Civil Engineering with Geographic Information Science

The Civil Engineering MSc at UCL now offers five additional specialist routes which reflect the expertise within the department and expanding career paths of civil engineers. This programme is for those students who wish to combine a general MSc in the subject with the related discipline of geographic information science.

The programme provides students with a strong academic background in a broad range of civil engineering topics and advanced skills in problem-solving, which are necessary for a successful career in the sector. This route will also offer you the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in your chosen area of geographic information science and provide a clear path to a professional career in civil engineering.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules including three specialist modules and one professional development module (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) is also offered.

Core modules

• GIS Principles and Technology
• Principles of Spatial Analysis
• Web and Mobile GIS
• Project Management (Professional Development Module)

Optional modules

Students choose four from the following:

• Advanced Soil Mechanics
• Advanced Structures
• Anatomy of the Railway
• Applied Building Information Modelling
• Building Engineering Physics
• Coastal Engineering
• Data Analysis
• Engineering and International Development
• Environmental Systems
• Finite Element Modelling and Numerical Methods
• Introduction to Seismic Design of Structures
• Natural and Environmental Disasters
• Principles and Practices of Surveying
• Roads and Underground Infrastructure
• Structural Dynamics
• Systems, Society and Sustainability
• Urban Flooding and Drainage
• Please note: combinations of different modules will be limited by timetable constraints.

Please note: combinations of different modules will be determined by timetable constraints.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10–15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory classes and field trips. The research project includes laboratory, computational or fieldwork depending on the nature of the project. Assessment is through examinations, coursework, project reports and the research project.

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering or a closely related subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria may be asked to provide a portfolio demonstrating existing engineering and design skills. For non-civil or structural engineering candidates we offer a Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering, recognised by our accrediting body (the Joint Board of Moderators), which can be used as a pre-qualifying year for the Civil Engineering MSc and its specialist routes.