
Civil Engineering - MSc
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry.
The MSc Civil Engineering prepares students for the highest level of achievement in Civil Engineering and beyond. It provides a broad coverage of the State-of-the-Art in contemporary Civil Engineering research and practice, equipping graduates with the skills needed to succeed in the contemporary marketplace.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award MSc
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
This course is:
Overview
The MSc Civil Engineering prepares students for the highest level of achievement in Civil Engineering and beyond. It provides a broad coverage of the State-of-the-Art in contemporary Civil Engineering research and practice, equipping graduates with the skills needed to succeed in the contemporary marketplace.
What's covered in this course?
The course covers a range of topics that define contemporary Civil Engineering practice and prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow. Emphasis is paid on key areas such as Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, and Hydrology and Water Engineering. As graduates are expected to develop their careers in leading roles in the industry, construction and project management aspects are also covered. Finally, the defining issues of 21st century Civil Engineering, sustainability and engineering for extreme climate events, are given particular prominence throughout the course.
The MSc Civil Engineering is primarily aimed at candidates with an educational and/or professional background in Civil Engineering, such as a BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering or an associated discipline. In addition, candidates with an educational background in other engineering or science fields, architecture, or construction will be considered, subject to an entrance exam and/or interview.
The teaching staff are all highly experienced academics, with internationally recognised research profiles and/or substantial industry experience. The course is supported by guest speakers from leading consultants & contractors, local government, professional bodies, and research institutions. We are able to draw on Birmingham’s privileged position as a construction hub and the major building and infrastructure projects taking place in the area, to provide hands-on knowledge and experience.
The MSc Civil Engineering is taught in the prestigious £114m Millennium Point building, while our laboratory facilities are brand new and reflect the state-of-the-art in research and professional practice. We are located at BCU’s City Centre Campus, an inspirational place to learn benefiting from Birmingham’s Big City Plan, which is leading the regeneration and development of Britain’s Second City, including HS2, the biggest infrastructure project in the UK. The major works taking place in the Birmingham area means that the opportunities of learning and career development for a Civil Engineer are unmatched!
Tailor your degree
The Professional Placement version of the course is optional and is offered as an alternative to the standard version of the course. This will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
I began my MSc Civil Engineering studies at BCU at the beginning of the pandemic. As an international student, I adjusted to the new circumstances fast because of the excellent communication and friendship in the Civil Engineering Group. The course material was excellent preparation for both working in industry and pursuing PhD-level research. After my studies, I remained at BCU and I now work here as a Civil Engineering Technician.
Mohammed Kianifar – Alumnus
Why Choose Us?
- State-of-the-art course content - Incorporating the latest in research and industry practice. Study in our brand-new laboratory facilities.
- A strong foundation for leadership roles - Wide coverage of Civil Engineering at Masters level, providing a strong foundation for progression into leadership roles.
- Study at the heart of Britain’s Second City - Some of the UK’s most exciting infrastructure projects such as HS2, are taking place right on our doorstep.
- A well-established provider - The faculty has a reputation as the West Midlands' chief hub of knowledge, technology and skills-transfer into industry. The course is supported by dedicated teaching staff and expert industry speakers.
- Responds to current industry challenges - This course covers defining issues of the 21st century including sustainability and extreme climate events.
- Travel Scholarships - Opportunities to secure funding to gain experience overseas. Read about travel scholarships here.
OPEN DAY
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person, hear from our trailblazing academics and explore our innovative £340m facilities.
Next Event: 26 November 2023
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
A good UK honours degree at 2:2 or above/equivalent in surveying, construction, civil engineering, real estate or any other construction subject |
We will also consider other qualifications and suitable work based experience on an individual basis. You may be asked to attend a selection interview. |
Additional information for EU/International students
Essential |
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Non-EU students need to demonstrate a good command of English. IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is needed before they can enrol in this programme. |
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement*
- £10,175 in 2023/24
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £16,870 in 2023/24
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement*
- £18,557 in 2023/24
Professional Placement option*
The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will also benefit from support sessions delivered by Careers+ as well as advice and guidance from your School.
Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course. All students who do not find a suitable placement or do not pass the competitive selection process will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Personal statement
You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
Not sure what to include? We’re here to help – take a look at our top tips for writing personal statements and download our free postgraduate personal statement guide for further advice and examples from real students.
Course in Depth
Module
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
In the 21st century, Civil Engineering research and practice will be affected substantially by the Climate Emergency. Current research suggests that changing climate patterns will bring substantial challenges for Civil Engineers: phenomena that used to be considered rare of extraordinary will become much more common. At the same time, the internationalisation of Civil Engineering as a discipline is likely to continue. As such, the 21st Civil Engineer will need to be able to design for events currently considered extreme.
Structural Engineering is a core aspect of Civil Engineering practice. Contemporary structural engineers have to deal with a range of challenges: they need to be able to design in a range of materials, applying highly complex design codes, and taking into account a number of technoeconomic parameters outside the conventional design principles.
This module explores various methods of project management within the context of construction. It explores the practical aspects of the development and construction process and in particular, those areas over which a Project Manager would expect to have some control. Themes such as specifications, programming, costing, stakeholder, risk and project control are addressed towards providing practical solutions. This module focuses on the practical skills needed for a project manager to effectively manage a construction project.
Contemporary civil engineering design is a complex, multi-disciplinary process, covering a wide range of building and infrastructure typologies, and relying on a synthesis of the specialist skills of a great number of individuals. Simultaneously, design solutions needs to be communicated appropriately to clients, with detailed justifications of the choices made and the factors that informed them.
The programme philosophy seeks to respond to a changing employment market and to the changing requirements of the construction industry. Its aim is to give you a broad yet rigorous grounding in the fundamentals of organising and managing construction projects. This module is consistent with this philosophy as it discusses the reality of construction activities which have a long-lasting effect on the environment therefore sustainable and environmentally sound construction methods and innovative management practices are needed.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed Level 7 project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying and informed by the research strategy of your school, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
Professional Placement
In order to qualify for the award of MSc Civil Engineering with Professional Placement, a student must successfully complete all of the Level 7 modules listed above as well as the following Level 6 module:
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 20-week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree.
The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Download course specification
Download nowThe course is delivered via a series of lectures, tutorials, case studies and project work. The assessment is by portfolio exercises, reports, presentations and a dissertation.
Employability
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities
The facility our students value most is not actually on campus, but is the location of the campus in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside opposite the new High Speed 2 station construction, and minutes from dozens of fascinating live projects within the city centre.
Birmingham as it changes constantly on our doorstep really is our ‘living lab’. By simply looking out the window of our classrooms you’ll be able to witness live projects as they’re happening around us. You’ll constantly be inspired by dozens of fascinating case studies just from walking from the station to the campus.
The facilities on offer to our students reflect the work environment you will enter as you start your career. Learn more about what we have to offer below.
Our staff
Mohammad Salami
Assistant Lecturer
Mohammad graduated from Arak Azad University, Iran, with a BSc in Civil Engineering in 2007. He undertook a Master’s programme (Geotechnical Engineering) and obtained his MSc in Civil Engineering in 2010. After one year in industry, working in structural design, he decided to continue his education and started his PhD research at the University of...
More about MohammadDr Ehsan Ahmadi
Lecturer in Civil Engineering
Prior to working at BCU, Ehsan was a Research and Teaching Fellow within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at UoS, and worked as a PhD Researcher and Teaching Associate in Structural Engineering at Monash University, Australia
More about EhsanMr Panagiotis Patlakas
Panagiotis is a structural engineer with further qualifications in architecture and a strong interest in information technology. His research interests cover a range of topics in these fields, such as structural timber design, digital civil engineering, and sustainability. He is particularly interested in the development of software technologies to...
More about PanagiotisDr Hong Xiao
Senior Lecturer
Hong obtained his BEng in Industrial and Civil Buildings in 1985, and MSc in Construction Management in 1988 from Hunan University, China. He lectured there until 1998. He came to Britain in 1998 as an academic visitor sponsored by the Chinese Government, and then began his PhD study at the University of Wolverhampton. His PhD research...
More about Hong