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Civil Engineering MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Discover excellence in civil engineering with our MSc programme. Immerse yourself in a dynamic blend of lectures, collaborative projects, and personalised research. From structural dynamics to sustainable design, geotechnics to environmental engineering, gain specialised expertise while cultivating versatile skills for impactful careers in both industry and research.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
£9,650
Pathways include:
with Environmental Systems (TMSCIVSENV14)
with Fluids (TMSCIVSFLD14)
with Infrastructure Planning (TMSCIVSSIP14)
with Integrated Design (TMSCIVSIDS14)
with Railways (TMSCIVSRWY14)
with Structures (TMSCIVSSTR18)
with Surveying (TMSCIVSSVY14)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Pathways include:
with Environmental Systems (TMSCIVSENV14)
with Fluids (TMSCIVSFLD14)
with Infrastructure Planning (TMSCIVSSIP14)
with Integrated Design (TMSCIVSIDS14)
with Railways (TMSCIVSRWY14)
with Structures (TMSCIVSSTR18)
with Surveying (TMSCIVSSVY14)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
All applicants: 16 Oct 2023 – 05 Apr 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants who do not meet this threshold but have extensive full-time professional experience (not internships) in civil engineering or a related discipline can provide a portfolio demonstrating existing engineering and design skills, which can be considered. For non-civil engineering candidates we offer a Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering, recognised by our accrediting body (the Joint Board of Moderators), which can be used as a pre-qualifying year for the Civil Engineering MSc.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


The Civil Engineering MSc programme at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Through a blend of traditional lectures, collaborative group projects, and personalised research initiatives, students are immersed in a multifaceted learning environment. This approach ensures a deep understanding of civil engineering while allowing specialisation in structural dynamics, sustainable building design, geotechnics, transport, and more. Beyond technical knowledge, the programme fosters an awareness of engineering decisions' broader societal and environmental context, producing graduates capable of creating sustainable solutions. 

With a strong emphasis on transferable skills like communication, project management, and critical thinking, students are well-prepared for successful careers in both industry and research. The programme's unique balance of theoretical grounding and practical experience equips graduates with the versatility and adaptability demanded by the evolving engineering field. UCL’s Civil Engineering MSc programme stands as a gateway for aspiring engineers to gain the expertise, skills, and perspectives needed to make lasting contributions in the realm of civil engineering and beyond.

Who this course is for

This programme is tailored for individuals who have completed a BEng degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, or a related field. It particularly attracts those aiming to bolster their qualifications with a comprehensive taught Master's degree. This step is instrumental in advancing towards full professional engineering recognition, both in the UK and internationally. If you seek to elevate your expertise and position yourself as a qualified professional engineer, this programme aligns perfectly with your aspirations.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Discover unparalleled educational opportunities at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering. Located in the vibrant hub of London, our esteemed multidisciplinary department boasts a rich history of excellence in teaching and research. 

This programme, a testament to our diverse expertise and industry ties, hones skills through collaborative teamwork experiences. Aspiring engineers benefit from a curriculum designed to propel them towards successful professional careers in civil engineering. Our flexible structure includes an array of optional modules, enabling students to tailor their learning journey to their passions and interests (subject to timetabling requirements). 

Immerse yourself in a world-class education, fostered by a department renowned for its energetic ambiance and commitment to innovation. Elevate your skills, seize the chance to network with industry leaders, and position yourself at the forefront of civil engineering's future. Choose UCL for a transformative experience that equips you for a fulfilling career while exploring the dynamic realm of civil engineering.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Upon completing our programme, graduates unlock a multitude of promising pathways. They seamlessly integrate into the workforce, finding placements in esteemed consultancies, construction giants, and influential government bodies. The programme lays a robust foundation for their journey towards becoming Chartered Engineers, a highly regarded professional achievement that solidifies their expertise. 

With a comprehensive skill set and in-depth knowledge, graduates are poised to excel across various sectors, spearheading projects, influencing decisions, and contributing to the advancement of the engineering landscape. This degree not only opens doors to an array of prestigious employment opportunities but also sets a well-defined trajectory for a fulfilling and impactful career.

Employability

UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering graduates excel in diverse roles, contributing to consultancies, construction firms, governmental and non-governmental bodies. Their comprehensive education equips them with problem-solving prowess, technical expertise, and a contextual outlook, ensuring impactful contributions in various sectors of the engineering industry.

Networking

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion for engineering excellence. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom. 

These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the civil engineering arena.

Accreditation

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.

See the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) website for further information.

Teaching and learning

Throughout the programme, a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies foster comprehensive skill development and intellectual growth. Graduates emerge with an array of capabilities:

Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: Engaging lectures, seminars, and tutorials ensure an in-depth grasp of Civil Engineering topics, extending to associated engineering and scientific domains. Graduates gain a profound understanding of the broader operational context of civil engineering, encompassing safety, environmental sustainability, social dynamics, and economic considerations.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: The curriculum emphasises hands-on experience, equipping students with skills vital for both individual and group projects. Design problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, IT proficiency, information retrieval, and self-directed learning are honed, preparing graduates to excel in the dynamic realm of civil engineering.

Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: Graduates emerge equipped with a rich skill set applicable to diverse career paths. They grasp essential facts, theories, and principles underpinning civil engineering and its multidisciplinary intersections. Practical laboratory and workshop activities enhance their technical competence.

Practical and innovative aptitude: The programme hones the application of quantitative tools for problem analysis and solution development. Graduates showcase creativity and innovation in synthesising solutions and crafting designs. They learn to navigate the balance between the macroscopic perspective and intricate details, a skill essential for success in their professional journey.

These multifaceted teaching and learning methods imbue graduates with the prowess to thrive in research, industry, and various professional domains.

The programme adopts a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions, and enriching field trips. The culmination of the program is the research project, encompassing laboratory experiments, computational analyses, or field investigations, tailored to the project's specific requirements. Evaluation embraces multiple modalities, encompassing examinations, coursework evaluations, comprehensive project reports, and rigorous assessment of the research project, ensuring a holistic measurement of students' theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research capabilities.

Students engaging in the programme can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week. This allocation encompasses a mix of structured learning and teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Additionally, students are encouraged to dedicate time to self-directed study, a crucial aspect of their educational journey that complements formal instruction and enhances comprehension. This balanced approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the material and fosters the development of independent learning skills.

The Postgraduate Diploma consists of four core modules (60 credits) and four optional modules (60 credits).

Modules

The programme structure for full-time students encompasses a total of 180 credits. Among these, four compulsory modules (60 credits) tailored to the chosen pathway form the core. Additionally, students will select four optional modules (60 credits) to complement their specialization, culminating in an individual research project (60 credits).

The programme structure for part-time students encompasses a total of 180 credits over the course of two years. In the initial year, four obligatory modules (60 credits) pertinent to the selected pathway will be undertaken. The second year focuses on four optional modules (60 credits) aligned with personal interests, followed by the completion of an individual research project (60 credits). This flexible structure allows both full-time and part-time students to tailor their learning journey, ensuring a comprehensive education that suits their pace and aspirations.

The programme structure for modular/flexible students encompasses a total of 180 credits over the course of their studies. In the initial year, four obligatory modules (60 credits) pertinent to the selected pathway will be undertaken. The subsequent years focuses on four optional modules (60 credits) aligned with personal interests, followed by the completion of an individual research project (60 credits). This flexible structure allows both full-time and part-time students to tailor their learning journey, ensuring a comprehensive education that suits their pace and aspirations.

Compulsory modules







Optional modules




















Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Civil Engineering. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Civil Engineering.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering

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UCL Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering is hosting a Graduate Open Event where you'll have the opportunity to engage with your future programme directors. Don't miss this chance to explore your academic potential and learn about the exciting opportunities in our department and your programmes! From human rights to the climate crisis, people are at the centre of what we do. We drive innovation and design engineering solutions for a sustainable future and social impact.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £19,300 £9,650
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

Pathways include:
with Environmental Systems (TMSCIVSENV14)
with Fluids (TMSCIVSFLD14)
with Infrastructure Planning (TMSCIVSSIP14)
with Integrated Design (TMSCIVSIDS14)
with Railways (TMSCIVSRWY14)
with Structures (TMSCIVSSTR18)
with Surveying (TMSCIVSSVY14)

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Short local visits may form part of your programme; these may incur public transport costs.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Brown Family Bursary

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: £15,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

In addition to fulfilling the necessary academic prerequisites, the personal statement serves as a pivotal aspect of your application. It offers a platform to align your motivations for selecting this program with its offerings. When evaluating your application, we are interested in understanding:

  • Your rationale for pursuing graduate-level studies in Civil Engineering.
  • What specifically draws you to study this programme at UCL.
  • The unique aspects of this program that resonate with you.
  • How your personal, academic, and professional background aligns with the programme's challenging requirements.
  • Your envisioned professional trajectory upon attaining your degree.

While applications are accepted until the deadline, it is advisable to submit your application early due to the competitive nature of placements. The process typically takes around four weeks from submission to receiving an offer letter. For international applicants seeking visas, we recommend applying in advance to secure the necessary CAS number within the required timeframe. Your application journey is a significant step towards a rewarding educational experience at UCL.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering
Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering

cege-pg-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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