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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
Our MEng Civil Engineering degree, validated as a four-year course in 2014, is a fast track to the top of the civil engineering profession. It covers much of the same ground as the BEng qualification while being additionally equivalent to an MSc degree.
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
See https://www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
To see it through, you'll have to be confident of your academic ability. To join the course you'll need to have at least 120 UCAS points (new tariff), including both A2 mathematics and A2 physics.
Students who are doing well in the second year of the BEng course are given the option to switch to this MEng course, adding another year of study.
Our unique teaching approach aims to promote learning by doing through guiding you to use observational, prototyping and physical simulation methods in design, in addition to teaching you the theories, engineering principles and standards.
You will be encouraged to be creative, innovative and use advanced digital tools to shape your imaginations and translate them to specifications for structures and systems that you design. For example, in your final year modules, you will not only be designing structures from foundation to roof, but you will also use a suite of software and 3D manufacturing suites including 3D printers, plasma and laser cutting machines, robotic arm and clay printer as tools to bring your design into scaled reality.
As well as completing numerous practical projects, which are a particularly important part of the MEng course, you'll benefit from visits by top professionals who'll offer you advice - and work opportunities.
Our Docklands campus is ideally situated for studying iconic projects in the capital such as the Tate Modern Phase 2 Extension, the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station, and the Olympic Stadium's reconfiguration.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
This course will prepare you for a range of technical and professional opportunities within civil engineering. We’ve constructed it carefully through regular consultation with industry experts.
At the core of your degree, throughout which you'll combine academic and practical learning, is the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of key infrastructures such as buildings, roads, bridges and canals.
We'll also give you a firm grounding in structural engineering - the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads.
Main areas you'll study include water engineering, ground engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, behaviour of materials, land surveying and construction management.
In your final year, you will undertake a dissertation as well as choosing modules from a selection of areas, including sustainability & logistics, highways & railways, and structures.
By the end of your MEng degree, you'll have the essential tools to develop socially and ethically viable engineering solutions and to lead innovation in a fast-changing world.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
COURSE SPECIFICATION - MEng Civil Engineering (v21)
pdf, 80.39 KB
MODULES
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth; Professional Life 1 CloseMental Wealth; Professional Life 1
This module aims to develop students' core competencies to form the basis of future competencies development throughout the programme of study. In this module, the students will consolidate their construction / engineering knowledge and skills for practical applications, and develop their awareness of impacts on the environment, commerce, society and individual brought about by various construction and engineering activities.
Engineering Materials CloseEngineering Materials
The main aim of this module is to provide you with a basic understanding of the properties and behaviour of wide range of engineering materials and to enable you to appreciate essential facts and principles required to make good choices in selection of materials.
Applied Mathematics & Computing CloseApplied Mathematics & Computing
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for level 5 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems; to develop both the knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline.
Thermofluids CloseThermofluids
The main aim of this module is to introduce the basic theories of thermo fluid mechanics. You will learn about the fundamentals of fluid behaviour, the interaction of fluids with solid bodies and fluid flow in pipes.
Engineering Mechanics CloseEngineering Mechanics
This module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental structural characteristics governing the properties of engineering materials; and to introduce you to the fundamental concepts and principles of engineering mechanics.
The module would provide you with an appreciation of the relationship between conceptual models and real engineering systems; and enable you to develop an analytical and practical approach to the solution of basic engineering problems based on the use of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
Land and Construction Surveying CloseLand and Construction Surveying
This module introduces you to geospatial surveying practices, principles and procedures for civil engineering and construction projects. The module develops skills in using modern surveying instrumentation to enable 3-dimensional position of features to be determined and for the quality of those positions to be known. The processes for determining vertical height (level) as well as horizontal position (by measuring angles and distances) will be studied. On completion of this module, students will be able to carry out survey data collection using a range of equipment and will appreciate the role of the surveyor and the role of survey data for construction purposes.
- Core Modules
Advanced Mathematics and Modelling CloseAdvanced Mathematics and Modelling
The main aims of this module are to prepare students for level 6 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems; to develop both the knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline.
Structural Analysis and Element Design CloseStructural Analysis and Element Design
The main aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding of the behaviour of indeterminate structures and the design of reinforced concrete and steel structural elements to the appropriate British Standard or European Code of Practice
Ground Engineering CloseGround Engineering
Any construction project at any scale begins with groundworks. For the success of groundworks, Civil Engineers need to have a fair understanding of engineering geology (i.e. earth science for engineers), soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and materials used in transforming the natural ground to the engineered ground through reinforcement and/or stabilisation, so too the benefits and costs (technical and environmental) of groundwork solutions.
This module is designed for you to gain a thorough understanding of engineering geology (earth processes, geological structures, ground hazards and engineering implications), soil mechanics (physical, hydraulic and mechanical properties), and soil as a construction material in form of compacted ground or reinforced compacted ground (i.e. accompanied with physical/chemical additives).
This module builds on stability analysis topics of study that are embedded in the Level 4 Engineering Mechanics module. This module also builds on the Level 4 Engineering Materials; the emphasis here will be on materials in ground engineering discipline.
Engineering Surveying CloseEngineering Surveying
This module develops your understanding and theoretical knowledge of applied techniques within engineering surveying. You will develop your ability to devise solutions to measurement problems and to evaluate the results and the systems performance in an engineering context. Students on this module will hence investigate and apply measurement techniques and systems in order to solve engineering surveying problems.
This module includes a residential field scheme which takes place away from the university.
Water Engineering CloseWater Engineering
The main aim of this module is to gain knowledge and analysis of various water engineering areas such as open channel hydraulics and basic coastal engineering.
- Core Modules
Capstone Project CloseCapstone Project
The main aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills to carry out and report research in order to consolidate the knowledge gained in other modules in a chosen field of study, combine it with the published knowledge of others, investigate it practically and report your findings.
Structural Engineering CloseStructural Engineering
Structural Engineering is at the heart of many construction, infrastructure and engineering projects in general. The module aims to enable you to expand the knowledge and understanding gained in analysis and design of structural elements in preceding years and to apply this knowledge to a conceptual structural design of a whole structure.
Geotechnical Engineering CloseGeotechnical Engineering
Any construction project at any scale begins with groundworks. For the success of groundworks, Civil Engineers need to have a fair understanding of engineering geology, soil mechanics, rock mechanics and the application of these in design of Geotechnical Structures.
This module is designed for you to develop the ability to use the properties of soils in the analysis of geotechnical problems that require assessment of the stability and deformation of the ground and to develop an appreciation of how this knowledge can be integrated into conceptual and detailed geotechnical design of structures and earthworks.
This module builds on the Level 5 Ground Engineering and Level 4 Engineering Mechanics modules.
Transport Infrastructure Engineering CloseTransport Infrastructure Engineering
To provide an optional module in the final year of the course which will provide broad grounding in transport infrastructure and systems engineering principles. The module will give you the knowledge and analytical skills that will enable them to become competent in the analysis, design and operation of transport infrastructure systems.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life (Engineering Management) CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life (Engineering Management)
To module assess the role of the engineer / construction manager in industry and the community. It investigates advances in engineering / construction technology and analyse its effect on the production process. The module will involve studying current management skills and the appropriate numerical techniques, contract procedures and financial controls.
Applied Research and Engineering Practice II CloseApplied Research and Engineering Practice II
To enable you to demonstrate and apply a suitable research methods and techniques for a chosen topic in engineering field (e.g. civil, mechanical and general engineering) and analyse gathered data, display creativity and analytical skills, interpret in engineering context and critical discussion, and compose a research report.
Structural Stability and Dynamics CloseStructural Stability and Dynamics
The module aims to provide you with a systematic understanding of advanced knowledge of structural stability and dynamics of structures; to enable you to critically appraise and apply current structural stability and dynamics analysis methods.
Design in Steel and Concrete CloseDesign in Steel and Concrete
Structural design is a vital step in many construction, infrastructure and engineering projects in general. The module aims to provide advanced current design practice and assessment techniques as used in a modern design office; knowledge of recent research and the philosophy behind the relevant Codes of Practice and British Standards.
Highway and Railway Engineering CloseHighway and Railway Engineering
This module will provide you with the knowledge that will enable you to become competent in highway and railway engineering. You will gain the skills and appreciations of requirements, methods and techniques for designing and maintaining highway and railway pavement systems. The module will cover the impact of the roadway environment and the physical infrastructures assets like bridges, drains, etc.
Environmental Sustainable Engineering & Logistics CloseEnvironmental Sustainable Engineering & Logistics
The module provides a holistic approach to deliver sustainable construction projects. The module focuses on sustainable development and sustainable construction. The module will enable you to explore and develop your understanding of the construction industry, and its environmental challenges and opportunities. You will learn about the industry's output, scope and constraints. Integrated process of design, operation and management will be the core of this module. The module considers management of health and safety within the built environment including relevant regulations and management systems.
Soil Structure Engineering CloseSoil Structure Engineering
This module introduces the application of geotechnical engineering design approaches and in particular the concepts of soil/structure interaction to the design, construction and maintenance of deep foundations, excavations and flexible earth retaining structures.
Intelligent Transport Systems CloseIntelligent Transport Systems
This module aims to provide an introduction to the key concepts of transportation policy, transportation modelling and safety, along with an understanding of the technological and legal aspects of transportation as well as an awareness of environmental issues. The objective is to provide you with the knowledge that will enable you to become competent practitioners in transport systems and transport infrastructure areas.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
Our course offers you a mixture of academic and practical work, (in the field, on campus and off campus) and also access to a broad range of laboratories.
The School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering has a unique approach to teaching, we encourage our students to 'Learn by Doing'. Our lectures will provide you with the theories around engineering as well as the principles and standards, whilst guiding you through observational and physical simulation methods in design.
This course will encourage you to express your creativity and innovation skills, shaping your imagination using advanced digital tools to create specifications for structures and systems tailored to your design. You will make use of some of the University of East London's finest facilities including, 3D printers, robotic arm, clay printer, plasma and laser cutting machines. In your final year, you will use these facilities to construct your designs in scaled reality, from foundation to roof.
Each term, we are visited by members of our Industrial Advisory Board (IAB). The board comprises around 15 industry professionals who update us on the ever-changing requirements for graduates and monitor the content of the course.
Current members of the IAB include Atkins, Watermans, Hardman Structural Engineers, Morrish & Partners, Siemens, Careys and the London Borough of Newham.
How does it work?
The industrial placement component is for a duration of an academic year, ie, normally 30 weeks including minimum of 24 weeks of delivery time. It starts after students have completed the first year of study, ie, all the taught modules and the dissertation component of the MSc programme which together form 180 credits.
In exceptional cases, after consultation and agreement with the Programme Leader and Head of Department, it is possible to start placement before the 60-credits dissertation component is completed. The criteria for progression to the industrial placement part of the programme is that the students must have achieved at least one-third, ie, a minimum of 60 credits.
For international students on Tier 4 visa, CAS will be issued for a course duration of two calendar years, subject to their meeting the UKVI's standard requirements. During the industrial placement period, students undertake an internship within a partner organisation and complete a 120 P-credit Industrial Placement Module.
How is the industrial placement secured?
It is ultimately the student's responsibility to secure their placement. The University through the Centre for Student Success and the School will offer guidance and support; and recommend students to our industrial partners who are interested in participating in the programme. But the onus to find and secure the placement is on you, the students. If you are unable to secure a placement at the end of taught modules, you will be switched back to the 1-year full time taught programme without the placement component, and your student visa, if applicable, will be curtailed accordingly by UKVI.
What is the Industrial Placement Module?
The module descriptor can be found in the course specification. It is a 120 P-credit module, graded at either Pass or Fail, assessed jointly by the partner industrial organisation and the University and grades reflected on the students' academic transcripts.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
We'll assess you with a mixture of coursework and exams. Coursework includes individual laboratory and research reports, practical, design and project work as well as group and tutorial presentations, and a final-year project.
Fifty per cent of the assessment in your first and second year is by coursework and we'll give you as much feedback as possible so that you can develop and improve your written assessment submissions.
In your third and fourth years over half of your assessment will be based on design and research projects.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Related Courses

The MEng is for more academically able students. It's very similar to the BEng but takes you further so you can go on to work towards Chartered Engineering status. There is an extra emphasis on teamwork and integrated design work."
Dr Arya Assadi Langroudi
Civil Engineering, MEng, Course Leader
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
With an integrated master's like the MEng degree in civil engineering, you'll be well on your way to a successful career. The high quality of our teaching on the course is widely recognised, and the constant input from industry professionals ensures your qualification will be extremely relevant to employers.
Our Industrial Advisory Board plays a crucial part in regulating your study. This 15-strong board of industry professionals will also watch and ask questions as you present your Team Project. It's challenging stuff, but it's also the stage when a lot of recruiting is done.
The MEng degree in civil engineering is a relatively new degree at UEL but recent graduates from our BEng degree course have gone on to work for Balfour Beatty, Transport for London, the Canary Wharf Group, Careys and Atkins. Others have chosen to work in other professional areas, such as finance, education, marketing and housing.
You might decide to specialise as a hydraulic engineer, a structural engineer, or a geotechnical engineer. Your decision may well be informed by how your career develops as you start on the process known as Initial Professional Development, which takes between three and five years. This is the length of time you're likely to have spent in the industry before you'll be eligible to become a Chartered Engineer.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.