School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering

UCAS tariff 120 - 136 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code H251
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Are you fascinated by the designs of large coastal structures such as seawalls and breakwaters and how these withstand attack by the sea? Do you want to help protect our coastal communities from the threat of flooding and sea level rise? Do you want to understand how to plan and construct a port? Our MEng graduates in civil and coastal engineering are trained as civil engineers with specialist knowledge in the realisation of projects that are essential to the functioning of coastal societies.

Opportunities available...

  • A scholarship scheme is available: for more information, see the 'Fees, costs and funding' section, below.

Key features
  • Four year integrated masters programme .
  • In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking we are eighth out of 50, and the highest ranked UK university, for Marine/Ocean Engineering.
  • Distinguish yourself professionally with an accredited degree. Our MEng (Hons) is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), The Institute of Highway Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You'll qualify for membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Institution of Structural Engineers.
  • Get your career off to a flying start by spending an optional work placement year working as a paid student engineer – a great opportunity to further your knowledge and make important industry contacts.
  • Study at one of the world’s leading centres for coastal engineering research – you’ll keep pace with the ever-changing discoveries, insights and thinking in the subject.
  • Benefit from our £19 million Marine Building , which offers facilities for teaching water and coastal engineering. Our design project module in coastal engineering equips you to specialise in design or flood risk management and port engineering.
  • 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 .
  • Draw on our teaching staff of professionally qualified experts with relevant experience from the civil engineering industry, and researchers with national and international reputations. 95% of our students say our staff are good at explaining things [source: Discover Uni].
  • Learn a host of design skills from problem solving to sustainable development, as well as acquiring the critical thinking that plays a key role in the work of a civil engineer, including interpreting and analysing data.
  • Increase your employability by taking an extra-curricular HSE-recognised diving qualification (subject to availability).
  • Develop your professional skills including communication, self-management, team working and leadership, all vital in obtaining graduate employment and a rewarding career.
  • Join our extensive network of Chartered Civil Engineers who have graduated from the University of Plymouth and now work at all levels in the industry both nationally and internationally.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • In the first year of your civil and coastal engineering course you will study alongside other engineering students to learn about the fundamental principles that underpin technical subjects which are studied throughout the course. You will develop your mathematical skills and study engineering materials, structural mechanics and fluid mechanics. You will learn about generic design and computer-aided design, and work in a team to undertake a real-world design challenge. Laboratory sessions will form an important part of your learning.

    Core modules

    BPIE114
    Stage 1 Civils Placement Preparation

    This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    ENGR103
    Engineering Science 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of fluid mechanics appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications; the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings, including both flow and non-flow processes, heat engines, and mechanisms of heat transfer; and the fundamental principles of electrical engineering.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    ENGR104
    Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

    This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    ENGR105
    Mechanics and Structures 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of engineering mechanics and structures appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. Deeper understanding of these scientific principles will be developed through practical applications using hand calculations and computer software tools as appropriate.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    ENGR106
    Engineering Materials 20 credits

    This module introduces students to a broad range of engineering materials appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. The module will consider the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties, presenting practical applications wherever appropriate. Students will also be introduced to standard material test methods.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    ENGR107
    Engineering Design 20 credits

    This module introduces students to engineering design practice appropriate to civil, marine and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students will develop sketching and technical drawing skills and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create digital models of technical systems. Working in a team, students will be tasked to create sustainable solutions to real-world technical design challenges.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    ENGR108
    Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques 20 credits

    The experimental basis of this module allows students develop their engineering science knowledge and practical skills using a student-centred, laboratory-based approach to learning. The module will help students develop good quality study skills, teamwork, and competency in technical communication.

    70% Practicals

    30% Coursework

  • Year 2

  • The second year introduces core civil engineering disciplines that comprise structural analysis and design, geotechnics and fluid dynamics. These subjects are explored in lectures, through practical activities, and field trips. You will be introduced to the special topic of coastal engineering, and you will develop essential and professional transferable skills and tools for the management of projects. At this point of the course, it is still possible to swap between our ‘civil’ and ‘civil and coastal’ engineering degrees.

    Core modules

    BPIE214
    Stage 2 Civils Placement Preparation

    This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    CIVL201
    Civil Engineering Practice 20 credits

    This module develops understanding of construction materials and site surveying through lectures and practical work. Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills for Civil Engineers are developed through practical laboratory work. The module provides the opportunity to engage in a range of laboratory work relating to structures, geotechnics and hydraulics.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    GEEN200
    Geotechnical Engineering 1 20 credits

    This module introduces Geology, and the properties/ behaviour of soil as relevant to Civil Engineering projects. The concepts of groundwater flow and consolidation are considered, with associated calculations. Methods of analysis for estimation of stability and deformation when the ground is loaded are also introduced.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    HYFM200
    Hydraulic and Coastal Engineering 20 credits

    This module develops hydraulic engineering concepts introduced in the first year, and introduces hydrodynamic concepts required for coastal engineering. Hydraulic engineering material includes predicting flow in pipes and open channels. Coastal engineering topics include study of waves and tides, and their application to coastal engineering. Learning is supported by laboratory work and a site visit.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    MATH200
    Engineering Analysis 20 credits

    This module builds upon the stage one engineering mathematics module, by introducing students to more advanced mathematical ideas, statistical techniques and numerical methods. The methods and techniques studied are used to solve relevant civil engineering applications, with some emphasis on interpreting the results obtained. Industrially recognised software packages are also used where appropriate.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    STAD200
    Structural Analysis and Design 1 20 credits

    This module extends the theoretical base established by the Stage 1 Mechanics and Structures module. It is intended to combine the basic principles of analysis with design to develop an integrated approach to solving problems in Structural Engineering. The module is supported by the use of computer software and laboratory work.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    MGMT224
    Construction Management 20 credits

    In this module students will develop an understanding of responsible professional engineering practice, by critically analysing commercial and professional aspects of construction management and project planning systems.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

  • Optional placement year

  • By taking the opportunity to spend an optional year in paid employment whilst still a student civil engineer, you will obtain recordable professional experience, build a network of industry contacts and often obtain offers of summer work, sponsorship or employment on graduation. Our placements team will support you in finding a placement, and we have an extensive network of employers across all sectors.

    Optional modules

    BPIE340
    Civil Engineering Related Placement (Generic)

    A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study. Help to prepare the student for the final stage and employment after graduation.

  • Year 3

  • You will deepen your understanding of the core technical subjects in civil engineering with a particular focus on designing infrastructure solutions in a coastal context. You will immerse yourself in the execution of your individual project throughout the year. These projects will focus on a research question or a practical issue relevant to your chosen specialism and might involve the use of the COAST laboratory facilities, state of the art modelling software supervised by an academic member of staff.

    Core modules

    COUE300
    Coastal Engineering Analysis and Design 20 credits

    Building on the basic elements of Coastal Engineering, this module covers essential theoretical concepts for coastal engineers. Topics include: water wave theory, wave transformation processes, shallow water waves, coastal environments, climate change impact, nearshore hydrodynamics and design of coastal structures. Emphasis is given to the interactions between coastal structures and processes.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    GEEN314
    Geotechnical Engineering 2 20 credits

    This module considers the application of Soil Mechanics to analysis and design of a range of common Civil Engineering structures. This includes shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and slope stability.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    HYFM300
    Water Engineering 20 credits

    This module develops hydraulic engineering concepts introduced in the first and second year, and combines them with elements of water engineering and management. The main areas covered are urban drainage, flood management, water resources, and river/channel engineering. Learning is supported by laboratory work and a field trip.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    STAD300
    Structural Analysis and Design 2 20 credits

    This module focuses on the analyses and design of whole structures, i.e. multi-storey buildings. It includes computer modelling and analysis, and methods of the validation of the obtained results using approximate analysis.

    70% Coursework

    30% Examinations

    PRCE312
    Individual Project 40 credits

    The individual project allows the student to research an approved topic of interest related to civil or coastal engineering. Guided by an academic supervisor, the student independently conducts an investigation comprising theoretical development, experimental/computational and analytical work.

    100% Coursework

  • Final year

  • In this final year of the MEng programme you will build upon and integrate your earlier learning. You will develop advanced understanding of coastal engineering, hydraulics and geotechnics, extend your experience of coastal engineering into the associated field of port and harbour engineering. As a masters student you will sharpen your project management skills. The year finishes with the completion of an integrated design project that demonstrates your design, presentation and group working skills.

    Core modules

    COUE506
    Port and Harbour Engineering 20 credits

    This module presents the fundamental elements of the layout, design and construction of modern port structures, and provides students with the necessary understanding of the forces and loadings acting of them. The subject combines 3 elements not often found together in engineering: the requirements of a major transport infrastructure, the harsh marine environment, and the design of highly specific structural solutions.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    COUE508
    Advanced Coastal Engineering Modelling 20 credits

    This module covers the modelling techniques and software tools used in modern coastal engineering practise. Topics include the modelling of waves, currents and sediments; the modelling of coastal engineering designs and their impacts; the use of software tools of data analysis for coastal engineers.

    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

    GEEN502
    Advanced Geotechnical Engineering 20 credits

    This module builds on understanding and modelling of advanced fundamental soil behaviour. It also considers application to more advanced Civil Engineering design scenarios.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    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

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:
  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

120 - 136

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level
To include grade B in A level Mathematics and all applicants must be studying a second relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Applied ICT, Applied Science, Applied Science (DA), Biology, Chemistry, Computing/Computer Science, DT (Product Design Resistant Materials), DT (Systems and Control Tech) DT Product Design (Textiles Tech), Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Further Maths/Use of, Statistics, Music Technology, Physics, Technology and Design.
BTEC Qualifications are not accepted for Meng. May be considered in combination with additional qualifications or experience.
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
International Baccalaureate
30 to 34 points overall to include 5 in Higher Level Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Higher Level subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate
120 - 136 UCAS tariff points, including H3 in Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Higher Level subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.
SQA Advanced Higher
120 - 136 UCAS tariff points, including grade B in Advanced Higher Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Advanced Higher subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.
All Access courses: not accepted for MEng, unless the applicant has additional qualifications or experience. Please refer to our BEng course pages and contact a member of the Undergraduate Admission team on +44 1752 585858 / admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .
Please note: We understand that many applicants remain anxious about meeting the exact terms of our standard conditional offers. We will look again at your application and revise our offer for those applicants who we continue to believe are a good match to our courses, once we have the certainty of your actual results in August.

Fees, costs and funding
New student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
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.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

What’s the difference between MEng and BEng?

MEng (Hons) : Accredited by the professional engineering institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
BEng (Hons) : Accredited by the professional engineering institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Civil Engineering Students on site visit to the new engineering and design facility project (NEDF). The new Babbage building is being built by BAM Construct UK.

Babbage Building: where engineering meets design

“The building provides a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow, making it 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
Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility is home to the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
and offers additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture .
Exterior of Babbage building

Work placements

  • ?A placement year will give you the opportunity to experience working life, and can lead to a job offer upon graduation

Ely Coleman – MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering

Ely, who is studying for an MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering degree, was named the winner of the University of Plymouth Industrial Placement Award 2024 at the CECA South West ceremony in Torquay, sponsored by KierBAM and Frazer.
He received the accolade in recognition of his performance as a trainee site engineer with KierBAM while working on the enabling works for a submarine dry dock refurbishment in Devonport Dockyard. As well as undertaking surveying and setting out, he developed and applied knowledge of Computer Aided Design. He also represented KierBAM at careers fairs, delivered presentations to schools and arranged site visits for university students. Many thanks to CECA and congratulations to Ely!

Harriette Scowen – MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering graduate

“I was encouraged to take the industrial placement year...Now here I am, four years later as a graduate with a First Class MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree.”
After her industrial placement with AECOM, Harriette was offered sponsorship and a full-time graduate position after the completion of her studies.
Harriette Scowen
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.

Award-winning student: Matthew Lees

Matthew Lees, final-year BEng Civil and Coastal Engineering student, received the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) SW Industrial Placement Award in October 2020 for his placement year work with Jackson Civil Engineering. The award was presented by the local Chair of CECA, Dave Ellis, who is also a graduate of the Civil Engineering programmes at the University and who now runs a successful civil engineering contracting company called Bridge Civil Engineering in Newton Abbot (Devon). The event was organised and sponsored by Paul Santer, the Regional Director of CECA SW. Many thanks to CECA and congratulations to Matt for his hard work on placement, for writing an excellent report, and for winning this award.

MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering – Alex's story

Alex Philips, final year MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering student, loves to run around Dartmoor. Watch his story, and discover his passion for water. 

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.
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.

Connecting with industry

Connecting with the industry

As a course focused on employability, we’ve developed a number of relationships with the industry to help provide you with the connections and opportunities you’ll need to begin your career.
We work closely with industry experts, organisations and awards to enhance your employability.
Getty image engineering

Think about your future

Find out what our graduates are doing now

Nicola Robins

Nicola Robins

Joe Driver, MEng (Hons) Civil and Coast Engineering graduate

Joe Driver

Teddy Quinlan

Teddy Quinlan

Apply to the Tamar Engineering Project

Open for applications to ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study. Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.

Applications close 30 June 2024
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.