About this course
Civil engineering is essential to the development of our society, from planning to construction. Our 4-year, integrated Masters 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 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:
coastal and maritime engineering
earthquake engineering
bioenergy
transport modelling
waste resource management
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:
National Infrastructure Laboratory
professional manufacturing centre
hydraulics and geotechnics labs
heavy structures facilities
As part of this course you can:
apply analytical techniques and problem-solving skills to engineering problems
develop technical skills, such as computer-aided design (CAD), model-making, surveying and computer programming
take part in the Constructionarium challenge, where teams build scaled-down versions of famous structures
take an additional year-long paid placement in an engineering organisation
showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
This degree partially satisfies the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete it.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 325.25 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Boldrewood in Southampton and Highfield campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
A*AA including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics and 6 at Higher Level in an additional required subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Required Higher Level subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A*A in A-level mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)
We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma or the BTEC National Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
Other qualifications
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) and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAB including grades AA in mathematics and an additional required subject
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
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
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE Diploma additional information
There are no additional requirements
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 Leaving Certificate additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics.
Scottish Qualification offers
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, 111.01 KB) 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 A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
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.
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Foundation year for Engineering, Physics, Maths and Geophysics
If you don’t have the right qualifications for direct entry into this course, you may still be able to enrol by taking our Foundation Year. This intensive, one-year course will give you the background skills and knowledge to enter into any undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or geophysics.
Contact us if you have a question about what qualifications you have or might need.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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.
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
The first year provides a solid grounding in engineering science and design, with a focus on civil and environmental engineering.
Core modules cover:
maths
mechanics
structures
materials
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:
observation
critical thinking
team work
communication
At the end of the year you'll take part in the Constructionarium, a week-long activity in Norfolk.
Year 2
You'll further develop your core design and engineering skills.
You'll also study topics that include:
maths and statistics
structural analysis and design
materials
soil mechanics
hydraulics
A group design project will help you build on the design skills introduced in year 1.
Year 3
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
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
Modules year 1
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 2:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 3:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 3:
Modules year 4
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 4:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- Advanced Finite Element Analysis
- Advanced Foundation Engineering
- Advanced Structural Engineering
- Architectural and Building Acoustics
- Bioenergy
- Coastal Flood Defence and Management
- Coastal and Maritime Engineering and Energy
- Composites Engineering Design and Mechanics
- Earthquake Engineering and Seismic Design of Steel Buildings
- Energy Performance Assessment of Buildings
- Energy Resources and Engineering
- Groundwater Hydrology and Contamination
- River Engineering
- Transport Management and Safety
- Transport Modelling
- Transport, Energy and the Environment
- Waste Resource Management
- Wastewater Process Engineering
- Water Resources Planning and Management
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)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 40%
- Independent study
- 60%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 26%
- Independent study
- 74%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 22%
- Independent study
- 78%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 18%
- Independent study
- 82%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
William Powrie is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 53%
- Practical exam
- 30%
- Coursework
- 17%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 63%
- Practical exam
- 13%
- Coursework
- 24%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 46%
- Practical exam
- 11%
- Coursework
- 43%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 47%
- Practical exam
- 34%
- Coursework
- 19%
Careers
This course will put you on the path to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and is accredited by:
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
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:
civil engineers
structural engineers
transport planners
coastal engineers
construction managers
design engineers
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 work 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
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Approved Calculators
- Textbooks
- Field Equipment and Materials
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Design equipment and materials
- Clothing
- Travel Costs for placements
- Optional Visits (e.g. museums, galleries)
- Anything else not covered elsewhere
- Stationery
- Computer discs or USB drives
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 325.25 KB).
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
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.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.