Civil Engineering (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in civil engineering or a related subject.

You'll also need a 2:1 in all maths and mechanics modules.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution. 

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

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.

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.

Pre-masters

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

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

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 civil engineering degree is divided into two semesters. In each semester you’ll choose from a range of modules including earthquake engineering and groundwater hydrology and contamination. You can also opt to develop your knowledge of project economics, and law and contracts.

You’ll complete a final research project with a dissertation to develop your critical-thinking and technical expertise.

At the start of the course, you’ll take part in a group outdoor activity so that you can get to know your fellow students. To support your learning we also arrange seminars at the beginning of each semester covering:

• study skills
• language support
• careers and employability
• your dissertation

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

Learning

You’ll learn to use the latest analysis tools in the design of buildings, bridges, roads, foundations, flood defences, water supply and treatment systems and renewable energy systems.

Practical sessions form a large part of your course. As well as lectures and tutorials your learning may include: 

• laboratory classes
• design projects
• practical work
• guest lectures
• field visits

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

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

Assessment

Assessments take place through a combination of exams and coursework in the form of:

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

Dissertation

You'll carry out a research project and complete a dissertation. The subject of your research project could focus on a topic covered in the course. It will bring together the skills you have learned and show your knowledge of one or more of the subjects you study.

It 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 defence
• nanotechnology in water treatment
• railway systems
• underground structures
• geotechnical engineering

As an alternative, 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

We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.

As a graduate from our MSc in Civil Engineering, you'll be well prepared for roles in the sector.

Our graduates secure positions with leading employers in civil engineering, both consultants and contractors and also regulatory and local authorities.

As well as careers in the industry, the transferrable skills you gain make you attractive to a wide range of recruiters, from financial services through to IT and management consultancy.

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 £32,800.

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. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

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.

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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