Program Overview

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MEng Civil Engineering with Study Abroad

2026 entry

Course summary

If you are creative, enjoy design and aspire to improve the world around you, then civil engineering is for you. This degree will equip you to find solutions to global environmental problems and design large and unique sustainable structures that shape society - for example, buildings, bridges, water supply systems, transport networks, renewable electricity generation and other critical infrastructure assets.

The course balances deep theoretical knowledge with practical application. At Bristol, you will benefit from our world-class laboratory facilities, including one of the most advanced earthquake-shaking tables in Europe.

This degree is a great opportunity to broaden your worldview and experience a different culture. In your third year, you will study at one of our partner universities abroad where the course is delivered in English. In previous years, exchanges have included institutions in Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the US, Hong Kong and Singapore. There is no direct entry into the course but you can apply to transfer from the other courses if you reach a high academic standard in your first two years.

The first two years provide a strong foundation in engineering, including mathematics, structures, soil and fluid mechanics, coding and surveying.

Design is central to the course and is reflected in the projects and real-world challenges you will face. In the first year, you will develop a sustainable solution to an open-ended problem, such as designing and making a model bridge. The second year includes designing with steel, concrete and timber, geotechnical design and water engineering. More optional units are introduced in subsequent years, allowing you to pursue your interests while developing key professional skills such as project management and risk analysis.

Your third year overseas will mirror the third-year curriculum at Bristol, and you will return to Bristol for your fourth and final year. To find out more about studying abroad, visit Centre for Study Abroad.

In your fourth year, you will take part in an exciting group design project, combining all your learning as you tackle realistic design challenges identified through our industry links. Design projects range from transportation to smart cities and from skyscrapers to sustainable housing.

We work closely with industry to ensure we equip you with the skills and experiences needed to become a future leader in civil engineering. Our graduates are highly sought after by top employers, including civil engineering consultancies and construction companies, utility companies, the military, public transport providers, sustainable electricity generators, and environmental managers.

Accreditations

Our Civil Engineering with Study Abroad MEng is accredited by CIHT, IHE, IStructE, ICE and PWI.

Overview

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• Entry by transfer
• You must transfer to this course from MEng Civil Engineering (H200) or MEng Civil Engineering with Study Abroad in a Modern Language (H201). You cannot apply as an external candidate.

Location

• Clifton campus, Placements

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

First-year students studying Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Design Engineering all start their degrees with a broad knowledge of the fundamentals and a command of the skills that underpin modern engineering.

You will share common units with your peers in other disciplines and work on an interdisciplinary project, based on global challenges and inspired by Engineers Without Borders.

You will meet and work closely with more people from the start of your degree, broadening your social circle and long-term professional network. Interdisciplinary working is now the norm in industry, and a good understanding of disciplines other than your own will serve you well when you enter the workplace.

Starting your degree with a broad foundation of knowledge will expand your frame of reference, enabling you to be more creative as you progress with your course and become more specialist in later years of study. The skills-based approach will provide you with technical abilities that will enable you to be successful in your degree and your career.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

International qualifications

The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Qualifications

This course is available by transfer only. View the MEng Civil Engineering entry requirements information.

More about UK qualifications.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Civil Engineering with Study Abroad can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels

Related courses

See a list of all Civil Engineering degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.

• BEng Civil Engineering
• BEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry
• MEng Civil Engineering
• MEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry

Related Subjects

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Design Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering