Overview
Become the best you can be in the construction industry with an accredited Master’s in Civil Engineering from Coventry University.
The Civil Engineering MSc is offered to UK civil engineering and cognate science/engineering graduates seeking a professional qualification as Chartered Engineers.
The Civil Engineering (Technical Route) MSc is available for holders of an overseas bachelor’s degree or a UK bachelor’s degree accredited as the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), for example a BSc in Civil Engineering or cognate science/engineering disciplines, for those seeking a professional qualification as Chartered Engineers through a ‘Technical Route’.
The courses are designed to develop high-level knowledge and wide-ranging understanding of the planning, design, construction and operation of civil engineering works, exploring the traditional and innovative practices behind iconic constructions such as Wembley stadium. They also aim to provide students with practical knowledge and innovative strides applicable to strategic management of construction and engineering projects, including relevant importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction project management. A technical focused MSc research project is mandatory for students enrolled on the Civil Engineering (Technical Route) MSc course.
These highly practical courses are delivered with input from industry to help you establish or advance your career in the construction industry. Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), the courses meet the educational base for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and successful completion provides automatic progression for holders of an accredited Bachelor’s degree.
Further information can be found on the Engineering Council’s website.
Work placement option
This master's programme provides you with the additional option to apply for a 'work placement' opportunity during your first semester with us. The 'work placement' is designed to further develop your skills, knowledge and professional experience with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Find out more about the work placement pathway.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. For courses due to start in September 2020, in light of Covid-19, we are currently preparing for courses to be delivered in a variety of forms, subject to Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority will be staff and student safety.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation & Professional Recognition
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.*
*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.
Institution of Civil Engineers
The Institution of Structural Engineers
The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
Institute of Highway Engineers
Chartered Management Institute
As part of this course you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2020-21 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Further details can be found under the ‘course detail’ tab and on the Professional Development module homepage.
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. Whilst Coventry University anticipates that these reviews will continue to be successful, if they were to be unsuccessful, the relevant module in this course would no longer be accredited and we would notify applicants and students of this change as soon as possible.
Course information
You will have the opportunity to learn the laboratory testing procedures and technics used to assess material and structural performance, using modern and upgraded loading equipment automated with data loggers, saturated and unsaturated stress path soil testing apparatus and commercial civil engineering material mixing and synthesising equipment.
The courses culminate in a research project, during which you should be able to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired so far from your academic training on real structural problems.
The courses include the Consulting Professional Development module developed in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
Coventry University offers modern facilities in our High Performance Engineering Centre, including construction site management simulation. We have links with industry and the course is developed and delivered by academic lecturers and guest speakers in collaboration with civil engineering employers, such as Underground Professional Services and Morgan Sindall.
The courses are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and practices, together with methods used to analyse, design, construct and manage construction projects proficiently.
From concept to construction, we aim to cover the technical skills required to analyse, design and develop sound solutions to civil engineering projects. Using case studies, practical sessions, simulation labs and site visits to live projects, you will apply engineering principles and use computer modelling techniques to analyse complex engineering systems, gaining valuable experience of the work you will carry out in an industrial context. Past projects have included the Severn Trent building and the Coventry A45/A46 by-pass.
- Home to the Coventry University Simulation Centre.
- In-depth modules covering a range of structural concepts to management and contract issues.
- Expert visiting lecture programme which in the past has featured the chairman of Geotechnical Ltd.
- High levels of student satisfaction, 89%, above the sector average of 82% (2016 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey PTES).
- Study in our state-of-the-art £50m Engineering and Computing building, which features our High Performance Engineering Centre incorporating teaching rooms, computer rooms, presentation and conference rooms, desk top PCs on all floors and laboratories.
Our main study themes are:
- Soil-structure Interaction: Aims to share the technical knowledge and skills to develop the analytical, decision-making and critical powers required to solve soil-structure interaction problems with ground engineering, along with the transferrable skills to enable a leading career in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering).
- Connection Design: Aims to extend your previously acquired knowledge of steel and timber structures to help you tackle structural designs of greater complexity. You will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of design techniques for complex steel and timber connections, as well as demonstrate expertise in their application.
- Bridge Engineering: Aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of motorway bridge design and management. We emphasise design and execution for durability as an integrated concept, which links deck design with other bridge components, such as bearings, parapet and drainage system for inspection, corrosion protection and economical fabrication/erection. The design of medium span composite decks is also covered in more detail.
- Construction Contracts and Law: You will have the opportunity to learn to apply one of the main standard forms of construction contracts to real situations. You can also gain some understanding of contract law and negligence as they affect the construction professional together with an awareness of the options for procuring construction projects, including the client and project factors that influence the choice of an appropriate contract strategy.
The courses can be studied on a one-year full-time basis or over two years part-time. Each module consists of five days of tuition spanning over two weeks (Monday to Wednesday in the first week, and Thursday and Friday in the second week), followed by independent study and completion of assessments.
You will also have the opportunity to be given training in research methods to prepare you for the Integrated Project and individual Research Project.
The Integrated Project is normally team-based and investigates a real engineering problem. In the past, students have revaluated the £55-60 million projects at the Coventry A45/A46 By-pass and the I54 Wolverhampton Junction Technopark.
Partners such as Underground Professional Services, currently involved in HS2 rail projects, often suggest research topics for our MSc students. For example, one such project is on the method of monitoring strength gain in sprayed concrete at the tunnel’s crown, comparing thermal imaging (SMUTI) and penetrometer methods.
You may have the opportunity to attend Midlands Civil/Structural Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers workshops and visit constructions sites organised in conjunction with industry partners. You will also be invited to special visiting researcher seminars and talks. Workshops and field trips may be subject to additional costs and are subject to availability.
Assessment includes examinations, written tests, computer modelling work, your thesis and coursework, consisting of analysis and evaluation of a number of laboratory exercises, case study assignments and projects.
- Coursework/ Practical work: 42%
- Formal examinations: 22%
- Individual Dissertation/Group project: 36%
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge and wide-ranging understanding of health, safety & environment principles and legal framework within which the construction industry operates, and undertake full ethical and professional responsibilities in the discharge of their duties.
- Apply in-depth knowledge and detailed understanding of structural and hydrological analysis, hydraulic design, innovative construction and maintenance techniques to civil engineering infrastructure.
- Apply innovative and advanced computational methods and simulation tools to model and analyse complex civil engineering and environmental systems.
- Apply wide-ranging understanding of experimental, analytical & numerical techniques for investigative studies in hydrological, environmental & geotechnical engineering.
- Apply detailed understanding in proposal development and writing; use innovative knowledge in sourcing, analysing and presenting data; and apply research methodologies to undertake independent investigation and academic writing of a specialised topic.
- Develop personal abilities in teamwork, leadership and communication.
- Apply corporate strategy and systems theory to the management of projects in engineering and construction industry.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongs tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures).
In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 16 contact hours per week.
Civil engineering is a global industry and this course has attracted students from around the world, including Europe, China, Africa, India, Brunei, Malaysia and the Middle East, providing a multicultural learning experience.
The content of these courses incorporate international field trips* and continuously refers to the international context in which civil engineering takes place, drawing on case studies such as the collapse in 1940 of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the design and construction of the new twin suspension bridges over the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound in Pierce County, Washington.
As part of the Global Professional Development module, you will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of international, cultural and ethical issues, coupled with the principles of consultancy and the theories and practices found in leadership. We will also draw on best practice transport projects from around the world.
*Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa requirements.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2016/17, we were able to provide a total of 3,482 student experiences abroad that lasted at least five.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni (HESA 2016/17)
3,482
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2016/17
21,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally so far
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
Course essentials – additional costs
Field trips may be subject to additional costs. Students are also expected to be equipped with appropriate fieldwork clothing and footwear.Subject to a successful application for the optional work placement, a £4000 placement fee is payable in semester two.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The construction sector is one of the largest employers in the UK and demand is strong for civil engineering graduates. These courses are ideal for those seeking deeper and more advanced knowledge in a broad range of subjects for employment within the public and private sector as graduate engineers, or if you wish to pursue an academic or research-orientated career.
The courses aim to keep you up-to-date with current events and the latest, leading-edge industry innovations through opportunities to visit facilities and hear from leading industry figures. These visits are a great way to interact with potential employers and have recently included I54 Wolverhampton Junction Technopark.*
If you are already working within the profession, the courses provide an opportunity to enhance previously acquired knowledge with latest issues and technological advances. For example, all design-related modules are taught in accordance with the new Eurocodes. In addition, we employ civil and structural engineering software, such as ANSYS and MIDAS for teaching and learning; you are also able to download these computer applications to undertake your coursework.
As a postgraduate student, you can also receive support from our faculty’s employability and placement unit the Talent Team, which won the ‘Best Placement Service in the UK’ award at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards in 2015 and 2016.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
*Please note that all field trips may be subject to additional costs, competitive application and availability.
Where our graduates work
Some of our graduates have gone on to work for Jacobs, Atkins and AECOM as structural/civil engineers. You could also move into construction, design, project management or go on to pursue an academic or research-oriented career.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
