The Master of Engineering Science (Civil Structures) is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed to develop deep technical expertise in the analysis, design, and construction of civil and structural engineering systems. The course builds on undergraduate engineering foundations, equipping students with specialised knowledge in areas such as structural dynamics, reinforced and pre-stressed concrete design, steel structures, bridge engineering, computational mechanics, and sustainable structural systems. With a strong emphasis on modern, computer-based design methods and complex open-ended problem solving, it prepares graduates to work confidently at the highest levels of structural engineering practice.

This degree is ideally suited to engineering graduates who want to advance beyond general civil engineering and specialise in structures, as well as practising engineers seeking to formalise and deepen their expertise. The program typically spans two years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) and is classified as a Level 9 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Programs are accredited by Engineers Australia under the Washington Accord, ensuring international recognition of the qualification and alignment with Stage 1 Competencies for Professional Engineers.

Employers of graduates span a wide range of sectors including major engineering consultancies (such as Arup, WSP, GHD, AECOM, Jacobs, and Aurecon), government infrastructure agencies, state road and transport authorities, defence, mining companies, and large construction contractors. Graduates may work on high-rise buildings, long-span bridges, tunnels, dams, sports stadiums, offshore platforms, and urban infrastructure renewal projects across Australia and internationally.

Applicants to a Master of Engineering Science (Civil Structures) are typically required to hold a bachelor's degree in engineering (civil, structural, or a closely related discipline) from a recognised Australian university or international equivalent. Most programs require a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65% or above, equivalent to a Credit average. Some institutions accept applicants with a lower GPA (around 1.5–2.0 out of 4.0 on the RMIT scale) provided they can demonstrate at least two to three years of relevant industry experience as a compensating factor. Applicants with a three-year undergraduate engineering degree (rather than a four-year professional degree) may also be considered, often with additional bridging requirements or a longer program pathway, as well as documented relevant work experience of at least two to three years since graduation.

For international students and non-English speaking background applicants, English language proficiency requirements typically include an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall (with no individual band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90 overall (with 23 in writing and 22 in other bands), or equivalent results in an accepted English test. Some programs may require background knowledge in structural mechanics, structural analysis, or structural design at the undergraduate level. Prior learning may be formally assessed, and in some cases, advanced standing or credit towards the degree may be granted for previously completed postgraduate coursework or industry qualifications assessed as equivalent.