BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

The University of Plymouth’s BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering is a nationally respected degree designed for students passionate about designing infrastructure that keeps coastal communities safe and sustainable. This program is perfect for those who want to gain specialist expertise in both civil engineering and the unique challenges of coastal environments, ensuring strong employability in a world facing climate and environmental change.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Students gain foundational skills in Engineering Mathematics, Civil Engineering Design Project 1, and Surveying. These modules develop analytical, design, and practical skills essential for engineering practice.

Year 2: The focus shifts to applied civil engineering with Structural Analysis and Design, Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics, and Geotechnics. Practical labs and fieldwork link theory to real-world coastal and civil systems.

Year 3: Students advance to Coastal Engineering, Concrete Structures, and Soil Mechanics. Group design projects strengthen teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving in coastal and structural contexts.

Focus areas

Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic and coastal engineering, flood risk management, water resources, coastal processes, sustainability.

Learning outcomes

Design and analyse both inland and coastal infrastructure; apply technical and digital skills in real-world contexts; solve problems in coastal protection, water management, and sustainability; communicate complex solutions; and manage projects responsibly.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, Institute of Highway Engineers), meeting the requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Plymouth boasts outstanding graduate employability, with most graduates securing relevant roles or progressing to postgraduate study within months. The program is supported by research-active, Chartered Engineer faculty and strong industry ties, providing both recognition and career security.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is uniquely designed to give you hands-on experience at the intersection of civil engineering and coastal environments, preparing you to tackle some of the most pressing challenges related to coastal infrastructure and climate resilience. You'll have access to our world-class facilities in the Marine Building, which houses the Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport (COAST) Laboratory, one of the UK's most advanced facilities for modelling coastal and ocean processes.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, industry-relevant experience:

Specialist Coastal Engineering Software: You'll gain proficiency in tools including AutoCAD for design, Revit for BIM, and specialised coastal modelling software such as MIKE by DHI or TELEMAC for simulating waves, currents, and sediment transport.
Plymouth Coastal Design Projects: A key feature of your degree is the series of group design projects focused on coastal challenges, such as sea defence design, harbour development, or beach management schemes.
COAST Laboratory: You'll conduct experiments in our state-of-the-art wave basin and flumes, capable of generating complex wave conditions (waves, currents, wind) to test coastal structures and study coastal processes.
Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use our flow channels and wave generation equipment to model nearshore hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and the interaction between structures and water.
Geotechnical Engineering Equipment: You'll test soil properties, particularly those of coastal and marine sediments, using our advanced geotechnical testing apparatus, gaining insight into foundation design in dynamic environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in civil, structural, and coastal engineering, with roles such as Coastal Engineer, Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, and Project Manager. The program’s combination of practical experience and professional accreditation enhances employability:

Career support via Plymouth’s Careers and Employability Service and the School of Engineering’s industry networks.
95% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months, with starting salaries of £28,000–£35,000.
Industry links with Balfour Beatty, Royal HaskoningDHV, and the Environment Agency provide placements and employment opportunities.
Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), supporting progression to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Graduates contribute to sustainable infrastructure and coastal resilience projects globally.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue a PhD in Civil or Coastal Engineering or specialist postgraduate programs in Marine Engineering, Sustainable Infrastructure, or Environmental Engineering.