The fourth year of this course is spent in industry. You will receive support in applying for a year-long placement with an appropriate company. During the placement you will significantly enhance your engineering knowledge and skills. You will have regular meetings with your tutor throughout the year and will remain fully registered with the University.
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEng Hons | AAA | September 2025 | H20B | 5 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Faculty of Engineering
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEng Hons | AAA | September 2025 | H20B | 5 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Course information
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This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators of the ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHE.
It is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
See the Joint Board of Moderators website for further information.
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators of the ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHE.
It is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
See the Joint Board of Moderators website for further information.
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Start date:September 2025September 2025
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- IB score
- 34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL certificates
- IB requirements
One of HL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, HL6 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation or SL7 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches plus HL6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Design and Technology, Geography, Geology, Computing, Further Mathematics, Psychology, 3D Design, Design Engineering. Economics or Psychology
- IELTS
6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)
English language requirements
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
- High school qualifications
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.
- A level
- AAA
- Required subjects
Mathematics grade A at A Level and one from physics (preferred), economics, psychology, 3D design, chemistry, biology, design and technology, geography, geology, computing, computer science or further maths.
GCSE English grade 4 (C).
- Excluded subjects
General studies, critical thinking and citizenship studies, global perspectives and research, thinking skills are not accepted. A level in Quantitative Methods is not acceptable in lieu of Maths requirements.
- Additional entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
- Non-UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- RQF BTEC Nationals (with A Levels)
The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please also see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
For those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering and A Levels – D*DD + A in A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering or Science and A Levels – D*D + A in A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in any subject and A Levels – D + A in A Level Maths + A in one of Physics (preferred), Economics, Psychology, 3D Design, Chemistry, Biology, Design and Technology, Geography, Geology, Computing, Computer Science or Further Maths
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction (to include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics and 15 Level 3 credits at Distinctions in Engineering/Science units) and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
- A level
- AAA
- Required subjects
Mathematics grade A at A Level and one from physics (preferred), economics, psychology, 3D design, chemistry, biology, design and technology, geography, geology, computing, computer science or further maths.
GCSE English grade 4 (C).
- Excluded subjects
General studies, critical thinking and citizenship studies, global perspectives and research, thinking skills are not accepted. A level in Quantitative Methods is not acceptable in lieu of Maths requirements.
- IB score
- 34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL certificates
- IB requirements
One of HL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, HL6 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation or SL7 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches plus HL6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Design and Technology, Geography, Geology, Computing, Further Mathematics, Psychology, 3D Design, Design Engineering. Economics or Psychology
- Additional entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
- UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- RQF BTEC Nationals (with A Levels)
The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please also see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
For those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering/Science and A Levels – D*DD + A in A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering or Science and A Levels – D*D + A in A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in any subject and A Levels – D + A in A Level Maths + A in one of Physics (preferred), Economics, Psychology, 3D Design, Chemistry, Biology, Design and Technology, Geography, Geology, Computing, Computer Science or Further Maths
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction (to include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics and 15 Level 3 credits at Distinctions in Engineering/Science units) and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Contextual offers
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
Foundation progression options
An Engineering and Physical Sciences foundation year is available for those who are not taking the required subjects.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
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UCAS Code:H20BH20B
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Study abroad
On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia.
If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.
You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.
The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.
Please note:
In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
Placements
If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.
The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.
Please note:
In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.
Year in industry
On this course you may be able to spend a year working in industry where you could gain first-hand experience of the exciting challenges that are faced by engineers and refine the skills you have built so far in the course. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a year in industry host, the Faculty of Engineering placements team will support you throughout this process.
Please note:
In order to undertake an integrated year in industry, you will have to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the industry host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an integrated year in industry as part of your course. If you are studying a course with an integrated year in industry and you do not secure an integrated year in industry opportunity, you will be required to transfer to the version of the course without an integrated year in industry. This will be reflected in the title of your degree when you graduate.
Additional information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
Study abroad
On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia.
If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.
You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.
The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.
Please note:
In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
Placements
If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.
The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.
Please note:
In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.
Year in industry
On this course you may be able to spend a year working in industry where you could gain first-hand experience of the exciting challenges that are faced by engineers and refine the skills you have built so far in the course. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a year in industry host, the Faculty of Engineering placements team will support you throughout this process.
Please note:
In order to undertake an integrated year in industry, you will have to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the industry host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an integrated year in industry as part of your course. If you are studying a course with an integrated year in industry and you do not secure an integrated year in industry opportunity, you will be required to transfer to the version of the course without an integrated year in industry. This will be reflected in the title of your degree when you graduate.
Additional information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
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*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses:
- Books – You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £200.
- Printing – Back and white printing costs 4p per side.
- Trips – The department covers the travel cost of compulsory field trips.
- PPE – Workshop PPE is provided to you in first year for the duration of your course.
- Year in industry – If you do a work placement, any costs associated with travel or accommodation will need to be factored in.
- Year abroad – If you study abroad, you will need to consider the travel and living costs for the country you choose. This could include visa costs and medical insurance.
- Design Materials – Although most graphical materials for use in design projects are supplied, there will be some items you will need to buy – please budget around £180 for this. Additionally, design projects have printing costs and you should budget for around £150.
- Laptop – Although there are PCs available for your use on campus, you will need to purchase your own laptop. Read more about our recommended specifications.
- Calculator – While the calculator you used for your former study is usually sufficient some students will choose to purchase a new calculator which will cost around £10.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
There may also be costs issued by the university for replacement student ID cards, additional transcripts or certification letters, reassessments and library fines.
Scholarships and bursaries
The University offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help:
Engineering students may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.
International students
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses:
- Books – You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £200.
- Printing – Back and white printing costs 4p per side.
- Trips – The department covers the travel cost of compulsory field trips.
- PPE – Workshop PPE is provided to you in first year for the duration of your course.
- Year in industry – If you do a work placement, any costs associated with travel or accommodation will need to be factored in.
- Year abroad – If you study abroad, you will need to consider the travel and living costs for the country you choose. This could include visa costs and medical insurance.
- Design Materials – Although most graphical materials for use in design projects are supplied, there will be some items you will need to buy – please budget around £180 for this. Additionally, design projects have printing costs and you should budget for around £150.
- Laptop – Although there are PCs available for your use on campus, you will need to purchase your own laptop. Read more about our recommended specifications.
- Calculator – While the calculator you used for your former study is usually sufficient some students will choose to purchase a new calculator which will cost around £10.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
There may also be costs issued by the university for replacement student ID cards, additional transcripts or certification letters, reassessments and library fines.
Scholarships and bursaries
The University offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help:
Engineering students may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
Course overview
Civil engineering combines your creativity with technological and scientific knowledge that can change the world. You will learn how to design and manage high-profile projects. You will study the key components of civil engineering theory and learn the skills necessary to become a civil engineer. By combining individual study and working together in teams you'll learn about:
- structures
- geotechnics
- materials
- hydraulics and fluid mechanics
- highway and transport engineering
- surveying
- construction management
Course overview
Civil engineering combines your creativity with technological and scientific knowledge that can change the world. You will learn how to design and manage high-profile projects. Working together in teams you'll learn about:
- structures
- geotechnics
- materials
- hydraulics and fluid mechanics
- highway and transport engineering
- surveying
- construction management
Also as part of your course you will take part in site visits to see civil engineering in action. You will access research and laboratory facilities, including:
- preparation and testing facilities for structures, geotechnics and materials
- fluid mechanics teaching laboratory
- state-of-the-art surveying equipment
- design studios
- CAD/BIM
The Civil Engineering MEng programme is the preferred route to achieving Chartered Engineer status. Our courses give you the required engineering expertise for either a career in industry or in many other professions that value an analytical, creative mind.
Why choose this course?
- 1st in the Russell Group universities for overall positivity score (National Student Survey 2023)
- Top 20 for Civil Engineering in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, The Guardian Good University Guide 2024, and Complete University Guide 2024)
Important information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Indicative modules
Year one
Year two
Year three
Year four
Year five
Mandatory
Year 1
Hydraulics 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Group Project
Mandatory
Year 1
Portfolio of Civil Engineering Studies 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Structural Analysis 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Mathematical Methods for Civil Engineering
Mandatory
Year 1
Geotechnics 1
Mandatory
Year 2
Hydraulics 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Fundamentals of Materials
Mandatory
Year 2
Civil and Structural Steel Design Project
Mandatory
Year 2
Portfolio of Civil Engineering Studies 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Structural Analysis 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Geotechnics 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Advanced Mathematical Methods for Civil Engineering
Mandatory
Year 3
Structural Concrete Design
Mandatory
Year 3
Geotechnics 3
Mandatory
Year 3
Building Information Modelling (BIM) Group Design Project
Mandatory
Year 3
Hydraulic Design
Optional
Year 3
Engineering Risk Assessment
Optional
Year 3
Traffic Engineering
Optional
Year 3
Advanced Mathematical Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations for Engineers
Optional
Year 3
Advanced Site Surveying
Optional
Year 3
Machine Learning for Engineers
Optional
Year 3
Construction Practice
Mandatory
Year 4
Year four - Industrial Year
Mandatory
Year 5
MEng Individual Investigative Project
Mandatory
Year 5
Group Design Project
Optional
Year 5
Sustainable Construction and Life Cycle Assessment
Optional
Year 5
Railway Technology
Optional
Year 5
Highway and Pavement Design
Optional
Year 5
Dynamics and Wind Engineering
Optional
Year 5
Coastal Engineering
Optional
Year 5
Managing Infrastructure and Systems
Optional
Year 5
Advanced Structural Analysis
Optional
Year 5
Geotechnical Modelling
Optional
Year 5
Advanced Structural Design
Optional
Year 5
Environmental Fluid Mechanics
About modules
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Wednesday 9 October 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
A wide range of optional modules, including a major group design project and individual investigative project, are available during this final year.
You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages.
If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree
Hydraulics 1
Group Project
Portfolio of Civil Engineering Studies 1
Structural Analysis 1
Mathematical Methods for Civil Engineering
Geotechnics 1
This course introduces students to the subject of hydraulics in civil engineering. Here we focus on studying hydrostatics, i.e. civil engineering applications involving a body of static fluid. The topics covered include:
- Units and dimensions
- The fundamental properties of fluids
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Hydrostatic loads
- Buoyancy and stability
This is a problem-based group design project which focuses on the application of knowledge and skills, from across the taught modules. Groups develop and cost a major civil engineering project and plan resources to ensure timely and cost-effective completion of the work. Then a design of an engineering structure will be carried out, including presentation of options and a detailed design stage. The final task will be to design and construct a model structure, which will be tested in the laboratory.
This module builds on core skills and aims to: introduce students to structural analysis and modelling tools; develop their ability to communicate; introduce construction materials and their related design considerations; provide an opportunity to learn advanced surveying techniques.
Delivered through four hours of lectures each week, this module covers the following topics: analysis of 2D stresses and strains, virtual work method, strain energy method and analysis of arches and cables, the response of circular and non-circular members to torsion, the stress distribution of a beam under bending moment, shear and axial force, among others.
This module, delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops, for three hours each week, covers the fundamental tools to manipulate vectors and matrices relevant to applications in engineering, and introduces fundamental concepts and applications of differentiation and integration in one or more dimensions
Giving you an introduction to the core areas of geotechnics, this module covers topics such as: origin and types of soil, soil as a 3-phase material, soil description and classification, compaction, water in soils, basic mechanics, and stresses in soils and ground investigation. In an average week you’ll spend four hours in lectures, example classes and practicals per week.
Hydraulics 2
Fundamentals of Materials
Civil and Structural Steel Design Project
Portfolio of Civil Engineering Studies 2
Structural Analysis 2
Geotechnics 2
Advanced Mathematical Methods for Civil Engineering
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of fluid dynamics. You’ll be able to solve simple pipe flow problems and demonstrate awareness of open channel flows and boundary layers and drag. You’ll spend four hours in lectures and example classes per week when studying this module.
You will be spending three hours a week in lectures exploring engineering materials and their basic properties, principles in material selection and sustainability and an understanding of the behaviour of construction materials.
This module provides students with an opportunity to take a design project from concept through to an advanced design stage covering structural, steel, geotechnical, infrastructure and services considerations, whilst working as a group. This is a year-long project, concentrating on site conditions, conceptual design and structural and geotechnical design in the first semester and detailed calculations in the second semester. The project gives students the opportunity to develop their written and oral presentation skills.
This module builds on core skills and aims to: introduce students to structural analysis and modelling tools; develop their ability to communicate; introduce construction materials and their related design considerations; provide an opportunity to learn advanced surveying techniques.
The fundamental behaviour established in the first year is extended to cover the concepts of: virtual work, analysis of indeterminate structures, instability of structural systems, plastic analysis and design and vibration. You’ll spend four hours in lectures and example classes per week when studying this module.
This module aims to develop further understanding of fundamental behaviour of soils and you will learn how to perform geotechnical analyses. You’ll spend five hours in lectures and two hours in practicals per week.
The module covers fundamental tools to manipulate complex numbers as well as ordinary and partial differential equations relevant to engineering. You'll spend around three hours in lectures and example classes each week.
Structural Concrete Design
Geotechnics 3
Building Information Modelling (BIM) Group Design Project
Hydraulic Design
Engineering Risk Assessment
Traffic Engineering
Advanced Mathematical Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations for Engineers
Advanced Site Surveying
Machine Learning for Engineers
Construction Practice
This module introduces reinforced concrete construction and the relationship between structural behaviour and the design of reinforced concrete elements. It includes the structural design procedures for reinforced concrete elements in flexure, shear and compression. On average you will spend about four or five contact hours per week in lectures, laboratory classes or in the design studio for this module.
This module introduces the fundamentals of consolidation and the different components of settlement. In addition, shallow and deep foundation design, from both a fundamental and Eurocode approach is covered. Reinforced soil, 1D & 2D water flow through soils, and sustainability considerations in geotechnical design are also discussed.
Students work in groups on the design and planning of a civil engineering project that aims to integrate all the disciplines covered on the course. Typical projects include: water works, major highway schemes and retail parks. Staff and visiting professional engineers provide guidance.
This module addresses real-world hydraulic applications and designs using the theory learnt by the students in Hydraulics 1 and 2 and newly obtained knowledge about urban drainage systems, flood protection, water supply and surge protection. Seven laboratory experiments cover fundamental aspects of hydraulics in open channel flow, pipe flow and river flow. A number of common hydraulic systems will be designed under application of the newly obtained knowledge in the class room and the laboratory.
The module assesses the risk of injury posed to the general public and workforce through the operation of engineering systems and infrastructure. This is considered in the context of civil and transportation systems and an indication is given of acceptable risk. You will spend three hours a week in lectures to study this module.
This module introduces some of the theory that forms the technical basis of the management and control of urban road networks, including; traffic flow theory, transport modelling and operation of traffic signal control systems.
Assessment method
This module will be assessed 100% by exam.
This module covers advanced analytic mathematical techniques used to provide exact or approximate solutions to common classes of ordinary differential equations (ODES) typical in Engineering.
Techniques covered include: method of variation of parameters, Laplace transform methods, Taylor series method, Frobenius method, asymptotic regular perturbations and strained coordinates and multiple scales. Each week there will normally be a one one-hour lecture and a two hour workshop to introduce key mathematical knowledge on module topics.
The module is a combination of the theoretical and practical aspects of site surveying for Civil Engineering.
The theoretical aspects will provide students with the knowledge and understanding to undertake the practical aspects, where students will work in small groups to design, plan, undertake and report on a series of practical surveys involving different engineering surveying techniques and associated inter-disciplinary tools such as CAD and BIM (individuals and groups are responsible for management and organisation of their projects, with staff members available for consultation and guidance).
The module will use the most advanced engineering surveying techniques related to:
- the determination of the plan coordinates and the heights of control points using GNSS surveying with a GNSS instrument;
- the determination of the plan coordinates and the heights of control points using levelling, traversing and/or resection with a total station instrument;
- the determination of the plan coordinates and heights of detail points using radial detailing with a total station instrument;
- the determination of the plan coordinates and heights of detail points using intersection with a total station instrument;
- the determination of the plan coordinates and heights of a point cloud using terrestrial laser scanning with a terrestrial laser scanner instrument to survey the façade of a building.
The practical surveys will have a specific focus on the creation of a 3D digital model of a building in REVIT software, along with an assessment of the quality of each of the engineering surveying techniques used.
This is an introduction to machine learning with an emphasis on practical use in engineering applications, such as control theory or decisions under uncertainty. The module is structured around a subset of the following topics:
- Inference, or model-driven predictions
- Supervised learning: the basics, optimization and beyond least squares
- Unsupervised learning
- Neural networks and deep learning
- The Bayesian approach and Gaussian processes
- Generalized linear models: going beyond normality
This module involves students in a scaled-down construction project by going through the stages of design appreciation, construction planning and scheduling, organisation of work, execution of the construction phase and review. The main phase involves the construction phase and takes place in a time-limited 'field course' environment at a residential facility that offers the resources needed for carrying out the construction work. There is some advance preparatory work and post-construction phase reporting required to complete the course. The course runs with the support of industrial partners who help guide the student teams. Students work in teams of approximately 18 to try to complete their assignment on time and on budget. The residential stage requires an additional payment by the student in line with charges applied to other field courses.
The field course for this module takes place in the Easter vacation with final reporting at the end of the Spring Semester. It is a residential at a specialist location with the required construction resources available. An extra cost must be paid for this element of the module.
Year four - Industrial Year
Subject to you meeting the relevant requirements, your fourth year will be spent in industry.
The placement year opportunity enables you to take what you've learned and apply it to real projects in a professional working environment. You will be supported by a placement tutor in securing a position and they will keep in touch during the year to see how you are getting on. The placement year can provide you with a source of income and can even lead to a job offer before you've graduated.
Important information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
MEng Individual Investigative Project
Group Design Project
Sustainable Construction and Life Cycle Assessment
Railway Technology
Highway and Pavement Design
Dynamics and Wind Engineering
Coastal Engineering
Managing Infrastructure and Systems
Advanced Structural Analysis
Geotechnical Modelling
Advanced Structural Design
Environmental Fluid Mechanics
You will undertake a long-term individual research project appropriate to your particular interests. It normally takes the form of an investigative, development or design project ending as a detailed final report. Projects involve lab work, field investigations or computer modelling and require data collection and analysis.
Working in groups, you'll design and plan a major civil engineering project. Typical projects include water works, major highway schemes and retail parks. Staff and visiting professional engineers provide guidance.
This module is designed to deliver an understanding of sustainability principles and how, in particular, transport infrastructure engineering as well as the wider construction industry can contribute to sustainable development.
The module will include the following themes:
- Sustainability: an introduction to sustainability, sustainable development; sustainable construction; and how transport infrastructure engineering can contribute to sustainable construction.
- Environmental impacts of infrastructure construction: a review of the positive and negative environmental impacts of construction including resources and waste and energy and climate change.
- Social impacts of infrastructure construction: a review of the positive and negative social impacts of construction including; corporate social responsibility, responsible sourcing, poverty reduction and sustainable development goals.
- Assessment: indicators, assessment systems, environmental life-cycle assessment, life-cycle cost analysis.
Delivery
| Activity | Number of Weeks | Number of sessions | Duration of a session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 weeks | 1 week | 2 hours |
| Workshop | 11 weeks | 1 week | 1 hour |
Assessment method
| Assessment Type | Weight | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00 | 2 hour exam |
This module will introduce the components of railway track structures, conventional and otherwise. It will include analysis of forces on a railway track and consequent deflections, stresses, alignment design principles, and an overview of the railway as a total system including operational issues, signalling and control.
Assessment method
This module is assessed by individual and group coursework (40%) and an exam (60%).
Delivery
| Activity | Number of Weeks | Number of sessions | Duration of a session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 weeks | 1 week | 2 hours |
| Lecture | 11 weeks | 1 week | 1 hour |
Assessment method
| Assessment Type | Weight | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework 1 | 20.00 | Track maintenance group coursework - 4 spreadsheet returns at approx. 2 hours. |
| Coursework 2 | 20.00 | Track design individual coursework - 1,000 word report |
| Exam | 60.00 | One 2 hour exam |
This module covers the design of highway alignments, including curvatures, gradients, number of lanes, junction design and drainage. It also includes analysis and design of pavement structures and surfaces using different techniques and materials together with the deterioration mechanisms involved.
It module aims to:
- embed the ability to design sensible and functional highway alignments
- introduce the design of pavement structures
- give understanding of the roles and design of different pavement surfaces
Delivery
| Activity | Number of Weeks | Number of sessions | Duration of a session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 weeks | 1 week | 2 hours |
| Lecture | 11 weeks | 1 week | 1 hour |
Assessment method
| Assessment Type | Weight | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework 1 | 20.00 | Highway design exercise |
| Coursework 2 | 20.00 | Pavement design exercise |
| Exam | 60.00 | 2 hour exam |
This module considers the effects of wind on structures. It shows how the wind loading codes are developed from first principles and how they can be applied to predict wind induced forces in structures. The dynamic response of structures to wind is studied with the help of wind tunnel tests.
This module is delivered through six hours of lectures and computer-based tutorials each week and covers the principles of water height variation, ocean forces (from waves and tides) and energy conversion into electrical power and to the design of energy production systems.
This module considers some of the most commonly-used system reliability assessment techniques applied to support system management.
It covers the construction of reliability models that use basic component failure information to describe specific system failure modes, the qualitative and quantitative analyses of these models, and the critical evaluation of systems using the analytical results. The models will be discussed in the context of their application to engineering systems and infrastructure assets.
The module aims to provide students with:
- an understanding of the basic statistical, probabilistic and mathematical concepts required to predict the reliability of components and systems.
- a detailed knowledge of the most commonly used system reliability assessment techniques.
- the ability to critically evaluate systems and assets using mathematical models.
Assessment method
This module will be assessed by an in-class test (20%) and an exam (80%).
The module will look into advanced structural analysis methods including finite element, non-linear analysis and stability. It will also look into the analysis of dynamic systems.
This module will reinforce and advance some of the principles of soil mechanics previously learnt, and describe the principles of Critical State Soil Mechanics (CSSM), a model used to predict the behaviour of soils.
It includes revision of previous concepts, shear box and triaxial tests data analysis, critical state line, elasticity and plasticity, development of an elasto-plastic soil model, and constitutive model application in numerical simulations.
Students will learn about and conduct their own triaxial tests on soil samples within the laboratory such that they can obtain constitutive model parameters for the soil. Students will learn to use a finite element method (FEM) software package that is popular for geotechnical analyses as well as the principles of physical modelling using a geotechnical centrifuge. The coursework element will require students to use constitutive model parameters obtained from triaxial testing within FEM analyses.
The FEM analyses will include
- the replication of the triaxial tests and verification of results against analytical predictions (using CSSM), and
- simulation of a boundary value problem (e.g. vertical loading of a foundation), for which they will compare numerical predictions against a centrifuge test data set provided to them.
Delivery
| Activity | Number of Weeks | Number of sessions | Duration of a session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computing | 3 weeks | 3 weeks | 2 hours |
| Lecture | 8 weeks | 3 weeks | 2 hours |
Assessment method
| Assessment Type | Weight |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 50.00 |
| Coursework | 50.00 |
The module will look into the design of specialised structural systems such as composite beams and floors, portal frames, tubular trusses, and pre-stressed concrete beams and slabs. It will also look into connection behaviour, the design of steel moment connections and sway stability of buildings. A major group design exercise will illustrate the approach to the design of complete structures.
This course (module) introduces buoyancy driven and geophysical fluid flows relevant to civil engineering. We will explore the roles of density and rotation in determining ocean and atmopheric behaviour, and in pollutant dispersion. This content falls within 4 sections :
- Rotating flows
- Convection – plumes and jets
- Gravity currents
- Kelvin Helmholtz instability
Each section introduced through guided student-led work followed by an experiment visualising and quantifying aspects of the flows.
Teaching methods
- Group study
- Independent study
- Lab sessions
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Supervision
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Teaching is delivered through a mix of in-person and online methods. The majority of your teaching will be in-person.
Assessment methods
- Coursework
- Group coursework
- Dissertation
- Examinations
- Presentation
- Research project
- Practical assessment
On average, you will have at least 20 contact hours a week in year one and two. Combined with coursework and self-study, you may spend over 40 hours a week on your studies.
Students will be equipped to embark on a career in civil engineering, or other disciplines that require numerate problem-solving graduates.
- Key sectors for our graduates are:
- civil engineering consultancy
- civil engineering contracting
- civil engineering management
- finance
- surveying
Find out how our links with industry could give you a head start while you study with us.
Average starting salary and career progression
90.4% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Engineering secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,123.*
*HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2023, High Fliers Research).
Your Campus - University Park
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Your Campus - University Park
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
I spent a year working for one of the biggest construction companies in the world. I was working on a student accommodation project for The University of Essex where my main job was to manage the façade. The placement team helped me a lot in finding a placement, getting my CV right and getting through interviews
Weixhao Zhu
talking about his industrial year with Bouygues
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Help and support
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
Help and support
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
