Program Overview

MSc Civil Engineering

The MSc Civil Engineering offers two options: a general option for those looking to convert to civil engineering or diversify/complement their existing skills, and a 'sustainable pathways' route for those with a background in civil engineering.

Key Facts

• Start date: January & September
• Accreditation: Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation & Institute of Highway Engineers
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time; 24 or 36 months part-time (September start only)

Course Content

The course has two semesters of taught classes, with some classes involving fieldtrips and/or lab work. Students can graduate with an MSc in Civil Engineering (generalist) by selecting optional classes of their choice from the general Civil Engineering curriculum. They can also choose one of the two ‘sustainability’ pathways: Sustainable Structural & Geotechnical Infrastructure or Sustainable Water & Environmental Management.

Compulsory Classes

• Civil Engineering Design Projects (20 credits)
• Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods (10 credits)

Optional Classes

• Six from List A
• Three from List A or B

List A

• Sustainable Ground Improvement & Reinforcement (10 credits)
• Site Investigation & Risk Assessment* (10 credits)
• Advanced Structural Analysis and Sustainable Design (10 credits)
• Prestressed Concrete, Composite Materials & Structural Stability (10 credits)
• Waste Management & Landfill Design* (10 credits)
• Project Management (10 credits)
• Climatic hazard to earth infrastructure (10 credits)
• Contaminated Land* (10 credits)
• Water & Environmental Management (10 credits)
• Water & Wastewater Treatment Design* (10 credits)
• Structural Health Monitoring (10 credits)
• Hydrogeology (10 credits)
• Advanced Materials Science for Structures (10 credits)

List B

• Global Water Policy* (10 credits)
• Financial Engineering (10 credits)
• Principles of Environmental Microbiology* (10 credits)
• Fundamentals of Environmental Forensics* (10 credits)
• Environmental Pollution Management* (10 credits)
• Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry* (10 credits)
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)* (10 credits)
• Design Management (10 credits)
• Risk Management (10 credits)
• Environmental Impact Assessment* (10 credits)
• Public Health Studies (10 credits)
• Information Management (10 credits)
• Circular Economy & Transformations Towards Sustainability (10 credits)

Pathway: Sustainable Structural & Geotechnical Infrastructure

Structural Engineering

• Advanced Structural Analysis & Design (10 credits)
• Prestressed Concrete, Composite Materials & Structural Stability (10 credits)

Geotechnical Engineering

• Climatic Hazard to Earth Infrastructure (10 credits)
• Hydrogeology (10 credits)
• Sustainable Ground Improvement & Reinforcement (10 credits)

Net zero & sustainable development

• Environmental Impact Assessment (10 credits)
• Circular Economy & Transformations Towards Sustainability (10 credits)

Pathway: Sustainable Water & Environmental Management

Water Engineering

• Water & Wastewater Treatment Design (10 credits)
• Engineering Hydrology (10 credits)
• Groundwater Flow Modeling (10 credits)

Environmental Engineering

• Contaminated Land (10 credits)
• Site Investigation & Risk Assessment* (10 credits)
• Geographical Information Systems (10 credits)
• Waste Management & Landfill Design (10 credits)

Net Zero & Sustainable Development

• Environmental Impact Assessment (10 credits)
• Circular Economy and Transformations Towards Sustainability (10 credits)

Learning & Teaching

The course has two semesters of taught classes. Some classes involve fieldtrips and/or lab work.

Facilities

Our £6 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are well-equipped with high-technological instrumentation and available space to investigate various aspects of civil engineering.

Entry Requirements

• Normally, a first or upper second-class Honours degree from a UK university (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any civil engineering discipline.
• Applicants with a degree in environmental engineering, maths, physics, and mechanical engineering may also be considered.
• Lower degree classifications might be considered if there is strength elsewhere.

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £11,900
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £11,900
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £30,250
• Available scholarships: British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

Careers

High-calibre civil engineers are in demand throughout the world. As a graduate, you'll have many different career options, including engineering consultancies, contractors, utilities, local authorities, and large companies. The average graduate starting salary is between £26,000 and £35,000. With around three to five years of experience, you can expect to earn £35,000 to £45,000.