About this course
Discover how to help the world develop resilience to increasing urbanisation, climate change and natural disasters, on this MSc Civil Engineering.
The course is ideal if you’re a civil engineering graduate interested in boosting your career prospects. You'll learn the skills to solve problems in building design, water supply, infrastructure, structural and bridge engineering, geotechnical engineering, and earthquake engineering.
You may also have an opportunity to complete a research project whilst undertaking an industrial placement.
You’ll gain a sound understanding of civil engineering design and applications through core and specialist modules covering:
- coastal and maritime engineering
- hydraulics
- the environment
- infrastructure
- transport
- management
Depending on your module choices you can develop different skills. For example, during our structural engineering modules you'll learn how to use industry standard finite element analysis software. This is important for the design of structures and foundations in other modules.
If you live in the UK or EU you'll have the option to take the MSc with an 11 month industrial placement. You'll carry out the latest applied research on real projects, whilst working with major civil engineering companies and research centres.
This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree. Learn more about accreditation on the Joint Board of Moderators website.
Course lead
Dr Sheida Afshan is a Lecturer in Structural Engineering. Her research focuses on the resilience and sustainability of new and aging civil engineering infrastructure. Visit Dr Afshan's profile page to learn more about her work.
Related pathways
If you have a related undergraduate degree and wish to enter the field of civil engineering you may be interested in our conversion pathway.
Accreditations




“Southampton was perfect for me. It has a fantastic reputation and is a very well respected Russell Group university for civil engineering. The department has one of the largest geotechnical departments in Europe. The new Boldrewood Campus houses brand new laboratories and equipment for geotechnics and infrastructure.”
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.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2.1 degree in engineering, mathematics or physics. You must also be able to show you have studied mathematics modules in your previous degree.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- 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.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure 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
This civil engineering degree is divided into two semesters. In each semester you’ll choose from a range of modules including earthquake engineering and groundwater hydrology and contamination. You can also opt to develop your knowledge of project economics, and law and contracts.
You’ll complete a final research project with a dissertation to develop your critical-thinking and technical expertise.
At the start of the course, you’ll take part in a group outdoor activity so that you can get to know your fellow students. To support your learning we also arrange seminars at the beginning of each semester covering:
- study skills
- language support
- careers and employability
- your dissertation
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn to use the latest analysis tools in the design of buildings, bridges, roads, foundations, flood defences, water supply and treatment systems and renewable energy systems.
Practical sessions form a large part of your course. As well as lectures and tutorials your learning may include:
- laboratory classes
- design projects
- practical work
- guest lectures
- field visits
Depending on the modules you take, you may have access to our specialist facilities, including large structures, hydraulics and geotechnical laboratories.
You'll also be encouraged to openly communicate your professional experiences, exchange ideas and share knowledge. We arrange one-to-one tutorials to cater for individual learning differences.
Assessment
Assessments take place through a combination of exams and coursework in the form of:
- problem solving exercises
- laboratory reports
- design projects
- essays
- individual and group projects
- presentations
- research project and dissertation
Dissertation
You'll carry out a research project and complete a dissertation. The subject of your research project could focus on a topic covered in the course. It will bring together the skills you have learned and show your knowledge of one or more of the subjects you study.
It involves:
- sourcing and gathering information
- critical analysis
- evaluation and presentation skills
Industrial placement or collaboration is strongly encouraged and facilitated. Visit our MSc in Civil Engineering with Industrial Placement to learn more.
We can provide the subject matter for your dissertation. Topics could include:
- nonlinear structural analysis
- structural mechanics
- seismic analysis and design of structures and bridges
- coastal flood defence
- nanotechnology in water treatment
- railway systems
- underground structures
- geotechnical engineering
As an alternative, you may be able to choose a research project from a different discipline. This is only where the invitation to take part is feasible and you have the background knowledge and competence to meet the project challenges in the available time.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
As a graduate from our MSc in Civil Engineering, you'll be well prepared for roles in the sector.
Our graduates secure positions with leading employers in civil engineering, both consultants and contractors and also regulatory and local authorities.
As well as careers in the industry, the transferrable skills you gain make you attractive to a wide range of recruiters, from financial services through to IT and management consultancy.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). 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/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £24,400.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000