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The MEng Civil Engineering at the University of Manchester is a four-year degree designed for creative problem-solvers ready to design, build, and improve the world’s infrastructure. This program is ideal for those passionate about engineering challenges, sustainability, and shaping how communities live and thrive, offering deep technical knowledge alongside hands-on learning and industry connections.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, you’ll lay strong foundations with essential topics like Mathematics for Civil Engineers, Structural Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Surveying. Practical labs and introductory engineering design projects enhance real-world understanding while building critical problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Year 2
The second year introduces more advanced modules such as Analysis of Structures, Soil Mechanics, and Construction Materials. You'll also explore Hydraulics and get your first taste of Project Management, broadening both your technical expertise and leadership abilities through collaborative design projects.
Year 3
Year three is where you can tailor your learning through a choice of optional units, diving deeper into areas like Renewable Energy Systems, Fire Engineering, or Computational Hydraulics. A major highlight is the individual research project, where you’ll investigate an emerging topic in civil engineering and hone your independent thinking and innovation.
Year 4
The final year brings advanced civil engineering design modules (such as Water Engineering) and culminates in an industry-supervised group design project. This year is all about integrating knowledge, developing leadership, and working closely with external partners to solve genuine engineering problems and prepare for professional practice.
Focus Areas
Learning Outcomes
Critical analysis, project leadership, practical design, technical innovation, communication, social and environmental responsibility
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
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), providing a complete academic base for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Ranked Top Five for civil engineering in the UK (QS World Rankings 2024) and named one of the most sought-after universities by top graduate employers (THE Graduate Market, 2024).
Students in the MEng Civil Engineering programme at the University of Manchester develop practical skills through immersive, hands-on learning and access to some of the UK’s most advanced engineering facilities. Throughout the course, practical design projects, industry-standard digital tools, and laboratory experiences ensure that students gain real-world experience, preparing them for careers at the forefront of civil engineering. Whether in the lab, on site, or working alongside industry partners, Manchester’s students graduate with confidence, technical expertise, and a problem-solving mindset — all shaped by the university’s commitment to innovation and professional readiness.
Here’s what sets the experiential learning at Manchester apart:
State-of-the-art facilities, including wave flumes, geotechnics centrifuge, concrete and materials testing labs, and advanced 3D laser scanners for surveying, all housed within the Engineering and Materials Building.
Dedicated National Instruments Teaching Laboratory, Hydraulic Labs, Heavy Structures Laboratory, and the National Graphene Institute support experimental research and testing.
Annual team-based design projects are embedded into every year, building collaborative and project management skills while tackling real civil engineering challenges.
Individual research project in the third year, allowing students to investigate emerging civil engineering topics with direct supervision from experts.
Industry-supervised group design project in the final year, developed in partnership with professional engineers to solve genuine engineering problems.
Access to industry-standard software and digital engineering tools, developing skills directly aligned with professional practice.
Surveying fieldwork and practical sessions that introduce students to advanced measurement and digital mapping tools.
Opportunities to take part in field trips, site visits, and placements with leading companies due to the School’s strong industry connections.
Supportive resources including the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, specialist engineering libraries, and vibrant student engineering societies
Graduates of the University of Manchester’s MEng Civil Engineering programme consistently find themselves in high-demand roles where they can make a real impact on society and the environment. Typical careers include Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager, and Consulting Engineer, all with great opportunities to engage in sustainable infrastructure development and innovative design. Career success is supported by comprehensive university resources and strong industry connections:
The award-winning University Careers Service offers tailored advice on career pathways, graduate jobs, internships, and postgraduate study, alongside career events and company visits coordinated by the School of Engineering.
According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey (2021), 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months, with the median starting salary about £29,600.
Partnerships with leading employers such as Arup, Atkins, AECOM, Buro Happold, Mott MacDonald and Network Rail enhance student placement opportunities and industry engagement.
The course satisfies the full educational base required for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, which carries significant long-term career benefits and professional recognition.
Graduates leave with skills in technical design, project leadership, problem-solving, sustainability, and communication, making them stand out to employers globally.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MEng program, students can deepen their expertise by pursuing postgraduate study such as an MSc or PhD in specialized fields of civil engineering, environmental engineering, or construction management. Additionally, many graduates choose to professionalize further by completing Chartered Engineer (CEng) accreditation through the Institution of Civil Engineers or pursue MBAs and related business qualifications to combine technical prowess with leadership skills
AAA including Mathematics and Physics and one other subject.AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.In IB 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics and one other subject.A minimum GPA of 3.0, preferably 3.3 or above.Fire Protection Engineering ConsultantResearchCorporate Fire Protection EngineerSafety EngineerStructural fire engineering
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University of Manchester
