Civil and Structural Engineering

Civil and structural engineering together form the core of the built environment, responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of everything from roads and bridges to dams, tunnels, foundations, and tall buildings. Structural engineering is a specialism within civil engineering that focuses on ensuring buildings and other structures can withstand the loads and forces placed on them safely and efficiently. The two fields are deeply interconnected in professional practice, and a combined degree gives you the breadth and depth to work across the full range of infrastructure challenges that engineers face.

At the University of Manchester, this four-year full-time MEng programme leads to a master's-level qualification in civil and structural engineering. The degree includes a foundation year designed to build the mathematical and scientific foundations necessary for entry into the main engineering curriculum, making it accessible to a wider range of students with strong potential. You will develop expertise in structural analysis, geotechnics, fluid mechanics, project management, and the design of infrastructure systems, learning to apply engineering principles to real problems with rigour and creativity.

Manchester's engineering school has deep connections with the construction and infrastructure industries, giving you access to a research and teaching environment that reflects contemporary professional practice.

Civil and structural engineering graduates work across consultancies, contractors, government agencies, and infrastructure developers on projects of all scales, from local community infrastructure to major national programmes. Common career paths include structural engineer, project engineer, site engineer, geotechnical engineer, and infrastructure consultant. The MEng qualification supports progression towards chartered engineer status, which is the recognised mark of senior professional engineering competence.

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate research or specialisation in areas such as earthquake engineering, sustainable construction, or smart infrastructure.