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.
The programme specification addendum (PDF, 176 KB) has all the latest details.
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.
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.
Accreditations
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 programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
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 students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students 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 18 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 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 additional A-levels We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC 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.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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.
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 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.
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 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
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.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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 £22,760.
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 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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
