About this course
We've changed some parts of this course for the 2020 to 2021 academic year due to coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes may affect how we'll teach you and which modules you'll take.
Civil engineering is essential to the development of our society, from planning to construction. Our 4-year, integrated master's course goes beyond the 3-year degree, and lets you specialise in an area of your choosing. You'll develop the design, management and teamwork skills that employers look for. Major engineering companies often get involved in our group design projects.
This MEng Civil Engineering course follows the BEng Civil Engineering degree for the first 3 years. In the fourth year, you can choose to focus on specialist topics, including:
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coastal and maritime engineering
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earthquake engineering
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bioenergy
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transport modelling
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waste resource management
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architectural acoustics
The group project in year 4 lets you apply your conceptual engineering and scientific knowledge to an engineering design problem. As a team you’ll develop an idea through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and manufacture. Our Design Show blog has examples of our students’ design work.
You'll have access to our extensive facilities, including:
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National Infrastructure Laboratory
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professional manufacturing centre
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hydraulics and geotechnics labs
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heavy structures facilities
As part of this course you can:
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apply analytical techniques and problem-solving skills to engineering problems
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develop technical skills, such as computer-aided design (CAD), model-making, surveying and computer programming
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take part in the Constructionarium challenge, where teams build scaled-down versions of famous structures
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showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
You can take this course with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code HH20 for the Industrial Placement Year option.
Accreditations
This degree is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Learn more about accreditation on the Joint Board of Moderators website.
This course is accredited by:
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
A*AA including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)
A-levels additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: A*AB, including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order), plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject or A*AB including A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 6 at Higher Level in an additional required subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Required Higher Level subjects include mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A in A-level mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order) We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without A-level mathematics We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma without A-levels in mathematics and an additional required subject Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics. A pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable. We accept the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering subjects, alongside A-level mathematics. Please contact Admissions for further details.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A*A in A-level mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order) We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level mathematics We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without A-levels in maths and an additional required subject Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics at H1 and an additional required subject at H1
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics at A1 and an additional required subject at A1
Irish certificate additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and an additional required subject, one of which must be at D2.
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA from 3 A levels including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order) or A*A from 2 A levels including mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order) and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall, minimum of grade 8.5/10 in mathematics (level 5 or Advanced) and grade 8.5/10 in an additional required subject. Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
- have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
- have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
- have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
- are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
- are a mature student with relevant experience or study
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You'll learn the fundamentals of the subject across all 4 years of the course. You'll also take design modules, where you'll apply your engineering knowledge.
These modules, along with a major individual project in the third year, allow you to tailor your degree to suit your own interests or career plans.
You'll choose from optional modules in the fourth year, and you can even boost your employability by studying a foreign language.
You do not need to select your modules when you apply. We can help you customise your course.
Year 1 overview
The first year provides a solid grounding in engineering science and design, with a focus on civil and environmental engineering.
Core modules cover:
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maths
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mechanics
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structures
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materials
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thermofluids
We'll introduce key design skills, such as sketching model-making and computing, through workshops and a design and manufacture project. These will also help you develop skills like:
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observation
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critical thinking
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team work
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communication
At the end of the year you'll take part in the Constructionarium, a week-long activity in Norfolk.
Year 2 overview
You'll further develop your core design and engineering skills.
You'll also study topics that include:
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maths and statistics
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structural analysis and design
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materials
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soil mechanics
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hydraulics
A group design project will help you build on the design skills introduced in year 1.
Year 3 overview
We introduce highway and traffic engineering, and you'll explore structures, geotechnics and water related-subjects in more depth.
An individual research project will let you focus your engineering to your own interests. In the past, students have considered why concrete floor slabs fail, or investigated the erosion and retreat of coastal cliffs.
You can also broaden your studies and increase your employability by studying a language.
Year 4 overview
In your final year you'll focus on design, management and teamwork. These are skills that are highly valued by employers.
A group design project will let you use your engineering and scientific knowledge to design an original solution to a realistic engineering problem.
You'll also choose from a wide range of specialist optional modules.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module presents knowledge and skills specific to civil/environmental engineering, in three areas: Environmental Sustainability and Geology for Geomechanics and in Construction. It complements the more general engineering science knowledge and underst...
This course develops your skills in design and computing. In the computing component you will be introduced to the fundamentals of programming using the Python language. You will have access to e-learning materials for familiarisation with AutoDesk for 2...
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...
This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of five inter-dependent, to some e...
Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics and Physics A Level
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
City Engineering Design will build on the learning from the Liveable Cities module of the city scale and require the development of focused engineering solutions. The module takes the Liveable Cities vision(s) from semester 1 to provide the focus to devel...
This module continues to develop the fundamental themes on fluid mechanics introduced in the module FEEG1003 “Thermofluids” and applies them to the study of incompressible fluids in adiabatic conditions. It will focus on problems associated with water flo...
Cities are continually evolving in response to economic, social and environmental drivers. Globalisation is accelerating this process and cities which are unable to respond may quickly lose their purpose and vitality. In a UK context, many cities have are...
The module aims to teach mathematical methods relevant for engineering. The first part is about differential equations and how solve them, from ordinary differential equations to partial differential equations. The second part is about either vector calcu...
This module provides an in depth coverage of key numerical analysis methods to solve practical mathematical problems that occur throughout engineering. Computer programming tools using MATLAB will be used to solve a range of practical engineering problems...
This module provides an introduction to the principles of soil mechanics – how soil behaves when subject to engineering loads and construction processes. It also provides knowledge of simple analysis methods that are appropriate for assessment of geotechn...
The aim of this module is to develop and deepen knowledge and understanding already gained in FEEG1002 of how structural elements and assemblies behave, and can be analysed. The module provides a firm basis for all subsequent structural analysis and desig...
This module aims to provide a detailed understanding and practical application of methods of structural analysis and design to approved codes of practice relevant to typical steel and concrete framed structures. This module will build on the content of CE...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
In this module you will apply your theoretical knowledge and practical skills to the conceptual and detailed design of a significant design problem. CENV2028 Design 2 introduced you to site analysis, conceptual design and project planning. You will spe...
This module will introduce you to the analyses often used in the design of gravity, embedded and reinforced soil retaining walls, simple shallow and pile foundations, the assessment of slope stability and slope stabilisation schemes. It will build on the ...
This module combines the two main elements of Highway Engineering – geometric design and road pavement structural design. You will gain an understanding of key issues and practices in both elements, including design case studies where you will put theory ...
The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...
This module builds on the structural mechanics, analysis and design modules in Parts 1 and 2. It covers structural stability and the influence of material and geometric nonlinearity; it also introduces the theory and underlying principles of the finite el...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
The importance of environments such as rivers and estuaries to humans cannot be overstated. They provide us with food, water, energy, communication paths and ports. However, they can also cause major damage through flooding and erosion, and they are the m...
This module provides an introduction to the role human factors in Engineering. It demonstrates how the characteristics and capabilities of people can be taken into account to optimise the design of things used by people, the environments in which they li...
This module provides comprehensive coverage of the main features of railway engineering and operations, including topics ranging from system planning through to the impacts of noise and vibration. During the module students will develop an appreciation o...
This module introduces students to the discipline of Urban Design. Students will be able to develop outline design proposals for the urban realm that integrate an understanding of contextual analysis, place making techniques and urban design theories at v...
The module covers two main themes. One looks at the types of process that are used to purify water to a standard acceptable for distribution. The subject material is taught so as to give a fundamental understanding of the physical, chemical and biological...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
This group project enables you to apply your conceptual engineering and science knowledge to an engineering design problem. The ideas are developed through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and/or manufacture. You will also consider and...
Your studies to date have given you a comprehensive understanding of how civil and environmental engineering projects work in a physical sense. This module will give you a systematic understanding of how such projects work in financial, economic, social a...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
This module is aimed at providing exposure to and understanding of advanced, specialist areas of Finite Element Analysis and their underlying Solid/Structural Mechanics concepts. It then concentrates on using this knowledge for solving discipline-specifi...
Geotechnical design underpins the performance of vital civil engineering infrastructure related to energy, water, transport and the built environment. This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of geotechnical analysis for a range of civil ...
This module covers the advanced design of reinforced concrete structures, prestressed concrete structures and steel-concrete composite structures. For each of these structural typologies, the fundamental principles of structural behaviour and design requi...
The bioenergy industry is undergoing rapid growth due to the policy drivers underpinning the current interest in bioenergy, such as energy security and climate change. This module provides an overview of key topics on sustainable bioenergy production, inc...
This module will introduce you to the range of skills needed in the determination of design requirements and conditions, planning, and the design of coastal structures. These skills comprise the determination of wave conditions, the determination and anal...
This module provides an in depth coverage of the mechanics of fibre-reinforced polymer materials and structures. The core of the course encompass modelling of the 2D orthotropic lamina reduced from 3D continuum mechanics for anisotropic solids, classical ...
This module provides an overview of the breadth of earthquake engineering as a discipline, providing the most important knowledge and intellectual skills for students to be able to assess earthquake hazards and ground motions (shaking), and then to analys...
This module gives an overview of the policy issues, various planning aids and assessment methods available to quantify energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. Students will be able to use different tools to investigate building energy performan...
On completion of the module, you will have developed a broad understanding of energy resources, engineering technologies for energy conversion and have an appreciation of solutions available to meet the world's power demands. You will be able to formulate...
Floods are amongst the most damaging and costly of all natural hazards. Worldwide, frequent occurrences of heavy rainfall and other drivers combine with high levels of human exposure and high-value and vulnerable assets to produce multi-billion losses eve...
The atmospheric and gravitational processes present on the earth generate flows of wind and water. This module studies these resources and practical methods/technologies for extracting cost-effective electrical and other energy conversions. The main focu...
To critically examine current knowledge of the application of River Restoration techniques and their transferability to the UK and worldwide. As many river restoration projects are done to improve the status of fisheries, the costs and benefits of techniq...
A key component of Transportation Planning and Engineering is enabling safer and more efficient use of transport infrastructure through transport management. This often involves making use of new technologies, in particular those related to Intelligent T...
This module builds on theoretical aspects of transport planning and engineering to introduce a more applied approach covering the state-of-the-art in transport modelling. The module is divided into three intermixed strands: 'Transport Demand Models' for p...
The transport sector is currently heavily fossil fuel dependent and, in advanced economies, accounts for around one quarter of carbon dioxide emissions. This module will provide you with a systematic understanding of the inter-relationships between transp...
The module considers solid wastes from industry, commerce and domestic sources. The concept of a waste management hierarchy is introduced and practical ways in which it might be implemented are discussed. These include waste minimisation, reuse, recycling...
The module assumes a basic knowledge of conventional wastewater treatment systems. The course reinforces the importance of wastewater treatment for the protection of public health and draws attention both to the epidemiology of globally distributed water...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
William Powrie is the course leader.
Careers
This course will put you on the path to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and is accredited by:
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Institution of Civil Engineers
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Institution of Structural Engineers
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Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
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Institute of Highway Engineers
You'll graduate from this course with the knowledge and skills to embark on a successful career in the civil engineering industry. You'll find excellent employment opportunities with consultants, contractors, local authorities and regulatory authorities.
The transferable skills you develop in critical thinking, problem-solving and communication are also valued by many other employers.
Our graduates have gone on to work in roles such as:
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civil engineers
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structural engineers
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transport planners
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coastal engineers
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construction managers
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design engineers
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flood risk officers
First and second year students can apply to our Southampton University Corporate Civil Engineering Scholarship Scheme (SUCCESS). You'll benefit from summer civil engineering placements, an industrial mentor and potential, long-term employment on graduation.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can enhance your career prospects by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year in an engineering organisation.
You will be able to apply the knowledge and skills you've developed during the first 2 years of your degree and gain vital experience to help you become a professional civil engineer after graduation.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,720.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: H201
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
