MSc Civil Engineering

Entry year
2025/26
Course code
H20H1
Application
University
Level
Postgraduate
School
School of Engineering
Duration
One year full-time; two years part-time
Delivery
Full-time; part-time; starts September
Programme leader
Dr Tiago Ferreira

This course is open for applications

Introduction

Develop your engineering expertise in line with the ever-changing demands of this highly-regarded and rewarding profession.

Accreditations and partnerships:

From building bridges to maintaining transport networks, civil engineers are behind some of the most significant advancements in the way we interact and function as a society.

Engineering in its many forms already makes a significant contribution to the UK's GDP (gross domestic product). With ambitious construction and infrastructure projects in the pipeline and a chronic housing shortage, this is only set to grow.

However an unprecedented skills shortage in the sector means that the demand for accomplished civil engineers has reached critical levels.

This course is ideal for graduates of an engineering discipline who want to develop their existing knowledge across a range of specialist subject areas.

Your experience and expertise will be in high demand. And if you choose to professionally register as a chartered engineer on graduation, you'll boost your career prospects and earning potential as well as your status within the industry.

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and the Permanent Way Institution (PWI) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

For more information, see under 'Features/Professional accreditation'.

Why study this course?

This master's will equip you with advanced capabilities and in-depth knowledge across a range of civil engineering disciplines - from materials and structures, to geotechnics, water and construction management.

You'll develop and apply the analytical, decision-making and critical thinking skills needed to excel in the field, and enhance your knowledge in vital areas including mechanics, geotechnics and bridge engineering.

You'll explore issues of global importance in civil engineering and management, and investigate trends in the engineering and construction sectors.

Why UWE Bristol?

Our expert teaching staff are active in research or consultancy, so your learning is informed by the latest thinking.

You'll benefit from our links with major industry employers, including Arup, the Environment Agency, Highways England, Wessex Water and Bristol Waste.

You'll learn to use industry-standard software, and develop hands-on experience in our well-equipped laboratories. And listen to presentations by visiting engineering professionals to learn about the industry and career opportunities.

Take a look at the Engineering building

Step inside our new School of Engineering building at UWE Bristol

Structure

Content

You will study (the number depending on your credit requirements):

  • Masters Project
  • Advanced Soil Mechanics and Foundation Design
  • Non linear Structural Analysis
  • Advanced Construction Materials and Technology
  • Bridge Engineering
  • Advanced Water and Wastewater Engineering Design
  • Project Management Principles
  • BIM in Design Coordination
  • Transport Infrastructure Engineering.

This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.

Learning and Teaching

You'll learn via a range of lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars, project work, field trips and practical lab sessions.

Course modules will extend and challenge your existing understanding of critical topics, preparing you for a confident start to your career.

Throughout the course, you'll develop robust project management principles that will give you a head start when you undertake new assignments in the field.

With academic staff and student advisers on hand to offer support as part of our pastoral care scheme, you can also be assured of our help and guidance throughout the course.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Study time

You can study this course full-time over one year, or part-time over two years.

As a full-time student you will attend 15 hours a week of teaching activities, and put in an additional 30 hours a week of independent learning.

Part-time students are expected to attend 7.5 hours a week taught activities, and carry out 15 hours of independent learning.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a combination of examinations, coursework and portfolios. Some modules also involve engineering project-based examinations.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Features

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and the Permanent Way Institution (PWI) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited Bachelor degree accredited for IEng only or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Fieldwork

Site visits will enhance your learning experience, and may contribute to assessments, eg part of the Bridge Engineering module is to carry out field work on existing bridges.

Study facilities

You'll be studying in modern facilities with new studios, teaching rooms and fully-equipped laboratories for hands-on investigations.

Access our industry-standard computing laboratories, computer rooms and computer-aided design (CAD) suites.

Model and test water drainage, map locations and design structures using the latest geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical software.

Investigate and test theories in our hydraulics labs, and build and evaluate structures in our concrete and physics labs.

Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources. 

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Engineering facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Life

Postgraduate support

Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.

Bristol

A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.

Sports, societies and activities

There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.

Health and Wellbeing

We provide support in the way you need it.

Campus and facilities

Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.

Careers

Careers / Further study

This course enables you to achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. A highly-regarded qualification, it demonstrates to peers and employers that you have proved your competence and commitment through several years' study and practice.

The demand for graduates with this qualification gives you a competitive place in the jobs market, as well as diverse career prospects.

From managing building projects as a construction engineer, to planning mass transit systems as a transport engineer, you'll find a range of career options are available to you both in the UK and overseas.

Fees

Supplementary fee information

See our funding pages for more information.

Entry

Entry requirements

We normally require a honours degree at 2:2 or above in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

If you do not meet the above grade requirements but have at least 12 months relevant professional experience and/ or equivalent qualifications, we will consider you on an individual basis.

Personal Statement

You are required to complete a personal statement for this course. Please read the personal statement guidance carefully and make sure that you answer the questions on the postgraduate application form within the personal statement tabs, keeping to the advised word count.

English language support

If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.

Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.

English Language Requirement

International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section.

How to apply

Read more about postgraduate applications.

Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.

For further information

Apply now Apply Book an open day Open day Order a prospectus Prospectus