MSc Civil Engineering

Key facts

  • Start date: January & September
  • Accreditation: Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation & Institute of Highway Engineers
  • Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time (September start only)
  • Athena Swan Gold Award for supporting women in engineering

  • Placement: Opportunity to apply to work with industry projects

  • 5th in the UK for Civil Engineering (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)

Study with us

  • designed to meet the needs of a broad range of engineering industries
  • gain the specialist and generic skills necessary to lead future developments
  • benefit from our purpose-built laboratory facilities
  • carry out an industrial project

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the

  • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
  • Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
  • Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)
  • Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)

on behalf of the Engineering Council 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.*

See Joint Board of Moderators website for further information.

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

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Why this course?

Engineering graduates are in high demand from recruiting companies worldwide.

This one-year MSc in Civil Engineering is suitable for graduates with a background in any discipline of civil engineering. Applicants with a degree in environmental engineering, earth science, maths, physics and mechanical engineering may also be considered.

You can graduate with an MSc in Civil Engineering or choose to follow a specialist named stream:

  • Civil Engineering with Structural Engineering & Project Management
  • Civil Engineering with Geotechnical Engineering & Project Management
  • Civil Engineering with Geoenvironmental Engineering & Project Management

Course video

Watch our video to find out more about studying in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you’ll study

You'll take the compulsory module Civil Engineering Design Projects. This module gives you the opportunity to work on real projects. Students currently undertake a renewable energy project. You’ll develop comprehensive and innovative designs that involve structural engineering, geotechnical engineering and water engineering, management, environmental and financial planning.

The compulsory module Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods supports the dissertation project; you also have a wide choice of optional modules. The class Building Information Modelling (BIM) will be available as an option. Knowledge of BIM, a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle, is sought after by employers.

Those on the specialist streams also take the class Project Management, plus three compulsory classes, two optional classes from Elective List A and three from List A or B.

Following successful completion of the taught component, you’ll undertake a dissertation. If you’re on one of the specialist streams you’ll undertake a research project on a topic related to that stream.

Placements

As part of the class Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry, you can apply to work with industry projects.

Teaching staff

Most of the staff that contribute to this MSc are part of three main centres:

Watch our video to hear from our Head of Department
Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation logo
Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation logo
Institution of Civil Engineers logo
Institution of Civil Engineers logo
Institute of Highway Engineers logo
Institute of Highway Engineers logo
Institute of Structural Engineers logo
Institute of Structural Engineers logo
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Course content

A typical selection of classes offered on the programme are outlined below. Please note that these classes may be subject to change.

Please note: You can only pick a particular specialist stream if you have the necessary background to qualify for the compulsory classes of that stream. Click on the classes to find out about the necessary requirements.

For all MSc Civil Engineering students (including specialist streams)
Civil Engineering Design Projects

This class involves undertaking a renewable energy project. The project takes in the full breadth of the civil engineering profession from concept to detailed design, from political drivers to financial viability, from environmental issues to technical risk. Students will develop comprehensive and innovative designs that involve structural engineering, geotechnical engineering and water engineering, management, environmental and financial planning. 

Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods*

Students will acquire familiarity with, and practice of, research techniques, and examine different ways of, and gain experience in, presenting research results.

The class discusses the key principles, and practical exercises, on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including survey methods, interviewing techniques, use of census data and statistical methods. The class also includes discussion of ethical issues. Finally, there is dissertation-related teaching on choosing a research question and a research method, and writing a research proposal. This is a semester 1 and 2 class but meetings do not happen every week. Teaching staff: Dr Elsa João

Compulsory Modules for Specialist Streams

Specialist stream: Structural Engineering & Project Management

Advanced Structural Analysis & Design

This class examines the links between form, geometric shape, and structural performance and design. It deals with different ways of breaking up a continuum, and how this affects global structural properties, structural concepts and preliminary design methods that are used in tension structures, and deployable structures.

You’ll also look at the fundamental principles of composite structures. 

Necessary requirement for this class

Understanding of structural analysis (finding reactions in statically determinate and indeterminate structures – trusses, beams, frames; construction of shear force and bending moment diagrams; main principles of elastic analysis), basic grounding in matrix algebra, basic programming knowledge (in any language).

Prestressed Concrete, Composite Materials & Structural Stability

The overall aim of the class is to provide you with strong skills in the structural behaviour, analysis and design of civil engineering structures.

You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of structural stability and become familiar with common types of bifurcation and buckling phenomena. This will allow you to formulate methods capable of dealing with geometrically non-linear structural behaviour.

You’ll also gain knowledge of structural behaviour structural systems commonly adapted by the construction industry including prestressed concrete and concrete-steel composite members. 

Necessary requirement for this class

Understanding of fundamentals of structural mechanics; fundamentals of reinforced concrete design (reinforced concrete technology, serviceability and ultimate limit state analysis.

Ground Improvement & Reinforcement

This class covers the principles and techniques of ground improvement and soil reinforcement. You’ll apply the appropriate design methods in various ground conditions including the use of computer-aided design.

Necessary requirement for this class

Understanding of the principles, techniques and methods of analysis for ground improvement and soil reinforcement, piles and pile groups, and the application of these techniques for design in various ground conditions.

Project Management

This class will develop your skills in the use of engineering practices in project management.  The focus is on the effective and efficient use of resources. Areas covered include:

  • introduction to project management techniques and project control
  • basic aspects of project teams
  • project networks
  • procedural and graphical presentation techniques
  • introduction to contract law
  • project budgetary control

Specialist stream: Geotechnical Engineering & Project Management

Rock Mechanics, Tunnelling & Groundwater

The class aims to provide you with an understanding of sub-surface geology and rock mechanics and its influence on the engineering design of slopes and tunnels.

You’ll gain an overview of groundwater flow through soil and rocks. You’ll be introduced to techniques for the in-situ measurement of permeability and methodologies for site investigation in dewatering projects. 

Necessary requirement for this class

Knowledge of mathematics (including basic differential equations, trigonometry, resolving forces), and of basic hydrology.

Ground Improvement & Reinforcement

This class covers the principles and techniques of ground improvement and soil reinforcement. You’ll apply the appropriate design methods in various ground conditions including the use of computer-aided design.

Necessary requirements for this class

Understanding of the principles, techniques and methods of analysis for ground improvement and soil reinforcement, piles and pile groups, and the application of these techniques for design in various ground conditions.

Slopes & Walls

This class aims to cover the design of geotechnical structures under ultimate conditions including slopes and retaining walls, based on Eurocode 7.

The syllabus covers these areas:

  • Introduction to geotechnical structures - slopes and embankments, shallow foundations, pile foundations, retaining walls
  • Stability Analysis of Geostructures
  • Earth Retaining Structures
  • Slope Stability

Necessary requirements for this class

Understanding of fundamentals of soil mechanics (principle of effective stress, compressibility and consolidation of soil, the shear strength of soils including the critical state framework).

Project Management

This class will develop your skills in the use of engineering practices in project management.  The focus is on the effective and efficient use of resources.  Areas covered includes:

  • introduction to project management techniques and project control
  • basic aspects of project teams
  • project networks
  • procedural and graphical presentation techniques
  • introduction to contract law
  • project budgetary control

Specialist stream: Geoenvironmental Engineering & Project Management

Site Investigation & Risk Assessment*

This class explores the complete sequence of a site investigation:

  1. Desk study
  2. Site sampling organisation and techniques
  3. Data collection
  4. Chemical analysis

The class also covers data modelling and interpretation using risk assessment models. 

Contaminated Land*

Within the background of land redevelopment (residential, industrial/commercial and gardens/parks), this class aims to provide insights into the remediation of contaminated land, including the regulatory framework and risk assessment, sampling and analysis, and various remedial techniques for contaminated land. Teaching staff: Dr Christine Switzer.

Waste Management & Landfill Design*

This class covers organisational and regulatory aspects of waste management practice in the UK: legislation, composition of domestic and industrial wastes, storage, collection, reception, and disposal of solid wastes, clinical wastes, sewage sludge disposal, recycling and recovery. Teaching staff: Dr Tara Beattie

Project Management

This class will develop your skills in the use of engineering practices in project management.  The focus is on the effective and efficient use of resources.  Areas covered includes:

  • introduction to project management techniques and project control
  • basic aspects of project teams
  • project networks
  • procedural and graphical presentation techniques
  • introduction to contract law
  • project budgetary control

List A

Ground Improvement & Reinforcement

This class covers the principles and techniques of ground improvement and soil reinforcement. You’ll apply the appropriate design methods in various ground conditions including the use of computer-aided design.

Site Investigation & Risk Assessment*

This class explores the complete sequence of a site investigation:

  1. Desk study
  2. Site sampling organisation and techniques
  3. Data collection
  4. Chemical analysis

The class also covers data modelling and interpretation using risk assessment models.

Advanced Structural Analysis & Design

This class examines the links between form, geometric shape, and structural performance and design. It deals with different ways of breaking up a continuum, and how this affects global structural properties, structural concepts and preliminary design methods that are used in tension structures, and deployable structures.

You’ll also look at the fundamental principles of composite structures. 

Necessary requirements for this class

Understanding of structural analysis (finding reactions in statically determinate and indeterminate structures – trusses, beams, frames; Construction of shear force and bending moment diagrams; main principles of elastic analysis), a basic grounding in matrix algebra, basic programming knowledge (in any language).

Prestressed Concrete, Composite Materials & Structural Stability

The overall aim of the class is to provide you with strong skills in the structural behaviour, analysis and design of civil engineering structures.

You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of structural stability and become familiar with common types of bifurcation and buckling phenomena. This will allow you to formulate methods capable of dealing with geometrically non-linear structural behaviour.

You’ll also gain knowledge of structural behaviour structural systems commonly adapted by the construction industry including prestressed concrete and concrete-steel composite members. 

Necessary requirements for this class

Understanding of fundamentals of structural mechanics; fundamentals of reinforced concrete design (reinforced concrete technology, serviceability and ultimate limit state analysis.

Waste Management & Landfill Design

This class covers organisational and regulatory aspects of waste management practice in the UK including:

  • legislation
  • the composition of domestic and industrial wastes
  • storage
  • collection
  • reception and disposal of solid wastes
  • clinical wastes
  • sewage sludge disposal
  • recycling and recovery

Necessary requirements for this class

Some previous knowledge of environmental science, chemistry, or public health is beneficial, but not essential.

Project Management

This class will develop your skills in the use of engineering practices in project management.  The focus is on the effective and efficient use of resources.  Areas covered includes:

  • introduction to project management techniques and project control
  • basic aspects of project teams
  • project networks
  • procedural and graphical presentation techniques
  • introduction to contract law
  • project budgetary control
Rock Mechanics, Tunnelling & Groundwater

The class aims to provide you with an understanding of sub-surface geology and rock mechanics and its influence on the engineering design of slopes and tunnels.

You’ll gain an overview of groundwater flow through soil and rocks. You’ll be introduced to techniques for the in-situ measurement of permeability and methodologies for site investigation in dewatering projects. 

Necessary requirements for this class

Knowledge of mathematics (including basic differential equations, trigonometry, resolving forces), and of basic hydrology.

 

Renewable Energy Marine Systems

This class gives you an understanding of the ways in which the maritime environment can offer a significant contribution, in a sustainable manner, to global energy demands. You’ll undertake engineering assessments of the design and operation of marine energy generating systems.

Slopes & Walls

This class aims to cover the design of geotechnical structures under ultimate conditions including slopes and retaining walls, based on Eurocode 7.

The syllabus covers these areas:

  • Introduction to geotechnical structures - slopes and embankments, shallow foundations, pile foundations, retaining walls
  • Stability Analysis of Geostructures
  • Earth Retaining Structures
  • Slope Stability
Contaminated Land

You’ll gain knowledge of the relevant planning advice and legislation and determine appropriate remediation technologies and strategies.

This class introduces you to the problem of urban land reuse, the regulatory framework and risk assessment and the various remedial techniques to enable an understanding of the role of land recycling in urban development.

Water & Environmental Management

This module, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, develops an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological parameters within surface water and how these relate to water quality, water quality objectives and pollution control strategy.

The class also provides an introduction to water and wastewater treatment.

Urban Water Supply & Drainage Systems

This module, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, aims to provide essential knowledge for the planning, management and efficient operation of urban water supply and sewerage systems.

Water & Wastewater Treatment Design*

This class gives you an understanding of water treatment and wastewater treatment processes. You’ll also develop the ability to undertake design calculations sufficient to produce a concept and detailed design of a water and wastewater treatment plant.

Necessary requirements for this class

You must have a working knowledge of mathematics, equivalent to year-1 Calculus, and introductory knowledge of chemistry either from undergraduate or high school studies.

ICT integrated in AEC

This module evaluates the innovative methodologies and approaches for adopting cutting-edge Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to address the myriad of issues related to the fragmented nature of Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry. The module seeks to extend knowledge of ICT integrated practices and approaches in terms of innovative transdisciplinary solutions such as advanced manufacturing technologies the transportation/assembly of components, and intelligent decision making support.

Building Information Management

The aim of this module is to provide the students with insight about main concepts and principles of Building Information Management (BIM), vis-à-vis processes, protocols, and enabling technologies. The module is mainly concerned with recent paradigm shift within the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industries worldwide to implement BIM Level 2 and target BIM Level 3 in all public projects as well as encouraging it in private projects. This module is also heavily inspired by the UK Government's BIM mandate to adopt BIM technologies and processes on all public sector projects from 2016.

Structural Health Monitoring
The course aims to provide the fundamentals of health monitoring of civil structures, and includes the following topics:
  • the logic of structural identification based on sensor observations
  • an overview of sensor technologies for civil applications, with focus on accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, fiber-optic sensors and wireless sensors
  • numerical methods for signal processing and data analysis
  • analysis of case studies, including bridges, buildings and heritage structures

Necessary requirement for this class: understanding of structural mechanics, steel design and reinforced concrete design; basic knowledge of statistics; ​and an interest in using Matlab for data analysis.

Hydrogeology

In this class, students will:

  • gain an understanding of Hydrogeology as a discipline
  • discuss and explore the physical mechanisms of water movement in the subsurface
  • undertake experiments in the lab that demonstrate key principals of groundwater movement
  • explore hydrogeological issues based on case studies
Advanced Materials Science for Structures

This course gives a foundation in how building materials are formed or made, how they chemo-mechanically degrade and breakdown and some advanced scientific methods of analysis for conservation of historic and modern structures.

Building materials will be investigated at the micro-structural and nanoscale level to explore how chemical composition affects mechanical properties. Environmental and conservation principles will be addressed, as will quantitative understanding of water damage to building stone, brick and concrete and rising damp.

Necessary requirements for this class: Some understanding of materials science or chemistry, preferably at university level but not absolutely necessary. Comfortable with Maths, Physics and some basic Matlab programming.

List B

Global Water Policy*

 This class aims to provide you with the ability to:

  • recognise the issues relating to overall global water policy and its interactions with other global issues
  • discuss the impact of climate change and economic development on water resources and availability
  • explore the different implementation issues based on regional case studies
  • explore the role of stakeholders on the acceptance and achievement of policy objectives
Financial Engineering

The class introduces elements of financial engineering that are applied to reduce risk of business insolvency and enhance the financial robustness of business enterprises.

Also covered are the essentials of financial engineering both as an academic discipline and as a strategy of financial and business risk management in the light of current conditions.

Principles of Environmental Microbiology*

This class introduces microbiology in a manner that is of practical importance in environmental engineering and science.

Topics covered include:

  • the microbial ecology and microbiology of dilute nutrient solutions such as lakes, subsurface environmental and biological treatment processes
  • microbial physiology
  • biochemistry
  • biodegradation
  • public health aspects of microbiology
Fundamentals of Environmental Forensics*

This class provides you with an understanding of:

  • environmental forensics as a subject
  • a range of contaminants found in the environment, and their fate and transport
  • approach and analytical techniques to determine the responsible parties for contamination found in the environment
  • real-world applications of environmental forensics
Science, Technology & Innovation Policy

This class aims to introduce the conceptual and practical issues underlying policy-making processes, with a particular focus on the significance of science and technology policies and innovation management strategies and the application of these for the economic, social and environmental objectives of policy in the context of sustainable development.

The module also aims to explore questions as to how innovations occur and how they can be managed to enhance the objectives of sustainability. A major aspect of the module is the systems approach to innovation management, particularly with respect to the design of research strategies and the generation and use of knowledge.

Environmental Pollution Management*

In this class, you'll develop in-depth knowledge and skills regarding the science, engineering and management of environmental pollution control approaches to protect public health. You'll benefit from research-led teaching at the interface between public health and environmental engineering, with a particular focus on risk-centred methods. Lecture sessions are complemented by industrial and government case studies in contemporary air quality management practice. Teaching staff: Dr Iain Beverland.

Air Pollution, Climate Change & Human Health (10 credits)

In this class, run by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, you'll gain the knowledge and skills on atmospheric pollution and climate change impacts, ranging from local to global scales. The class includes a focus on the assessment and management of environmental impacts on people through the interface between environmental science and engineering activities that mitigate environmental risks. Learning objectives are assessed through a formative portfolio covering the main syllabus areas. Student interaction is encouraged throughout the class through structured feedback sessions, directed reading, student-led question sessions & directed questions sessions.

Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry*

This class will allow students carrying out placements and projects with industry to develop and refine professional skills while gaining credits in the process.

One project will be the small or medium sized enterprise (SME) Carbon Audit that students carry out with training from Carbon Trust. A placement type project activity is another possibility, by individual agreement.

Approval of students being able to take this module would be done on case-by-case basis by MSc course leaders. You’ll be selected by competitive application and CV. 

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)*

This practical-based class provides a thorough introduction to the rapidly growing field of Geographical Information Science. The class covers the key theoretical principles but also provides many computer-based exercises using current state-of-the-art Geographical Information Systems (GIS) – namely IDRISI and ArcGIS. The class evaluates how GIS can be used for spatial query and analysis, while at the same time assessing the quality and the effectiveness of the resultant products in terms of their use. Teaching staff: Dr Elsa João

Design Management

To provide a structured introduction to the Design Management process, issues and tools.

Risk Management

Under Health and Safety legislation, and under the wider European Post-Seveso Directives, it's mandatory for any industries to carry out risk assessments with the aim of showing that risk is “As Low As Reasonably Practicable”.

This class aims to introduce the fundamental techniques of risk analysis and risk-informed decision making. You'll have the opportunity to learn the general principles of methods and their place in risk management, as well as the chance to develop skills in applying these methods to variety of engineering examples.

Environmental Impact Assessment*

This class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, provides an introduction to the methods used to predict environmental impacts, and evaluates how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions. The class draws principally on the UK planning context of environmental impact assessment of individual projects (project EIA), but also takes account of EIA experience in other countries and international organisations. Students are also introduced to key principles of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

City Systems & Infrastructure

This class will examine the key systems and infrastructure on which urban centres depend and promote critical reflection on how the design, management and monitoring of these systems impact on the social, environmental and economic sustainability of cities. The use of case studies will allow students to engage with real-world situations, challenges and opportunities and consider multiple infrastructure and technology options for sustainable city strategies. Teaching staff: Dr Neil Ferguson

Public Health Studies

This class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, develops students’ understanding of public and environmental health, and the multidisciplinary approach in preventative and proactive action to safeguarding public health.

A diverse range of subjects are covered ranging from the risk assessment approach taken with respect to protecting the public from private water supplies, to the role of environmental health professionals in the prevention of the spread of infectious disease.

The class also provides students with fundamental knowledge regarding Health Improvement/Promotion and Health Protection, including the different methods used and the variety of agencies involved.

Information Management

This module, run by the Department of Design, Manufacture & Engineering Management, gives students an understanding of the types of different approaches, techniques and systems used in building information based systems.

Topics include the software engineering process, requirements specification, visual modelling and an understanding of information storage and retrieval systems.

Circular Economy & Transformations Towards Sustainability (10 credits)

The class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, introduces circular economy as a systems-based concept in which production is designed to be restorative and resilient, while waste is designed out of the system. Circular economy is thus featured as a reaction to the conventional dispensation of the linear ‘make-use-dispose’ economy, and as a framework for the development and management of a sustainable, ‘waste-as-a-resource’ economic system. The implications of the concept for research, policy and industrial practice are also explored as these relate to innovation and knowledge production; social trends and consumer behaviour; conservation and sustainable use of energy and material resources; climate change and environmental sustainability; and design of business models for green enterprise development and for sustainable growth and employment generation.

Students progressing from University strategic partner, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilnius Tech) will complete the following classes*:

Compulsory classes

  • Civil Engineering Design Project
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
  • MSc Project

Elective classes (choose three)

  • Advanced Structural Analysis and Design
  • Rock Mechanics, Tunnelling and Groundwater
  • Site Investigation and Risk Assessment
  • Hydrogeology
  • Contaminated Land
  • Water & Wastewater Treatment Design
  • Project Management
  • Water and Environment Management
  • Renewable Marine Energy Systems
  • Facilities Management
  • Global Water Policy
  • Air Pollution, Climate Change & Human Health
  • City Systems and Infrastructure
  • Design Management
  • Risk Management

*For class descriptors please see the previous tabs.

Athena Swan Gold award - Gender charter

We've been awarded the Athena Swan Gold Award for our work supporting women in engineering.

Learning & teaching

The course has two semesters of taught classes. Some classes involve fieldtrips and/or lab work. For fieldtrips, you need to wear warm clothing, waterproof jacket/trousers and sturdy shoes/boots (e.g. hiking boots or non-slip wellington boots).

For lab work, you’ll need a lab coat. At the start of your course, you’ll attend a two-day induction welcoming you to the department.

Facilities

Our £6 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are well-equipped with high-technological instrumentation and available space to investigate:

  • environmental & molecular microbiology
  • environmental chemistry
  • analytical chemistry
  • geomechanics & soil quality
  • structural design & material science
Leena Albader
Our course solely related to working with industry, those projects could then be continued for the dissertation as well. We had many expert guest speakers, who were very engaging, speak to us throughout our courses.
Leena Albader
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Entry requirements

Academic requirements

Normally, a first or upper second-class Honours degree from a UK university (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any civil engineering discipline.

Applicants with a degree in environmental engineering, maths, physics and mechanical engineering may also be considered.

Lower degree classifications might be considered if there is strength elsewhere (for example, relevant work experience, excellent final project/dissertation, very strong academic letter of reference, very strong application statement linking with career goals.)

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

The British Council has established programmes to support Women and Girls in STEM around the world, designed with a lifecycle approach in mind, from inspiring young girls to stay in STEM to supporting women working in STEM fields reach positions of leadership and network with their peers in their region and the UK. This year, supported by the British Council, the University of Strathclyde is delighted to announce five fully funded scholarships for female students from South East Asia interested in pursuing master’s studies in the fields of: Health and Life Science; Climate Change, Environment & Risk Reduction; Energy Transition; Industry 4.0/Digital Transformation and Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. This course is one of the University of Strathclyde courses that are eligible for the scholarship.

The five scholarships are on offer for female students from the following countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Each of these scholarships covers full tuition fees, monthly stipends, a return economy class ticket and other costs such as IELTS exam fee, visa application, NHS surcharge and key study materials.

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2023.

Find out more

Pre-Masters preparation course

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

Chat to a student ambassador

Want to know more about what it’s like to be a student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

Chat now!

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

Map of the world.

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Please note, for courses that have a January 2023 start date, 2022/23 academic year fees will apply. For courses that have a September 2023 and a January 2024 start date, 2023/24 academic year fees will apply.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

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Scotland

£9,250

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,250

International

£23,050

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Additional costs

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Please note, for courses that have a January 2023 start date, 2022/23 academic year fees will apply. For courses that have a September 2023 and a January 2024 start date, 2023/24 academic year fees will apply.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

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Scotland

£9,600

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,600

International

£24,450

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my course?

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Scottish postgraduate students

Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from England

Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Wales

Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Northern Ireland

Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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International students

We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

Faculty of Engineering Scholarships for International Students

If you're an international applicant applying for a full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering, you'll be eligible to apply for a scholarship award equivalent to a 15% reduction of your tuition fees, which will typically be £3,670.

In addition to this, we also have a limited number of Dean’s International Excellence Awards for our postgraduate taught applicants. These scholarships are worth £5,000 and £8,000 and will be offered to exceptional applicants at postgraduate taught level only. Applicants need to only submit one application and will be considered for all levels of postgraduate taught scholarships.

Scholarships are available for applicants to all self-funded, new international (non-EU) fee paying students holding an offer of study for a full-time, on campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.

Please note you must have an offer of study for a full-time course at Strathclyde before applying. You must start your full-time postgraduate taught course at Strathclyde in the coming academic year (2023-24), this can be in September 2023 or January 2024.

The deadline for applications for the Dean’s International Excellence Award is 30 June 2023.

Faculty of Engineering Scholarships for International Students
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Careers

We work closely with the University Careers Service. They offer advice and guidance on career planning and looking for and applying for jobs. In addition, they administer and publicise graduate and work experience opportunities.

High-calibre civil engineers are in demand throughout the world. As a graduate, you'll have many different career options including:

  • engineering consultancies, where the work normally involves planning and designing projects
  • contractors, where you’ll be managing and overseeing works on-site
  • working for utilities or local authorities
  • working for large companies such as those within oil & gas production, mining, power generation, renewable energy & sustainable infrastructure

How much will I earn?

As a contracting civil engineer the average graduate starting salary is around £23,500. With five years' experience this could rise to £28,523*.

*Information is intended only as a guide.

Post Study Work

The University of Strathclyde can endorse graduates on a visa that allows them to engage in business. The is for international students who have an innovative business idea and want to work in the UK (initial permission to stay of 12 months, with a possible extension of 12 months if suitable progress is made). The Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network (SEN) can give support and guidance to help you develop your business idea.

Specialist stream: Structural Engineering & Project Management

As well as working in building construction, you could use your skills to work in

  • construction design
  • project management
  • research
  • lecturing

With experience, you could move into consultancy work, for example providing services to building insurers. You could also work overseas on construction and engineering projects, for example with disaster relief agencies.

Specialist stream: Geotechnical Engineering & Project Management

Geotechnical Engineering Consultants specialise in projects involving:

  • site investigation
  • foundation design
  • foundation repair

Also expert advice on soil, rock and groundwater aspects in relation to a project’s feasibility, buildability or dispute resolution.

Specialist stream: Geoenvironmental Engineering & Project Management

Geoenvironmental engineering graduates have exciting career opportunities in:

  • environmental risk assessment
  • management and remediation of contaminated soils and water
  • environmental impact assessment
  • water and sanitation engineering
  • water resource management
  • contaminant fate and transport
  • waste management
  • international development

Specialist stream: Water Engineering & Project Management

As well as traditional Civil Engineering, water management offers careers in areas such as water services, infrastructure management and water dependent sectors such as agriculture.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square.

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Apply

During the application process, you're required to upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we'll not be able to process your application:

  • certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications; please note consolidated transcripts are not accepted
    • if still studying, provide individual semester mark sheets to date
  • certified degree certificate for all qualifications
    • if still studying, provide this after completing the qualification
  • provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
  • if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
  • a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
  • a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate) 
  • names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees

January intake

Applications for January 2024 are not yet open for this course. In the meantime, please register your interest for January 2024 and we’ll let you know when applications are open.

Please note that courses are subject to approval and may be withdrawn at any time.

Start date: Sep 2023

Civil Engineering

MSc
full-time
Start date: Sep 2023

Start date: Sep 2023

Civil Engineering

MSc
part-time
Start date: Sep 2023

Start date: Sep 2023

Civil Engineering (Vilnius Tech)

MSc
full-time
Start date: Sep 2023