The four-year Master of Engineering (MEng) Civil Engineering degree, the highest award for undergraduate study in engineering, is designed for more able students and fully satisfies the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Combining our BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree with Masters-level material, it allows you to further distinguish yourself with an advanced set of professional and technical skills. An MEng also removes the need to source further funding to study a Master's. On completion, you will be better placed to compete in the graduate jobs market and enter more demanding and rewarding roles.
On our MEng Civil Engineering course, you’ll study core topics such as mathematics, structures, materials, geotechnics, hydraulics and surveying. Threads of design, sustainability, health and safety, and professionalism are also embedded in the course. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard software for the design and construction of civil engineering projects. There are also opportunities for field trips and work placements.
For the first three years, you will study alongside those on the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering course. This will give you the opportunity to learn fundamental engineering principles, further develop your knowledge and skills and gain an appreciation for concepts relevant to civil engineering.
You'll study core topics such as mathematics, structures, materials, geotechnics, hydraulics and surveying. Threads of design, sustainability, health and safety, and professionalism are also embedded in the civil engineering course. Your dissertation enables you to tailor your qualification to the area of industry you want to work in.
In your first year, you will learn fundamental engineering principles. You will explore the relevance of mathematics in engineering and gain an appreciation of issues in construction management, materials and the environment.
In year two, you’ll have an opportunity to apply the principles learned in year one through a series of modules covering materials and structures, hydraulics and surveying. In both your first and second years, you will attend practical field courses covering subject areas such as engineering, surveying and geology/geotechnics.
In your final year, you will focus on the analysis, design and implementation of engineering systems, and sustainability in civil engineering. You will have the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge of geotechnical concepts to practical design and construction problems. Finally you will undertake an individual project which gives you the chance to apply your technical knowledge.
Plus 40 credits of optional modules:
Our Civil Engineering lecturers are experts in their subject areas, having worked in, or with, industry, conducting research, presenting at conferences, publishing their work, and informing your studies with the latest insights. Not only will you be taught by academics who are specialists in their fields, but you will also benefit from guest speakers from the engineering world.
You will learn through lectures, which are supported by tutorials, practical sessions and seminar groups. Wherever possible, your work will be based on live projects and case studies, with contributions from industry professionals.
Most project modules are based on ‘live’ schemes, supported by guest lectures from professional engineers. This ensures you receive an in-depth briefing on many aspects of real-life construction
The MEng Civil Engineering degree is assessed through assignments, coursework, ongoing class tests and exams. Presentations are included as elements of assessments in some modules, in order that key communication and presentation skills can be developed.
The MEng Civil Engineering degree is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
Our strong links with the civil engineering profession mean you’ll have opportunities for site visits, industrial placements and, for students on sandwich courses, practitioner mentoring.
You will have the opportunity to go on exciting field trips to build on your knowledge (additional costs apply). In recent years, students have travelled to Beijing to visit the Olympic structures, the Great Wall of China, and the China International Exhibition of Building Materials and Green Construction.
Our civil engineering labs are equipped with the latest computer-aided and controlled machinery.
Dr Emma Britton, course leader
Emma McGivern
Paul Davies
Entry criteria detail typical offers but USW considers all applications on an individual basis which means that we could make offers based on qualifications, personal profile and experience. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may also be acceptable.
BBC to include Mathematics and at least one other numerate Science such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Geography
Grade C and BB at A Level to include Mathematics and at least one other numerate Science such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Geography
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit in a relevant Maths, Science or Engineering subject
30 points to include 16 points at Higher Level to include grade 5 in Mathematics and one other numerate Science eg (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography).
Maths, Science or Engineering Diploma with 60 credits overall to include 45 level 3 credits equating to 18 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 3 Passes
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics and English at Grade C or above, or their equivalent but consideration is given to individual circumstances
We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees in full or by payment plan.
This course is eligible under the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme for Ex-Armed Forces personnel.
International Scholarships are available for self-funding international students.
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
Apply via UCAS if you are a UK/EU residing applicant, applying for year one of a full-time undergraduate degree, Foundation Year, Foundation Degree or HND and you have not applied through UCAS before. If you are applying to study part-time, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution, please apply directly.
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK/EU.
Employment opportunities for our graduates are excellent. Graduates of our Civil Engineering degree secure work with consulting engineers, civil engineering contractors and local authorities, with a range of companies that include Capita Symonds, BAM Nuttall, Hyder Consulting, Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, Morgan Est, Carillion, Mott MacDonald, Atkins, Network Rail, United Utilities, and various international companies.
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
