MEng (Hons) 3rd year students Ian Dawson, Ed Dwight and Michelle Yates won first prize (worth £1100) in the Steel Tubes National Design Competition. The competition brief required the students to design a high level access connecting two proposed structures and one existing building. The design was complicated by the fact that a public open space exists adjacent to the three structures and support was not permitted within this area. Ian, Ed and Michelle produced a structure with high visual impact. Their solution was to use a light elliptical covered access way connecting all three structures but unattached to each in order to provide future flexibility to the client. The walkway is supported on three equally light arches.

The judges commented that "The University of Plymouth entry was outstanding in its graphical presentation"

BEng (Hons) final year students James Morgan and Peter Spear were placed third in the Structural Sections National Design Competition and collected a £500 prize. The competition brief required the students to design an airship hangar in the Gloucestershire countryside. The structure was required to have an attractive appearance with abundant natural light and minimal long-term maintenance. James and Peter produced, in the judges words "A competent workmanlike design which met the brief".

Dr Williams, Head of School said "Ian, Ed, Michelle, James and Peter have shown the talent in engineering design that the School of Civil & Structural Engineering at the University of Plymouth produces. Their enthusiasm and ability is indicative of our students and graduates".