MSc Civil Engineering
Course overview
Start date
January 2021
September 2021
Subject area
Engineering
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
Our MSc Civil Engineering degree will develop your engineering expertise in line with the ever-changing demands of the profession.
We will enhance your knowledge in all the essential areas, from geotechnical and coastal engineering to design and construction management, and we will make sure your research skills are sharp enough to give you the competitive edge when you embark on your career.
Our campus location in the heart of London’s Docklands will allow you to see close up the challenges, and opportunities, for the next generation of engineers such as intensive urbanisation and major economic regeneration.
We have excellent links with major employers in the industry, including Atkins Consultants, Waterman Group, Thames Water and the London Borough of Newham.
We will get your engineering career off to the best possible start. Our MSc Engineering courses enjoy widespread professional recognition and are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) of the Institutions of Civil, Structural, and Highways and Transportation Engineers.
Read our fantastic blog about how studying engineering part-time can change your life!
This course is also available as a two year masters with an industrial placement year. The embedded industrial placement offers a unique opportunity to apply the skills learnt on real engineering projects.
This course also meets the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng), for students with the right undergraduate qualifications.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out more3rd
Our Civil Engineering courses are ranked third in London (Guardian University Guide league table 2018).
Established course
We have a wealth of experience in this field. For more than 50 years we have offered postgraduate courses in civil engineering, led by respected engineers and scientists with an impressive body of research.
JBM Accredited
We have close connections with industry and our MSc is fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM).
What we're researching
Our academic staff bring a huge amount of research knowledge to bear on their teaching, so you can be sure that what you study reflects the most up-to-date thinking and practice. Alongside strong academic credentials, many have extensive industrial experience as practising civil engineers.
Their expertise includes coastal and river engineering, structural analysis and design, geotechnical analysis and design, laboratory modelling and computational structural mechanics.
For example, Senior Lecturer Dr Ali Abbas has expertise in Finite Element Analysis of concrete structures. His current area of research involves studying the responses of reinforced concrete structures to seismic and impact conditions, such as earthquakes.
He brings to the department extensive practical experience in the analysis and design of structures, including modelling and experimental work. His work has been widely published in leading journals and at international conferences.
Senior Lecturer Dr Ravindra Jayaratne has worked with academics in UK, Japan, Canada and Mexico on mechanisms to counter the deadly effects of tsunamis and storm surges, while Senior Lecturer Dr Anca Ciupala is researching how to strengthen earthquake-hit buildings with fibre-reinforced polymer materials.
We’re also developing innovative technologies to promote carbon-neutrality and eco-efficiency through our Sustainability Research Institute, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
Abdul Karim Jamal Eddine
MSc Civil Engineering
Studying for a Civil Engineering MSc at UEL is definitely the right thing to do. The modules prepare students for their professional careers, or for further research. Lecturers are highly qualified, supportive and eager to hear from students. Overall, it’s an ambitious course, in an ambitious school, for ambitious students.
Fees and funding
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
1 Year Masters:
£9,420
2 Year Masters with Industrial Placement:
£9,420
(Year 1)
£3,500 (Year 2) Industrial Placement
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Visit our Postgraduate Loans page for more information. Please note, tuition fees need to be paid in accordance with UEL's Fees Policy.
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Per 30 credit module
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
1 Year Masters:
£13,920
2 Year Masters with Industrial Placement:
£13,920 (Year 1)
£3,500 (Year 2) Industrial Placement
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Entry requirements
We would normally expect you to have Grade C in GCSE English and Maths.
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more.
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll study
We consistently review and develop our courses and modules to ensure they are up-to-date with sector and industry graduate skills demands. Course structure, modules and options are subject to change.
- Mental Wealth: Professional Life (Engineering Management) (core)
- Soil Structure Engineering (optional)
- Design in Steel and Concrete (optional)
- Advanced Structural Analysis (optional)
- Structural Stability and Dynamics (optional)
- Highway and Railway Engineering (optional)
- Intelligent Transport Systems (optional)
- Applied Research and Engineering Practice 1 (core)
- Industrial Placement (core for MSc with Industrial Placement)
How you'll be assessed
We assess you through a mixture of coursework, design drawings, oral examinations, your research dissertation and an end of term exam.
Course specificationHow you'll learn
All modules include coursework, for which you will have opportunities to apply your knowledge to engineering projects based on real-life scenarios.
This coursework will include analysis and design projects, research reports, group and seminar presentations and a research dissertation project.
You will also attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and you will work both individually and in groups.
To support the hands-on nature of this course, we have an impressive range of facilities. Our modern, well-equipped laboratories are open to students all day and include dedicated structures, soil mechanics, hydraulics, highways and surveying labs. We also have superb computer facilities and the very latest design and planning software.
Expert feedback and support are always on offer from our dedicated team of academics, all experts in their particular fields.
Alongside their strong academic credentials, many have extensive industrial experience as practising engineers. Dr Ali Abbas and his team have also been involved in research, including coastal and river engineering, concrete structural analysis and design, water and environmental management, hydraulics and earthquake resistance.
“I have always enjoyed teaching topics such as advanced structural analysis and design,” says Course Leader Dr Ali Abbas. “I find interacting with students during their real lifelike assignments rewarding as you see them applying their skills with enthusiasm.”
Our MSc courses are some of the most flexible around. Engineers employed in the industry have found that the part-time model can easily be tailored to suit their personal requirements.
What you'll learn
The course consists of a number of self-contained, taught modules, organised around the various areas of civil engineering.
The range of subjects covered includes Advanced Structural Analysis, Design in Steel and Concrete, Structural Stability and Dynamics, Intelligent Transport Systems, Soil Structure Engineering, and Highway and Railway Engineering.
The taught modules are complemented by a research dissertation project that you will undertake at the end of your course. This dissertation is your route to becoming an accredited chartered engineer.
There is a highly practical emphasis to our MSc. You will learn the basic theory and then apply it through working on projects in our extensive laboratories and during fieldwork.
These projects will provide you with the learning opportunities and practical skills you need in your future career. You will graduate with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the most up-to-date practices and theories in civil engineering.
About the industrial placement year
This
course is also available as a two year master's with an industrial placement
year. The industrial placement is designed to address the demands of the
profession and give students a competitive edge when it comes to their
career. The industrial placement
component is for a duration of an academic year, i.e., normally 30 weeks
including minimum 24 weeks of delivery time. It starts after students have
successfully completed the 1st year of study, i.e., all the taught modules
and the dissertation component of the MSc course which together form 180
credits. Please refer to the course specification for the summary of the course
structure and further information.
Students on the MSc with Placement courses must pass all taught modules of their respective course plus dissertation to gain 180 credits, before they become eligible to progress to the next stage and undertake industrial placement. Students on the MSc course with placement will also normally be required to fulfil the 80% attendance requirement (on all modules) to be eligible to progress to the industrial placement. Students unable to meet the above requirements to progress successfully will normally be moved to the one-year full-time version of the course and their student visa, if any, will be curtailed accordingly.
It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to secure their placement and the university cannot guarantee placements. The University will offer guidance and support and recommend students to many of our industrial partners that have expressed strong support and interest in the programme.
During the industrial placement period, you will undertake an internship within a partner organisation (or by means of alternative arrangements such as projects led by industry and carried out on campus) and complete a zero-credit Industrial Placement Module.
There are additional fees for the placement module (in the second year of the course), in addition to the fees for the taught modules and dissertation.paid in the first year.
Your future career
There is an acknowledged shortage of skilled civil engineers with the right qualifications and experience. We have designed this course to take advantage of this demand and give you a competitive edge when it comes to your career.
Graduates from our MSc Civil Engineering course can expect to find work in a variety of consultancy and contracting roles, in fields as diverse as structural engineering, highways and transportation, aviation and infrastructure projects, geotechnical engineering, and water and coastal engineering.
The skills you will develop will also enhance your career prospects in other related areas, such as research and management. With access to our strong and diverse academic knowledge base and the opportunities to apply that knowledge professionally, we will give you the best-possible head start.
Our Docklands location means that UEL is uniquely placed for links to industry employers, and we have strong contacts with organisations in the local area, including Crossrail, Thames Water and the London Borough of Newham.
Our students have an excellent track record of employment and have landed jobs in sectors that include aviation, infrastructure, transport and construction.
Within our School we also have a dedicated careers advisory service as well as an active alumni network able to facilitate contact with prospective employers.
Our students have gone on to win fantastic industry leading awards, including three at the Concrete Centre awards - First prize in 2016 and 2018, and the sustainability award in 2019!
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
