About this course
LJMU's Civil Engineering MSc provides a route to Chartered Engineer status. You will learn the skills required to excel in and lead a civil engineering team.
- This Programme is also available as a 240 credit routeway including a Group Project and Dissertation
- Study on a course informed by internationally recognised research from our Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Research Institute
- Enjoy excellent career opportunities in design and site-based roles
- Meet the requirements for Chartered Engineer status
Civil Engineering is a popular branch of engineering relating to the design and construction of large structures, such as bridges, roads, tunnels, tall buildings and flood defences.
The overall aim of this programme is to produce Chartered Engineers who play a significant role in society as professional civil engineers. LJMU supports its students in developing the necessary skills to take on future leadership roles.
The programme builds on foundational engineering knowledge and skills with a stimulating and challenging postgraduate programme of study that will advance your understanding and analytical skills. You will develop a critical awareness of current issues in the field, as developed by ongoing research from LJMU's Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Research Institute.
You will also evaluate the latest research and design methodologies, increase your understanding of ethical issues related to civil engineering, and your responsibilities with regards to sustainable construction.
In addition, you will develop a greater understanding of management principles and management strategies and be able to critically evaluate design, construction and operation within the context of both regulation and current developments.
Students who choose the two year MSc route will undertake a Group Design Project & Dissertation.
The Group Design Project aims to apply civil engineering skills, practical experience, technology and scientific knowledge to a real-world design problem. Detailed ideas will be explored and developed through design, experimentation and/or computer modelling.
Why should I choose the 2 year route?
The Group Design Project will encompass the wider aspects of social, economic, political, legislative, environmental, cultural, ethical and sustainability issues required in the modern environment.
- This route will equip you with the transferrable project management skills needed to excel in your chosen career.
- You will work in groups and meet regularly with an academic supervisor and any internal or external stakeholders in order to develop an effective team-working ethic.
- You will present your work through regular meetings with your supervisor as well as submitting progress reports and oral presentations. In this way you will have the chance to hone your communicative skills and leave University ready for the workplace.
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Khalid's story
With an undergraduate and Masters-level qualification from the University of Babylon in Iraq, Khalid Hashim came to LJMU to study for an MPhil leading to a PhD.
“I chose to study at LJMU as ...
Professional body recognition
The accrediting body for this degree is the Joint Board of Moderators for the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. Visit our website for further information.
This degree is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Visit our website for further information.
Ultimately, with relevant work experience and a masters-level degree, the degree can lead to the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer (CEng) and the equivalent European Qualification of EurIng.
This programme is also accredited by IStructE.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Common roles for graduates of this programme include: Civil Engineers, Geotechnical Engineers, Project Engineers and Structural Engineers at organisations including Carillion, Arup, Tony Gee, Mouchel, Mott McDonald, J N Bentley Ltd, HL Structural Engineers, URS Infrastructure and Environment Atkin Global and as General Consultants.
The student experience
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Core modules
Research Methodology
10 credits
This module provides an understanding of the academic research process, its techniques, strategies and methods. It develops your understanding and provides skills in research design, implementation and presentation.
Research Project
60 credits
This module develops and tests your ability to prepare a dissertation, based on an in-depth study of a subject significant to your chosen discipline within the built environment.
Water and Wastewater Treatment
20 credits
The module provides you with a thorough grounding in the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants. It ensures the awareness, competencies and methodology for consideration of specific issues in water and wastewater management.
Structural and Earthquake Engineering
20 credits
This module introduces students to the design of structures under dynamic loading conditions. Students will gain an understanding of:
- earthquake generation and the quantification of earthquake effects
- the behaviour of materials, structural elements and composite structures under earthquake loading
- dynamic structural design and earthquake engineering.
Materials Technology
20 credits
This module develops techniques for evaluating and understanding the behaviour of engineering materials under various service conditions including exposure and loading regimes. It aims to:
- enhance your understanding of the behaviour of Civil Engineering Materials under a wide range of service conditions
- develop your ability to evaluate new developments in Materials Technology and to compare critically the choice of materials for specific applications
Sustainable Infrastructure
20 credits
This module develops students' understanding, and critical awareness, of the sustainability of infrastructure. Students will consider and compare infrastructure through the world, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development. Students will also develop an understanding of the operation, design and management of infrastructure in both the Developing World and the Developed World. From this, they will develop the capability for the critical assessment of the sustainability of infrastructure in a wide variety of situations.
Collaborative Bim Project
20 credits
This module develops practical and team skills via collaborative work on an industry project. It enables you to follow BIM protocols and practice in a multidisciplinary project team to achieve project success.
Prince2®
10 credits
The module provides you with the knowledge and skills to apply the PRINCE2® project management method to appropriate project contexts. It aims to develop the requisite skills and knowledge needed to apply the PRINCE2® method to the management of different stages of the project life cycle.
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching methods
You will learn through lectures, seminars and problem solving sessions.
Applied learning
You will develop a critical awareness of current issues in the field, as informed by ongoing research from LJMU's Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Research Institute. You will also benefit from site visits to see theory put into practice.
Assessment
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment methods on this programme include: written examinations, assignments, presentations and the dissertation.
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
The Department of Civil Engineering is situated in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU’s City Campus. Here you’ll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library, open 24/7 during semester, is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
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Entry requirements
You will need:
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a minimum 2:2 in civil, structural or another type of engineering
or
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considerable relevant work experience
Additional information:
- IELTS English language requirement: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
- Pearson PTE Academic 64 (minimum 59 in each component for UKVI purposes)
- RPL is accepted on this programme
If you have any specific queries, please contact fetadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk
Please note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.
View country specific entry requirements
Contact LJMU's International Admissions Team for guidance on visa information. Further information is also available from our international web pages.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
You will apply for the majority of postgraduate courses using our online application form. You should complete the form thoroughly and provide a detailed personal statement which reflects your suitability and aptitude for the programme.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.