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School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering

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UCAS tariff 120 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code H251
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

Are you fascinated by the designs of large coastal structures such as seawalls and breakwaters and how these withstand attack by the sea? Do you have the desire to help protect our coastal communities from the threat of flooding and sea level rise? Do you want to plan and construct a port? As a MEng graduate in civil and coastal engineering you will be trained as a civil engineer with specialist knowledge in the realisation of projects that are essential to the functioning of coastal societies.

Specialised coastal engineering curriculum

Engage in modules dedicated to coastal engineering and water management, equipping you with the expertise to design infrastructure that withstands coastal challenges and addresses flood risk management.
Access to advanced facilities
Benefit from opportunities to learn water and coastal engineering in our Marine Building. Expand your skills with specialist equipment and innovative laboratories within our engineering and design facility.

Fieldwork-focused learning

Hands-on fieldwork, including coastal surveys and environmental impact assessments, gives you practical experience and insight into real-world coastal engineering challenges.

Scholarship opportunities available

See Fees, costs and funding section for more information

Careers with this subject
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. Possible career paths include:
  • bridge engineering
  • highway engineering
  • water and waste engineering
  • flood engineering
  • geotechnical engineering.

Key features

Benefit from a four year integrated masters programme

Enrich your undergraduate degree with an additional year at postgraduate level.

Learn design skills from problem solving to sustainable development

Develop the critical thinking that plays a key role in the work of a civil engineer, including interpreting and analysing data.

Study core subjects

Including engineering surveying, geotechnics, hydraulics, management, materials, and structural analysis.

Increase your employability

Take an extra-curricular HSE-recognised diving qualification (subject to availability).

Course 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.

  • Year 3

  • 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

  • Final year

  • In this final year of the MEng programme you will build upon and integrate your earlier learning. You will develop advanced understanding of coastal engineering, hydraulics and geotechnics, extend your experience of coastal engineering into the associated field of port and harbour engineering. As a masters student you will sharpen your project management skills. The year finishes with the completion of an integrated design project that demonstrates your design, presentation and group working skills.

    Core modules

    COUE506
    Port and Harbour Engineering 20 credits

    This module presents the fundamental elements of the layout, design and construction of modern port structures, and provides students with the necessary understanding of the forces and loadings acting of them. The subject combines 3 elements not often found together in engineering: the requirements of a major transport infrastructure, the harsh marine environment, and the design of highly specific structural solutions.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    COUE508
    Advanced Coastal Engineering Modelling 20 credits

    This module covers the modelling techniques and software tools used in modern coastal engineering practise. Topics include the modelling of waves, currents and sediments; the modelling of coastal engineering designs and their impacts; the use of software tools of data analysis for coastal engineers.

    100% Coursework

    ENBS542
    Project Management and Professional Practice 20 credits

    This module combines the examination of project management process and practice together with the essential requirements of both operating as a professional, and operating in, a professional environment. The module focuses on embedding knowledge and understanding issues faced by modern construction professionals in delivering construction projects in a professional and ethical manner.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    GEEN502
    Advanced Geotechnical Engineering 20 credits

    This module builds on understanding and modelling of advanced fundamental soil behaviour. It also considers application to more advanced Civil Engineering design scenarios.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    HYFM505
    Flood Risk and Modelling 20 credits

    This module investigates the hydraulic engineering factors influencing the computational modelling and management of riverine flood risk. It appraises the relative merits of techniques used in civil engineering practice for flood modelling and for flood risk management, with an emphasis on reliability assessment. The module is supported by the use of computer software and laboratory work.

    100% Coursework

    PRCE514
    Sustainable Engineering Scheme Design 20 credits

    The module introduces the learner to working on a ‘real world’ interdisciplinary design project comprising the integration of a number of interlinked design challenges relating to core elements of their Civil and Civil and Coastal Engineering studies. The work will be undertaken in managed teams. The project scope will range from design concept through to construction.

    100% Coursework

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course
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.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

120

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level
To include grade B 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 Qualifications are not accepted for Meng. May be considered in combination with additional qualifications or experience.
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
30 to 34 points overall to include 5 in Higher Level Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Higher Level subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate
120 UCAS tariff points, including H3 in Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Higher Level subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.
SQA Advanced Higher
120 UCAS tariff points, including grade B 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: not accepted for MEng, unless the applicant has additional qualifications or experience. Please refer to our BEng course pages and contact a member of the Undergraduate Admission team on +44 1752 585858 / admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .
Please note: 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.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early 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.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for home undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,905.
The fee for home undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,430.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

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.

This course is for you if...

  • you're passionate about designing resilient coastal infrastructure
  • you aim to address challenges posed by climate change and coastal sustainability
  • you seek hands-on experience in coastal and civil engineering projects
  • you value learning from industry-experienced professionals and researchers
  • you aspire to become a Chartered Engineer with a focus on coastal environments
Lilly-Mae Nennestiel - BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering

Real-world experience

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.

“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.

Nilesh Jeetah

Thanks to the design, drawing and analysis skills I acquired on my placement, I was able to deliver coursework drawings reflecting industry standard.

“The real-world experience I gained allowed me to understand the practical applications of the structural engineering design module in my third year. My placement year increased my confidence and self-assurance, communication and time management, which enabled me to manage my research project with a more positive and proactive mindset.”
Nilesh Jeetah
 

Facilities to inspire the engineering and design pioneers of the future

Babbage Building brings STEAM subjects together to support academic collaboration and innovation and our Marine Building provides some of the best research and testing facilities in the country.
Students using the University's Coastal Basin within the state-of-the-art COAST Laboratory.
COAST Laboratory
Immersive Visualisation Suite, Babbage Building
Immersive Visualisation Suite
Digifab Lab
Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Laboratories (DFIML)
Heavy Structures and Geotechnics Laboratory
Heavy Structures and Geotechnics Laboratory
Students using equipment in the STEAM laboratory, Babbage
STEAM Laboratories
 

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.

“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.”

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.
People networking at an event

I studied civil engineering to have an impact on the built environment and to help the life of societies. I want to see a world where humans manage to reuse or recycle the majority of our waste and remove our reliance on single-use products.

Engineering a sustainable future

“Engineers need to design structures with a whole life cycle approach, thinking of the project from cradle to grave. I would like to see civil engineering projects – roads, bridges and buildings – created from sustainably sourced materials, with the environmental impact of these projects being the primary focus, not cost.”
Conner Kearey

Meet your expert teaching staff

Meet our school technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.

Societies

Civil Engineering Society

CivSoc organises a range of activities including site visits, guest lectures from industry experts, networking events, workshops, and hands-on projects. These events not only complement your studies but also provide valuable insights into the civil engineering profession.

Plymouth Engineering Society

EngSoc provides a platform for you to meet, socialise with and learn from from fellow students, across all engineering disciplines and between all year groups.
Plymouth Engineering Society

Apply to the Tamar Engineering Project

Open for applications to 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.
Tamar Bridge looking towards Cornwall
 
Athena SWAN Silver Award logo

Athena Swan Silver

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.