MEng Civil Engineering

The University of Brighton’s MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering program is designed to develop highly skilled engineers ready to create and manage infrastructure that shapes everyday life—from roads and railways to harbours and flood defenses. This course suits students eager to apply technical knowledge in real-world scenarios, collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, and gain professional insights through industry projects and placements.

Year 1

In your first year, you'll establish the engineering fundamentals: modules such as Mathematics for Civil Engineering, Land and Construction Surveying, Structural and Stress Analysis, and Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics build your core fluency. Alongside these, you’ll undertake an Integrated Design Project, where you apply theory to solve real problems in small teams, gaining early exposure to design thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Year 2

Year two deepens your understanding of the physical world: you’ll study Fluid and Soil Mechanics, Construction Methods and Technology, Concrete Technology and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures, and Computational Mechanics. You also begin modular choices and side streams (e.g., environmental or transport engineering), and continue with a more advanced Integrated Design Project that challenges you to integrate multiple engineering disciplines.

Year 3

In the third year, your specialization becomes clearer with core modules in Advanced Structural Design, Transportation Engineering, Hydraulics & Water Resources, Sustainability & Climate Adaptation, and Construction Management. During this year, you'll also carry out a substantial Design Project / Coursework + Laboratory Work, applying your skills to real-world complexity under supervision.

Year 4 (Master’s level)

Your final year is about mastery and innovation. You’ll enroll in advanced modules such as Integrated Design Project 3 (MEng) (where you take full ownership of a major design or research-led challenge), plus options like Bridge Engineering, Advanced Geotechnics, Wind Engineering, or Sustainable Construction. You’ll complete a capstone research/design thesis or industry-linked project that synthesizes your learning and showcases your readiness for professional practice.

Focus areas

Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, transport infrastructure, project management, environmental sustainability.

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced capabilities to design, analyse, and manage civil engineering projects; apply sustainable engineering principles; use digital tools and modelling software; communicate professionally; and uphold ethical standards.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, including the ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE, and PWI, meeting educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Brighton is recognized for hands-on learning, strong industry links, and graduate career support. Many students secure placements and employment in engineering roles soon after graduation.