Civil with Structural Engineering

A Brighton Civil with Structural Engineering MEng degree prepares you to design, plan and deliver the structures that shape our world — from bridges and towers to transport networks and coastal defences.

At Brighton you’ll become part of a welcoming, supportive community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This integrated masters course combines advanced civil engineering knowledge with specialist structural engineering expertise, giving you the confidence, technical skills and leadership tools to succeed at the highest level.

Brighton graduates go on to work in structural and civil engineering consultancies, construction firms, infrastructure agencies and government bodies or progress to Chartered Engineer status and senior leadership roles.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Final year at masters level – develop leadership, project management and research skills through a major individual project and advanced modules.

• 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).

• Specialist structural focus – learn advanced design techniques for steel, concrete and composite structures.

• Industrial Advisory Board support – benefit from expert advice, networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings with professionals to help you plan your career and secure placements.

• Excellent career prospects – Brighton’s civil engineering courses are rank 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction and 12th for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026).

• Learn Building Information Modelling (BIM) – gain a professional advantage with digital design skills.

• Industry-focused learning – interdisciplinary projects, site visits and guest lectures from professionals.

• 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.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Civil with Structural Engineering
Less than an hour from central London, our Moulsecoomb campus puts you at the heart of a city powered by engineering, construction and infrastructure innovation. Brighton is home to thriving local industries, major civil engineering consultancies and active regional projects, all within easy reach of your lectures and labs.

You’ll study in a community that’s diverse, welcoming and well connected, with transport links that make site visits, employer events and placement opportunities part of everyday learning.

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in civil engineering principles and their role in business, society and sustainability. You’ll learn essential skills in surveying, structural analysis, material science, soil mechanics and engineering geology, supported by practical labs and fieldwork. Mathematics and statistics for engineering problem-solving are introduced, alongside an understanding of professional practice, health and safety and environmental considerations.

You’ll also take part in a group project linked to the Engineering for People Design Challenge, applying your learning to real-world scenarios and developing teamwork and communication skills.

Core modules
Land and Construction Surveying
Structural and Stress Analysis
Construction Materials
Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics
Mathematics for Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Practice

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll focus on specialist structural engineering topics and start using digital technologies widely adopted in the industry. You’ll develop computer programming and 2D/3D modelling skills to support advanced design work, while deepening your understanding of hydraulics, soil mechanics and reinforced concrete structures.

Practical learning is central; you’ll work on a group project to design, build and test a small-scale structure, applying theory to real-world challenges and strengthening your teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Core modules
Building Information Modelling
Structural Analysis
Concrete Technology and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Geotechnical Engineering 1
Road infrastructure Engineering
Computational Mechanics

Optional placement year
You can choose a salaried professional placement after your second year to gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering industry. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects, develop technical and professional skills, and build valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge when starting your career.

Year 3
Your third year strengthens your expertise in structural engineering and prepares you for complex design challenges. You’ll explore advanced techniques such as pre-stressed concrete, which is essential for modern bridges and high-rise structures, and deepen your understanding of steel design, structural dynamics and geotechnical engineering.

You’ll also take part in a multidisciplinary group project, working from a complex client brief to design a complete structure that meets industry standards. This hands-on experience develops your ability to integrate technical knowledge with practical problem-solving and teamwork.

Core modules
Pre-stressed Concrete
Dynamics of Structures
Design of Steel Structures
Design of Structures
Individual Project

Final year
Your final year focuses on advanced structural engineering and specialist skills for complex projects. You’ll learn how to assess damage in existing structures and design effective strengthening solutions, expertise that is highly valued worldwide, especially in regions prone to natural disasters.

Alongside this, you’ll complete a major individual research project and have the flexibility to specialise through option modules in areas such as earthquake engineering, bridge analysis and wave loading. This year develops high-level technical, analytical and leadership skills, preparing you for professional practice and Chartered Engineer status.

Core modules
Individual Project

Options*
Dynamics of Structures with Earthquake Engineering Applications
Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures
Bridge Loads and Analysis
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
Wave Mechanics and Structural Loading

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