Enter OTP
The University of Portsmouth’s MEng Civil Engineering is a comprehensive program that prepares students to design, construct, and manage vital infrastructure supporting buildings, transportation, and flood defenses. It’s ideal for students who want to blend advanced technical expertise with leadership, project management, and sustainable engineering skills, setting them on the path to become Chartered Engineers.
Curriculum structure
Year 1: Students gain foundational knowledge through Engineering Mathematics, Structural Mechanics, and Civil Engineering Design Project 1. These modules develop core analytical, design, and practical skills for future study.
Year 2: Learning progresses with Structural Analysis and Design, Geotechnical Engineering, and Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics. Laboratory and fieldwork activities link theory to real-world engineering applications.
Year 3: Students advance to Steel and Concrete Design, Soil Mechanics, and Transportation Engineering. Group design projects foster teamwork, problem-solving, and applied engineering skills.
Year 4: Advanced modules include Water Resources Engineering, Sustainable Construction, and Geotechnical Design. An Individual Research Project allows students to demonstrate independent research and professional-level competence.
Year 5: The final year focuses on leadership and innovation with a Multi-Disciplinary Design Project and specialist modules such as Advanced Structural Engineering, Finite Element Analysis, and Sustainable Infrastructure, preparing graduates for chartership and professional practice.
Focus areas
Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water and environmental engineering, construction management, project leadership.
Learning outcomes
Develop expertise in engineering design and analysis; manage civil projects with sustainability and safety in focus; use advanced digital tools; communicate professionally; and lead engineering teams.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
Fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation), meeting educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (employability rankings)
Portsmouth is highly regarded for civil engineering, with excellent student satisfaction and graduate employability, supported by strong industry partnerships and opportunities for placements and international study
This MEng programme is designed to transform you into a future industry leader through exceptional hands-on experience that bridges advanced theory with professional practice. You'll have access to our outstanding facilities in the Anglesea Building, which houses our advanced structures laboratory, hydraulics research equipment, and geotechnics testing centre that mirrors professional industry standards.
Here’s how you’ll gain advanced practical experience:
Advanced Engineering Software: You'll master sophisticated tools including Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM), ABAQUS for finite element analysis, and Plaxis for advanced geotechnical design, preparing you for complex engineering challenges.
Portsmouth Major Design Project: A highlight of your final year is this research-intensive group project where you'll tackle complex, industry-relevant challenges, developing crucial leadership and innovative problem-solving skills.
Structures Research Laboratory: You'll conduct experiments in our heavy structures lab featuring strong floors and modern loading frames for testing full-scale structural components and systems.
Hydraulics Research Laboratory: You'll use advanced wave generation equipment and flow channels to model complex environmental processes and test hydraulic structures.
Geotechnical Research Centre: You'll work with advanced soil testing equipment including triaxial cells and consolidation apparatus for investigating ground engineering principles.
Graduates are equipped for senior roles in civil and structural engineering, construction management, and infrastructure design, with positions such as Structural Engineer, Project Manager, Geotechnical Engineer, and Transportation Engineer. The program’s advanced curriculum and professional accreditation ensure strong employability:
Career support via Portsmouth’s Careers and Employability Service and the School of Engineering’s employer network.
95% of engineering graduates secure work or further study within 15 months, with starting salaries around £28,000–£36,000.
Industry links with firms such as Balfour Beatty, Atkins, and Mott MacDonald provide placement and employment opportunities.
Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), supporting progression to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Graduates contribute to sustainable infrastructure projects nationally and internationally.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may pursue a PhD in Civil or Structural Engineering or specialist postgraduate study in Sustainable Infrastructure, Environmental Engineering, or Construction Management.
UCAS points - 120-128 points from 2 or 3 A levelsA levels - ABB-BBB, to include a relevant subject- Further Mathematics; Mathematics; Statistics; Physics.International Baccalaureate - 27-28India- Admission to undergraduate programs requires a minimum average of 75% in State Board exams or 70% in Central Board exams, along with strong grades in relevant subjects.USA- AP-544-444, composite score of 28, 1200 in SAT Reasoning (combined) and 3 SAT subject tests at scores of 650, 600, 600English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.TOEFL: 79 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing.GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or abovePlacement option is available. Agricultural Engineering TechnicianAir Pollution Field TechnicianArchitecturalEngineering TechnologistsTechnicians Supervisor
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 Portsmouth
