Skip to main content

Civil Engineering MEng Honours

  • UCAS code: H290
  • Full time
  • 4 years

Our professionally accredited Civil Engineering MEng Honours degree includes an additional year of master's-level study, which deepens your knowledge and provides the basis for registering as a Chartered Engineer.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £26400

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: AAB
  • IB: 34 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

This four-year master's degree will prepare you for a rewarding career as a civil engineer with a strong understanding of our core infrastructure. You'll learn how we can address global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity.

With a practical, design-led focus running throughout the programme, you'll work in our specialist labs, using industry-standard equipment and techniques to gain real-world experience. This is supported by our industry links and team of world-class researchers.

You'll develop an in-depth knowledge of all five civil engineering disciplines, with the opportunity to specialise in environmental, geotechnical, transport, or water resource engineering in your final year.

BEng or MEng?

Both our BEng degree and specialist MEng degrees provide a pathway to becoming a Chartered Engineer. This is one of the most recognisable international engineering qualifications.

Our MEng degrees are a direct route to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You don’t need to study any more qualifications after your degree to work towards chartered status.

Our three-year BEng degree can also lead to Chartered Engineer status. However, you’ll need to complete further study, such as an approved master’s degree.

READ MORE

Student field trip

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Additional information

This degree allows you to explore several engineering disciplines in year one. This flexible route is taught across Civil, Electrical & Electronic and Mechanical Engineering.

You'll gain an understanding of engineering in a multidisciplinary context. You'll develop diverse skills relevant to the needs of industry and today’s global challenges.

After successfully completing Stage 1, you'll have the option of transferring on to one of the accredited Civil, Electrical & Electronic or Mechanical Engineering degrees. This is subject to the degree programme regulations and capacity of the degree you are transferring to.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

In Stage 1, you'll receive a broad introduction to the principles of engineering. You'll get involved in practical work from day one, with a residential field trip to the Yorkshire Dales.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Engineering Mathematics I 20
Sustainable Design, Creativity, and Professionalism 30
Electrical and Magnetic Systems 15
Electronics and Sensors 10
Thermofluid Mechanics 15
Properties & Behaviour of Engineering Materials 15
Mechanics I 15

In Stage 2, you'll delve further into key topics, with modules such as design of sustainable engineering systems, structural analysis, and hydraulics.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Statistics and Numerical Methods for Civil Engineers 10
Design of Sustainable Engineering Systems 2 20
Water Treatment Engineering for the 21st Century 10
Environmental Systems and Quantification 10
Geotechnics 10
Design of Building Elements 10
Land Traffic and Highways 10
Hydraulics 10
Engineering Surveying 10
Mechanics II 20

Stage 3 covers topics such as spatial data modelling, geotechnical design, and engineering ethics and sustainability.

You'll also complete a sustainable engineering systems design project, allowing you to experience a major multidisciplinary design project. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Design of Sustainable Engineering Systems 3 20
Construction Management 10
Engineering Ethics and Sustainability 10
Sustainable Engineering Systems Design Project 20
The Data-Centric Urban Environment 10
Foundation Design 10
Design of Building Systems 10
Design of Transport Infrastructure 10
Hydrosystems Engineering 10
Spatial Data Engineering and BIM 10

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll learn through:

  • lectures
  • practical work
  • site visits
  • individual study
  • group work

In a typical week, you'll have lectures each morning, followed by two or three lab or design sessions in the afternoons. In your final year, you'll work full time on a unit of study for one week, followed by a week of independent study. 

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assessments

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Case studies

  • Coursework

  • Group work

  • Practical sessions

  • Presentations

  • Projects

  • Reports

  • Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

Practical skills

You'll carry out practical work in our specialist labs, including testing your design decisions, learning how different materials behave, and carrying out experimental work in the structures labs.

You'll also have access to our new multidisciplinary environmental lab, as well as full-scale field facilities off campus, including flood defence schemes, electric vehicles, and an engineering embankment.

Business skills

Real business skills are embedded throughout the course through design-focused modules. 

In your final year, you'll also have the option to study Global Engineering, a unique international design and build challenge, Business Enterprise in Science and Engineering where you'll learn how to set up and operate a business in the construction sector, or Career Development including a work placement. 

Research skills

You'll be exposed to cutting-edge research and be taught by some of the leading researchers in the field. 

You'll also undertake independent projects based around the latest industry developments, conducting your own research.

Chat to a student

Newcastle is a great university to study at. Everyone is friendly and helpful and you feel welcomed from the beginning. It’s in a great city, full of life at any time of the day and night.

Lorena, Civil Engineering student

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

This civil engineering degree is also available with a year's work placement, as a five-year programme.

You'll apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place in Stage 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

Our Civil Engineering courses are taught at our city-centre campus, within the School of Engineering and are based in the Cassie Building.

You'll benefit from world-class facilities and living labs, ranging from microbiology laboratories through to at-scale engineering equipment.

Each engineering discipline has its own specialist facilities, including:

  • the Millennium Laboratory – home to a wide range of facilities and experimental rigs
  • Merz Court Pilot Plant Laboratory – a pilot plant with 28 experimental rigs
  • BE:WISE – Europe's largest wastewater treatment research facility
  • the Urban Observatory – with sensors gathering over 50 types of data across the city
  • Electronics Teaching Lab – home to state-of-the-art Agilent/Keysight digital test equipment
  • Clean-Room Microfabrication Lab – home to two class 100-10000 clean rooms

Support

To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive:

  • a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable)
  • a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment

You'll receive comprehensive support from the moment you arrive at the University. You'll be supported by personal tutors, stage tutors, and degree tutors. You'll also benefit from the School's student buddies scheme.

Your future

Recent graduates have secured roles such as:

  • graduate structural engineer
  • chartered engineer
  • graduate engineer

They've taken on these roles with companies such as:

  • BT Bell Consulting Engineers
  • Cundall
  • Arup
  • Atkins
  • environmental agencies 

The practical, analytical, and problem-solving skills developed on the programme mean you'll also be highly employable in related sectors such as mining, nuclear, oil and gas, and renewable energy, as well as more diverse industries, including banking and management.

Make a difference

Sorry, you need JavaScript to view this video

Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Additional information

Advice on maths and science requirements

If you don’t think you will have the exact mathematics and science qualifications referred to in our entry requirements by the time you need them, you may not be sure what to do.

  • If you have a maths qualification but will not have it at A Level (or equivalent) when you start your degree, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year. We may give you the opportunity to take the Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course* and the option to start in Year 1 if we think that this will be the best route for you.
  • If you have A Level Maths (or equivalent) already but not at the required grade, you should contact us for advice. We may decide that you could be considered for Foundation Year entry, or it may be that this course is not the best option for you.
  • If you will not have the equivalent of an A Level in the science subject (if any) required, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year.

If you are still not sure, don’t worry. Whatever you apply for, our Admissions Tutors will help you decide which is the best route for you. They may, therefore, make you an offer for a different course from the one you apply for (eg Foundation Year entry instead of Year 1 entry).

*The Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course aims to provide the requisite mathematical skills and concepts needed on our engineering, maths and physics degree courses and to prepare students for the modes of learning they will encounter. The materials for the course are delivered electronically and include opportunities to practise your skills. You study the materials in your own time and, when you are ready, you book your exam with the Engineering School to which you have applied. A fee of £150 is payable at the time of booking the exam or shortly before the date set for examination.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: MEng Honours

Home students

full time 4 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 4 years

Tuition fees (per year)

26400

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

Get in touch

By phone

Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.

Live chat

Our NCL chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our NCL chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Online

Fill in our enquiry form

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Social Media

You may be interested in