• Postgraduate

Civil Engineering MSc

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Overview

Overview

If you are looking for a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering that provides a pathway for you to become a professional engineer in various fields of contemporary civil engineering, this course is for you.

The course will advance your analytical skills, research knowledge and technical understanding and focus on the use of industrially relevant applications and IT skills in the main subject areas of civil engineering including:

  • Structures
  • Materials
  • Geotechnics
  • Hydraulics
  • Transport infrastructure engineering
  • Construction management.

Based at the School of Computing and Engineering, our MSc Civil Engineering is taught by staff with both industrial and academic experience, who will develop your technical understanding and skills in both traditional and contemporary analysis and design as well as improve your knowledge in practical skills and current affairs in Civil Engineering.

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the:

This degree meets the academic requirement for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, you must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Extended Masters and Enhanced Extended Masters options

If you have an undergraduate degree but do not meet the entry criteria for this course, you may qualify for our Extended Masters or Enhanced Extended Masters courses. These courses feature four specially designed modules to improve your academic and English skills. Once completed, you can progress directly onto the regular Masters course. See below for more information.

Two engineers, a woman and a man, discussing plans

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Civil Engineering with us?

Why study Civil Engineering with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The best thing about this course is that we are very close as students and to the teachers.It's a very friendly relationship we have and it's easy to get along with everyone. The University lectures are very good because the classes are small and the workshops are very efficient as well, you get one-to-one time with the teachers to make sure you understand everything.

Florencia Barrios
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Industry focused teaching
There are seven labs and studios in the School
Graphic advising on-site Macs and PC Labs
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Over the various core and optional modules of the MSc Civil Engineering course, you will learn mathematical and statistical methods/techniques proficiently for the analysis of engineering problems.

The course will also enable you to use analytical methods and modelling tools for the analysis and design of civil engineering structures while providing opportunities for you to demonstrate your ability to apply relevant analytical and experimental skills for the analysis and design of civil engineering structures under technical uncertainty.

Throughout your studies, you will also be able to expand your knowledge in various fields of civil engineering including structural engineering, construction engineering and management, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, urban water and hydraulic engineering, environmental engineering and civil engineering systems.

We will help you to develop your ability to use modern IT skills and modelling techniques to solve complex problems. You will have access to dedicated computing labs and other civil engineering labs including soil mechanics lab, concrete lab, hydraulics lab and non-destructive testing centre, as well as a range of digital resources and computer modelling tools.

All core and optional modules of the course are 20 credits except the Dissertation which is 60 credits. You will need to do 120 credits through taught modules that include four core modules and two optional modules out of four ones.

Dissertation

In the final stages of your course, you will complete your dissertation which falls within one of the above main subject areas of civil engineering.

You can choose the subject of your dissertation in any area of the expertise of the teaching staff in the course team and take your dissertation under their supervision.

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate a sound understanding of engineering principles and apply the research skills you have developed to an independent piece of work that investigates a complex problem or project in civil engineering.

Due to the wide range of expertise from the teaching staff, the dissertation can be defined as a multi-disciplinary or inter-disciplinary project which is high on the agenda in contemporary Civil Engineering projects.

You will learn how to use the analytical methods and modelling techniques to solve a complex problem which normally covers different aspects of the wider engineering context such as economic, social, environmental, sustainability, health and safety and risk management.

Extended Masters and Enhanced Extended Masters

Our Extended Masters and Enhanced Extended Masters courses are intended for students who already have an undergraduate degree but don't meet the entry requirements to study for a Masters degree.

Over a full-time semester, you will study four modules specially designed to improve your academic and English language skills:

  • Advanced Study Skills
  • Critical Thinking, Analysis and Evaluation
  • Statistics
  • English (Business English on the Enhanced course)

Once completed, you will progress directly onto the core Masters course.

What's the difference between an Extended Masters and an Enhanced Extended Masters? The Enhanced Extended Masters is similar to the Extended Masters but with a greater focus on improving your English skills. It also includes a Business English module which will allow you to gain a full understanding of this critical subject area.

For more information on our Extended Masters, please visit our Extended Masters courses page.

Compulsory modules

Students are expected to take all core modules and choose two out of four optional modules

  • Advanced Structural Analysis

    With a focus on steel structures, you will study theoretical and computational aspects of the advanced structural analysis combined with the finite element method (FEM). These studies will give you a primary analysing tool that can overcome the limitation of classical calculation and that encourages design creativity.

  • Research Methods

    On this module, you will improve in-depth knowledge on specific tools and theories to develop your research skills at master’s level in the area of audio engineering. You will learn how to carry out an extensive literature review of a topic, selected in agreement with the assigned supervisor. Additionally, you will also learn to design research questions, their methodology and aims.

  • Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

    During this in-depth module you'll gain an understanding of advanced geotechnical modelling and its real-world applications. You will examine innovative and new geotechnical methods and experimental tests, such as advanced technics for stabilisation of slopes and soil cuts.

  • Advanced Structural Design

    In this module, you will develop the skills needed to safely analyse and design multi-story concrete structures. You will tackle civil engineering problems and design solutions (in groups and individually) in a way that reflects industry environments, while also developing an enhanced understanding of design codes.

  • Dissertation in Civil Engineering

    On this module, your capability is evaluated to undertake an independent research-based work (such as development of conceptual design project in a field of civil engineering) and apply research skills and knowledge to investigate potential methodology/techniques/solutions in a technical problem/project in civil engineering.

Optional modules

  • Hydro-systems Design

    On this module, you will develop and analyse conceptual designs and hydraulic modelling for the design of the following hydro-systems:

    • Water supply and distribution system
    • Urban drainage system
    • Wastewater and sanitary sewer system.

    The application of these techniques will be explored for: water supply and distribution system, watershed studies, floodplain computation, flood control, urban hydrology, stormwater design and computer modelling.

  • Construction Risk Management

    On this module you will study risk management processes within construction projects. You will have an overview of the essential risk-control issues as they relate to processes, requirements and management.

  • Transportation and Highway Engineering

    During this module you will explore advanced concepts and models of transportation engineering. The goal will be to ensure a proper planning process for building transportation systems and facilities, and forecasting travel demand. You will complete the design process by exploring the geometric design stages of a real-world highway project based on highway engineering standards and requirements.

  • Construction Project Management

    This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the UK construction industry and the strategies which can be adopted by clients to successfully procure construction projects.

    You will develop the ability to interpret the particular needs of different client groups, develop relevant procurement strategies, and learn how to apply tools and techniques to support the implementation of those strategies.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) in civil engineering or another engineering qualification at an equivalent level.

We may also offer you a place based on a combination of an ordinary degree (e.g. BSc/BEng in engineering without honours) together with relevant experience from within the work environment.

All applications are considered individually.

Find out more about our processes for recognising previous experience.

Extended Masters Degree

To study the Extended Masters programme you will need:

  • a Bachelor's degree
  • international students need to meet our English language requirements of IELTS 6.5 or above and a minimum of 5.5 for each of the individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).

Please note: If you qualify for a regular Masters, you will not be accepted on the Extended Masters course.

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 6.5, with at least 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need Level 6 qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Extended Masters Degree

To study the Extended Masters programme you will need:

  • a Bachelor's degree
  • international students need to meet our English language requirements of IELTS 6.5 or above and a minimum of 5.5 for each of the individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).

Please note: If you qualify for a regular Masters, you will not be accepted on the Extended Masters course.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

If you are studying a Masters course you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan, this may help contribute towards your course fees and living costs.

Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as disabled students or those with dependants.

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, including awards for specific subjects.

Awards for computing and engineering students are also on offer.

Help with funding
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Atiyeh Ardakanian

Dr Atiyeh Ardakanian

Atiyeh currently serves as a lecturer within the School of Computing and Engineering, specialising in Civil Engineering disciplines. She delivers undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Research Methods, Land Surveying and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Civil Engineers. Atiyeh's research interests focus on the water-energy-food nexus and sustainable and safe wastewater reuse.

Atiyeh currently serves as a lecturer within the School of Computing and Engineering, specialising in Civil Engineering disciplines. She delivers undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Research Methods, Land Surveying and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Civil Engineers. Atiyeh's research interests focus on the water-energy-food nexus and sustainable and safe wastewater reuse.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Two Engineers in hi-vis jackets looking at in turbines

On graduation, you can choose to work within the public sector or seek exciting opportunities with private-sector engineering firms.

Alternatively, you may wish to specialise in an area that you are really passionate about and move onto a postgraduate research degree. The School of Computing and Engineering is research-based. We have 30 PhD students and staff with strong research backgrounds, all here to advise and guide you on your chosen career or study path.

How to apply

How to apply

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Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.