91快活林

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Top reasons to choose this course

• Develop strong leadership and advanced technical skills – the MEng pathway equips you with the scientific knowledge and leadership capabilities needed to become a highly skilled civil engineer.
• Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) – fully meets the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Industrial Advisory Board – benefit from expert advice, networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings with professionals to help you plan your career and secure placements.
• Learn building information modelling (BIM) – gain a professional advantage with digital design skills.
• Hands-on learning from the start – work on real-world engineering problems and develop practical skills in specialist labs including concrete, hydraulics and soils.
• Industry-focused projects – take part in initiatives like the Engineering for People Design Challenge and industry-led modules delivered by partners such as Mott MacDonald.
• Expert teaching and industry links – learn from academics with consultancy experience and benefit from advice and networking through our Industrial Advisory Board.
• Placement opportunities – choose an optional paid placement year to gain valuable experience with leading employers such as Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke and South East Water.
• Shared first year with flexibility to transfer to Civil with Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering with Construction Management.

Year 1

In your first year you will explore the fundamental elements of civil engineering. You will also undertake a group project linked to the Engineering for People Design Challenge.

Modules

• Construction Materials

  This module covers basic material science relating to construction materials such as timber, steel, concrete, masonry, polymers and bituminous materials. You will develop an understanding of commonly used construction materials, and the ability to evaluate the performance of different materials and to identify a variety of failure types. You will have the opportunity to test some of the main properties of basic construction materials through laboratory sessions.

• Mathematics for Civil Engineering

  This module will introduce you to the mathematics and statistics required to study civil engineering. Vectors, linear algebra, matrix analysis, solutions of a set of linear equations, functions of one or more variables, differentiation and integration will be covered. Statistical tools are provided for estimating uncertainty in civil and environmental engineering problems.

• Civil Engineering Practice

  This module will introduce you to the range of issues related to the content and role of the civil engineering profession. Through independent and self-managed research, critical evaluation of published studies and writing of technical reports, you will develop an appreciation of the health and safety, environmental and sustainability issues related to civil engineering projects. It is linked to Engineering for People design Challenge UK and aims to prepare you for an effective professional life by encouraging best practices in cooperation and teamwork.

• Land and Construction Surveying

  This module will introduce you to the equipment and methods used in both land and construction engineering surveying. The module will provide you with a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of surveying and covers a range of surveying topics from basic measurement of heights, distances and angles, to setting out coordinate positions on site. As a result of the nature of the content, there is a focus on practical skills with much of the delivery taking place in a practical setting.

• Structural and Stress Analysis

  This module will introduce you to the analysis of simple structures. Through the application of the equilibrium equations, you will be able to determine the support reactions and internal forces in structural members. The study will be undertaken through rigorous analytical and graphical approach as well as through physical conceptual understanding of the structural behaviour. The calculation of displacements and stresses will be also introduced as base of the limit state principles.

• Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics

  This is an introductory module covering principles of soil mechanics and engineering geology. The syllabus includes identification of soils and common rock types; engineering description and classification of soils and rocks; physical properties of soils and rocks; stresses in soils; earth’s surface processes; an introduction to geological maps. Lab classes, tutorials and a field day will give you hands-on experience.

Year 2

In your second year, you will build on the knowledge and skills you have acquired in your first year. Group project work will include working on the design of a simplified structure.

Modules

• Construction Methods and Technology

  This module will focus on the process of planning projects through the design and construction stages of a low/medium-rise development. Focusing on ‘constructability’, it will highlight the demands faced by those involved in managing the construction environment and the complex issues that arise when integrating new and more sustainable materials, technologies and construction methods, while ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of those carrying out the production operation.

• Structural Analysis

  Structural Analysis deals with the static response of structures in terms of forces and displacements, with equilibrium equations, material properties and structure deflected shape used as analysis tools. You will learn the basic tools to analyse statically indeterminate beams, simple frames and structures with axially loaded members, and gain the skills to deal with the fundamental modelling of material response beyond the elastic limit.

• Concrete Technology and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures

  In this module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles of concrete technology and ability to produce safe design procedures for structural concrete elements reinforced with conventional steel bars and/or steel fibres. You will develop the knowledge and skills for designing and applying conventional and special concrete materials. The module will also prepare you for a productive professional life by encouraging best practices in cooperation and teamwork.

• Computational Mechanics

  Computational Mechanics covers the principles of general basic numerical techniques relevant to civil engineering, such as numerical differentiation and integration, as well as approaches such as the finite difference method, the direct stiffness method and the finite element method. The module will equip you with the necessary skills in computer programming and mathematical modelling to perform numerical simulations of common civil engineering problems.

• Geotechnical Engineering 1

  This module will help you develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of soil mechanics required in civil engineering practice and introduces the analytical and empirical methods to predict soil behaviour under different loading conditions. You will be able to apply soil mechanics theory to the design of common geotechnical engineering structures such as shallow and deep foundations, slopes and earth-retaining structures.

• Hydraulics

  In this module, you will be introduced to the basic principles of hydraulics in the context of civil engineering, including hydrostatics, hydrodynamics and behaviour of real fluids, and develop the analytical skills required to solve common hydraulics problems. There is a significant amount of laboratory work, so you will develop your practical skills and improve your understanding of theories through real-life observations.

Placement year

A placement year offers an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, build a professional network, increase your confidence, develop existing skills and discover new ones. The experience also significantly enhances your CV.

Our students have been placement in organisations including:

• Mackley
• Laing O’Rourke
• Balfour Beatty
• Mott MacDonald
• South East Water.

There is also the opportunity to study abroad.

Year 3

The third year gives you flexibility to explore areas of interest. Options include application of design, which is delivered by Mott MacDonald.

Projects include study of vibration of structures and their mitigation, a multidisciplinary group design activity as well as the design and build of a simple small-scale structure which you will test in the lab.

Modules

Core modules

• Dynamics of Structures

  In this module, you will learn the fundamental concepts of the dynamics of civil engineering structures. Earthquakes, wind, sea waves and moving loads such as trains create vibrations in structures that might cause damage and eventually collapse; Dynamics of Structures is designed to provide you with the tools necessary to model the motion of structures forced by dynamic loads and design devices able to reduce these vibrations.

• Design of Steel Structures

  This module will provide you with a sound knowledge of the behaviour and design of structural steel members and their connections and deepen your understanding and application of modern codes of practice procedures (Eurocodes), national annex and UK building regulations. It will enable you to design a structural system, underpinned by functionality, safety and stability, buildability and economic objectives.

• Geotechnical Engineering 2

  In this module, you will design site investigations and interpret the results of in situ and laboratory testing to obtain parameters for design. The module will introduce advanced constitutive models for soil behaviour and their implementation in numerical analysis. You will also study the theory and design of reinforced soil and explore practical design examples and illustrations of current practice.

• Integrated Approach to Design of Structures

  This module will deepen your knowledge of the creative and complex interdisciplinary nature of the structural design process. A group design project will bolster your existing knowledge of construction materials, analysis (structural, geotechnical and hydraulic) and member design. You will enhance your ability to design a structural system, underpinned by critical appraisal of a client brief and other considerations such as functionality, safety and stability, buildability, and social and economic objectives.

Options*

• Project Planning and Analysis

  Providing a problem-solving scenario for you to develop individual responses while working in a group, the focus of this module is to identify a feasible plan to a complex project. This will demonstrate the best trade-offs on time, cost and performance, bearing in mind the need for health, safety and welfare, and the ‘constructability’ of the proposal. You will also learn to use computers to produce plans using sophisticated industry-led software.

• Applied Hydraulics

  Applied Hydraulics will introduce you to the theory of open channel water flow, basic coastal and estuarine processes and sediment transport and give you an understanding of the basic design principles of engineered interventions and the social, environmental and economic implications. You will learn how to simulate scenarios numerically and physically in the laboratory and have the opportunity to compare theory to practice.

• Building Information Modelling

  This module introduces building information modelling (BIM) as a tool in the design and construction management of buildings. You will develop enough theoretical insight and practical skills to be able to use BIM and demonstrate leadership and competence in advocating and enhancing it as a vehicle for cultural change in the construction industry. You will also be able to evaluate and fully utilise BIM options and its advanced features.

• Sustainable Construction

  This module will highlight the demand that construction places on finite resources and the necessity to build in a sustainable manner. You will study how building design, procurement, materials and methods of construction are related to buildings solutions at both national and international level. You’ll also evaluate and critically appraise benchmarks for sustainable construction.

• Application of Design

  This industry-led module is entirely delivered by industrial partners and will cover the application of design in a real-life industry scenario to enable you to apply the knowledge gained from the previous years in analysis, design and detailing. It will also demonstrate the thought process required to deliver a project from conception to final product.

• Environmental Impact Assessment

  Environmental impact assessment [EIA] is an important phase in the implementation of a development, whether that is a pipeline, housing development, the Olympic park or the proposed HS2 railway. In this module, you will examine the policies and practice behind EIA and the techniques and methodologies designed to consider the environmental consequences of activities. Although focused on UK practice, the module considers the evolution of environmental assessment both in the UK and globally.

• Water, Sanitation and Health

  Water, Sanitation and Health explores the role of water in the transmission, distribution and control of disease, including its historical context, and categorises the main water-related diseases. You will look at sanitation, public and environmental health, current water-related agents of disease and how these may be affected by climate change. Themed workshops based on emerging water, sanitation and health issues will provide an opportunity for you to develop, debate and present on issues raised in lectures.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Final year

In your final year, you will embark on a major individual project. You will continue to focus on your engineering specialisms and have the freedom to choose from a range of option modules.

Modules

Core modules

• MEng Individual Project

  The MEng Individual Project gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity to work as an independent researcher in civil engineering and related fields. Through the project dissertation you will show evidence of a broad understanding of the problems involved, including the theoretical background, critical thinking in the investigation and thorough analysis of the achieved results.

Options*

• Wave Mechanics and Structural Loading

  Wave Mechanics and Structural Loading will give you an understanding of different wave theories and their applications in offshore and coastal engineering practice. You will also develop an understanding of environments in which different wave theories may be applied. The module will introduce analytical, empirical and numerical methods for the analysis of wave loading on structures.

• Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures

  Most of the commonly used techniques for the earthquake strengthening of existing reinforced concrete structures will be covered in this module, such as concrete jacketing, epoxy resin injection and fibre-reinforced polymer composites. You will develop a deep understanding of the types and causes of damage and be able to select appropriate strengthening techniques and design strengthened elements.

• Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

  During this module you will gain an understanding of advanced geotechnical design methods. You will explore current design methods for soil and rock structures and tunnels and get experience of using a variety of commercial software commonly encountered in real-life practice.

• Project Risk and Financial Analysis

  The first part of this two-part module will cover project risk in health and safety and financial terms, with an emphasis on CDM 2015 Regulations and the Management of H&S at Work Regulations 1999. This will help in comprehensively appraising health and safety risk. The second part will give you an understanding of decision-making and the appropriate decision-making tools for managing people and organisations.

• Sustainable Construction

  This module looks at how the design and construction of buildings impact the environment. It provides a critical appraisal of one planet living and the responsibilities of the individual and the construction industry, and explores the resources consumed and pollution resulting from buildings and methods by which their sustainability can be evaluated. Some of the key features of buildings acknowledged as ‘sustainable construction’ will also be appraised.

• Bridge Loads and Analysis

  This module will focus on the loading requirements and analysis methods applicable to bridge structures. It will cover various actions that may exist on a bridge structure, including primary and secondary traffic loads for highway, railway and footbridges, actions from wind and water, temperature and shrinkage actions. You will also look at the global and detailed analysis methods and their use for the analysis of bridges. Both computer and hand-based methods will be covered in the module.

• Dynamics of Structures with Earthquake Engineering Applications

  Following an introduction to the fundamental concepts of dynamics of structures, this module focuses on the prediction of the dynamic response of civil engineering structures using simplified analytical models of increasing levels of complexity. It also deals with the calculation of equivalent lateral forces to be used in codified seismic design.

• Random Vibration of Structures

  This module will give you the confidence to model uncertainties involved in the design of structural systems and a framework to critically appraise probabilistic-based Eurocode approaches to design. Stochastic models of earthquake ground motion, wind and wave loading will also be explored. Probabilistic analysis and design of structures will be undertaken through relevant random vibration theory, and you will become confident with probabilistic analysis for design.

• Transport Modelling for Civil Engineering Applications

  This module will develop your skills in applying different modelling approaches appropriate for traffic engineering and transport planning to make road transport networks safe, sustainable and user appropriate. Topics will include traffic flow, demand and capacity, traffic data sources, processing and forecasting using statistical approaches, design of a junction and traffic signal plan design.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Staff profile

Dr Qianyu Luo is the course leader for Civil Engineering at the University of 91快活林. She specialises in water engineering, hydraulics and computational fluid dynamics, drawing on an international academic background that includes degrees in Hydraulic and Hydropower Engineering in China, an MSc from Cardiff University, and a PhD from University College London.

Joining the University of 91快活林 in August 2025, Qianyu teaches across water-related and core civil engineering modules. Her teaching is driven by real‑world problem‑solving, blending industry case studies with hands‑on learning to help students develop practical engineering skills. Qianyu’s research includes publications in high‑impact journals and international conference presentations, supporting her commitment to connecting theory with current global challenges such as climate change, sustainable cities and water management.

She encourages students to be curious, proactive and confident, and values 91快活林’s supportive learning environment, strong lab facilities and opportunities for students to explore diverse engineering pathways.

Facilities

You will gain practical skills right from the word go. With access to our specialist labs and equipment and you will be supported by highly skilled and knowledgeable technicians.

• Concrete Testing Laboratory - facilities for mixing, casting and testing concrete, including strength, durability and material performance experiments.
• Structural Dynamics Laboratory - specialist space for testing how structures respond to different loads, forces and vibrations.
• Hydraulics Laboratory - equipped with working flumes and computer‑controlled wave generation for studying fluid flow, river and coastal processes, flood modelling and hydraulic structures.
• Geotechnics Laboratory - dedicated facilities for analysing soil behaviour, foundation performance and ground conditions.
• Sediment and Particle Analysis Facilities - labs with drying ovens and laser particle size analysis for studying soil, sediment and erosion processes.

Course fees

This course offers a professional placement (sandwich) year in year 3. If you choose to take this placement you will pay a reduced fee during this year. For students starting their undergraduate degree in the 2026–27 academic year, the fee for the professional placement year is £1,958. This fee may be subject to small increases in line with inflation.

The course fees shown here are what you will pay for the first year of your course if you start in the academic year 2026–27 and you are studying full-time (fee amount is subject to parliamentary approval). You pay fees in each year of your course. The fees you pay may increase each year.

Regulated fees

Fees for UK students on undergraduate and some postgraduate courses are set by the UK government. These are known as regulated fees. From academic year 2026–27, regulated fees will increase annually in line with forecast inflation.

Student Finance England loans for tuition fees and maintenance will also rise in line with inflation.

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Unregulated fees

Course fees for international students taking undergraduate courses and for most postgraduate courses are not regulated by the UK government. Unregulated fees may increase each year by up to 5% or the forecast Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (whichever is higher).

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and (pdf) for more on University of 91快活林 tuition fees.
• 91快活林 Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more.

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