MEng Civil and Structural Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year

This programme offers the ultimate combination of academic excellence and extended professional experience, creating exceptionally employable graduates who are ready to lead from day one. You'll begin by mastering practical skills in our world-class Diamond Building and PAMIR research laboratories, working with industry-standard equipment that prepares you to make an immediate impact during your industrial placement. The cornerstone of your degree is your salaried placement year, where you'll apply your advanced knowledge within a leading engineering company, gaining invaluable industry insight and building a professional network that will launch your career.

Here’s how you’ll gain unparalleled practical experience:

• The Industrial Placement Year: You will spend your third year on a paid placement with a major company like Arup, Atkins, Jacobs, or Mott MacDonald, working on significant projects and developing professional competencies that enhance your final year studies.

• Advanced Engineering Software: You'll master sophisticated tools including Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM), ABAQUS for finite element analysis, and Plaxis for geotechnical design, making you highly valuable to your placement employer.

• The Sheffield Advanced Design Project: In your final year, you'll lead a research-intensive group project tackling complex, industry-relevant challenges, applying the professional experience gained during your placement.

• PAMIR Research Laboratories: You'll conduct experiments in our pioneering facilities, which include a 3D concrete printer and smart structures testing equipment, giving you research experience that sets you apart.

• Large-Scale Structures Laboratory: You'll work in our heavy structures lab featuring a strong floor and reaction wall for testing full-scale structural components before your placement.

• Industry Collaboration: Many university projects involve direct partnership with leading companies, providing valuable professional networking before, during, and after your placement year.

• Dedicated Placement Support: The University's Careers Service provides specialised support to help you secure your placement, including application reviews, interview practice, and exclusive access to opportunities with partner companies.

• Research-Led Learning: You'll work alongside world-leading researchers in our Centre for Energy and Infrastructure Ground Research, gaining exposure to cutting-edge civil engineering challenges that enhance your industry value.

Sheffield civil engineering graduates are highly sought after worldwide. With a strong balance of technical knowledge and real-world experience, many move into careers as Chartered Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Project Managers, or Transport Planners. The industrial placement year adds real depth to your CV, often leading directly to graduate offers from placement employers.

Here’s what strengthens your career prospects at Sheffield:

• Targeted Careers & Placement Support
  You’ll benefit from the Faculty of Engineering Industrial Placement Year team and the University’s Careers Service, who provide one-to-one coaching, CV advice, interview preparation, and dedicated placement events. You’ll also receive support while on placement, including regular tutor contact and mid-placement visits.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures
  According to the Graduate Outcomes survey 2020–21, 91% of engineering graduates from Sheffield were in highly skilled employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. Typical civil engineering starting salaries range from £26,000–£30,000, rising significantly with Chartered Engineer status.

• Strong Industry Partnerships
  Sheffield students regularly secure placements and graduate jobs with top firms such as Arup, AECOM, Atkins, Buro Happold, Kier, and Mott MacDonald. These partnerships also shape teaching and research, ensuring your learning stays aligned with real industry needs.

• Accreditation with Lasting Value
  The MEng is fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)—covering ICE, IStructE, CIHT, and IHE—meeting the academic requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng). This accreditation is recognised globally, giving your degree long-term value in international job markets.

• Proven Graduate Outcomes
  Sheffield is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Civil Engineering and part of a Russell Group university where 96% of research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). Employers know that Sheffield graduates bring not only technical expertise but also leadership, sustainability awareness, and problem-solving skills.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MEng, you’ll be fully prepared for advanced study and professional development. Many graduates progress to PhD research in areas such as sustainable infrastructure, earthquake engineering, or transport innovation. Others pursue specialist postgraduate programmes in flood risk management, construction project leadership, or geotechnical engineering. With your accredited MEng, you’ll also be well on the pathway to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status—unlocking senior roles and international opportunities.