Overview

Work toward Chartered Engineer status with an accredited Master's that helps you become a critically reflective practioner in civil engineering.

On this MSc Civil Engineering, you'll develop postgraduate-level skills and knowledge covering the different phases of public works projects, from planning and design to construction and management. You'll master the theory and use of Finite Element Method (FEM) tools, apply numerical analysis techniques, and explore the ways in which engineering can engage with environmental issues.

Our syllabus is regularly updated in consultation with industry specialists, so you can be sure of building your strategic management skills in line with what the sector needs. You'll also be able to shape this degree to meet your own needs, as you plan and deliver an integrated design project exploring your engineering interests.

You'll be studying with lecturers who are professionally engaged with the sector, working closely with the construction industry and its professional bodies alongside their research and teaching, and you'll have opportunities to develop your industry contacts through our visiting speakers. When you graduate, you'll be qualified to work toward your Chartered Professional Review, to take on professional roles in the civil engineering field, or to dig into PhD research and an academic career. 

Course highlights

  • Master civil engineering science, using structural analysis, numerical analysis, and solving engineering problems using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and FEM software packages
  • Apply your skills to practical problems as part of our partnership schemes with local and global organisations, and design an integrated project that focuses your learning on your career interests
  • Use our laboratory facilities – including an environmental lab and computing equipment – in support of your lectures and seminars, and join workshops and talks with industry practitioners
  • Study for a Master's that follows the current needs of the industry, shaped by advice from our Industrial Advisory Committee, made up of senior executives from leading client, contracting and consulting organisations

Careers and opportunities

You'll graduate with a strong understanding of the theory and practice of civil engineering. You'll be confident that your learning is up to date with industry practice, thanks to the regular input of our Industrial Advisory Committee, which invites alumni and other senior engineering executives to influence the content of our course. 

Your demonstrable skills and technical ability in management, structural design and planning will equip you for roles in civil engineering, but also for careers in consultancy, project management, and the wider construction industry. 

Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:

  • Civil engineer
  • Graduate structural engineer
  • Assistant site manager
  • Engineer

Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.

MSc Award
September, January Start
Full-time, Part-time Study Mode
12 months Duration

Entry Requirements For This Course

A second-class honours degree in Civil Engineering or a related subject, or equivalent industrial and work experience and/or qualification.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

University of Portsmouth in Pictures

Location of University of Portsmouth