Help the world adapt to urbanisation, climate change and natural disasters with a master’s degree in civil engineering.
This 2-year integrated course is ideal if you didn't graduate in civil engineering, but have maths and physics skills. You'll spend a year learning the basics of civil engineering before progressing to the main MSc course for your second year.
You’ll spend your first year studying key topics and improving your knowledge to prepare for your second year, when you’ll join the full-time MSc Civil Engineering course.
Throughout the course you’ll study:
fundamental principles, methods, analysis and synthesis in civil engineering design and applications
specialist modules in engineering fields such as: coastal, environmental, infrastructure, transport and engineering management
information and communication technology relevant to civil engineering, as well as management practices, health and safety issues, risk assessment and regulatory frameworks
the role and professional responsibilities of engineers in society
You’ll complete a research project to apply the knowledge and transferable skills you have developed on the degree.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine is a Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering. His research focuses on offshore geotechnics and infrastructure for renewable energy. Visit Dr Cerfontaine's profile page to learn more about his work.
Related pathways
If you already meet the entry requirements for our MSc Civil Engineering master's degree, you can apply for the programme without a qualifying year. Visit the page to find out more and apply:
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Learn more about accreditation on the Joint Board of Moderators website.
“Southampton was perfect for me. It has a fantastic reputation and is a very well respected Russell Group university for civil engineering. More specifically, the department has one of the largest geotechnical departments in Europe. Boldrewood Campus houses brand-new laboratories and equipment for geotechnics and infrastructure.”
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.
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:
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.
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.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
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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
a personal tutor for personal and academic support
your Faculty Student Office for administrative support
additional research seminars and invited lecturers
Careers
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:
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 3 July 2024 - midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 3 July 2024 - midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
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.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
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.
Civil Engineering with Integrated Qualifying Year (MSc) is a course in the
Civil engineering
subject area.
Here are some other courses within
this subject area:
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