Civil engineering accounts for over £1.2 trillion of the UK’s annual turnover, which makes it one of the most important industries in the UK. Pursuing Masters in Civil Engineering in UK is thus a great decision given the growing economy and huge demand for this profession. Highly ranked universities in UK offer this course with a diverse teaching style that enables international students to develop the right skills for the real world.
UK is also the hub for top job opportunities and thus graduating from a top Civil Engineering University can benefit you in multiple ways. To help you get started, this blog covers all the essential information needed to apply for MSc Civil Engineering UK.
Why Study Masters in Civil Engineering in UK?
Before we can get to the details of MSc Civil Engineering UK, let’s first understand why UK is the preferred choice to pursue this field:
- Practical Teaching: The teaching staff at the universities is well versed in the civil engineering field and have a better experience of what the industry expects. The practical knowledge imparted helps to shape the skills of graduates before they step into the real world.
- Skill Development: The civil engineering courses in UK have been designed with one aim in mind, helping students develop the right skills needed to become an expert in their job profiles.
- Job Vacancies: UK has a growing civil engineering sector with multiple job vacancies. Also, Civil Engineering is on the critical occupation list which makes it easier for students to apply for a work visa.
- Well Ranked Universities: Pursuing MS in Civil Engineering in UK is ideal because UK has some of the best ranked and highly renowned universities across the globe. You can be assured of the best quality education and training at these institutes.
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To study Masters in Civil Engineering in UK, there are certain eligibility criteria and admission requirements needed. Let us take a look at these below:
Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements for MSc Civil Engineering UK
The eligibility requirements for getting admission to Master of Civil Engineering in UK differs from one university to another. However, there are a few common requirements including:
1. Bachelor's Degree
Students need to have an upper second class UG degree in either civil engineering or structural engineering or any other equivalent subject. Having a 2: 2 BEngineering honours or 2: 1 BSc in Civil engineering is also considered. A GPA of 3 or above (on a scale of 5) is considered to be a good score.
2. English Language Requirements
International students need to write and pass an English language test. We have listed the exams you can undertake and the scores expected:
- IELTS: 5
- TOEFL:92 overall
- Cambridge English: 176
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3. GRE
Although most universities do not explicitly state GRE as a requirement for admission, they are recommended by a few institutions. A good GRE score can help your application stand out in the crowd.
Documents Required for Masters in Civil Engineering in UK
To apply for Masters in Civil Engineering in UK, you need to submit certain documents. Ensure the below are checked:
- Transcripts of all educational qualification
- English language test scores
- Copy for all academic transcripts
- LORs
- A Statement of Purpose
- CV or Resume
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Now that you know the requirements, let's take a brief overview of the admission process-
Admission Process for Masters in Civil Engineering in UK
The admission process for Masters in Civil Engineering in UK for international students is divided into two intakes. The first intake is in January/February and the second is in September/October.
Here’s a quick overview of the application process:
- Finalize the university where you want to pursue Masters of Civil Engineering
- Visit the official university website and get acquainted with the eligibility requirements and the admission deadlines.
- Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL scorecards, etc.)
- Fill out the desired application form and pay the fee.
- After receiving the Confirmation Letter from the university, apply for a student visa.
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NOTE: The date of application and deadlines vary with the universities, therefore make sure you check the university’s official website for the exact dates.
Let us now take a look at the cost of studying Masters in Civil Engineering in UK:
Cost of Studying MS in Civil Engineering in UK
The total cost of studying Masters of Civil Engineering in UK is determined on two factors, cost of the tuition fees and cost of living. Let’s understand them one by one:
Tuition Fees
If you apply to the best universities in UK for Masters in Civil Engineering, the tuition fee ranges between £14,760 and £35,100 a year. Apart from the tuition fee, you might also have to pay a small amount of administrative fee.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in UK when studying in a Civil Engineering university depends on your lifestyle choice. On average students have to spend £1200 to £1500 per month to manage expenses in UK. Most of your expense falls on your choice of accommodation and if you prefer private housing, the monthly rent can go up to £800 depending on the area you choose.
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Since you now have all the related information about the course, let’s explore these universities.
Top Universities in UK for Masters in Civil Engineering
There is a range of top universities in UK for Masters in Civil Engineering. We have covered the top 5 below:
- University College London ( UCL)
- Imperial College London (ICL)
- University of Leeds
- Cardiff University
- University of Glasgow
1. University College London ( UCL)
UCL offers a diverse range of Civil Engineering courses. The employability rate is high as most students get employed in consultancies, construction companies, and government departments. The course program aims to help build a successful civil engineering career for potential MSc Civil Engineering graduates.
QS World Rankings 2022 |
8 |
QS Ranking 2021: Civil and Structural Engineering |
51-100 |
Average Tuition Fees |
£32,100/ year |
Programs Offered |
MSc Civil Engineering MSc Civil Engineering with Integrated Design MSc General Structural Engineering |
2. Imperial College London
Imperial College London has a dedicated Engineering department that offers a range of courses including Civil Engineering including MSc, MEng and PhD programs. The masters programs are of a one-year duration offered in the broad spectrum of disciplines of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
QS World Rankings 2022 |
7 |
QS Ranking 2021: Civil and Structural Engineering |
6 |
Average Tuition Fees |
£35,100/ year |
Programs Offered |
MSc General Structural Engineering MSc Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure MSc Structural Steel Design MSc Concrete Structures |
3. University of Leeds
The School of Civil Engineering at Leeds University offers students a diverse range of degree programs. The programs are taught by faculty who are experts in their fields. All the programs are up-to-date with the modern practices and techniques which is why Civil engineering graduates from Leeds find jobs in top companies such as KPMG, Mace Group, TATA Steel,etc.
QS World Rankings 2022 |
92 |
QS Ranking 2021: Civil and Structural Engineering |
44 |
Average Tuition Fees |
£27,000/ year |
Programs Offered |
MSc Structural Engineering MSc International Construction Management and Engineering MSc Geotechnical Engineering MSc Transport Infrastructure: Design and Construction |
4. Cardiff University
Civil and Construction Engineering at Cardiff University is ranked among the best in the United Kingdom. Students pursuing a masters degree at the university have access to high-quality facilities and a research-based environment. They also benefit from industrial collaborations of the university.
QS World Rankings 2022 |
151 |
QS Ranking 2021: Civil and Structural Engineering |
51-100 |
Average Tuition Fees |
£23,450 / year |
Programs Offered |
MSc Civil and Geoenvironmental Engineering MSc Civil Engineering MSc Civil and Water Engineering MSc Structural Engineering |
5. University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow is one of the top universities in UK for Masters in Civil Engineering due to its long history of research in this field. This course at the University of Glasgow is ranked 2nd in UK. Students have the option to select courses that they prefer to shape their career in such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, etc.
QS World Rankings 2022 |
73 |
QS Ranking 2021: Civil and Structural Engineering |
151-200 |
Average Tuition Fees |
£24,540/ year |
Programs Offered |
MSc Civil Engineering MSc Civil Engineering and Management |
After getting a masters degree in Civil Engineering in UK you have a myriad of job options. You can get a look at these in the segment below:
Career Opportunities after Masters in Civil Engineering in UK
There is a diverse range of job profiles available after studying in highly ranked UK universities for Masters in Civil Engineering.
For MSc graduates in Civil Engineering, there are several high-paying job profiles that can be targeted. We have mentioned the top ones below:
Job Title |
Average Annual Base Salary |
Engineering Project Managers |
£53,177 |
Civil Engineering Technologist |
£37,924 |
Engineering Managers |
£81,401 |
Senior Civil Engineer |
£46,722 |
Civil Engineering Technicians |
£37,924 |
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In UK, Civil Engineers’ job opportunities are high and there is a huge demand in this field. This is one of the prime reasons why multiple international students come to the country to pursue Masters in Civil Engineering. Now that you have all the required information, it’s time for you to make the decision. If you would still like an expert opinion to be confident, consult a Yocket counsellor today!
Related Discussion: What is the scope of Civil Engineering in UK?
Before we wrap up, let us find answers to the most commonly asked questions about pursuing masters in Civil Engineering in UK:
Frequently Asked Questions About MSc Civil Engineering UK
- Is UK good for Masters in Civil Engineering?
Ans: UK has multiple job opportunities for MSc Civil Engineering graduates. The diverse job profiles are proof that pursuing this degree in UK is a beneficial decision to shape a promising career.
- Which university in UK is best for Civil Engineering?
Ans: Imperial College London is considered to be the best university in UK for Masters in Civil Engineering.
- What can I do with MSc Civil Engineering in UK?
Ans: There are multiple job profiles available after MS in Civil Engineering in UK. The highest paying job profiles are:
- Engineering Project Managers
- Civil Engineering Technologist
- Engineering Managers
- Senior Civil Engineer
- Civil Engineering Technicians
- What are the MSc Civil Engineering courses available in UK?
Ans: There are multiple MSc Civil Engineering courses available for international students. To name a few are:
- MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management
- MSc General Structuring Engineering
- MSc Civil Engineering, etc
- How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in UK?
Ans: The study duration for Masters in Civil Engineering is one year. After which graduates can start to look out for career opportunities.