MEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bristol

Program Overview

The MEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry at the University of Bristol is ideal for students who are passionate about designing sustainable and impactful infrastructure like bridges, transport systems, and water networks. You’ll not only learn the core engineering principles but also gain real-world experience during a full year working in the industry, helping you build practical skills and boost your career right from the start.

Curriculum Structure

In your first two years, you’ll get to grips with the fundamentals—covering key areas like maths, structures, soil, and water engineering. You’ll take part in fun, hands-on projects like designing a model bridge and explore materials, geotechnical engineering, and surveying through modules such as Mathematics for Engineering, Structures, and Geotechnical Engineering.

The third year is all about stepping into the real world—a year-long placement in the engineering industry where you’ll work on actual projects, learn how companies operate, and develop the professional skills future employers look for. The university supports you throughout this time, making sure you get the most out of the experience.

Back on campus for your final year, you’ll dive into a major research project and pick advanced topics that match your interests—think project management, entrepreneurship, risk management, and smart city design. You’ll also work with your peers on real-life design challenges, making sure you finish your degree ready to take on the world.


Focus areas: structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, sustainable design, project management, entrepreneurship

Learning outcomes: design sustainable infrastructure, apply engineering theory practically, conduct independent research, manage projects and risks, work well in teams, understand business and ethics in engineering

Professional alignment: accredited by key bodies like ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE, and PWI, which sets you up for a career as a Chartered Engineer

Reputation: Bristol ranks among the world’s top 100 universities for civil engineering, and its grads are highly sought after by employers in construction, utilities, transport, and environmental sectors

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying MEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry at the University of Bristol means you’ll gain real practical skills alongside your engineering knowledge, using some of the best facilities in the UK. You’ll work on exciting projects and have hands-on experience in labs like Europe’s most advanced earthquake simulator, helping you see how structures behave in real life.

What You’ll Get Hands-On Experience With:

  • Work in modern labs testing different materials, soils, and water systems to understand how they perform

  • Use professional software tools that engineers use every day for analysis, design, and surveying

  • Join group projects where you tackle genuine engineering challenges, including sustainable housing and future smart city designs

  • Spend a whole year working in an actual engineering company, supported by the University’s Industrial Liaison Office to make sure you get the most out of it

  • Learn key professional skills like project management, entrepreneurship, economics, and how to handle risks through workshops and training

  • Access to excellent engineering libraries and research resources to support your studies and projects

  • Mentorship and guidance from industry experts during your placement year to help you grow professionally

This mix of theory, hands-on work, and real-world experience means you’ll finish your degree confident, skilled, and ready to lead in the civil engineering world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Bristol’s MEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry program are highly sought after, stepping confidently into roles like civil engineering consultant, structural engineer, project manager, and environmental engineer. The mix of strong academic knowledge and real-world work experience prepares you well for a rewarding career in various sectors:

  • The University’s Careers Service provides tailored support such as CV advice, interview preparation, and exclusive networking events with top engineering employers.

  • Civil engineering graduates typically earn around £30,000 within 15 months after finishing their degree, showing strong career prospects.

  • The program benefits from strong university-industry partnerships, offering students valuable placement opportunities with leading engineering firms, construction companies, utility providers, and public transport organizations.

  • The degree is accredited by professional bodies including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), which helps you on the path to becoming a Chartered Engineer.

  • Graduates find work in consulting, construction, utilities, environmental management, and infrastructure development.

Further Academic Progression:
After your degree, you can continue developing your skills and knowledge by pursuing a master’s or PhD in specialised fields of civil engineering or related subjects. This is also a strong stepping stone toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, as further learning combined with work experience fulfills professional accreditation requirements.

Program Key Stats

£30400 (Annual cost)
£9535
£ 29

Jan Intake : 30th JunSept Intake : 21st Sep


59 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

A*AA
3.4
38
90

1290
N/A
6.5
92

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Site Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Transportation Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Water Resources Engineer
  • Construction Project Engineer
  • Urban Planner
  • Civil Design Engineer
  • Quantity Surveyor
  • Project Manager
  • Building Services Engineer
  • Infrastructure Engineer
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Researcher/Academic

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