MSc Civil Engineering with Advanced Project

Why choose Herts?

Reputation: 7^th in the UK for engineering and technology (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2024)
Facilities: Study at one of the largest engineering schools in the UK and in our brand-new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, Spectra
Industry connections: Benefit from our long-established links with the civil engineering profession – our courses are tailored to meet the needs of employers

The entry requirements for the programme are either:

* a good (2.2 or above) Honours degree (or equivalent) in civil or structural engineering.

Or:

* a good (2.2 or above) Honours degree (or equivalent) in a science related first degree in combination with extensive experience (>7 years) in working in the construction sector in positions that involve technical related decision making and design of projects for example.

For the second requirement, the programme delivery team will request substantial evidence for the work experience (reference letters) as well as reserving the right to invite candidates to a short interview.


Institution code	H36
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability
Careers

The MSc Civil Engineering with Placement Year degree will boost your career prospects, with exciting opportunities in industry, research and development as well as a pure academic pathway available to postgraduates. The programme has been developed in consultation with our Industrial Advisory Group to ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills most sought after in the industry.

Typical employers are major engineering consultancies and contractors such as Arup, Jacobs and Balfour Beatty as well as management and business consultancies across other sectors.

We will get you ready to enter and stand out in the graduate job market.

What job can I get?

Graduates of the MSc Civil Engineering with Advanced Project degree are well positioned for a variety of roles including:
- consulting civil engineer
- structural engineer
- geotechnical engineer
- construction materials engineer
- contracting civil engineer
- site engineer
- town planner.

Professional Accreditations

The MSc Civil Engineering programme has been designed to meet the requirements of the accrediting body: the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), representing the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Structural Engineers, the Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Ways Institution.

As such, the programme reflects the detailed JBM requirements for MSc degrees and the latest version of the Engineering Council learning outcomes (AHEP version 4).

Accreditation will be sought at the earliest opportunity in consultation and coordination with the JBM.

About the course

The MSc Civil Engineering with Advanced Project is designed for ambitious civil and structural engineering graduates and those with related degrees and professional experience looking to expand their technical expertise, skills and career opportunities.

The Advanced Project award aims to develop key professional skills that you will need when seeking employment. You will learn how to deliver successful projects and develop strategies for successful employment after graduation. This is an integrated degree programme that brings together the key generic skills of management and research methods with specific modules focusing on civil and structural engineering. This approach will help you to develop your critical thinking skills as a future engineering manager, or technical specialist enabling you effectively to analyse technical and or management issues.

The programme aims to equip you with the theory and practice of relevant subjects, technologies and analytical tools to provide solutions for civil and structural engineering challenges, as well as providing a blend of knowledge and application experience through case studies and project work. You will focus on the links between analysis and design and the supporting skills of management.

Why choose this course?

This civil engineering master's degree will accelerate your career, advancing your technical knowledge and professional skills and experience. You'll gain the technical and professional skills needed to contribute to the civil engineering infrastructure that underpins our everyday life.

You'll study for a master’s degree shaped by our Industrial Advisory Group and based on current needs, so that you can make an immediate impact in your career.

You will learn and be inspired in our new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, with industry standard facilities and experiential learning zones, from large Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) spaces, workshops, laboratories and more flexible learning environments. You'll use cutting edge software to understand how technology is practically applied in civil engineering.

Our strong and established industry connections will enhance your learning and offer invaluable career insights and opportunities.

The University of Hertfordshire is ranked 7th for engineering and technology in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024), reflecting the strength of teaching quality you will receive.

What will I study?

The University of Hertfordshire's School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning: you will be inspired by a team of academics with significant and diverse experience including structural engineers, geotechnical specialists, materials engineers, hydro experts and highways engineers.

In-class theory is balanced with practical application of engineering principles as well as seminars from industry partners and professional bodies. Assessment is through coursework and examinations.

The curriculum provides you with an advanced knowledge base across a wide range of subjects, from advanced materials and bespoke design modules such as composite and steel structures and advanced geotechnical design through to integrated floodplain management and sustainability relevant policies. You will explore an array of topics related to resilience, systems thinking, data and AI in construction, smart infrastructure and sustainability.

Skills development is an important element of the course: your research skills will expand through modules such as Systems, Data and Technologies for Civil Engineering as well as via your individual project. Professional skills including communication, problem solving, digital literacy, numeracy, teamwork and self-management skills will be enhanced to ensure you excel in your chosen career path.

Where will I study?

You'll learn in our brand-new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones. You will have access to modelling, simulation and research labs, our light and heavy structures lab as well as a wide range of materials testing and characterisation facilities.

You will also benefit from a Success and Skills Support Unit, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Systems, Data and Technologies for Civil Engineering	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will typically cover: Systems theory and the complexity of engineering solutions. Security and protection for civil infrastructure. Big data and AI for construction. Sensors and sensing, ultra-low power sensing, remote measurement. Monitoring of civil engineering structures. Emerging technologies including smart and intelligent systems, and virtual methods. Functional materials for intelligent infrastructure. Circularity and sustainable practices. Modern methods of construction Advances in façade engineering.
Structural Design for Fire Safety	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module involves: Considerations of structural fire engineering design in relation to the broader discipline of fire safety engineering. Requirements of the regulations in relation to structural fire engineering and the importance of compartmentation. Fire design scenarios. Nominal and natural fire curves. Heat transfer. Structural analysis and design at elevated temperatures. Appreciation of full-scale fire testing.
Environmental Policy and Governance	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will cover: The module will involve the following topics arranged under 4 themes: International policies, actions, policies and legislation. Timeline of intergovernmental actions and agreements starting from Paris Agreement to state of the art. Current international environmental policies and implications. United Nations role in environment preservation and sustainability, relevant guidelines and initiatives. EU policies and road map to sustainable economy. Other international policies with significant impact. National and local policies, actions, policies and legislation. Writing sustainability into legislation. The role of the UK government, including relevant legislation and the role of local authorities through planning procedures and building regulations. NET ZERO 2050 The move to a low-carbon economy and activity across government departments to address sustainability in respect of energy, materials, water, and waste. Introduction to supporting tools and guidance for engineers such as CEEQUAL, LEED, BREEAM. Wholistic sustainability approach considering socioeconomic aspects, ethics. and equality. Consideration of ethics and socioeconomic factors in civil engineering projects. Consideration of social aspects. Case studies A selection of practical examples from industry to illustrate the application of topics taught in the module.
Advanced Geotechnical Design and Construction for Large Infrastructure	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will aim to take undergraduate knowledge of soil mechanics principles and geotechnical design to greater focus on large scale infrastructure works looking at: Fixed headed vs free headed and laterally loaded pile design. Pile groups and Piled rafts. Inspection and testing of large-scale infrastructure geotechnics. Prop sequencing and staging for retaining wall design. Temporary works design categories, checking, standards and safety considerations. Advanced retaining wall design including observational method. Reinforcement design, placement and practical considerations. Basement and shaft considerations. Tunnels and culverts. Planning and managing geotechnical installations for large scale infrastructure.
Integrated Floodplain Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will explore the range of communities and stakeholders that interact with floodplains, to develop supportable and sustainable management schemes. Study includes: Introduction to flood management and drainage including typical causes and effects of flooding and relevant legislation. Social, economic, and environmental communities and their typical associated extents, resources, constraints, priorities, and data related to floodplain interaction. Approaches to flood defence including 'soft solutions', catchment management, engineered flood defences, on-line and off-line storage, and the management of flood defence assets. Natural flood management perspectives and techniques. National guidance on flood prevention and management, design methods for engineering intervention in rivers, and benefits and costs of developing flood defence schemes. Students will analyse and recommend sustainable resource management strategies and/or actions in the context of floodplain stakeholder perspectives, resources, and constraints.
Advanced Materials & Structures for Resilient Built Environment	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will typically focus on the following aspects of advanced materials and structures: Materials selection processes and criteria. Advanced materials characterisation techniques (these can typically include X-ray analyses; thermal analysis; spectroscopy; calorimetry etc). Emerging materials and processes. Nanotechnology in construction Fracture mechanics.
Design of Steel and Composite Structures	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will cover: Principles of structural design of steel and composite steel-concrete structures. Design of special members, such as beams with web openings. Structural integrity, robustness and analysis of steel frames. Composite shear connections. Design of composite steel-concrete beams and columns. Composite slabs and floor detailing. Finite element analysis of steel structures.
MSc Individual Project (Civil)	60 Credits	Compulsory
The Masters Project is a key integrating feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at a postgraduate level. It provides the student with the opportunity to bring together and apply much of what they have learnt both in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the school covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Students are supported in their project through the delivery of seminar sessions and training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a Masters level project. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 600 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.
Successful Project Delivery (Civil)	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students successfully completing this module will be equipped to work within, and lead, high-performing multidisciplinary project teams. Students will develop a critical awareness of their skills, attributes, impact and contributions to project teams, and team roles, as well as an awareness of leadership, including differing leadership styles and cultural issues in projects. The module will support students in the application of other critical components of project management including risk management, cost management, project quality management, human resources management, communications management, and procurement management. The module will make use of experiential learning, case study examples, reflective practice, and guest speakers blended with traditional learning methods.
Project Skills and Professional Development (Civil)	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module uses group project work to provide students with the opportunity to apply their project management skills and develop their professional and employability skills. The module will provide a mix of careers support, enterprise and business insight and challenging thinking about future skills needs of graduates and employers. Students will gain an appreciation of a range of engineering careers and sectors to enable them to better understand future opportunities.

Further course information

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2026
UK Students
Full time
- £15120 for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £22450 for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £22450 for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
22/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
2027
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
22/09/2027 31/05/2028 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)

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MSc Civil Engineering with Advanced Project

Why choose Herts?

Careers

What job can I get?

Professional Accreditations

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Where will I study?

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2026

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2026

2027