Civil and coastal engineering

Why Plymouth?

  • 6 The University of Plymouth has been named eighth in the world – and best in the UK – for the quality and impact of its marine and ocean engineering research (ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019)
  • 6 Flexibility to transfer between BEng and MEng
  • 6 Choose between civil and mechanical routes at the end of your first year
  • 6 Optional year in industry
  • 6 Industrial mentoring scheme
  • 6 State-of-the-art facilities: COAST Lab
  • 6 BEng leads to Incorporated Engineer status (IEng)
  • 6 MEng leads to Chartered Engineer status (CEng)
  • 6 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) accredited degrees

University features in film celebrating Plymouth’s engineering prowess

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) presents Engineering Plymouth. A film celebrating how civil engineers have helped to shape Plymouth over the last 500 years. The film tells the story of Plymouth through its engineering milestones. From laying the foundations for a new town to the introduction of the Great Western Railway and the impressive Royal Albert Bridge. Through the Blitz bombs and on towards new horizons – robotics, artificial intelligence and the use of drone technology – we see how engineers are tackling problems and safeguarding the future for generations to come. 

“Plymouth is a really interesting place to study civil engineering, with lots of new developments going on.”

“From a course point of view, the University has a strong link to industry, which a lot of universities don’t have when it comes to civil engineering. At nearly every company I’ve worked with or had interactions with, I’ve nearly always found a University of Plymouth graduate. They want to help you because they know where you’ve been. The city has a lot of strengths, not just its university. You can’t beat chilling out on the Hoe, or Dartmoor.”

Conner Kearey, MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

<p>Conner Kearey</p>

Postgraduate open evening

Wednesday 19 October 2022, 16:00–19:00
Your opportunity to discuss postgraduate study, research, masters programmes and professional development at the University of Plymouth

Book your place
<p>Postgraduate open evening 2018</p>

Postgraduate research studentships 

Do you need funding for a research degree?

If you cannot fund your own PhD research project then please look at the advertised studentships as they become available throughout the year. Please check the advert carefully to ensure you are eligible and what funding and support are available. 

Current postgraduate research studentships at the University of Plymouth

<p>Ciaran O'Sullivan</p>

Vision for a new engineering building

This landmark building will be situated next to Babbage and will provide a new home for engineering in Plymouth, providing the environment and foundations for our teaching and research into the next decade.

“This new building will offer a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers of tomorrow, giving us the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole.” Professor Deborah Greaves OBE, Head of school.

Learn more about the new facility

<p>The University of Plymouth's new engineering and design facility - aerial view<br></p>
<p>athena swan bronze</p>

Athena SWAN Bronze

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze award in October 2020 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.