Program Overview

Sustainable Civil Engineering MSc

The Sustainable Civil Engineering MSc program at Northumbria University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The program focuses on asset management, climate-responsive design, net-zero targets, and circular economy strategies.

Overview

The program is a 2-year part-time course that starts in September. It is offered by the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics and is located at the City Campus of Northumbria University in Newcastle.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants should have a minimum of a 2:2 honors degree in civil, structural, environmental engineering, or a relevant subject. International applicants will need an ATAS certificate to enroll on this course. English language requirements include a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component.

Fees and Funding

The full UK fee for the program is £11,250, and the full international fee is £21,500. Scholarships and discounts are available, and students can discover more about fees, scholarships, and other funding options on the university's website.

Modules

The program consists of various modules, including:

• Structural Integrity and Historical Engineering: This module examines common forms of existing structures and considers how to apply civil engineering skills and knowledge to gain a quantitative understanding of their original and current loading and condition.
• Geotechnical Instabilities: This module explores the challenges of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data on existing complex geotechnical threats to assets.
• Academic Language Skills for Mechanical and Construction Engineering: This module is designed to support international and EU students in developing their academic language skills and is a core module for these students.
• Sustainable Development for Engineering Practitioners: This module explores the fundamentals of sustainable and ethical development for engineering practitioners, considering the role and responsibility of the engineer within society.
• Wind, Photovoltaic and Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems: This module introduces the theory and application of wind, photovoltaic, and hybrid renewable energy conversion systems.
• Research Methods: This module develops knowledge, skills, and awareness essential to complex-problem-solving research and innovation in relevant engineering subjects.
• Research Project: This module allows students to work independently and bring together their specialist knowledge and skills within a research and development project.
• Sensing and Monitoring for Civil Engineering Assets: This module addresses the need to conduct detailed survey investigations of asset location and condition and considers how to conduct effective monitoring programs.

Study Options

The program is available in a full-time format, and an alternative full-time Advanced Practice option is also available. This option aims to boost employability by tackling real client projects with academic and industry support.

Features and Benefits

The program has several features and benefits, including:

• Top-Ranked Subject: Civil Engineering at Northumbria is ranked top 25 in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2025.
• Research Excellence: Engineering is ranked 25th for research power in the UK out of 89 submissions.
• Industry Connections: The university has strong links with employers like Atkins, Arup, AECOM, Network Rail, and the Environment Agency.
• Hands-On Learning: Students have access to dedicated labs, professional software, and expert guidance from experienced academics and industry professionals.
• Flexible Learning: The program offers flexible learning options, including full-time and part-time study.

Careers and Employability

The program aims to prepare students for a successful career in sustainable civil engineering. Students will gain hands-on experience through labs, fieldwork, and live projects that reflect industry demands. The program also offers tailored career support and ICE student membership to help guide professional development. Graduates have gone on to secure roles with major employers in the industry.

Staff

The program is taught by experts whose research shapes sustainable civil engineering. The staff includes Dr. Giovanni Pesce, Dr. Maryam Bayati, Professor Michael Lim, and Dr. Mohammadali Rezazadeh.

Facilities

Students have access to cutting-edge laboratories equipped with advanced facilities, including a 3D concrete printer, ground-penetrating radar, triaxial systems, and hydraulic benches. The university also provides digital tools, such as Claude for Education and the Blackboard eLearning Portal, to support learning. Additionally, students can access quiet study spaces and areas for social and collaborative working at the City Campus Library and University Library Digital Commons.