While a bachelor’s degree equips students with the expertise and professional skills to enter civil engineering, a master’s program qualifies working engineers for leadership and higher professional positions. This article will look at the easiest ways to obtain a master’s in Civil Engineering in the UK.
According to Payscale, the average salary of a Civil Engineer is £31,117. The figures don’t only show how attractive it is. It shows that it is reputable too.
So, in this article, much emphasis will be placed on Civil Engineering as a career and the steps involved in getting a master’s in Civil Engineering in the UK. Carefully read through!
See the table of contents below.
Table of contents
- All You Need To Know About Civil Engineering
- What Do Civil Engineers Do?
- Why Should I Study Masters In Civil Engineering In UK
- What Is Involved In Masters In Civil Engineering Programs?
- What Can I Do With A Masters In Civil Engineering?
- What Qualifications Are Required for Postgraduate Civil Engineering Programs In UK?
- How Much Is Civil Engineering Master’s Program Tuition in UK?
- How Long Does It Take to Complete A Master’s In Civil Engineering In UK?
- Which Schools Offer Masters In Civil Engineering In UK?
- Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
All You Need To Know About Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is designing and constructing public works, such as dams, bridges, and other big infrastructure projects. It is one of the adored branches of engineering, dating back to when people first lived in permanent settlements and began fashioning their environments to suit their needs.
In this, all aspects of building a structure fall under the remit of a civil engineer. This can include planning, design, budgeting, surveying, construction management, and analysis. Civil engineering careers incorporate a combination of all these elements.
In current years, civil engineering has modified to consider many present environmental concerns, helping to address pollution and scarce water supplies while examining the potential of sustainable energy within the industry.
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What Do Civil Engineers Do?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers “design, construct, supervise, operate and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment,”.
Furthermore, Civil Engineers may also manage site preparation activities, such as excavation, earthmoving, and grading for large construction projects. In addition, civil engineers may conduct or write the specifications for harmful or nondestructive testing of the performance, reliability, and long-term durability of materials and structures.
Asides from the regular office work, Civil Engineers also go to project sites to supervise construction. They ensure projects are being done efficiently and answer questions raised by the workers.
Civil Engineers speak about projects to governing boards and the general public. They also write documents about the project, like responses to requests for proposals, status updates, and technical reports.
In addition to a college degree in civil engineering, civil engineers who sign off on project plans or supervise other civil engineers must be licensed according to rules stipulated by state governments. Licensing processes include several exams and require years of work experience. In the end, licensed civil engineers earn the appellation of a professional engineer (or PE).
Why Should I Study Masters In Civil Engineering In UK
While cities continue to grow, civil engineers are needed more than ever to restore the deteriorating infrastructures and adapt existing systems to respond to rapid change. While a bachelor’s degree provides students with the expertise and professional skills to enter the civil engineering field, a master’s program guides working engineers on the road to leadership. Here are the benefits of obtaining a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering in UK.
Develop your passion with a variety of classes
Students with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering are fitted in general Civil Engineering subjects and also have concentrated interest in one area of emphasis. The master’s degree allows an advanced program with a great emphasis on individual subjects, affording engineers the benefit of focusing on a chosen field of study which thus increases their potentials and reputation.
Furthermore, a Masters in Civil Engineering program grants the opportunity to focus on a wide range of topics in the areas of construction, structural, transportation, and environmental engineering. Finally, the curriculum prepares engineers for advancements in the globalization of manufacturing, renewable energy sources, and emerging technologies.
In a nutshell, MSc in Civil Engineering provides room for in-depth specialization in any of the four broad areas of Civil Engineering.
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Expand your skills to lead your field
In extension to sharpening mathematical and analytical skills, master’s in Civil Engineering strengthen the professional capabilities of the students. Moreso, Civil Engineering graduates who earn master’s degrees also have an edge in obtaining competitive positions as engineering managers by incorporating exceptional communication, decision-making, problem-solving skills.
Help fill the demand for essential civil engineers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for civil engineers will grow by eight percent by 2024. The estimated growth for engineering managers in the engineering services industry is 12 percent over the same period time. This shows that the increase in population is directly proportional to infrastructural and developmental projects as it relates to Civil Engineering.
That is to say, Civil Engineers will also play a major role in injecting new solutions.
To expand industries new and old
As new technologies reinforce the movement for sustainability in construction, Civil Engineers with necessary qualifications can find themselves working in areas such as urban and regional planning, public health, waste disposal, water, and air pollution control, and recycling.
Understand the industry’s promising salary and benefits
With the job outlook on the rise, the civil engineering field will continue to experience an upsurge in employment opportunities in various industries, both within the commercial and governmental sectors. Civil engineers who possess a master’s degree will experience a marginal rise within their career specialization.
Building as many skills and achieving as much experience as possible will serve to guide engineers on the path to success — particularly as society strives to engineer better structures, infrastructures, systems, and advanced technology-based solutions for better living and working.
What Is Involved In Masters In Civil Engineering Programs?
Many colleges and universities offer 5-year followings for civil engineering, where you can earn both your bachelor’s and masters. Other universities offer a 1-2 year master’s program to speed up your education. Typically, a master’s degree program takes two years to complete on its own.
A full-time MSc Civil Engineering typically lasts a year, while a part-time study lasts for two or three years or, in some cases, up to five years.
Postgraduate Civil Engineering courses generally combine theoretical and practical work, being lecture-based with supporting coursework, often fusing group assignments so that students gain proficiency in projects similar to the kind of work they might undertake after graduation.
Nevertheless, MSc in Civil Engineering is designed to improve your knowledge base, probing deep into the fundamentals of engineering, whilst giving practical experience that will be applicable in the workplace. The practical components of the course reflect the difference between theory and reality.
Practically, if you decide to study MSc in civil engineering in the UK, the program is likely to cover in one form or another, the four main sections within civil engineering: Transport, Structural, Water, and Geotechnical Engineering. Each of these fields will be dissected upon in great depth, frequently with an environmental focus as it relates to humankind.
Moreso, studying a Masters in Civil Engineering exposes you to an area you would like to specialize in. Therefore, you’re advised to research the course you want to specialize in.
Finally, completion of a master’s degree, you will have a strong understanding of structural design and analysis, which form the heart of the course.
What Can I Do With A Masters In Civil Engineering?
With an MSc in Civil Engineering, you’ll fit in perfectly into any of the following jobs;
Construction Engineer
A Construction Engineer oversees construction projects and monitors the progress level. Furthermore, they assign duties to construction workers and ensure that they are done efficiently.
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer creates designs for infrastructural projects like; bridges, pipelines, viaducts, etc. They also draft documents and instructions that aid the project at hand.
Building Control Surveyor
A Building Control Surveyor performs frequent inspections during and after the construction of buildings. This is done to ensure that the projects are in line with the safety specifications and regulations. Furthermore, they draft documents like reports, permits and contracts.
Water Resource Engineer
As a Water Resource Engineer, it is your duty to develop water infrastructure plans for sewer systems, flood defense machines, pumping stations, etc. Furthermore, the research on the potential outcome of projects using technological tools.
Transportation Planner
The duty of a Transport Planner is to collate and analyze data and use it to design solutions to transportation-related problems like congestion. More so, they evaluate the potential impact of structures on the transportation systems.
Quantity Surveyor
A Quantity Surveyor analyzes the cost of construction, repair, extension, or maintenance projects. He is charged with the responsibility of analyzing costs, evaluating potential risks, and acquisition of construction materials.
Geotechnical Engineer
A Geotechnical Engineer evaluates the stability of the foundation of structures, collect soil samples, and make analysis and recommendations based on the findings.
What Qualifications Are Required for Postgraduate Civil Engineering Programs In UK?
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To stand eligible for a Masters in Civil Engineering here are the prerequisites you need to meet.
- Bachelor’s Degree: An Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree. Some programs may allow degrees in related fields.
- Professional Experience: Civil Engineering master’s programs require work experience, generally about three years in the field.
- Minimum GPA: Most schools require a 3.5 GPA at a minimum. Some programs may set a lower score for overall GPA and a higher score for the major GPA.
Additional required documents
- Application: An application asks for the most basic information, such as your address and past education.
- Transcripts: Transcripts are records of your past courses and grades. They are sent by any prior institutions. Official transcripts are usually required, though unofficial transcripts may work for the application phase.
- Letters of Recommendation: Ask past teachers or professionals in the field who can speak to your strengths and skills. Give recommenders at least a month’s notice.
- Test Scores: You will likely need to take the GRE and submit the scores with your application. Some schools set minimum scores, and some schools do not require the exam.
- Application Fee: Most application fees are $50.
M.S. in Civil Engineering: Admission Process
Admission to M.S. in Civil Engineering course is based on Merit list or an Entrance-based. Most of the colleges conduct counseling and select students based on the merit list prepared by the state-wise universities. However, some universities conduct further screening and assessment tests in order to select the best set of students.
How Much Is Civil Engineering Master’s Program Tuition in UK?
In general, graduate school costs are higher per credit than undergraduate schools, and tuition costs will vary by college. However, the cost of the Civil Engineering MSc program varies according to University. Nevertheless, it falls between 11, 234 EUR- 22, 344 EUR.
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) organizations often offer grants and scholarships to encourage students.
How Long Does It Take to Complete A Master’s In Civil Engineering In UK?
Ideally, the Civil Engineering MSc in the UK requires between 36 and 54 credits and takes two to three years to complete. If you attend courses full time and complete your thesis on schedule, two years to completion is standard. Whereas, if you attend part-time, the program will take longer. On the other hand, if you take courses during the summer or enroll in an accelerated or intensive program, you could finish sooner, with some programs taking only one year.
Large projects, such as a thesis, can take more time. With careful planning you can generally map out your program length. Choosing a program with a practicum or internship instead of a traditional thesis might make the program duration shorter.
Which Schools Offer Masters In Civil Engineering In UK?
Are you looking for the best schools that offer master’s in Civil Engineering in the UK? It’s time to stop searching and start knowing. In this section, we’ll outline the schools that offer master’s in Civil Engineering in the UK. See details.
University Of the West Of England, Bristol
MSc Civil Engineering
UWE Bristol is a University Alliance university with a common mission to make a difference to our cities and regions.
The university is one of the colleges in the UK that offer an MSc in Civil Engineering. This master will furnish you with excellent capabilities and in-depth knowledge across a range of civil engineering disciplines – from materials and structures to geotechnics, water, and construction management.
UWE Bristol normally demands an honors degree at 2:2 or above in Civil Engineering or a related discipline. Consideration will be given to applicants who do not satisfy the normal entry requirement, but who do have appropriate professional experience or qualifications. Moreso, your application should describe in detail your professional experience and qualifications.
During this 1-2 year MSc program, you’ll develop and apply the analytical, decision-making, and critical thinking skills required to excel in the field.
City University of London
Civil Engineering Structures MSc
City University of London’s Civil Engineering Structures MSc mirrors industry practice, so you will work as a team with your peers from the first term onwards and learn from a group of world-leading engineers with diverse research strengths. From earthquake engineering to sustainable construction, you have the chance to learn in breadth and depth using high-end industry software to generate safe solutions for real-world projects.
Applicants should hold a second-class honors degree in civil engineering or a relevant subject or the equivalent from an international institution.
University of Dundee
Civil Engineering MSc
The University of Dundee is one of the leading institutions that offer an MSc in Civil Engineering in the UK. This program will develop your skills, knowledge, and understanding in a variety of engineering topics, such as geotechnical engineering and sustainability, along with essential topics like health and safety and environmental management.
Applicants should possess an honors degree at 2.2 or above, or equivalent professional or overseas qualifications, in a related academic discipline. For applicants with a non-technical degree, they should hold a 2:1 honors degree or above.
University of Bradford
MSc in Advanced Civil and Structural Engineering
This master’s program is suitable for candidates with an undergraduate degree qualification looking to strengthen their technical knowledge and improve their career potential in Civil Engineering. Furthermore, the program equips students with modern theoretical knowledge, concepts, and skills necessary for original thought and problem analysis linked to civil and structural engineering.
A second-class honors degree or equivalent in relevant discipline. However, candidates who do not fulfill the normal entry requirements but have vast industrial experience in a related area are analyzed on an individual basis.
The University of Nottingham
MSc Civil Engineering
This MSc Civil Engineering provides a full program of study across a range of subject areas. You may prefer to choose a more specialized method by adopting a subject theme and choosing precise modules in the first two semesters with a research project related to the theme. However, it is possible to choose a more generalized program of study across these subject areas for the award of MSc Civil Engineering.
Nevertheless, aspirants are expected to have 2.1 (Upper 2nd class Hons degree or international equivalent). Candidates need to have studied multiple courses in Structures, Geotechnics, and Fluids.
Cardiff University
MSc in Civil Engineering
Cardiff University is one of the institutions that offer an MSc in Civil Engineering in the UK. The program is designed to provide specialized, postgraduate education across the whole variety of Civil Engineering. Generally, the aim of the course is to improve the engineering skills of its graduates, and an extended project within one of the Civil Engineering fields forms a major part of the course.
The MSc in Civil Engineering is a full-time course that spans for twelve months, comprising two semesters of lectures and coursework supported by a further dedicated project period of four months for research and the preparation of a dissertation.
Nevertheless, a 2:2 honors degree in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering or a similar field from a UK university, or an equivalent international degree qualification is demanded for admission. If you have a suitable industrial experience your application will be given individual consideration.
University of Strathclyde
MSc Civil Engineering with Industrial Placement
This 18-month MSc course has been created to meet the needs of a broad range of engineering industries. As a Masters’s student, you’ll gain the professional and general skills necessary to lead future developments, with the practical experience afforded by the industrial placement.
This MSc in Civil Engineering with Industrial Placement is proper for graduates with a background in any discipline of civil engineering. Applicants with a degree in environmental engineering, earth science, mathematics, physics, and mechanical engineering may also be regarded.
To gain entry into the MSc in Civil Engineering program, a first or upper second-class Honours degree from a UK university (or equivalent overseas qualification). Lower degree classifications might be granted if there is relevant work experience, excellent final project/dissertation, a very strong academic letter of reference, very strong application statement linking with career goals.
Conclusion
While a bachelor’s degree equips students with the expertise and professional skills to enter the civil engineering field, a master’s program leads working engineers on the road to leadership. Therefore, an MSc in Civil Engineering in UK is an upward movement in the quest for knowledge and relevance
Civil Engineering is the design and construction of public works, such as dams, bridges, and other big infrastructure projects.
A typical civil engineering master’s degree requires between 36 and 54 credits, and takes two to three years to complete.
In general, graduate school costs are higher per credit than undergraduate schools, and tuition costs will vary by college. However, the cost of the Civil Engineering MSc program varies according to University. Nevertheless, it falls between 11, 234 EUR- 22, 344 EUR.
References
- https://www.topuniversities.com/courses/engineering-civil-structural/guide#tab=2
- https://collegedunia.com/courses/master-of-science-ms-civil-engineering
- https://www.masterstudies.com/Masters-Degree/Civil-Engineering/United-Kingdom/
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/masters-civil-engineering-degree-programs
