School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

MSc Civil Engineering

Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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Are you a civil engineering graduate? Do you want to improve your technical knowledge and enhance your career prospects? Our MSc deepens and broadens your understanding of civil engineering and helps you fulfil your professional role in creating, improving and protecting the environment. You obtain advanced analytical skills in the core subject areas of structural analysis, design and finite element analysis.

Meet the lecturers

Register now and join our virtual drop-in sessions to speak with our postgraduate programme leaders.

Key features
  • Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (Institution of Structural Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, Institute of Highway Engineers).
  • Be inspired by our £19 million Marine Building , housing the acclaimed Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport (COAST) laboratory which offers facilities for teaching water and coastal engineering as well as conducting world-class research.
  • Students in engineering, science and the arts have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories in our new engineering and design facility .
  • This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.* See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
  • Develop advanced level technical capability in structural analysis and design aspects of civil engineering.
  • Learn about management and professional practice at advanced level.
  • Undertake a dissertation relating to the range of ongoing civil engineering research in the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics.
  • Recent graduates work in a wide range of consultant, contractor and client organisations, including: Hyder Consulting, Babcock International Group plc, Manhire Associates Consulting Engineers and Maverick Ventures UK Ltd.
*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Course details

  • Programme overview

  • You will obtain advanced analytical skills in structural engineering and hydraulic engineering and be introduced to the broader issues of project and process management in civil engineering. You will develop skills in engineering research and have the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project on a topic of your choosing under the supervision of our academic staff.

    Core modules

    CIVL500
    Finite Element Modelling and Analysis 20 credits

    This module will develop fundamental understanding of the finite element analysis (FEA), further extend the knowledge of using FEA tools, and implement their applications in analysing complex practical engineering problems.

    100% Coursework

    ENBS542
    Project Management and Professional Practice 20 credits

    This module combines the examination of project management process and practice together with the essential requirements of both operating as a professional, and operating in, a professional environment. The module focuses on embedding knowledge and understanding issues faced by modern construction professionals in delivering construction projects in a professional and ethical manner.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    ENGR501
    Engineering Research Methods and Professional Development

    You will use a methodical approach to engineering research that helps identify and define projects that are practically realistic and academically worthwhile. You will plan your research project and select ethically suitable quantitative and qualitative research methods. Your progression towards professional registration will be appraised and plans made for your personal development.

    HYFM501
    Advanced Hydraulic Engineering 20 credits

    This module investigates the hydraulic engineering factors influencing the computational modelling and management of riverine flood risk. It appraises the relative merits of techniques used in civil engineering practice for flood modelling and for flood risk management, with an emphasis on reliability assessment. The module is supported by the use of computer software and laboratory work.

    100% Coursework

    PRCE508
    Interdisciplinary Design Project 20 credits

    The module introduces the learner to working on a 'real world' interdisciplinary design project comprising the integration of a number of interlinked design challenges relating to core elements of their Civil and Civil and Coastal Engineering studies. The work will be undertaken in managed teams. The project scope will range from design concept through to construction.

    100% Coursework

    PROJ517
    MSc Dissertation

    You will demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of research methods to plan and implement high quality research. You will carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and report upon the aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and conclusions through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up of the project, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.

    STAD506
    Advanced Structural Engineering 20 credits

    This module provides a deeper understanding of complex structural analysis techniques and training to students in applying advanced structural analysis methods to real structures. The topics include the analysis of frames, deep beams and curved beams, the dynamics of structures to wind and seismic loadings, the torsion of beams with box sections, and the design of structures under complicated loading conditions.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Civil Engineering Programme Specification September 2024 2367

Entry requirements
You’ll need a minimum of a lower second-class BEng honours degree (2:2) in civil engineering or an upper second-class BSc honours degree (2:1) in civil engineering.
If you have considerable professional experience and can evidence an academic ability to undergraduate degree levels you may also be considered.
If you have overseas qualifications you can check your comparability with the UK equivalent through ECCTIS, who provide an advisory service.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .
If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The level of proficiency that is required can vary with the type of programme for which you are applying.
The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £10,700 £11,350
International £19,800 £20,400
Part time (Home) £590 £630
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Find out more about your eligibility for a postgraduate loan

You may now be eligible for a government loan of over £11,000 to help towards the cost of your masters degree.

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
  • For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Engineering 

MSc Civil Engineering

The skills of the civil engineer have long been recognised as providing the tools for the solution of engineering problems to benefit society. However, the role of the civil engineer is rapidly changing as society changes.
You are responsible for being proactive and proposing and seeking funding for engineering schemes, not just the technical aspects of the scheme.

Babbage Building: where engineering meets design

Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility provides a new home for engineering in Plymouth, providing the environment and foundations for our teaching and research into the next decade.
“This new building offers a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers of tomorrow, giving us the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole.” Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng , Head of school.
The University of Plymouth's new engineering and design facility - aerial view
COAST Laboratory, Marine Building

Facilities and resources

From dedicated computer laboratories to a wealth of electronic information, you’ll benefit from a range of facilities and resources that will help your learning and development.
Our facilities include our £19 million Marine Building and dedicated engineering laboratories equipped with industry standard software.

Marine Station

Our students have access to the Marine Station, a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility that serves all our marine-based courses including civil engineering, earth sciences and marine biology.
Situated on the shores of Plymouth Sound as part of our ‘Waterfront Campus’, the facility offers labs and classrooms extending out into the natural environment, a wet lab for sample examination and analysis, a seawater aquarium, field equipment storage and changing facilities. It is also the base for our research vessels and a centre of excellence for diving.
Marine Station

Why Civil Engineering at Plymouth?

University features in film celebrating Plymouth’s engineering prowess

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) presents Engineering Plymouth. A film celebrating how civil engineers have helped to shape Plymouth over the last 500 years. The film tells the story of Plymouth through its engineering milestones. From laying the foundations for a new town to the introduction of the Great Western Railway and the impressive Royal Albert Bridge. Through the Blitz bombs and on towards new horizons – Robotics , artificial intelligence and the use of drone technology – we see how engineers are tackling problems and safeguarding the future for generations to come.
Joylyn Cherotich, international student

After I had completed my undergraduate degree in Kenya, I wanted to pursue a postgraduate programme which would give me the confidence to practice in the field. I knew that Plymouth was the place that would mould me into the engineer I have always wanted to be.

Chloe Dean
Nicola Robins

Related research groups

Athena SWAN Silver Award logo

Athena Swan Silver

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.

People

Meet our school technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.