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Undergraduate course
BEng (Hons)
Civil and Coastal Engineering
Waves, tides, storm surges and a changing climate. Our coastal engineers are specialists with the knowledge needed to protect coastal communities and our crucial infrastructure from the aggressive and complex marine environment.
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
Be a coastal specialist
At Plymouth you have specialist teaching and student experience dedicated to coastal engineering and water management, so you'll become expert in designing infrastructure that withstands coastal challenges and manages flood risk.
High-spec industry facilities
You’ll learn to use all the latest specialist equipment in our innovative engineering facilities, from our COAST lab to STEAM labs, so you graduate with sought-after knowledge and experience.
Professional
Our strong links with industry ensure that our courses remain current and feature live site visits, placement opportunities, specialist seminars and personal mentoring from professional engineers.
About
Are you motivated to find solutions to the problems of coastal flooding and increasing risks to our coastlines? At Plymouth you will learn how the maritime environment creates threats for those living and working on our coasts. Discover how to engineer structures that can withstand the power of the sea. Understand how nature can be used to help engineers protect lives. You will graduate as a civil engineer, but with sought after expertise essential for facing the extreme challenges posed by our coastal environment and our changing climate.
Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng
Professor in Ocean Engineering
Professor in Ocean Engineering
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This course is for you if...
you're passionate about designing and finding solutions to problems
you'd love to tackle challenges posed by climate change
you seek hands-on experience in projects to put your learning into practice
you're keen to learn from industry-experienced professionals and researchers
Details
Year 1
In the first year you will learn about the fundamental principles that underpin technical subjects which are studied throughout the course. You will develop your mathematical skills and study engineering materials, structural mechanics and fluid mechanics. You will learn about generic design and computer-aided design, and work in a team to undertake a real-world design challenge. Laboratory sessions will form an important part of your learning.
Core modules
BPIE114
Stage 1 Civils Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
ENGR103
Engineering Science
20 credits
This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of fluid mechanics appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications; the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings, including both flow and non-flow processes, heat engines, and mechanisms of heat transfer; and the fundamental principles of electrical engineering.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ENGR104
Engineering Mathematics
20 credits
This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ENGR105
Mechanics and Structures
20 credits
This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of engineering mechanics and structures appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. Deeper understanding of these scientific principles will be developed through practical applications using hand calculations and computer software tools as appropriate.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ENGR106
Engineering Materials
20 credits
This module introduces students to a broad range of engineering materials appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. The module will consider the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties, presenting practical applications wherever appropriate. Students will also be introduced to standard material test methods.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
ENGR107
Engineering Design
20 credits
This module introduces students to engineering design practice appropriate to civil, marine and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students will develop sketching and technical drawing skills and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create digital models of technical systems. Working in a team, students will be tasked to create sustainable solutions to real-world technical design challenges.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
ENGR108
Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques
20 credits
The experimental basis of this module allows students develop their engineering science knowledge and practical skills using a student-centred, laboratory-based approach to learning. The module will help students develop good quality study skills, teamwork, and competency in technical communication.
70% Practicals
30% Coursework
Year 2
The second year introduces core civil engineering disciplines that comprise structural analysis and design, geotechnics and fluid dynamics. These subjects are explored in lectures, through practical activities, and field trips. You will be introduced to the special topic of coastal engineering, and you will develop essential and professional transferable skills and tools for the management of projects. At this point of the course, it is still possible to swap between our ‘civil’ and ‘civil and coastal’ engineering degrees.
Core modules
BPIE214
Stage 2 Civils Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
CIVL201
Civil Engineering Practice
20 credits
This module develops understanding of construction materials and site surveying through lectures and practical work. Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills for Civil Engineers are developed through practical laboratory work. The module provides the opportunity to engage in a range of laboratory work relating to structures, geotechnics and hydraulics.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
GEEN200
Geotechnical Engineering 1
20 credits
This module introduces Geology, and the properties/ behaviour of soil as relevant to Civil Engineering projects. The concepts of groundwater flow and consolidation are considered, with associated calculations. Methods of analysis for estimation of stability and deformation when the ground is loaded are also introduced.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
HYFM200
Hydraulic and Coastal Engineering
20 credits
This module develops hydraulic engineering concepts introduced in the first year, and introduces hydrodynamic concepts required for coastal engineering. Hydraulic engineering material includes predicting flow in pipes and open channels. Coastal engineering topics include study of waves and tides, and their application to coastal engineering. Learning is supported by laboratory work and a site visit.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MATH200
Engineering Analysis
20 credits
This module builds upon the stage one engineering mathematics module, by introducing students to more advanced mathematical ideas, statistical techniques and numerical methods. The methods and techniques studied are used to solve relevant civil engineering applications, with some emphasis on interpreting the results obtained. Industrially recognised software packages are also used where appropriate.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
STAD200
Structural Analysis and Design 1
20 credits
This module extends the theoretical base established by the Stage 1 Mechanics and Structures module. It is intended to combine the basic principles of analysis with design to develop an integrated approach to solving problems in Structural Engineering. The module is supported by the use of computer software and laboratory work.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
MGMT224
Construction Management
20 credits
In this module students will develop an understanding of responsible professional engineering practice, by critically analysing commercial and professional aspects of construction management and project planning systems.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
Optional placement year
By taking the opportunity to spend an optional year in paid employment whilst still a student civil engineer, you will obtain recordable professional experience, build a network of industry contacts and often obtain offers of summer work, sponsorship or employment on graduation. Our placements team will support you in finding a placement, and we have an extensive network of employers across all sectors.
Optional modules
BPIE340
Civil Engineering Related Placement (Generic)
0 credits
A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study. Help to prepare the student for the final stage and employment after graduation.
Final year
You will deepen your understanding of the core technical subjects in civil engineering with a particular focus on designing infrastructure solutions in a coastal context. You will immerse yourself in the execution of your individual project throughout the year. These projects will focus on a research question or a practical issue relevant to your chosen specialism and might involve the use of the COAST laboratory facilities, state of the art modelling software supervised by an academic member of staff.
Core modules
GEEN314
Geotechnical Engineering 2
20 credits
This module considers the application of Soil Mechanics to analysis and design of a range of common Civil Engineering structures. This includes shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and slope stability.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
HYFM300
Water Engineering
20 credits
This module develops hydraulic engineering concepts introduced in the first and second year, and combines them with elements of water engineering and management. The main areas covered are urban drainage, flood management, water resources, and river/channel engineering. Learning is supported by laboratory work and a field trip.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
STAD300
Structural Analysis and Design 2
20 credits
This module focuses on the analyses and design of whole structures, i.e. multi-storey buildings. It includes computer modelling and analysis, and methods of the validation of the obtained results using approximate analysis.
70% Coursework
30% Examinations
PRCE312
Individual Project
40 credits
The individual project allows the student to research an approved topic of interest related to civil or coastal engineering. Guided by an academic supervisor, the student independently conducts an investigation comprising theoretical development, experimental/computational and analytical work.
100% Coursework
COUE320
Coastal Engineering Analysis and Design
20 credits
Natural and engineered coastlines are exposed to loads specific to the marine environment. This module focuses on the design of breakwaters and seawalls and softer, nature based coastal management approaches. Understanding is developed through design, laboratory testing and field data analysis. Assessment relies on the student’s own data to tackle realistic design and analysis challenges. Knowledge is framed by modern practice, sustainability principles and climate change.
100% Coursework
Optional pathways
We offer a range of civil engineering courses allowing you to choose your specialist field.
We also offer
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Foundation Year
What’s the difference between BEng and MEng?
BEng (Hons)
- A three year degree, with the potential for it to be four years with a placement year
- Accredited by the professional engineering institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
MEng (Hons)
- A four year integrated masters, with the potential for it to be five years with a placement year
- Accredited by the professional engineering institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) accreditation
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) accreditation
Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) accreditation
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) accreditation
The Permanent Way Institution accreditation
Course-specific academic regulations
This course has unique rules relating to:
- Compensation of marks
- Passing a module
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Hands-on learning brings theory to life
Building breakwaters
A great example of this is our Coastal Engineering Analysis and Design module where students explore breakwaters; building and testing their own design.
Working as a team in our
COAST laboratory
, they create a scale model of their chosen design, then test it to see if it how well it responds to big waves and wave frequencies.
Facilities to inspire the engineering and design pioneers of the future
Final year research project
The individual project in your third year allows you to delve deeper and research an approved topic of interest related to civil and coastal engineering.
Using our Coast Lab, Lilly-Mae investigated an oscillating water column (OWC) system and its ability to harness renewable energy.
Using our Coast Lab, Lilly-Mae investigated an oscillating water column (OWC) system and its ability to harness renewable energy.
“Renewable energy is important to focus on because climate change is such a topical issue. This device could aid in the plan to reach net zero, but it needs more research put into it to make them more cost-effective.”
Research-informed teaching
Our team of 100 staff work in the disciplines of engineering, computing, mathematics and navigation. We carry out research in fields from renewable energy to pure mathematics, robotics and cyber security.
Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng
Professor in Ocean Engineering
Dr David Simmonds
Associate Professor in Coastal Engineering
Dr Jon Miles
Associate Professor in Coastal Engineering
Plymouth Engineering Society
The University of Plymouth Engineering Society's main aim is to provide a platform for engineering students at the university to meet, socialise with and learn from their fellow students. We aim to promote links across all engineering disciplines and between all year groups from foundation year to masters year.
We will be hosting socials and events throughout the year so come and get involved! Once you have your membership be sure to follow the society's social media to keep up to date with all activities, socials, and events.
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
My placement year was one of the best choices I made whilst at university, and I really appreciate the encouragement and assistance from the University of Plymouth staff towards acquiring my placement with Dawnus.
Jack Walker
BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering graduate, EA Framework Section Engineer at Kier Infrastructure
BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering graduate, EA Framework Section Engineer at Kier Infrastructure
We’re an employment-focused course: preparing you for your chosen career is our priority.
Developing the next generation of chartered civil engineers means providing you with opportunities to connect and engage with the industry, from site visits and guest speakers to work placements.
With many of our graduates employed in a professional or managerial role six months after graduation, the connections we provide are meaningful and will have a direct impact on your employability.
Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of roles and disciplines across both the public and private sectors in the UK and overseas.
Thriving industry connections
We have a long history of working with industry experts to provide you with the connections and opportunities you’ll need to begin your career.
Our Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC) is a panel of esteemed practising engineers and one of the biggest in the UK.
Working in partnership with the IAC, we keep your curriculum up-to-date and ensure that you’re highly employable when you graduate.
Optional placement year: preparing you for the future
By taking the opportunity to spend an optional year in paid employment whilst still a student civil engineer, you will obtain recordable professional experience, build a network of industry contacts and often obtain offers of summer work, sponsorship or employment on graduation. Our placements team will support you in finding a placement, and we have an extensive network of employers across all sectors.
I've definitely grown during my placement. KierBAM allowed me to assist multiple teams over the course of the year, so I was always learning and always progressing.
Ely, a MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering student, won a Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Young Achiever Award.
He received the accolade in recognition of his performance as a trainee site engineer with KierBAM while working on the enabling works for a submarine dry dock refurbishment in Devonport Dockyard.
He received the accolade in recognition of his performance as a trainee site engineer with KierBAM while working on the enabling works for a submarine dry dock refurbishment in Devonport Dockyard.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
£18,650 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to field-based activities or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
The Tamar Engineering Project
The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Successful applicants will receive:
- £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
- £1,500 fee waiver per annum
- one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
A levels
112 points to include grade C in A level mathematics and all applicants must be studying a second relevant subject. Relevant subjects include applied ICT, applied science, applied science (DA), biology, chemistry, computing/computer science, DT (product design resistant materials), DT (systems and control tech) DT product design (textiles tech), electronics, engineering, environmental science, geography, geology, further maths/use of, statistics, music technology, physics, technology and design.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
To include all mathematics units with Distinction. Level 3 Engineering Principles (Mandatory Module), Level 3 Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems (Mandatory Module) and Level 3 Further Engineering Mathematics (Optional Module).
Or, where A or AS level mathematics has been achieved: DMM to include all mathematics units with Merit. (Core Maths not accepted).
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
International Baccalaureate
29 to 32 points overall to include 4 in Higher Level Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Higher Level subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate
112 points, including H4 in Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Higher Level subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.
SQA Advanced Higher
112 points, including grade C in Advanced Higher Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Advanced Higher subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.
All Access courses
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction, including 12 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics and 12 Level 3 credits at Merit in a second relevant subject.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
We understand that many applicants remain anxious about meeting the exact terms of our standard conditional offers. We will look again at your application and revise our offer for those applicants who we continue to believe are a good match to our courses, once we have the certainty of your actual results in August.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
H255
H255
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Foundation Year
Don't have the traditional entry requirements to start a degree? Get a solid grounding in the disciplines underpinning civil engineering through an additional foundation year.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
112 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
H255
H255
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
If you do not have the required qualifications for this course, you may be able to gain them through the
University of Plymouth International College (UPIC)
.
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.