Civil Engineering

The Civil Engineering Graduate Diploma enables applicants with a degree in a related subject (for example mathematics, physics or geology) to take a qualifying year before moving into a Civil or Structural Engineering MSc programme. It offers a unique opportunity to be awarded a fully recognised Civil Engineering MSc after two years of study, opening the path to a career in civil engineering as a chartered engineer.

This bespoke programme provides grounding in fluids, soils, structures and materials engineering, and consists of second and third-year undergraduate core civil engineering subjects. Students are also allocated a civil engineering project which they are required to complete in pairs.

Students undertake modules to the value of 120 credits.

The programme consists of seven core modules and a research project.

Core modules

• Structural Analysis and Design
• Materials II and Applied Fluid Mechanics II
• Mathematical Modelling and Analysis II
• Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology
• Civil Engineering in Practice
• Structure and Materials
• Civil Engineering Project

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this programme.

Dissertation/report

Students conduct a civil engineering research project over two terms, usually working in pairs. Assessment is by a final report (78%), interim report (10%) and final presentation (10%).

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory classes. The civil engineering project involves individual research and can include laboratory, computational or fieldwork depending on the nature of your project and your supervisor. It is usually completed in pairs. The programme also includes a field trip and a one-week Constructionarium visit.

To be able to progress to fully chartered status students entering the pre-qualifying year should have a degree in a related subject, e.g. architecture, or in a subject that would be approved by the Institution of Civil Engineers, e.g. mathematics or physics.
General entry requirements and application procedures are the same as for the one-year MSc programme. When completing your application form you should enter 'MSc in Civil Engineering' as the programme title. If you satisfy all admission criteria you will be given a conditional offer, and successful completion of the Graduate Diploma will be the condition of entry to the main MSc programme.
Overseas students requiring a visa to study should note that the Graduate Diploma (pre-qualifying year) and the Civil Engineering MSc are treated as TWO separate programmes. You will only be able to obtain a one-year visa for the Graduate Diploma and then you will need to apply for a second visa for the MSc. You will almost certainly have to leave the UK between finishing the Graduate Diploma in June and commencing the MSc in September.