Enter OTP
The MEng Civil Engineering with Study Abroad program at the University of Bristol is perfect for students who are curious, creative, and eager to design sustainable infrastructure like bridges, transport networks, and water systems that shape the world. This course gives you the chance to not only dive deep into engineering here at Bristol but also gain valuable international experience by studying abroad for a year, broadening your perspective both professionally and personally.
Curriculum Structure
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in core areas like maths, structures, soil, and fluid mechanics. You’ll get hands-on from the start, with projects such as designing and building a model bridge that get you thinking like an engineer right away. Key modules include Mathematics for Engineering, Structures, and Surveying and Computing.
Your second year digs deeper into materials like steel and concrete, geotechnical engineering, and water systems. You’ll take on practical design projects focused on real-world challenges, including sustainability. Some standout modules here are Structural Materials and Design, Geotechnical Engineering, and Water Engineering.
The third year is your adventure abroad—a chance to study at a partner university in another country. This gives you fresh insights into engineering on a global scale and a chance to experience a new culture, all while continuing your education with relevant courses and projects.
In your final year back at Bristol, you’ll work on a big individual research project and choose advanced topics that excite you—think project management, entrepreneurship, and smart city design. You’ll also team up with fellow students on design challenges inspired by real-world industry problems, like building sustainable housing or improving transport infrastructure.
Focus areas: structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, sustainable design, project management, global perspectives
Learning outcomes: design sustainable infrastructure, apply your engineering skills worldwide, carry out independent research, lead projects confidently, work well in teams, understand the business and ethical side of engineering
Professional alignment: accredited by leading bodies including ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE, and PWI, setting you up for Chartered Engineer status
Reputation: Bristol ranks among the world’s top 100 universities for civil engineering (QS), with graduates highly regarded by employers in construction, utilities, transport, and environmental sectors worldwide
When you choose the MEng Civil Engineering with Study Abroad program at the University of Bristol, you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience to really bring your learning to life. You’ll work in some amazing labs—including Europe’s most advanced earthquake simulator—where you can see exactly how different structures behave in real situations. Along the way, you’ll tackle group projects that deal with real engineering challenges, and your year abroad lets you experience engineering from a whole new perspective in another country.
Here’s what your practical learning journey will include:
Working in cutting-edge labs to test materials, structures, soils, and water systems
Using professional engineering software for design, analysis, and surveying
Collaborating on group projects focused on real-world issues like sustainable housing and transport
Spending a full year studying at a partner university overseas, gaining valuable global experience
Going on field trips and site visits to see engineering in action
Accessing great libraries and research resources to support your studies
Building professional skills in project management, entrepreneurship, economics, and risk management
Getting lots of support and advice from experienced faculty and industry experts throughout your studies and time abroad
This mix of practical work, teamwork, and international exposure will prepare you to step confidently into the world of civil engineering with real skills and global insight.
Graduating from the University of Bristol’s MEng Civil Engineering with Study Abroad program opens doors to exciting career paths like structural engineer, civil engineering consultant, project manager, and environmental engineer. The course’s blend of deep academic knowledge and global experience equips you with the skills employers are looking for across many sectors:
The University’s Careers Service offers tailored support including CV building, interview coaching, and opportunities to network with leading engineering firms.
Bristol civil engineering graduates typically earn around £30,000 within 15 months of completing their degree, showing strong job prospects.
The program benefits from robust partnerships with industry leaders, offering students internship and work placement opportunities worldwide.
This degree is professionally accredited by major bodies including ICE, IStructE, IHE, CIHT, and PWI, giving your qualification long-lasting value and a clear path toward Chartered Engineer status.
Graduates find roles in consulting, construction, public utilities, transport, renewable energy projects, and environmental management.
Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, you can deepen your expertise by pursuing a master’s or PhD in specialized civil engineering fields or related disciplines. This further study enhances your career options and supports progression to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, combining your academic credentials with practical experience.
A-level standard offer: A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and a science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Physics; and Electronics.BTEC: D*DD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent), or in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants taking Engineering BTEC may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level MathematicsClass XII Certificate with 90%+ overall and 80%+ in all required subjects (or 85% for an A at SQA Higher). CBSE Grade XII Applied Mathematics does not fulfill the Mathematics requirement. IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skillsTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. International Baccalaureate -38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics Site EngineerStructural EngineerGeotechnical EngineerTransportation EngineerEnvironmental EngineerWater Resources EngineerConstruction Project EngineerUrban PlannerCivil Design EngineerQuantity SurveyorProject ManagerBuilding Services EngineerInfrastructure EngineerSustainability ConsultantResearcher/Academic
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
University of Bristol
