Design of retaining walls, Introduction to prestressed concrete, Yield line theory for slabs |
| MSTE 5104 | Numerical Methods and Optimization Techniques | Core | 4 | Numerical solution of algebraic equations, Interpolation and numerical differentiation, Numerical integration, Solution of differential equations, Optimization techniques, Linear and non-linear programming |
| MSTE 5131 | Structural Engineering Lab - I | Lab | 2 | Concrete mix design experiments, Non-destructive testing of concrete, Material characterization of steel and concrete, Introduction to structural analysis software, Testing of structural elements, Experimental stress analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSTE 5201 | Advanced Design of Steel Structures | Core | 4 | Limit state design of tension members, Design of compression members and bases, Design of beams and plate girders, Design of bolted and welded connections, Design of beam-columns, Design of gantry girders |
| MSTE 5202 | Dynamics of Structures | Core | 4 | Single degree of freedom systems, Multi-degree of freedom systems, Free and forced vibrations, Earthquake excitation of structures, Vibration control of structures, Introduction to wave propagation |
| MSTE 5203 | Finite Element Method | Core | 4 | Basic concepts and assumptions, Element formulation for 1D and 2D elements, Isoparametric elements, Plate and shell elements, Dynamic analysis using FEM, Applications in structural engineering |
| MSTE 5241 | Design of Bridges | Elective | 3 | Classification of bridges, Loads on bridges, Design of concrete bridges, Design of steel bridges, Bridge bearings and expansion joints, Maintenance and rehabilitation of bridges |
| MSTE 5243 | Structural Stability | Elective | 3 | Buckling of columns and frames, Elastic and inelastic buckling, Lateral torsional buckling of beams, Stability of plates and shells, Energy methods in stability analysis, Introduction to geometrically non-linear analysis |
| MSTE 5231 | Structural Engineering Lab - II | Lab | 2 | Dynamic testing of structural models, Advanced structural analysis software applications, Experimental modal analysis, Structural health monitoring techniques, Material testing for advanced composites, Hands-on with specialized testing equipment |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSTE 6141 | Prestressed Concrete Structures | Elective | 3 | Principles and systems of prestressing, Losses of prestress, Analysis and design of prestressed beams, Design for shear and torsion, Anchorage zone design, Applications in bridges and tanks |
| MSTE 6143 | Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures | Elective | 3 | Elements of engineering seismology, Seismic codes and design philosophies, Ductile detailing of RC structures, Seismic analysis methods, Base isolation and energy dissipation, Seismic retrofitting of structures |
| MSTE 6151 | Project Work - I | Project | 6 | Identification of research problem, Extensive literature survey, Formulation of methodology, Preliminary analysis and design, Data collection and synthesis, Report writing and presentation |
| MSTE 6191 | Technical Seminar | Seminar | 2 | Selection of advanced topic, Comprehensive literature review, Structured presentation development, Effective communication techniques, Technical report writing, Addressing audience questions |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSTE 6251 | Project Work - II | Project | 16 | Detailed theoretical and experimental investigations, Advanced computational modeling and analysis, Interpretation of results and discussions, Drawing conclusions and recommendations, Thesis writing and submission, Final presentation and viva voce |

