Skip to main content

Undergraduate Study

MEng Civil Engineering - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code H202
Duration 4 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Engineering
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 724061

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A level: AAA
IB: 36/666
BTEC: DDD

Contextual offers

A-Level: AAC
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM

Overview

  • Help shape the future of our world by becoming a civil engineer. 
  • In your first year, you'll delve into core disciplines alongside Civil Engineering through our collaborative modules. 
  • You'll learn from experts in the field on areas aligned with our research strengths, including vibration engineering, water resource and pollution control, and construction project management. 
  • Our MEng Civil Engineering degree is designed to equip you with first-hand industry experience and insight into your role as a civil engineer through site visits and fieldwork. 
  • We will prepare you for a future career where you'll be at the forefront of creating real-world solutions. You'll learn by doing with our focus on project-based learning. 
  • Kickstart your career with opportunities to gain valuable work experience through summer placements and the 'Year in Industry' programme. You can also choose to spend a semester studying abroad.

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Top 10 in the UK for Engineering

7th for General Engineering in The Complete University Guide 2024

Top 20 in the UK for Civil Engineering

16th for Civil Engineering in The Guardian University Guide 2024 

91% of graduates in/due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation

HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21, based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled Engineering graduates

£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAA GCE AL Maths grade A and another science* subject at grade A. Candidates may offer GCE AL Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths
IB 36/666 HL 6 in Mathematics (Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretations) and HL 6 in another science subject. Applicants achieving IB Maths SL7 plus IB HL6 in Physics will also be considered.
BTEC DDD See below under 'read more' for further information
GCSE 4 or C Grade 4/C in GCSE English language
Access to HE 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable Mathematics subject area and 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in another science subject area
T-Level Distinction T-level in Design and Development for Engineering & Manufacturing only, GCE A Level Maths is still required
Contextual Offer

A-Level: AAC
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

*GCE AL/AS science includes: Biology/Human Biology**; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics.

**If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one 'science' but could count as two A-levels towards our general requirements.

BTEC Extended Diploma

Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE AL science subject, GCE AL Maths is still required: Applied Science, Aeronautical Engineering, Building Services Engineering Construction and the Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Operations and Maintenance Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Sustainability.

For any questions relating to entry requirements please contact the team via our online form or 01392 724061.

Read more

Accreditations

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

The Civil Engineering MEng, Civil Engineering with Year in Industry MEng and Civil Engineering with International Study MEng are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)* as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 5 years under each assessment exercise. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can be viewed on the Engineering Council list of accredited degrees: www.engc.org.uk/acad.

*JBM incorporates the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), and the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE).

Course content

Collaborative modules in your first year will give you a broad knowledge across all core engineering disciplines. As you progress through your degree you’ll study increasingly advanced topics aligned to our research strengths in areas such as Hydroinformatics, Conceptual Design of Buildings and Earthquake Engineering.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

The multidisciplinary ethos of the first year builds core theoretical and practical knowledge in all engineering disciplines, giving you the opportunity to transfer at the end of the first year. A year-long multidisciplinary group project provides a means of putting core knowledge into practice.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
ENG1002Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing 30
ENG1005Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project 30
ENG1006Entrepreneurship 115
ENG1007Fundamentals of Mechanics15
ENG1008Fundamentals of Materials15
ENG1009Fundamentals of Electronics15

In your second year you’ll undertake a Civil Engineering residential field course as well as being introduced to new topics such as Industry 4.0, Soil Mechanics and Structural Behaviour.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
ENG2001Civil Engineering Challenge Project30
ENG2009Modelling of Engineering Systems 15
ENG2010Soil Mechanics15
ENG2011Solid Mechanics15
ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 215
ENG2012Structural Behaviour15
ENG2006Industry 4.015

By the third year you will have selected two key areas in which to specialise, from structural engineering, CAD, geotechnical engineering or water engineering. You’ll carry out an individual project under the supervision of a member of academic staff with expertise in your chosen area.

If you choose the 'with International Study' variant of this degree you will spend a semester abroad in your third year. Your work will differ depending on where you choose to study, but almost always includes a project of at least 30 credits which is set and assessed by your supervisor abroad.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
ENG3003Digital Engineering and Building Information Modelling15
ENG3014Structural Engineering15
ECM3156Civil Engineering Hydraulics 15
ENG3013ACivil Design and Build: Part 1 - Research15
ENG3006Geotechnical Engineering and Foundation Design15
ENG3001Construction Project Management15
ENG3013BCivil Design and Build: Part 2 - Development15

Optional modules

CodeModuleCredits
Option Group A: Select 1 of 2:
ENG3015Structural Dynamics15
ECM3158Water Resources and Pollution Control 15

If you are studying ‘with Year in Industry’ you will spend your third year on placement and carry out a 120 credit module.

If you are studying 'with International Study' you will spend a semester in your third year abroad and carry out a 60 credits worth of  modules.

For more information, please see the course variants.

The final year of study for MEng students offers a wide range of specialist modules such as those offering advanced practical project work, or ‘Industrial Case Studies’ which gives you the opportunity to visit companies, learning hands-on skills from top-class manufacturing experts.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
ENGM015MEng Individual Investigative Project45
ENGM008Design of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Structures15
ENGM006Civil Engineering Materials15
ECMM109Advanced Geotechnical Engineering15

Optional modules

CodeModuleCredits
Environmental Engineering Stream Option Groups C & E:
ECMM163Sustainable Engineering15
ECMM110Water and Environmental Systems15
ECMM124Hydroinformatics Tools15
Advanced Structural Engineering Stream Option Groups B & D:
ECMM153Conceptual Design of Buildings15
ENGM012Performance Based Design Under Dynamic Loading15
ENGM025Smart Civil Structures15

Course variants

UCAS code: H209

Our five year ‘with Year in Industry’ programme includes a paid placement in business or industry for the duration of your third year. Work experience is a real advantage when entering the graduate job market. It’s also a great way to try out different jobs and to make contacts within companies you’re interested in working for.

Does it count towards my degree?

Yes, it’s worth 120 credits.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

During this year you will pay a reduced tuition fee. Visit the Tuition Fees page for more information.

How do I apply?

You can apply for this programme through UCAS using the code at the top of this page, or transfer onto this option at the end of your first year in an Exeter-based Engineering degree.

Preparation and support

We will help you to prepare for your work placement from early in your studies. A special module 'Employability and Placement Preparation for Engineers' takes place at the start of your second year. This is an opportunity to start thinking about your placement well in advance. You’ll also be invited to attend workshops offering guidance and support.

International Study gives you the chance to spend a semester studying at a foreign institution, improving your language skills and experiencing a different culture. We have agreements with universities in Canada, Chile, Japan, Hong Kong and across Europe, giving you a huge range of amazing locations to choose between.

Does it count towards my degree?

Yes, during your time abroad you’ll cover 60 credits, the same as you would if you were studying in Exeter. You’re also likely to complete a foreign language module prior to travelling.

How do I apply?

There is no need to apply directly to this programme, please apply via UCAS for MEng Civil Engineering. Places for the with International Study programme are available on a competitive basis to current students only.  You may have the opportunity to transfer onto the four-year programme with International Study if you successfully complete your Year 1 and Year 2 studies with an average mark of at least 60% in each year.

Preparation and support

If you are intending to study in a country for which the university’s Foreign Language Centre offers language tuition it is mandatory to take and pass the appropriate module prior to departure.

Once registered with your overseas host university you’ll receive primary support from them with full access to the facilities they provide to all students. You’ll maintain contact with Exeter’s overseas coordinator and Student Services by email and will have access to all our facilities via your iExeter account.

I love the way Exeter seems to perfectly balance country life and city life, there is enough to do here that it doesn’t get boring yet it is not too busy that you can’t get anything done.

With the support of the university, and the experience I have gained here, I successfully found an internship last summer. The placement not only taught me skills that have increased my employability but also it ensured I am pursuing the career that I will enjoy in the future.

Read more from Skye

Skye

Studying MEng Civil and Environmental Engineering with Industrial Experience

Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £29,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

You’ll typically have between 15 and 32 hours of direct contact time per week with your tutors and you will be expected to supplement your lectures with independent study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.

In addition to lectures you’ll also have access to our workshops and laboratories where you’ll be trained to use specialist equipment, supporting and developing what you’ve learnt in the classroom and enabling you to put what you’ve learnt into practice.

A research and practice led culture

All our academic staff are internationally-recognised scientists working across a wide range of topics. Your course will draw on the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in the field. You’ll be able to participate directly with current research at various stages throughout your degree.

Student projects are often linked to our research activities and may involve working with industrial partners. Recent projects have involved designing a smart building crisis management system and creating a test rig for assessing the durability of concrete under load.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment through small practical exercises, project work, essay writing, presentations and exams. You must pass your first year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification.

Project work is a core element of this degree, providing invaluable experience of problem-solving, engineering design and team working. Projects are typically industrially driven, are commercially relevant and often directly involve a company.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Law
  • Social Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership

Find out more about proficiency options

Expand text

Your future

Civil engineering is concerned with creating and managing the infrastructure and environment in which we live. As a civil engineer you’ll play a key role in the future prospects and health of society. Civil engineering interfaces with electrical, mechanical, chemical and managerial processes. People skills are vitally important to civil engineers, who work alongside a broad section of society in order to bring plans to fruition. Our programmes combine science with personal and management skills developed through practical projects and direct study.

Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Our graduates excel in specialist engineering fields and across a broad range of other sectors. We offer a very wide range of opportunities for you to develop the skills employers are looking for.

Employer visits

Throughout your degree you will have the opportunity to meet with graduate employers. Professional engineers visit the university to hold mock interviews, allowing you to discuss your career opportunities at an early enough stage to inform your choice of modules and placement decisions.

Career paths

The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Engineering but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Chartered and Certified Accountant
  • Civil Engineer
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Engineering Project Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • Information Technology Professional
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Programmer
  • Software Developer

Expand text

Since leaving Exeter I have worked on multiple construction sites as part of the principle contracting company. These projects have included the fitout of a London Underground station and the earthwork and highways structures of a motorway junction in Kent.  

I wanted a career where every day is difference and where I can make a real difference to society. I love being able to see works taking place on site and I get a great sense of accomplishment from seeing projects through to completion. 

I was not completely sure that a straight civil engineering course was right for me so I was drawn to Exeter for its combined first year. I came and fell in love with the place.

Read more from Harry

Harry

MEng Civil Engineering (2017)