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Civil Engineering with Industrial Placement Year

  • Master of Engineering (with Honours)
  • 5 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Summary

Civil engineering is at the heart of how we design, build and sustain the world around us. From transport networks and buildings to water systems and coastal defences, it plays a key role in creating resilient and sustainable communities.

On this integrated master’s, you will develop the knowledge and skills to design and deliver solutions to challenges in the built environment. You will combine technical understanding with creativity, teamwork and management skills, preparing you for a career in industry.

In your first two years, you will build a strong foundation in engineering science alongside the core principles of civil engineering. Through workshops and design projects, you will develop practical skills in sketching, model making and computing.

In your third year, you will deepen your understanding of areas such as highway and traffic engineering, structural stability and geotechnics, and complete an individual project. In your final year, you will focus on design, management and teamwork, working on a master’s level group design project that brings together your learning.

You can also choose to take an Industrial Placement Year, giving you the opportunity to gain experience as a trainee engineer in a professional environment.

Key features of the course

Build strong foundations. Develop a solid understanding of engineering science and core civil engineering principles in your early years.

Learn through design. Take part in workshops and projects that build your skills in sketching, model making and computing.

Explore specialist areas. Study transport systems, structural behaviour and ground engineering in greater depth as you progress.

Apply your knowledge. Individual and group projects allow you to tackle real engineering challenges and bring your ideas to life.

Develop professional skills. Your final year focuses on teamwork, leadership and project management in a design context.

Gain real-world experience. An optional Industrial Placement Year gives you the chance to work as a trainee engineer in industry.

Student support

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering academic guidance, career advice and signposting to wellbeing and pastoral services when needed.

You will be part of a collaborative learning environment, working with students and staff who are passionate about shaping the built environment.

Further information

You will study in a setting designed for practical and project-based learning, helping you to develop both technical knowledge and professional skills.

The skills and experience you gain will prepare you for careers across civil engineering, including infrastructure design, construction, transport and environmental engineering.

Modules

Course Modules

Year 1: An Introduction to Engineering Design; Civil Engineering fundamentals; Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment I; ThermoFluids; Mechanics, Structures and Materials.

Year 2: Liveable Cities; Structural Analysis; Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment II; Structural Design; City Infrastructure Design Project; Soil Mechanics; Hydraulics; Numerical Methods.

Year 3: Design 3, Individual Project, Structural Stability and Finite Element Analysis, Geotechnical Engineering.

Year 4: Group Design Project; Project Economics and Management plus additional advanced module options.

Assessment method

Testing is conducted through a combination of unseen written examinations and assessed coursework in the form of problem-solving exercises, laboratory reports, design exercises, essays, and individual and group projects. Experimental, research and design skills are assessed through laboratory reports, coursework exercises and oral presentations.

The Industrial Placement Year is assessed via an individual reflective report.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Civil Engineers, Institution of
  • Highway Engineers, Institute of (IHE)
  • The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation
  • Structural Engineers, Institution of

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • Master of Engineering (with Honours) • Full-Time • 5 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
HH20
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
HH20
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
A*AA

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics, plus grade A in the EPQ.

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T Level
D

A Distinction, including a Core A grade in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T-level plus grade A in A-level Mathematics.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
D*D-DD

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in mathematics.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D*-D

D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics or D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A).

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D*D-DD

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in mathematics

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Extended Project
A

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics, plus grade A in the EPQ.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 38

Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A

AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AA from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1H1H1H2H2H2

H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics and applied mathematics

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D*-D

D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics or D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A)

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
A

AAA from 3 A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or AA from 2 A levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D2D3D3

D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics (minimum grade D3).

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics a Principal subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/subjects/civil-engineering

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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