MEng Civil Engineering

4 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

MEng Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter is ideal for students who want to design and develop the infrastructure that shapes the modern world, from buildings and transport systems to sustainable engineering solutions. The programme combines engineering theory with practical experience, allowing students to explore structural engineering, geotechnics, hydraulics, construction management and sustainable design through research-led teaching, industry-focused projects and hands-on learning.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces the essential principles of engineering and builds a strong foundation in mathematics, computing, mechanics, materials and electronics. You will study modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, Fundamentals of Electronics, and Fundamentals of Engineering, developing technical knowledge, teamwork skills and problem-solving abilities that support further study in civil engineering.

Year 2
In your second year, you begin to specialise in civil engineering by exploring structural systems, construction processes and engineering analysis. Modules such as Civil Engineering Challenge Project, Modelling of Engineering Systems, Soil Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Behaviour, Civil Engineering Practice, and Construction Project Management help you understand how infrastructure is designed, built and managed.

Year 3
The third year focuses on advanced civil engineering concepts, allowing you to apply your knowledge to complex design challenges. Through modules including Civil Engineering Hydraulics, Digital Engineering and Building Information Modelling, Geotechnical Engineering and Foundation Design, Civil Design and Build: Part 1 - Research, Civil Design and Build: Part 2 - Development, and Structural Engineering, you will develop skills in infrastructure design, digital modelling, sustainable construction and engineering project development.

Final Year
The final year enables you to explore advanced civil engineering topics while completing a major research-based project. You will undertake the MEng Individual Investigative Project and study specialist areas such as Advanced Geotechnical Engineering, Conceptual Design of Buildings, and Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials, with options including Sustainable Engineering, Design of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Structures, Smart Civil Structures, Environmental Risk and Resilience, and Clean Water Supply to develop expertise in modern engineering challenges.

Year in Industry (Optional)
Students can choose the MEng Civil Engineering with Year in Industry option, extending the programme to five years with a professional placement. This provides valuable workplace experience, allowing students to apply engineering concepts to real projects, develop industry skills and build professional connections before completing their degree.

Focus Areas

Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics, Construction Project Management, Sustainable Engineering, Digital Engineering, Building Information Modelling, Foundation Design, Structural Design, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Construction Materials, Infrastructure Development, Research and Innovation

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced civil engineering knowledge, design and analyse infrastructure systems, apply engineering mathematics and computational techniques, understand structural and geotechnical principles, evaluate sustainable construction methods, use digital engineering tools, manage engineering projects, solve complex engineering challenges, conduct independent research, collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MEng Civil Engineering programme is designed to support professional engineering careers and is accredited by leading professional institutions including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and Permanent Way Institution (PWI). These accreditations provide strong industry recognition and support graduates working towards Chartered Engineer status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme combines research-led teaching, practical engineering projects and industry-focused learning to prepare students for successful careers in civil engineering and infrastructure sectors.
The University of Exeter provides a strong engineering learning environment with specialist facilities, experienced academics and opportunities to engage with current engineering challenges.
Engineering graduates from Exeter achieve strong career outcomes, with 96% of Engineering graduates in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to HESA Graduate Outcomes data (2022/23).
Graduates are prepared for careers in areas such as construction, infrastructure development, structural design, environmental engineering, transport systems and sustainable engineering.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

MEng Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter provides students with strong practical learning opportunities by combining engineering theory with real-world projects, laboratory activities and industry-focused experiences. Students develop hands-on skills through specialist civil engineering facilities, digital design tools, research-led activities and collaborative projects that reflect current challenges in infrastructure, construction and sustainability. The programme encourages students to apply their knowledge through design work, testing, modelling and problem-solving activities, helping them build the confidence and technical skills needed for a career in civil engineering.

Students gain practical experience through specialist facilities, digital tools, engineering projects and industry-focused learning opportunities:

Civil engineering design and group projects: Students work on practical project modules such as the Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Civil Engineering Challenge Project, and Civil Design and Build projects. These activities allow students to collaborate in teams, develop engineering solutions and gain experience in design, planning and project management.
Structural Engineering Laboratory: Students use the Structures Laboratory for practical learning, structural testing and engineering investigations. The facility supports teaching and research activities related to structural analysis, materials behaviour and civil engineering design.
Engineering software and modelling tools: Students develop skills using specialist engineering software for analysis, simulation and design, including tools such as ANSYS, LUSAS, MATLAB and SIMULINK, which are widely used in engineering modelling and research.
Digital engineering and Building Information Modelling (BIM): Through the Digital Engineering and Building Information Modelling module, students learn how digital technologies are used in modern construction, infrastructure planning and engineering project management.
Geotechnical and materials testing experience: Students gain practical understanding of soil behaviour, foundation design and construction materials through learning activities connected to geotechnical engineering and sustainable construction.
Hydraulics and environmental engineering activities: Students explore practical applications of water systems, hydraulics and environmental engineering through research-informed teaching and engineering activities.
Fabrication and prototyping facilities: Students have access to engineering workshops and fabrication spaces equipped with resources such as 3D printers, 3D scanners and laser cutting tools, supporting prototype development and creative engineering solutions.
Research-led engineering projects: Students can participate in projects linked to Exeter’s engineering research areas, including sustainable construction, smart infrastructure, advanced materials and resilient engineering solutions.
Industry experience opportunities: Students can choose the Year in Industry option, completing a professional placement where they apply civil engineering knowledge in a workplace setting, gain industry experience and develop professional networks.
Specialist engineering facilities: Students benefit from access to facilities including the Engineering Laboratory, Materials Laboratories, Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) and Structures Laboratory, providing spaces for experimentation, testing and practical engineering development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MEng Civil Engineering programme at the University of Exeter develop advanced engineering knowledge, practical project experience and strong analytical skills that prepare them for careers in infrastructure, construction, environmental engineering and technology sectors. The programme’s focus on sustainable design, research-led learning and industry-focused projects helps students build the expertise needed to address modern engineering challenges. Typical career pathways include civil engineer, structural engineer, construction engineer and engineering project manager.

Students benefit from career support, industry engagement and professional development opportunities that help them move confidently into graduate roles:

Career support through Exeter’s Career Zone: Students receive guidance with career planning, CV development, interview preparation, employability skills and access to career resources that support their transition from university to professional employment.
Employer engagement and networking opportunities: Students can connect with industry professionals through employer events, engineering activities, networking sessions and career workshops, helping them understand different career pathways and industry expectations.
Industry experience opportunities: Students can choose the Year in Industry option, completing a professional placement with an organisation. This allows students to apply their civil engineering knowledge to real projects, gain workplace experience, strengthen practical skills and develop valuable professional connections.
Strong graduate outcomes: The University of Exeter reports that 96% of Engineering graduates were in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to HESA Graduate Outcomes data (2022/23). Graduates develop skills that are valued across engineering, construction, infrastructure and consultancy sectors.
Industry-focused learning: Through practical projects, design activities and engineering challenges, students develop skills that reflect professional civil engineering practice and prepare them for working on real-world infrastructure projects.
Professional accreditation value: The MEng Civil Engineering degree is accredited by leading professional institutions including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and Permanent Way Institution (PWI). These accreditations provide strong professional recognition and support graduates working towards Chartered Engineer status.
Wide range of career opportunities: The programme prepares graduates for roles in areas such as infrastructure development, structural design, construction management, environmental engineering, transport systems, engineering consultancy and sustainable engineering.
Engineering reputation and learning environment: Students benefit from Exeter’s strong engineering reputation, research-led teaching, specialist facilities and modern learning spaces that support innovation and professional development.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MEng Civil Engineering degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as MSc or PhD degrees in areas including Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management, Geotechnical Engineering and Water Engineering. Further study can help graduates develop specialist expertise, move into advanced research roles, pursue academic careers or progress into senior positions within the engineering industry.