Postgraduate courses in Civil Engineering

If you’re looking to enhance you skills in Civil Engineering and further equip yourself with all the skills and requirements you’ll need to progress in you career, look no further.

A postgraduate course in Civil Engineering could get you where you want to be. We’ve the basic information you’ll need to begin your research below.

What is civil engineering?

A civil engineer practices the application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining and operating infrastructures while protecting public and environmental health as well as improving existing infrastructures. 

What does a civil engineer do?

Job activities vary based on whether you are a contractor or a consultant. Some jobs may include:

• Carrying out technical and feasibility studies eg. site investigations
• Using computer software for developing designs
• Complex calculations
• Liaising with clients and professionals such as subcontractors
• Managing budgets and projects
• Supervising projects 
• Resolving design and development problems
• Ensuring projects run smoothly
• Assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects

Courses

Postgraduate courses in Civil Engineering are aimed at engineers who want to broaden their technical knowledge and specialize in civil engineering areas and gain a deeper understanding of the problems and issues facing the civil engineering industry. Some courses also offer the opportunity to study part time or full time. 

These courses explore the complex roles and responsibilities of civil engineering in relation to social, natural and built environments. Students will also explore how economic constraints can influence decision making as well as project management. 

Key focuses in these courses are also research and design. Students will be challenged creatively and be given the opportunity to enhance their skills and put them into practice. Students will link theory with practice in a variety of projects and reports as well as learning about risk management in the industry. 

Specific course content can be found on course overviews online. 

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements can change form course to course and University to University. While specific entry requirements can be found on University websites and course overviews, the majority of courses will require an upper second class honours degree in Civil Engineering (2.1). 

In some cases, students with a lower class honours degree (2.2) may be considered on a case to case basis. With some courses, a 2.2 degree is a sufficient requirement for applicants. 

Potential employers

• Construction companies
• Rail companies
• Local authorities and government departments 
• Utility companies

Salary Expectation

Like many jobs, the salary can increase as experience increases. Consulting civil engineer salaries are usually around £23,500 and can rise above £26,000 with two years experience.The average salary for members of the Institution of Civil Engineers is almost £50,000. For non members salaries average around £30,000.

Skills and requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Critical thinker 
• Problem solver
• Think methodically 
• Skills in IT, maths 
• Attention to detail