Program Overview

Program Overview

The MEng Civil Engineering program at the University of Strathclyde is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to build a successful career as an engineer. The program is professionally accredited and offers a range of specializations, including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, environmental engineering, and transport planning.

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: H202
• Accreditation: Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and Institute of Highway Engineers
• Study Abroad: Opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 or Year 5
• Second-Year Entry: Available for suitably-qualified students

Why This Course?

Civil engineering develops and improves facilities and services that society needs, from the supply of clean water and energy to the design and construction of roads, railways, and stations. The program offers unique opportunities to participate in industry-led problem-based learning and mentoring, and the department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award.

What You'll Study

The program follows a common structure in Years 1 to 3, with five core threads running through the curriculum:

• Structural engineering
• Geotechnical engineering
• Water engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Transport and construction

In the later years of study, the civil engineering course provides graduates with knowledge and skills in these five core areas.

Year 1

You'll study foundations of civil engineering, including mathematics, engineering mechanics, civil engineering design, computing, professional skills, and geology.

Year 2

The second year focuses on structural engineering, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, chemistry and materials, and surveying.

Years 3 and 4

In the third and fourth years, you will study structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, environmental engineering, transport planning and engineering, construction management, and a project dissertation. There is an increased emphasis on design and project work in the final two years of study.

Year 5

The flexible curriculum allows you to extend your knowledge in areas of civil engineering. You will also have the chance to select classes from across the Faculty of Engineering, including topics on renewable engineering. A wide range of topics is also available in business and management, environment, and sustainability.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), and Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) on behalf of the Engineering Council as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Assessment

We assess students individually and in groups, using a mix of methods ranging from class exams, coursework, laboratory reports, and design submissions. Engineers are expected to be able to communicate well – orally, in writing, and through drawing/sketching. Our assessment, therefore, seeks to test this range of skills.

Learning and Teaching

Our learning and teaching aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to build a successful career as an engineer. Our teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Student-led seminars
• Group projects
• Laboratory work
• Fieldwork

Our courses also benefit from specialist lectures, case studies, and supervision, which is provided by representatives of our industrial partners.

Induction Course and Mentoring

We run an induction course for first-year students, designed to make them feel at home in the department. We also run a student mentoring system, whereby senior students mentor new students and senior students are, in turn, mentored by civil engineering graduates. These activities highlight our commitment to teamwork, which we believe is a core strength of our courses.

Major Projects

You'll work on design projects every year, covering a range of activities. These projects will help you develop skills such as:

• Investigating and interpreting problems
• Analysing your options to select preferred solutions
• Managing the design process

In Year 1, you'll work in small groups to develop concepts for a road bridge. You then build a scale model for load testing to verify your theoretical work.

After Year 1, projects become more challenging and progress to a group design project in Year 5.

Work Placement

Some placements are tied to continuing sponsorship programs. The Department will help you develop knowledge of industry through its mentoring scheme and personal development planning. Year 3 students have the opportunity to study within the EU as part of the Erasmus scheme or further afield on international exchange, usually in the second semester.

Facilities

New £6 million laboratory facilities include state-of-the-art geotechnical, structural, and environmental research laboratories alongside two large undergraduate teaching laboratories. These enable you to gain practical skills and assist with key aspects of the course.

Student Competitions

As part of the course curriculum, Year 3 students will take part in the Engineers Without Borders Challenge. Year 5 students regularly take part in TATA Steel Student Design competitions. In the past, our students have also participated in annual design competitions run by the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers, along with competitions like the BP Ultimate Field Trip Challenge.

Entry Requirements

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

• Highers: AAAA / AAABB (Maths A OR Maths B & 1 Science at A or B)
• A Levels: AAB-BBB (Maths A OR Maths B & 1 Science at A or B)
• International Baccalaureate: 36-32 (Maths HL5 & 1 science subject HL5)
• HNC/HND: Entry to BEng in the first instance
• International students: View the entry requirements for your country.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.
• Science subjects: Science subjects accepted are:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering Science
  • Human Biology
  • Physics

Fees and Funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,535
• 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: £29,350
• University preparation programme fees: International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Careers

Our graduates' ability to fit quickly and productively into teams in industry makes them highly employable. Many graduates work not only in Civil Engineering and construction but also in areas such as oil and gas, renewable energy, business, and accountancy. Some of our graduates also continue into postgraduate research. The University of Strathclyde is located in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland's biggest and most cosmopolitan city, providing a unique and exciting environment for study and career development.