Civil Engineering with Integrated Qualifying Year (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant engineering, science or technology subject, such as:

• physics
• mathematics
• chemistry
• geology

You must demonstrate your competence at mathematics or physics, either through completion of maths modules as part of your original degree, or an A level pass in one of these subjects.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Pre-masters

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

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

We will consider alternative qualifications on individual merit. For example:

• a portfolio of work experience supported by academic achievements equivalent to our basic requirements
• recent study with clear evidence of scientific ability

If you apply with alternative qualifications, we will ask you to attend an interview. We may also ask you to complete an admissions assessment.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course with an additional qualifying year. Each year is divided into 2 semesters. You’ll study for 24 months in total, starting in September. 

Year 1

You will spend the qualifying year studying compulsory modules on key topics to improve your knowledge and prepare you for year 2.

Year 2

On completion of the qualifying year, you will progress onto the full-time master’s course.

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course. This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

We’ll teach you to apply the latest analysis tools in the design of buildings, bridges, roads, foundations, flood defences, water supply and treatment systems and renewable energy systems.

You’ll learn through a combination of:

• lectures, seminars and tutorials
• field and laboratory classes
• workshops
• independent study and research

Depending on the modules you take, you’ll have access to our specialist facilities, including large structures, hydraulics and geotechnical laboratories.

We'll encourage you to openly communicate your professional experiences, exchange ideas and share knowledge. We arrange one-to-one tutorials to cater for individual learning differences.

We also connect with a global network of companies, shared facilities and expertise to boost your learning.

Assessment

We’ll assess you through a combination of unseen written examinations, as well as coursework in the form of:

• problem solving exercises
• laboratory reports
• design projects
• essays
• individual and group projects
• presentations
• research project and dissertation

Dissertation

In your second year, you’ll carry out a research project and complete a dissertation. This is your chance to demonstrate what you’ve learned throughout your degree.

This involves:

• sourcing and gathering information
• critical analysis
• evaluation and presentation skills

We can provide the subject matter for your dissertation. Topics could include:

• nonlinear structural analysis
• structural mechanics
• seismic analysis and design of structures and bridges
• coastal flood defense
• nanotechnology in water treatment
• railway systems
• underground structures
• geotechnical engineering

Alternatively, you may be able to choose a research project from a different discipline. This is only where the invitation to take part is feasible and you have the background knowledge and competence to meet the project challenges in the available time.

Academic Support

You’ll have access to:

• course books for each year of the programme
• library information retrieval seminar, introductory sessions, workshop training and small group tutorials
• our Engineering Development and Manufacturing Centre (EDMC) equipped with a range of workshop equipment, CAD/CAM
• a personal tutor for personal and academic support
• your Faculty Student Office for administrative support
• additional research seminars and invited lecturers

When you graduate, you’ll be ready for a career in the civil engineering industry. Our graduates move into engineer roles with a wide range of leading employers including:

• consultants
• contractors
• regulatory and local authorities

You’ll have several transferable skills, making you attractive to many graduate recruiters in industries such as financial services, IT and management consultancy.

You can also get careers advice and support from Southampton alumni through our E-Mentoring Southampton service.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000