Civil Engineering MSc

Important application information

This course is still subject to full university approval and is due to start in September 2026. The information given below is intended for guidance purposes only and may change once the course is fully approved.

Please fill in our online form. We'll use this to let you know when:

• the course gets full university approval
• more in-depth course information becomes available
• we can start accepting applications

Overview

Are you ready to help shape the future of civil engineering and lead the transformation of tomorrow's infrastructure?

This master’s programme blends practical experience with advanced theoretical training. We'll equip you with the skills, insight, and confidence to take the next step in your career and become an engineer of the future.

This course is designed for graduates with a background in civil or structural engineering. You'll focus on the technical, digital, and management expertise needed to lead complex infrastructure projects. You'll address critical focus areas in today’s civil engineering landscape, including:

• sustainability
• climate resilience
• digitalisation
• water security

You’ll study a wide range of topics, from infrastructure design and construction management to sustainability and digital engineering. You’ll also develop key professional skills in communication, industrial practice, and data analysis.

In Semester 2, you’ll choose a specialist stream in structural, geotechnical, or water engineering. This course concludes with a major individual research project, giving you the chance to apply your learning to real-world engineering challenges.

You’ll graduate as a well-rounded engineer, ready to pursue roles across the sector.

Important information

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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 2025-26.

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.

 

What you'll learn

You’ll develop: 

• advanced engineering knowledge to provide sustainable solutions to real-world problems 
• strong skills in digital tools, data analysis, and construction management 
• effective communication and teamwork skills 
• the ability to critically evaluate engineering challenges 
• independent research and project management capabilities 
• capabilities in systems thinking, ethical decision-making and inclusive leadership 

You’ll also have the flexibility to specialise in an area aligned to your career aspirations. 

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

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

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

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.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:

• lectures  
• seminars  
• practical lab/workshop sessions  
• group work 

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Lab exercise
• Practical lab report
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Written examination

Additional assessment information

You’ll complete a 60-credit independent research project, which gives you the opportunity to explore a topic of personal or professional interest. This includes a written dissertation and may involve collaboration with industry. 

Support

You’ll receive one-to-one academic guidance via a personal tutor and a dedicated dissertation supervisor. Tutors are available during office hours and you’ll benefit from a supportive research environment throughout the course. 

Our staff

Your teaching will be led by experts in their fields, including: 

Professor Mohamad Kassem specialises in: 

• Construction Management 
• The Data-Centric Urban Environment 
• Public Policy: Infrastructure and Climate Change 
• Digital Engineering and Analytics 

Professor Mohamed Rouainia specialises in: 

• Geomechanics 
• Soil Modelling and Numerical Methods  
• Pipeline Engineering 
• Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology 

Professor Sean Wilkinson specialises in: 

• Steel and Concrete Structures 
• Seismic Resistant Design 
• Design of Sustainable Engineering Systems 

Professor Hayley Fowler specialises in: 

• Climate change impacts and adaptation 
• Hydrology and water resources 
• Extreme rainfall and flooding 

Professor Stefano Utili specialises in: 

• Numerical methods for Geotechnics 
• Sustainable mining and tailing dam assessment 
• Landslide hazard assessment

Your development

You’ll develop a broad skill set that will prepare you for real-world challenges and leadership roles in your field, including:

Professional skills 

• leadership and management 
• communication and presentation 
• project planning 

Research skills 

• literature review and critical analysis 
• independent project design 
• technical writing 

Practical skills 

• experimental design and testing 
• digital modelling, data analysis and software use 
• sustainability and systems thinking 

You’ll also gain cutting-edge industry insight through guest speakers and project input. 

Your future

Further study 

This course supports a route into PhD-level study in civil engineering and related fields. 

Careers 

The course prepares you for a wide range of job roles such as:

• Civil or Structural Engineer 
• Infrastructure Consultant 
• Project or Design Engineer 
• Engineering management roles 

Graduate destinations 

You’ll have the skills to work in diverse areas, including infrastructure, construction, water resources, consultancy, and engineering finance. 

Our Civil Engineering MEng graduates have gone on to work at companies including:

• Cundall 
• Arup 
• AtkinsRéalis 
• Mott MacDonald 
• Jacobs 
• AECOM 
• Stantec 

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

Industry/business links 

We work closely with leading engineering organisations such as: 

• Multi-national engineering consultancies 
• Arup 
• Jacobs 
• Mott MacDonald 
• Stantec 
• AECOM 
• NetworkRail 
• BAM Nutall 
• Keir 
• Cundall 
• Royal Haskoning 

The regional office of the Institution of Civil Engineers is also located on campus in our Cassie building. These industry links inform our teaching and support mentoring, project collaboration, and networking. 

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

Based within Newcastle’s integrated School of Engineering, you’ll have access to specialist labs, equipment and workshops used across all engineering disciplines, including: 

• Heavy Structures Lab 
• Geotechnical and Materials Labs 
• Novak Hydraulic Lab 
• Makerspace for prototyping and innovation 
• High-performance computing systems 
• Analytical facilities 
• Bio-labs 
• National Green Infrastructure Facility 
• Urban Observatory 

These facilities support hands-on learning, your specialist stream, and your individual project. 

Additional information

This course is designed for both recent engineering graduates and practicing engineers looking to advance their skills and progress their careers. The programme reflects the future of civil engineering, with a strong focus on digital skills, interdisciplinary working, and sustainability. You’ll be equipped to contribute to resilient infrastructure systems that address global challenges such as climate change, water security, and sustainable urban development. 

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