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Engineering for International Development MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Discover excellence in civil engineering with our Engineering for International Development MSc programme.  Immerse yourself in a dynamic blend of lectures, collaborative projects, and personalised research. Addressing a global demand, this programme shapes professionals adept at crafting resilient infrastructure to combat poverty in low to middle-income nations. Equipped with an international perspective, graduates possess the skills to tackle poverty challenges, forging a sustainable and impactful path on a global scale.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
£9,650
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (such as engineering, architecture, geography, urban planning, mathematics) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Normally, however, only candidates with either a first- or upper second-class degree will be accepted, although applicants with a lower second-class degree supported by extensive relevant work experience will also be considered.

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 Engineering for International Development 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 programme cultivates adept professionals capable of constructing resilient infrastructure to combat poverty in low to middle-income nations. Armed with a global perspective, graduates are equipped to confront poverty challenges head-on, carving a sustainable and impactful trajectory on a worldwide canvas.

Gain a profound grasp of infrastructure design and delivery processes within resource-limited contexts, mastering the art of mobilizing technical expertise in tandem with local stakeholders on a global platform. A diverse array of taught modules allows for critical engagement with the intricate complexities and ethical quandaries inherent in international engineering work.

The programme's comprehensive nature opens doors to diverse employment avenues across the globe. Graduates are highly sought-after by institutions like the Department for International Development and international development agencies, fitting seamlessly into their specialized skill set. Notably esteemed global entities including the United Nations, World Bank, and European Union beckon with enticing prospects. Renowned NGOs such as Practical Action, WaterAid, and Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor eagerly embrace graduates, channelling their talents toward meaningful roles that reverberate on an international scale, nurturing positive transformation.

Who this course is for

The Engineering for International Development MSc is well-suited for students across various engineering disciplines and built environment backgrounds, eager to explore the practical application of engineering solutions in global development contexts. If you have questions about your eligibility, feel free to reach out to us via email for clarification.

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 spanning environmental engineering, transportation, urban resilience, wastewater solutions, human settlements, and renewable energy. 

Beyond the curriculum, the UCL International Development Hub (ID Hub) propels your engineering pursuits forward. The ID Hub offers a wealth of extracurricular initiatives, from talks and workshops to hackathons and internships, as a platform for holistic growth. Stay updated on these enriching opportunities via the ID Hub's social media channels and Moodle, ensuring you benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience that extends beyond the classroom.

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. Many have pursued advanced studies by enrolling in PhD programmes, while others have forged careers in esteemed engineering consultancies, design practices, and a spectrum of non-governmental organizations. Some have even ventured into innovative realms like the European Space Agency. Alumni engagement thrives post-graduation, with the invitation to showcase their current endeavours to new cohorts at UCL each term and a dedicated LinkedIn community.

This comprehensive programme opens doors to a range of employment opportunities worldwide. Graduates are sought-after by entities such as the Department for International Development and international development agencies, aligning perfectly with their specialised skill set. 

Additionally, prestigious global organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and European Union extend enticing prospects. NGOs of repute, including Practical Action, WaterAid, and Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor, readily embrace graduates. This programme propels individuals into impactful roles that span nations and organizations, fostering positive change on an international scale.

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 www.jbm.org.uk 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: Varied methods, including expert-led lectures, interactive tutorials, and immersive field trips, foster a holistic grasp of advanced concepts and contextual insights, preparing students for intricate technical and ethical challenges.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: Interactive tutorials and group projects promote practical proficiency and collaborative skills, addressing real-world challenges while engaging local stakeholders. Hands-on sessions and field trips enhance practical expertise.

Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: Interactive seminars explore engineers' roles and ethical considerations, nurturing critical thinking and innovative problem-solving. Graduates emerge adept at addressing complex dilemmas and devising sustainable solutions.

Practical and innovative aptitude: With a focus on mobilizing technical expertise for global solutions, the curriculum fosters practical skills in resource-limited contexts. Graduates emerge ready to tackle engineering challenges sustainably while embracing innovative approaches.

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

The programme employs a multifaceted assessment approach, encompassing technical reports, presentations, essays, written examinations, group reports, and a comprehensive research dissertation. This varied assessment framework ensures a well-rounded evaluation of students' proficiency and understanding.

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.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) consisting of three core modules (45 credits), a collaborative project (30 credits) and three optional modules (45 credits) is also offered.

Modules

The programme consists of three compulsory modules, a collaborative project, three optional modules, and a dissertation/report.

Compulsory modules

  • Engineering and International Development (15 credits)
  • Appropriate Technologies in Practice (15 credits) 
  • Collaborative Project International Development (30 credits) 
  • Dissertation (60 credits) 

Optional modules 

Any 15 credit module at FHEQ Level 7 that is approved by the Programme Director, including but not limited to: 

  • Conflict, Humanitarianism and Disaster Risk Reduction*
  • Environmental GIS
  • Environmental Modelling
  • Environmental Systems Engineering
  • GIS Principles and Technology
  • Natural and Environmental Disasters
  • Urban Flooding and Drainage
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • Critical Urbanism Studio I – Learning from Informality: Case Studies and Alternatives
  • Critical Urbanism Studio II – Learning from Informality: Investigative Design
  • Disaster Risk Reduction in Cities
  • Food and the City
  • Post Disaster Recovery: Policies, Practice and Alternatives
  • Sustainable Infrastructure and Services in Development
  • Urban Water and Sanitation, Planning and Politics
  • Clean Energy and Development
  • Water and Development in Africa
  • Housing as Urbanism
  • Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture

*This module is strongly recommended.

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 Engineering for International Development. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Engineering for International Development.

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.

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

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

Potential additional costs within the programme encompass various aspects. Expenses related to course materials, such as books, are contingent on the selected modules. Some modules may entail charges for field trips. In laboratory settings, specialised protective gear like lab coats and safety boots might be necessary, contributing to potential costs. Project-specific necessities can also incur additional expenses. 

While not an exhaustive list, it underscores the potential financial considerations. Material and project costs depend on individual choices. Moreover, short local visits, integral to the program, could involve public transport costs. Being cognizant of these potential costs aids in prudent financial planning throughout the programme.

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

Chevening Scholarship - www.chevening.org

Saïd Foundation - www.saidfoundation.org

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

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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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