The MEng Civil Engineering programme at the University of Glasgow equips students with advanced knowledge and technical skills to design, build, and manage complex infrastructure projects. It is perfectly suited for driven individuals who want to become leaders in civil engineering, combining scientific principles with innovative engineering design and real-world problem solving.
Curriculum Structure:
In the first year, students study a broad interdisciplinary curriculum that includes essential topics in civil engineering, mathematics, electronics, materials science, statics, thermodynamics, and engineering skills, through modules such as Engineering Mathematics 1, Civil Engineering 1, and Environmental Engineering 1. The year focuses on building foundational knowledge supported by individual and group projects and laboratory practicals.
During the second and third years, students deepen their expertise in structural engineering, water and environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation, and construction management. They engage in rigorous practical work, including computational modelling, surveying fieldwork, and collaborative design projects with courses like Soil Mechanics 2, Structural Design Project 2, and Environmental Processes 3.
In the fourth and fifth years, students explore advanced analytical and design topics such as Finite Element Analysis, Advanced Steel and Concrete Design, and Geotechnical Design Projects, preparing them for professional practice. Year five focuses on industry-linked case studies, major individual projects, and opportunities for study abroad, all fostering leadership and innovative problem-solving skills.
Focus areas: Structural engineering, water and environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, construction management.
Learning outcomes: Mastery of advanced civil engineering design and analysis, application of sustainable engineering solutions, project leadership skills, and preparedness for Chartered Engineer status.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers and other professional bodies, meeting standards for Chartered Engineer status.
Reputation (employability rankings): Highly ranked in UK engineering league tables with strong graduate employment rates and excellent connections to industry leaders.
Students in the MEng Civil Engineering programme at the University of Glasgow gain invaluable practical skills through a curriculum rooted in hands-on learning, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools. This immersive approach includes real-world design projects, advanced laboratory experiments, and collaborative group work, ensuring students develop industry-ready expertise.
Experiential learning opportunities include:
Use of specialized engineering laboratories equipped for materials testing, structural analysis, and environmental experiments
Software training with industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and finite element analysis programs for computational modelling and design
Participation in the week-long “Constructionarium” residential project, where students build scaled models of iconic structures to apply learning in a real construction environment
Multidisciplinary teamwork on projects, including the five-week "Interact" project involving students from architecture and quantity surveying disciplines
Field trips and surveying fieldwork providing exposure to real site conditions and professional engineering practices
Access to the James Watt School of Engineering’s advanced digital and research facilities, including dedicated research labs and extensive engineering libraries
Opportunities for internships and industrial placements to enhance professional experience and employability
Graduate outcomes for the MEng Civil Engineering programme at the University of Glasgow are excellent, with alumni securing roles such as civil engineer, structural engineer, project manager, and environmental engineer. Graduates emerge equipped to design, build, and maintain key infrastructure, contributing to society and sustainable development.
These opportunities are supported by:
The University’s dedicated Careers Service, offering tailored support including CV workshops, interview coaching, and industry networking events specific to engineering students
Strong employment statistics with median graduate salaries around £29,500 within 15 months of graduation
Industry partnerships with leading employers such as ARUP, Jacobs Engineering, Balfour Consultancy, BAM Nuttall, and Laing O’Rourke, facilitating internships and job placements
Long-term accreditation by the Institution of Civil Engineers and other professional bodies, meeting educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
High graduate satisfaction and robust employability reflected in league tables and official statistics
Further Academic Progression:
Upon completing the MEng degree, students can pursue specialist postgraduate degrees such as MSc or PhD research programs at the University of Glasgow or internationally. These pathways deepen expertise in civil engineering and related fields, opening up advanced research and leadership roles.



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