Civil Engineering/Civil Engineering (Technical Route) MSc

Postgraduate

Engineers working in high-vis on a construction site

Become the best you can be in the construction industry with an accredited master’s in civil engineering from Coventry University.

Year of entry

2023-24 2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2-3 years part-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT022 (Civil Engineering MSc)
EECT023 (Civil Engineering Technical Route MSc)

Start date

September 2024
January 2025
May 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Ask a question

Course overview

The Civil Engineering MSc is offered to UK civil engineering and cognate science/engineering graduates seeking a professional qualification as Chartered Engineers.

The Civil Engineering (Technical Route) MSc is available for holders of an overseas bachelor’s degree or a UK bachelor’s degree accredited as the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), for example a BSc in Civil Engineering or cognate science/engineering disciplines, for those seeking a professional qualification as Chartered Engineers through a ‘Technical Route’.
The courses are designed to develop high-level knowledge and wide-ranging understanding of the planning, design, construction and operation of civil engineering works, exploring the traditional and innovative practices behind iconic constructions such as Wembley Stadium.
They also aim to provide students with practical knowledge and innovative strides applicable to strategic management of construction and engineering projects, including relevant importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction project management.
You will have the option to apply for a 'work placement' opportunity², designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 UK Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2024

Why you should study this course

From concept to construction, we aim to cover the technical skills required to analyse, design and develop sound solutions to civil engineering projects. Using case studies, practical sessions, simulation labs and site visits to live projects (subject to availability), you will apply engineering principles and use computer modelling techniques to analyse complex engineering systems, gaining valuable experience of the work you will carry out in an industrial context. Past projects have included the Severn Trent building and the Coventry A45/A46 by-pass.

These highly practical courses are delivered with input from industry to help you establish or advance your career in the construction industry. Accredited¹ by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), the courses meet the educational base for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and successful completion provides automatic progression for holders of an accredited bachelor’s degree. Further information can be found on the Engineering Council’s website.
Coventry University offers modern facilities in our High Performance Engineering Centre, including construction site management simulation.
We currently have links with industry and the course is delivered by academic lecturers and guest speakers (subject to availability) in collaboration with civil engineering employers, such as Underground Professional Services and Morgan Sindall.
The courses are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and practices, together with methods used to analyse, design, construct and manage construction projects proficiently.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Further details can be found on the Professional Development module homepage.

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) for all intakes up to and including September 2024 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.

The JBM represents the Institution of Civil Engineers, The Institution of Structural Engineers, The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institute of Highway Engineers.

It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor’s degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Institution of Civil Engineers

The Institution of Structural Engineers

The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

Institute of Highway Engineers

Partnerships

Coventry University has signed an academic-professional partnership agreement with The Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) as part of IHE’s Academic-Professional Partnership Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is for the IHE to provide support, advice and guidance on the membership of a professional Institute. The IHE can also provide advice and assistance on the routes toward professional registration for students studying civil engineering with a particular interest in highways and transportation. For more information visit the IHE website.

What you'll study

You will have the opportunity to learn the laboratory testing procedures and techniques used to assess material and structural performance, using modern and upgraded loading equipment automated with data loggers, saturated and unsaturated stress path soil testing apparatus and commercial civil engineering material mixing and synthesising equipment.

The courses culminate in a research project, during which you should be able to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired so far from your academic training on real structural problems.

Modules

Connection Design - 15 credits

This module aims to extend your previously acquired knowledge of structural design of steel structures and empower you to tackle structural designs of greater complexity. You will seek to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of design techniques for complex steel connections, as well as demonstrate expertise in their application.

Compulsory

Applied Finite Element Analysis - 15 credits

Strategic Management for Construction and Engineering - 15 credits

The principal aim of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of strategic management in the context of the construction industry. The module will critically examine the techniques available to carry out a strategic analysis to develop and sustain competitive advantage.

Compulsory

Soil-structure Interaction - 15 credits

This module aims to provide you with the technical knowledge and skills to develop the analytical, decision-making, and critical powers required to solve soil-structure interaction problems with Ground Engineering, along with the transferable skills to enable a leading career in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering).

Compulsory

Construction Contract and Law - 15 credits

This module is designed to enable you to apply one of the main standard forms of construction contract to real situations. It will underpin this ability with some understanding of contract law and negligence as they affect the construction professional, together with an awareness of the options for procuring construction projects.

Compulsory

Bridge Engineering - 15 credits

Catchment Hydrology, Hydraulics and Flood Modelling - 15 credits

This module is designed to refresh and extend your previously acquired theoretical knowledge in hydrology, hydraulics, flood risk assessment and Modelling and develop the comprehensive knowledge and understanding of catchment hydrology, river Hydraulics and flood modelling.

Compulsory

Integrated Project - 15 credits

Leading Diverse Workforces - 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategically diverse and inclusive way. You will explore for example the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, and approaches to developing better equality, diversity and inclusion strategies and practices that can be used creatively within a leadership role in different types of organisational scenarios.

Compulsory

Additional module for Civil Engineering MSc only

Research Project - 50 credits
This module aims to develop your research and investigative skills by requiring you to carry out an independent investigation into a specific area of Civil Engineering/Construction Management/Built Environment under the supervision of a member of academic staff experienced in the field of enquiry. This includes the development of a thorough understanding of problem identification, research design and methodology, data collection, interpretation and analysis as well as effective report writing and robust dissertation defence in viva.

Optional

Additional module for Civil Engineering (Technical Route) MSc only

Technical Research Project - 50 credits
This module is specifically designated to satisfy the requirement of accreditation for a Technical MSc course as specified by the Joint Board of Moderators. This module will develop your research and investigative skills by requiring you to carry out an independent investigation into a technical area of Civil Engineering under the supervision of a member of academic staff experienced in the field. This includes the development of a thorough understanding of problem identification, research design and methodology, data collection, interpretation and analysis as well as effective report writing and robust dissertation defence in viva. The project must be technical with greater focus on development of technologies, concepts and/or techniques in civil engineering field.

Optional

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity² enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules will incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of the Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the work placement option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching methods may include:

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Presentations
Group projects
Workshops
Practical laboratory sessions

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 16 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include examinations, written tests, computer modelling work, viva, your thesis and coursework, consisting of analysis and evaluation of several laboratory exercises, case study assignments and projects.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Civil engineering is a global industry, and this course has previously attracted students from around the world, including Europe, China, Africa, India, Brunei, Malaysia and the Middle East, providing a multicultural learning experience.

The content of these courses continuously refers to the international context in which civil engineering takes place, drawing on case studies such as the collapse in 1940 of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the design and construction of the new twin suspension bridges over the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound in Pierce County, Washington.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Civil Engineering MSc
Normal entry requires a minimum 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in Civil Engineering. Applicants with professional/industrial experience and/or training but not meeting the normal entry requirements will be considered on their merits. Other engineering degrees may be suitable with appropriate industry experience.

Civil Engineering (Technical Route) MSc
Normal entry requires a minimum 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in Civil Engineering. Holders of CEng accredited bachelor’s degree can enrol on the course provided they meet the entry requirements. This will automatically meet the educational base for Chartered Engineer status.

Holders of an IEng accredited or an overseas bachelor’s degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to be formally approved for CEng. They may be required to complete extra modules if their bachelor’s degree is deemed to be not technical enough.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Professional experience

Applicants with professional/industrial experience and/or training, but not meeting the normal entry requirements will be considered on their merits, with the understanding that on completion of the award they may not be eligible for Chartered status as they will not be fulfilling the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) requirements. Applicants are therefore strongly advised to check with the JBM and Engineering Council before committing to the course.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Typical entry requirements

Civil Engineering (Technical Route) MSc

Normal entry requires a minimum 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in Civil Engineering. Holders of CEng accredited bachelor’s degree can enrol on the course provided they meet the entry requirements. This will automatically meet the educational base for Chartered Engineer status.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Professional experience

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year	Request fee information
EU	£11,200 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The faculty’s Engineering and Computing Building⁴ and new Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment.

Students working in front of a virtual wall.

Simulation Centre

Our interactive training centre includes a ‘virtual’ construction site with fully equipped site cabins and an observation deck. Here, you can take part in role-play exercises to prepare you for a range of situations in the workplace.

Female student working in structures lab with male student looking on.

Structures laboratory

Includes eight test frames, two of which are fully programmable ‘top of the range’ Instron universal test machines. It also includes a strong floor area with associated framing and ancillary measurement devices.

Two male students pouring materials into a machine.

Materials laboratory

Includes industrial standard timber and steel workshops, a concrete mixing area with three pan mixers, programmable environmental chambers, a range of ovens and curing tanks and various materials testing apparatus.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

apply knowledge and wide-ranging understanding of health, safety and environment principles and legal framework within which the construction industry operates and undertake full ethical and professional responsibilities in the discharge of their duties
apply in-depth knowledge and detailed understanding of structural and hydrological analysis, hydraulic design, innovative construction and maintenance techniques to civil engineering infrastructure
apply innovative and advanced computational methods and simulation tools to model and analyse complex civil engineering and environmental systems
apply wide-ranging understanding of experimental, analytical and numerical techniques for investigative studies in hydrological, environmental and geotechnical engineering
apply detailed understanding in proposal development and writing; use innovative knowledge in sourcing, analysing and presenting data; and apply research methodologies to undertake independent investigation and academic writing of a specialised topic
develop personal abilities in teamwork, leadership and communication
apply corporate strategy and systems theory to the management of projects in engineering and construction industry.

These courses are ideal for those seeking deeper and more advanced knowledge in a broad range of subjects for employment within the public and private sector as graduate engineers, or if you wish to pursue an academic or research-orientated career.

The courses aim to keep you up to date with current events and the latest, leading-edge industry innovations through opportunities to visit facilities and hear from leading industry figures. These visits are a great way to interact with potential employers and have recently included i54 Wolverhampton Junction Technopark².

Where our graduates work

Some of our graduates have gone on to work for Jacobs, Atkins and AECOM as structural/civil engineers. You could also move into construction, design, project management or go on to pursue an academic or research-oriented career.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2023/2024 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2024/25 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.