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Civil Engineering

MEng / BEng (Hons)

Civil Engineering is concerned with harnessing the great powers of nature for our use and convenience. Civil Engineers create, improve and protect the environment, they are involved in overseeing large-scale projects from design through to construction and completion.

We are one of the top Civil Engineering departments in the UK and provide a friendly and informal teaching and learning environment, with a high staff-student ratio and an excellent employment record for our graduates.

Why study Civil Engineering at Dundee?

We are one of the top civil engineering departments in the UK as determined by recent national league tables. The Guardian 2012 University Guide placed us 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK. We provide a friendly and informal teaching and learning environment, with a high staff-student ratio and an excellent employment record for our graduates.

Our staff are constantly seeking to meet new challenges and opportunities within the areas of civil, structural and environmental engineering. Our programmes are research-led, and therefore develop continuously to reflect leading-edge technology and current and emerging needs of the profession.

Our MEng and BEng programmes are accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (ISE), and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) at Chartered Engineer (CEng) Level. status. The MEng automatically satisfies both of the Educational Base requirements to become a Chartered Engineer. Qualification with the BEng (Hons) requires a period of further learning to satisfy Part 2 of the Educational Base, such as a full or part-time course, or a suitable employer-led learning programme.

Who should study Civil Engineering?

  • if you can combine intellectual talents with a creative, innovative and practical outlook ...
  • if you want a wide variety of opportunities and challenges during your studies and your career ...
  • if you wish to make positive changes and improve the living environment on local and global scales ...

then Civil Engineering is for you.

What's so good about Civil Engineering at Dundee?

There are opportunities for vacational industrial placements at all levels with a range of major companies and organisations.

Dundee is a pre-eminent centre for Civil Engineering with internationally-renowned research groups in concrete technology, fluid mechanics, geotechnical engineering, lightweight and deployable structures, and construction management.

Laura O'Brien, from Galway, Ireland, began an MEng in Civil Engineering in 2008. She says "Survey Camp at the end of second year was a great experience. We were given the opportunity to get practical experience, team bonding and learning in a different environment. It was a really great experience and at the same time, we learnt a lot!"

More Civil Engineering student & graduate profiles »

Degree Combinations

  • MEng Civil Engineering Design & Management
  • BEng Civil Engineering

Related Courses at Dundee

Teaching & Assessment

The Civil Engineering degrees are taught by staff from the Division of Civil Engineering within the School of Engineering, Physics & Mathematics.

How you will be taught

The quality of Civil Engineering teaching at Dundee is consistantly highly rated in the national league tables.

Our primary aim is to develop your ability to think creatively and to cultivate your ability in communicating, problem-solving and applying knowledge to practical situations.

We use a range of teaching methods including:

  • lectures,
  • tutorials,
  • laboratory experiments,
  • design and research projects with leading research staff,
  • computer aided design,
  • computer aided learning,
  • site visits/experience,
  • specialist seminars,
  • surveying/geology residential camp and
  • the application of professional software.

What you will study

MEng Honours Degree

An MEng honours degree normally takes five years, full time, you study levels 1-5, as described below.

BEng Honours Degree

A BEng honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in one year less if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 for the BEng or 2-5 for the MEng. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Direct entry to Level 3 of the BEng is also possible if you have previously studied Civil Engineering or a related subject in further or higher educational establishments.

Typical Degree Programme

Level 1

Level 1 brings students from different backgrounds to a common knowledge of the main subjects required to study in a range of engineering disciplines. Through project work, we will introduce you to construction professionals and the jobs they do, and to structural analysis and behaviour enabling you to analyse basic trusses and beam arrangements.

  • Mathematics
  • Mechanics
  • Professional Development
  • Professional Studies
  • Project
Level 2

Level 2 develops your core knowledge and understanding of engineering. On completion of Level 2 you will be able to use both mathematical and engineering methods to solve engineering problems, and will have developed your communication skills. You will have become aware of issues such as health and safety, the environment and the role of the professional engineer in society.

  • Engineering Design and Communications
  • Engineering Science
  • Software for Engineering
  • Geomechanics
  • Mathematics for Engineers
  • Structural Analysis
  • Surveying
Level 3

On completion of Level 3 you will have studied in greater depth all the core civil engineering topics including structural design in steel and concrete, fluid mechanics and hydraulics, management and geotechnical engineering.

  • Civil Engineering Materials and the Environment
  • Conceptual Design Project
  • Design Project
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Mathematics for Engineers
  • Soil Mechanics
  • Steel and Concrete Structures
  • Structural Analysis
  • The Business Framework

If your progress permits, you may be able to transfer from the BEng to the MEng at the end of Semester 1 in Level 3.

Level 4

On completion of Level 4 you will be ready to take your place as an effective member of a civil engineering team, whether it is in the field of design or construction. You will have completed a major research project and taken a range of advanced modules that will assist you in meeting the basic requirements needed to become a Chartered Engineer.

All students undertake a Research Project, plus six modules from a choice of:

  • Advanced Soil and Rock Mechanics
  • Concrete Durability and Repair Technology
  • Environmental Hydraulics
  • Geo-environmental Engineering
  • Highway and Bridge Engineering
  • Project and Construction Management
  • Structural Design
  • Structural Systems
  • Water Resources and Treatment

As with all BEng degree programmes accredited at Chartered Engineer level, there is the need for a period of further learning at the equivalent of Level 5.

Level 5

Level 5 is the final year of the MEng programme and concentrates on modules concerned with the latest developments in engineering design and construction and a multidisciplinary project that will develop your skills in team-working and managing projects. It exempts you from the further learning requirements to become a Chartered Engineer.

All students undertake a Multi-disciplinary Project, plus the following taught modules:

  • Advanced Structural Analysis
  • Management Futures
  • Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
  • Sustainable Construction

How you will be assessed

Modules are assessed through either examination or coursework, (e.g. laboratory reports, structural design submissions) or a combination of these.

Careers

There is a continuing demand for civil engineers particularly in the energy and water sectors and the skills of the civil engineer are highly portable in the multi-disciplinary engineering sectors. The latest Institution of Civil Engineers Salary Survey for the UK (2010) indicates that the average total income of its senior members is nearly £100k, while that of recent graduates is £27.5k.

We are proud of our achievements in graduate employment. The blend of science, technology and management education and training gained in a unique learning environment that is both challenging and friendly, makes our graduates attractive to employers in civil engineering and a wider range of sectors.

Graduates from Dundee have gone on to achieve high level positions in most sectors of the profession. These include consulting engineers and contractors, the offshore industry and research organisations.

Stuart Ross graduated in 2009 with a 1st class MEng Honours degree in Civil Engineering Design and Management. He is working as a graduate civil engineer with Arup, a global firm which works on a wide range of projects around the world. He also won the New Civil Engineer Graduate of the Year Award for 2010.

Stuart says, "In a competitive market a civil engineering degree from the University of Dundee has provided me with the necessary skills to be successful in the ‘real world’. In particular, the combination of practical and theoretical work, as well as the support provided by lecturers, has not only prepared me for industry but also given me a head start in my professional development."

More Civil Engineering student & graduate profiles »

Postgraduate study

Some graduates choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level on our taught Masters degrees.

Entry Requirements

The following are the typical requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Qualification Grade
SQA Higher AAAB
GCE A-Level ABB
ILC Higher AAAB
IB Diploma 32 points (including 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects BEng: Mathematics and a Science or Engineering subject (at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, ILC Higher or IB Higher Level)
MEng: Mathematics and Physics (at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, ILC Higher or IB Higher Level)
EU & International Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Qualification Grade
SQA Advanced Higher AB (Advanced Higher) and AB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level AAB
IB Diploma 34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects BEng: Mathematics and a Science or Engineering subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level or IB Higher Level)
MEng: Mathematics and Physics (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level or IB Higher Level)

Other Qualifications

Qualification Grade
SQA

A relevant HNC with B in the Graded Unit including Mathematics for Engineering 1 (Level 1 entry)
A relevant HND with BB in the Graded Units including Mathematics Engineering 2 (Level 2 entry)

Scottish Baccalaureate BEng - Pass with BC at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
MEng - Pass with BC at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and Physics (Level 1 entry)
BEng - Distinction with AB (MEng) at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
MEng - Distinction with AB (MEng) at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and Physics (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access Programme Relevant science subjects with ABB grades including Mathematics and Physics Units at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL

A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry)
A relevant HND with Merits in appropriate Science/Mathematics modules (Level 2 entry)
A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDD (Level 2 entry)

Advanced Diploma BEng - Grade B with ASL-A Levels at AB in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
MEng - Grade B with ASL-A Levels at AB in Mathematics and Physics (Level 1 entry)
BEng - Grade B with ASL-A Level at AA in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
MEng - Grade B with ASL-A Level at AA in Mathematics and Physics (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate BEng - Pass with A level at AB in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
MEng - Pass with A level at AB in Mathematics and Physics (Level 1 entry)
BEng - Pass with A level at AA in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
MEng - Pass with A level at AA in Mathematics and Physics (Level 2 entry)
Irish Ordinary Degree BEng - Overall Merit at 60% (Level 3 entry)
MEng - Overall Distinction at 70% (Level 3 entry)
Entry to BEng programme only, unless otherwise stated.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category Fees for students starting September 2012 Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students £1,820 per year of study.
You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
Students from the rest of the UK BEng/BSc - £9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree.
MEng/MSci - £9,000 per year, for a maximum of 4 years, even if you are studying a five year degree.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.
EU students £1,820 per year of study.
You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
Overseas students (non-EU) £14,385 per year.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

  • Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
  • Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
  • As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree UCAS Codes KIS data
BEng Civil Engineering H200 View KIS data for this course
MEng Civil Engineering Design & Management H201 View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

Apply to UCAS thumbnail image - linking to youtube video
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International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Home / EU applicants

Undergraduate Admissions
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384370/ 388074/ 388585 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384370/ 388074/ 388585 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

International applicants

International Office
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

THINK DUNDEE

Why should you come to Dundee?

We were voted Number One in the UK Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2011/2. THINK DUNDEE »

APPLY DUNDEE

How do you apply?

More information about how to apply, how we process applications & videos from UCAStv. APPLY DUNDEE »

DECIDE DUNDEE

Considering your options?

Find out what our students & graduates say ... DECIDE DUNDEE »

ARRIVE DUNDEE

Getting ready to join us?

All you need to know as you prepare to arrive in Dundee. ARRIVE DUNDEE »

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Did you know?

Civil Engineering at Dundee was ranked 2nd in the UK in the Guardian University guide 2012

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Eng or MEng?

Our MEng satisfies both the Educational Base requirements for CEng.

BEng (Hons) graduates need further study to satisfy Part 2 of the Educational Base. Some do a full or part-time course, others take a suitable employer-led learning programme.

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Did you know?

We were ranked Top in Scotland and 2nd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2012.