
- UCAS course code
- H207
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- MEng
- Duration
- 5 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades AAA
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
Grades AAB.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
36 points overall with 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects.
The course specific requirements are: 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 at Higher level in Mathematics, Physics and one other subject
We also accept 5 in English Language at Standard level to meet our English language requirements.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- H207
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- You will spend a year in civil engineering industry monitored and supported by the Department
- You will design projects in every year , taught alongside core civil engineering subjects such as structures, geotechnics, hydraulics, project management, construction materials, surveying, amongst others
- Your degree course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators
- You will have full access to an extensive range of laboratory facilities in our new MECD Building
- You will undertake industry-supervised realistic group design projects in your final year
Open days
The University holds undergraduate open days regularly where you have the opportunity to find out more about our courses, the support we offer and see our facilities. Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .
You can view the recent undergraduate virtual open week recorded sessions here .
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Additional expenses
The exact cost and dates of the trip are confirmed at the start of your second year.
* In accordance with current University policy, this fee is restricted to be not more than 1% of the annual tuition fee of the course
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering
- Contact name
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4015
- ug-mace@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty overview
-
The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way. Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including:
Five GCSES/iGCSES at Grades A*-C or 9-4
English Language and Mathematics are required at GCSE/iGCSE level with a minimum Grade of C or 4 . GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall with 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects.
The course specific requirements are: 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 at Higher level in Mathematics, Physics and one other subject
We also accept 5 in English Language at Standard level to meet our English language requirements.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Three Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics at grades AAA .
We will accept two Highers in place of the 3 rd Advanced Higher.English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements (our MEng A level requirements are grades AAA).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require: Overall average of 85% in the European Baccalaureate with 85% in Mathematics and Physics and 70% in English Language
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme, including:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Engineering, are required to achieve grades AAA including Mathematics and Physics, and an EAP score of C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Engineering are required to achieve AAA including Mathematics and Physics and an EAP requirements score of C.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic Department to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD plus A Level Maths at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus A Level Maths at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grades DD plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grades D plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018).
Please contact the Academic Department for clarification. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD plus A Level Maths at grade A.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD plus A Level Maths at grade A.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grades D plus A Level Maths and Physics at grade A.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018).
Please contact the Academic Department for clarification. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
For entry onto this course we would also require an A level in Mathematics at grade A in addition to the HE Diploma.Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
We require grades D3 D3 D3 including Mathematics and Physics.If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4, or;
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no sub-test below 6 , or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
How your application is considered
All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken you final examinations).
Interview requirements
We do not hold interviews but UK-based applicants who receive an offer will be invited to a Visit Day, which generally take place on Wednesday afternoons from November - March. This is an opportunity to visit the Department and our facilities and includes a lab tour with current first year students.
Transfers
Course details
Course description

Civil engineering at Manchester enables you to lay the right foundation for a career in civil engineering with a five-year course that will not only lead to a Master of Engineering (MEng) qualification, but also arm you with the skills, knowledge and confidence gained from working for a year in real-world industry.
Civil engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of our built environment, from buildings to bridges, roads to railways - and considers what this means for the future of our planet and society.
During the first two years, your course is broad-based and covers topics such as structural analysis, hydraulics, geotechnics, construction materials, engineering design, project management and mathematics.
In later years, you have considerable flexibility to steer your degree towards your interests by taking optional subjects such as renewable energy systems, fire engineering, earthquake engineering and computational hydraulics.
In your third year, you will undertake an individual research project on an emerging topic in civil engineering, and, in your final year, you undertake an industry-supervised group design project and advanced units on civil engineering design and water engineering.
After your second or third year, you will embark on a year working in the civil engineering profession. This is a structured industrial placement assessed and monitored by the Department, with support in finding a placement provided. This degree will equip you to enter the civil engineering professions and fully satisfies the educational base for becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Aims
The course aims to:
- Give you hands-on experience of working in civil engineering professional practice, and knowledge of the practices and operation of engineering companies
- Provide you with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of engineering science, analysis and management
- Give you an in-depth understanding of design
- Help you to learn important transferable skills such as problem solving, team working, creativity, IT skills, oral and written communication.
- Develop your understanding of the economic, social, ethical and environmental contexts relevant to becoming a professional civil engineer
- Give you a strong base of practical skills (eg in surveying and specialist computer software)
Special features
Foundation Year available
You can prepare for the full degree course in you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry by undertaking our foundation course first.
Teaching and learning
At Manchester you will be taught by academic staff who are leading experts in civil engineering, in a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
We use a combination of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, tutorial classes, practical laboratory sessions and computer-based sessions.
There is a design project each year, which involves teamwork in small groups, and allows you to apply and develop your problem-solving and project management skills.
In the third year, you will undertake an individual project, allowing you to pursue an emerging subject or application area in greater depth.
Coursework and assessment
Course unit details
During the first two years, the course is broad-based and covers topics such as structural analysis, hydraulics, geotechnics, construction materials, engineering design, project management and mathematics. In later years, you have considerable flexibility to steer your degree towards your interests by taking optional subjects such as renewable energy systems, fire engineering, earthquake engineering and computational hydraulics.
After your second or third year, you embark on a year working in the civil engineering profession. This is a structured industrial placement assessed and monitored by the Department, with support in finding a placement provided.
In your penultimate year, you will undertake an individual research project on an emerging topic in civil engineering, and, in your final year, you undertake an industry-supervised group design project and advanced units on civil engineering design and water engineering.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Hydraulics 1 | MACE10101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Materials 1 (Civil) | MACE10152 | 10 | Mandatory |
Geotechnics 1 | MACE10212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Design 1 (Civil) | MACE10321 | 10 | Mandatory |
Building Physics & Services | MACE10401 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mechanics (Civil) | MACE10602 | 10 | Mandatory |
Civil Engineering Practice | MACE12112 | 10 | Mandatory |
Tools for Civil Engineers | MACE12201 | 10 | Mandatory |
Structures 1 (Civil) | MACE13001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Sustainable & Resilient Infrastructure | MACE14022 | 10 | Mandatory |
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Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Structures 2 (Civil) | MACE20001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Design 2 (Civil) | MACE20012 | 10 | Mandatory |
Hydraulics 2 | MACE20041 | 10 | Mandatory |
Modelling & Simulation (Civil) | MACE20082 | 10 | Mandatory |
Materials 2 (Civil) | MACE20152 | 10 | Mandatory |
Geotechnics 2 | MACE20221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Surveying | MACE20252 | 10 | Mandatory |
Steel & Concrete Structures | MACE20322 | 10 | Mandatory |
Water Engineering 1 | MACE20402 | 10 | Mandatory |
Computing & Numerical Methods (Civil) | MACE20471 | 10 | Mandatory |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Operations Management | MACE30461 | 10 | Mandatory |
Structural Design & Materials | MACE30792 | 10 | Mandatory |
Design 3 (Civil) | MACE31001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Individual Project | MACE31030 | 30 | Mandatory |
Structures 3 (Civil) | MACE33001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Hydraulics 3 | MACE34001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Geotechnics 3 | MACE35001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Geotechnics 4 | MACE36002 | 10 | Mandatory |
Resource Efficiency & Sustainable Waste Management | MACE30262 | 10 | Optional |
Nuclear Systems | MACE30632 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Water Resource Planning & Management | MACE40402 | 15 | Mandatory |
Civil Engineering Design | MACE40691 | 15 | Mandatory |
Environmental Assessment | MACE41141 | 15 | Mandatory |
Civil Group Design Project | MACE41530 | 30 | Mandatory |
Legal Issues | MACE40461 | 15 | Optional |
Earthquake Engineering | MACE40912 | 15 | Optional |
Engineering Foresight | MACE41011 | 15 | Optional |
Computational Hydraulics | MACE42002 | 15 | Optional |
Fire Engineering | MACE42042 | 15 | Optional |
Scholarships and bursaries
You can apply for a QUEST undergraduate scholarship. This provides up to £8,000 over the course of your study, paid work placements every summer, and the potential for a full-time job with a leading civil engineering or construction company when you graduate.
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's funding pages .
Facilities
The University of Manchester offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.
Most of the technical course units within the Civil Engineering programmes involve physical laboratory tests. The Department has dedicated structures, hydraulics and geotechnics laboratories, with equipment including wave flumes, structures and materials testing facilities, and a geotechnics centrifuge.
Our equipment includes dedicated structures, hydraulics and geotechnics laboratories, with facilities including wave flumes, structures and materials testing facilities, and a geotechnics centrifuge.
You can make use of a wide range of software in our dedicated computer clusters, including Revit, Abaqus, Oasys, Plaxis, Autocad, and many more, and you will get hands-on with industry-standard surveying equipment for your field work in the surveying unit.
We also have a 3D laser scanner that captures detailed 3D geometrics of civil infrastructure and topography to support your surveying activities.
Manchester's Engineering Campus Development, MECD.
Get ready to collaborate, create and innovate in a brand-new £400m purpose-built building which will allow you, our future engineers and material scientists, to come together and make your mark on the world. The Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) will officially open from September 2022 and will include hundreds of flexible teaching and learning spaces with unrivalled world-class research facilities - whatever your inspiration, with MECD the possibilities are endless.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities

The MEng Civil Engineering course stood out to me, as it was similar to architecture but more technical.
The idea of being able to use my skills to help improve the lives of others, while also advocating for sustainability in the process, caught my eye as civil engineering impacts them on such a large scale.
Bea Basa / MEng Civil Engineering Graduate, now Civil Engineer at Ferrovial

Since graduating, I have worked for AECOM where I'm now a Principal Engineer.
I also gained chartership from the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2016 which was a great achievement. Being a University of Manchester graduate definitely makes you stand out from other candidates!
Jennie Harrison / MEng Civil Engineering Alumna, now Principal Engineer at AECOM
Lay foundations for the future, studying MEng Civil Engineering with Industrial Experience at the University of Manchester. As one of the few Universities Most Targeted by Graduate Employers in 2021 , here you'll be equipped with the sought-after skills, close industry links, and world-class education set to give you a head-start.
Fully satisfying the Educational Base for Chartered Engineer Status (CEng), you can enjoy a new world of opportunities upon graduation.
Previous graduate employers include:
- Arup
- Atkins
- AECOM
- Buro Happold
- Mott McDonald
- Network Rail
- And many more
Overall, 95% of graduates are employed or engaged in further study within 15 months, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
Your industrial placement will be one of the most effective ways to enhance employability. Increasingly, organisations are looking for graduates to demonstrate they have first-hand knowledge of the industry.
During your time with us, your employment opportunities are continually boosted by career events and company visits organised by the MACE Department. What's more, the University Careers Service is always on-hand to advise on career pathways, graduate jobs, internships, and postgraduate study.
Accrediting organisations
Every Civil Engineering course at the University of Manchester is fully IMechE accredited.
After graduating your MEng (Hons), you will have achieved the Educational Base for Chartered Engineer Status (CEng) - the internationally recognised, highest professional qualification for engineers, which renders you eligible for the European Ingenieur (EUR ING).
Therefore, you will have completed the first of the three steps needed to achieve your CEng:
- Your Educational Base (MEng, or BEng with MSc)
- Initial Professional Development
- Professional Review For further information about accreditations
Learn more at the JBM website or find us at the MACE Department .
Associated organisations
As a Civil Engineering student at University of Manchester, we encourage you to become a member of both the Institution of Civil Engineers and Institution of Structural Engineers.
Would you like to discover more about life after University of Manchester? Be inspired by our Women in Engineering page and see what our students and alumni are doing in the real world on our MACE Blog .