About this course

Civil engineering is essential to the sustainable future development of society, from planning and construction, to water supply and coastal defence. This 4-year integrated master’s course goes beyond the 3-year degree with advanced modules and a master’s-level group design project.

You’ll develop the skills to design and build creative solutions to challenges in the built environment, infrastructure and cities, and the management and teamwork skills needed to succeed in industry.

This MEng Civil Engineering course follows the BEng degree for the first 3 years. In your fourth year, you can choose to focus on specialist topics related to the latest research and needs of society, including:

coastal and maritime engineering
earthquake engineering and seismic design
bioenergy
transport modelling
waste resource management
flood modelling and mitigation

Design is integral to civil engineering, you’ll take part in laboratory sessions and design projects throughout your degree to put your knowledge into practice. These are often based on the requirements of a real site and a real client.

Our Design Show blog has examples of our students’ design work.

As part of this course you can:

apply analytical techniques and problem-solving skills to engineering problems
develop technical design skills, such as sketching, computer-aided design (CAD) and model-making
develop surveying, construction practice and computer programming skills
take part in the Constructionarium challenge, where you’ll get practical construction experience and build scaled-down versions of famous structures
learn about the latest research developments as they happen, as part of your course
apply to our SUCCESS scholarship scheme, with opportunities for work placements and an annual bursary
take part in a master’s-level group design project
showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show

You'll get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities, this includes our £48m National Infrastructure Laboratory and our:

testing and structures research lab
geotechics lab
large structures testing lab
hydraulic flumes
Jaguar Land Rover driving simulator
dedicated student design studios and workshops

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.

Apply using:

Course name: Civil Engineering with Industrial Placement Year
UCAS code: HH20

You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

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:

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)

Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

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 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

ODT

Download 2022-23 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A)

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about A-levels

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: AAA including mathematics, 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 or A*AB including mathematics (minimum grade A)

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)

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

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 from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A* in mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

RQF BTEC

Additional information

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A* in mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

UK students

International students

Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

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 your 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 doing a paid placement year.

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 the fundamental engineering science, as well as the basis of civil engineering.

Core modules cover:

mathematics
mechanics, structures and materials
design and computing
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 overview

You'll further develop your core design and civil engineering skills.

You’ll study the Liveable Cities module, exploring the liveability in a city, with specific sessions including urban design, waste management, transport, energy, as well as site visits.

A group design project will build on your design skills from year 1 and learning from Liveable Cities. You’ll design a significant physical engineering change to a city, for instance a bridge or flooding scheme, and develop the deployment plan.

You'll also study topics that include:

maths and statistics
structural analysis and design
materials
soil mechanics
hydraulics

Year 3 overview

We introduce highway and traffic engineering in year three, and you'll explore structural stability and geotechnics in more depth. You can also choose from specialist modules including urban design, environmental hydraulics, railway engineering and human factors in engineering.

You’ll apply your knowledge to the design and solution of practical problems. You’ll take part in a group design project and attend guest lectures from industry.

An individual research project allows you to explore your own areas of interest. In the past, students have considered why concrete floor slabs fail, or investigated the erosion and retreat of coastal cliffs.

Some student projects are run in collaboration with top institutions, such as MIT, or can lead to publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Recent projects have included:

exploring how engineering can interface with artificial intelligence to improve the operation of the things we construct
a project that directly contributed to the upgrade of a municipal wastewater treatment plant where the student was recognised as one of the co-authors in a research paper
a mathematical model to test recommendations put forward by lifeguards of how best to escape rip currents. The student was named as the first author when his work was published in a leading journal
the development of an algorithm to accelerate simulations of beach evolution and erosion due to storms. This work has led to an ongoing collaboration with MIT

Year 4 overview

In your final year you'll focus on design, management and teamwork, skills that are highly valued by employers.

You’ll take part in a group design project where you’ll apply your engineering and scientific knowledge to design an original solution to a realistic engineering problem.

Major engineering companies and regional authorities often get involved in our group design projects.

You'll study project economics and management, learning about how projects work in financial, economic, social and environmental terms. 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

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

You must study the following modules in year 1:

An Introduction to Engineering Design

Engineers design physical products, systems and processes. They think big with vision, research, analyse, create, refine and deliver solutions. Engineering is a design discipline that is broad, creative, logical and holistic, while also focused and ex...

Civil Engineering Fundamentals

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...

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment

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...

Mechanics, Structures and Materials

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...

ThermoFluids

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

You must study the following modules in year 2:

City Infrastructure Design Project

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...

Hydraulics

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...

Liveable Cities

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...

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II

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...

Numerical Methods

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...

Soil Mechanics

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...

Structural Analysis

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...

Structural Design

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...

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Design 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...

Geotechnical Engineering

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 ...

Highway and Traffic Engineering

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 ...

Individual Project

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...

Structural Stability and Finite Element Analysis

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:

Environmental Hydraulics

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...

Human Factors in Engineering

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...

Railway Engineering and Operations

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...

Urban Design

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...

Urban Water and Wastewater Engineering

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...

You must study the following modules in year 4:

Group Design Project

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...

Project Economics and Management

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:

Advanced Finite Element Analysis

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...

Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

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 ...

Advanced Structural Engineering

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...

Bioenergy

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...

Coastal and Maritime Engineering

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...

Composites Engineering Design and Mechanics

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 ...

Earthquake Engineering and Seismic Design of Steel Buildings

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...

Energy Performance Assessment of Buildings

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...

Energy Resources and Engineering

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...

Flood Modelling and Mitigation

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...

Renewable Energy from Environmental Flows: Wind, Wave and Tide

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...

River and Estuary Restoration

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...

Transport Management and Safety

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...

Transport Modelling

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...

Transport, Energy and the Environment

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...

Waste Resource Management

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...

Wastewater Process Engineering

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

40%

Scheduled learning & teaching

60%

Independent learning

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:

53%

Written exam

17%

Coursework

30%

Practical exam

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:

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 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 for companies including:

Ramboll
Vinci
Atkins
Eurovia
Tony Gee and Partners
AECOM
Mott MacDonald
WSP
Arup
Osborne
Laing O’Rourke

Our graduates have gone on to work in roles such as:

structural engineers
transport planners and engineers
coastal engineers
construction managers
design engineers
flood risk officers
geotechnical engineers
highway engineers

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 2022). 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 £21,580.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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.

Civil Engineering (MEng)

About this course

Year in industry

Accreditations

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)

Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Course locations

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Changes due to COVID-19

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202324

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

Changes due to COVID-19

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

Year 1 modules

An Introduction to Engineering Design

Civil Engineering Fundamentals

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment

Mechanics, Structures and Materials

ThermoFluids

Year 2 modules

City Infrastructure Design Project

Hydraulics

Liveable Cities

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II

Numerical Methods

Soil Mechanics

Structural Analysis

Structural Design

Year 3 modules

Design 3

Geotechnical Engineering

Highway and Traffic Engineering

Individual Project

Structural Stability and Finite Element Analysis

Environmental Hydraulics

Human Factors in Engineering

Railway Engineering and Operations

Urban Design

Urban Water and Wastewater Engineering

Year 4 modules