MSc Civil Engineering (Digital Construction)

The MSc Civil Engineering (Digital Construction) at the University of Exeter gives students the opportunity to develop practical skills in the digital technologies reshaping the construction and infrastructure industries. Through project-based learning, computer simulations, research activities and industry-focused applications, you will learn how to use modern digital approaches such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, virtual reality, drone surveying and structural monitoring to solve real engineering challenges. The programme combines academic learning with access to specialist engineering facilities and advanced digital tools, helping you gain the practical confidence needed for a career in modern civil engineering.

Students gain practical experience through specialist facilities, digital tools and research environments, including:

• Develop practical knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM), drone surveying, computational design and Virtual Reality technologies used in modern construction and infrastructure projects.

• Explore the use of Digital Twins and Structural Health Monitoring systems to understand how real-time data can improve the safety, performance and maintenance of civil structures.

• Apply digital engineering techniques through modules such as Digital Mapping and Survey, Digital Design and Virtual Reality in Construction, Digital Structural Analysis, and Smart Civil Structures.

• Use computer simulations, digital modelling techniques and data-driven approaches to analyse engineering problems and develop innovative construction solutions.

• Access the University of Exeter’s Structures Laboratory, which supports civil engineering research through specialist testing equipment, structural monitoring technologies and advanced analysis facilities.

• Work with engineering software and modelling tools including ANSYS, ARTeMIS, FE-Map, LUSAS, MATLAB and SIMULINK for structural analysis, simulation and data processing.

• Benefit from Exeter Engineering facilities, including fabrication laboratories, materials laboratories, electronics laboratories, imaging facilities and specialist research spaces that support practical engineering development.

• Complete an MSc Dissertation, allowing you to investigate a real digital construction or civil engineering challenge while developing independent research and problem-solving skills.

• Learn in a research-led environment where academics contribute to developments in digital construction, computational engineering and sustainable infrastructure technologies.

• Gain industry exposure through opportunities such as an industrial placement route, where available, allowing students to apply their digital engineering skills in a professional environment.

The MSc Civil Engineering (Digital Construction) at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for careers at the forefront of the construction industry’s digital transformation. By combining civil engineering knowledge with advanced technologies such as BIM, digital twins, computational modelling and digital project management, the programme helps students develop the skills needed for modern infrastructure and construction roles. Graduates can pursue careers as Digital Construction Engineers, BIM Managers, Civil Engineers, Infrastructure Engineers, Construction Technology Consultants, and Digital Project Managers.

The programme supports your journey from postgraduate study into a successful career through a range of employability opportunities:

• Access support from the University of Exeter Career Zone, which provides personalised career advice, employability workshops, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, employer events and resources to help students achieve their career goals.

• Benefit from Exeter’s strong reputation among employers, with the university maintaining connections with a wide range of national and international organisations and providing opportunities for students to engage with industry.

• Gain practical industry experience through the optional MSc Industrial Placement, allowing you to apply digital construction knowledge in a professional setting and understand how engineering solutions are developed and implemented in real projects.

• Develop specialist skills valued by employers in areas such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, smart infrastructure, computational design, digital surveying and sustainable construction, preparing you for opportunities across engineering consultancies, construction companies and technology-driven organisations.

• Learn from academics and industry professionals who bring current research and professional expertise into the programme, helping you understand the latest developments in digital engineering and infrastructure innovation.

• Build long-term career value by gaining expertise in digital construction methods that are becoming increasingly important across the global built environment sector.

• Strengthen transferable skills in project management, teamwork, communication, data analysis, problem-solving and independent research, which are essential for progression into leadership and specialist engineering roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Civil Engineering (Digital Construction), graduates can continue their studies through a PhD or doctoral research programme in areas such as digital construction, smart infrastructure, sustainable engineering, computational modelling, artificial intelligence in engineering and data-driven infrastructure management. The research experience gained through the MSc dissertation provides a strong foundation for students interested in advanced research careers in universities, engineering research centres or innovation-focused industries.