Advanced Civil and Structural Engineering MSc

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Entry year

Duration: 1 year; 1 year
Start date: September; September
Location: City Campus; City Campus

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Suitable for UK and internationalUK and international applications.

Overview

This technically focused Master's programme provides you with the in-depth knowledge you need to:

design innovative structures
manage construction in the built environment
address the implications of earthquakes and ground challenges

It is suitable for candidates with an undergraduate degree qualification looking to strengthen their technical knowledge and improve their career potential in the sector.

You will be taught by research active staff, ensuring you are taught the latest theory and practice. It also means you’ll have opportunities to work on ongoing research projects.

The programme is supported by our strong industry links; our Industry Advisory Board, made up of representatives from leading organisations in the engineering sector, informs curriculum development and research. Several members of the board deliver lectures, provide site visits, and mentor and potentially employ our students.

This technically focused Master's programme provides you with the in-depth knowledge you need to:

design innovative structures
manage construction in the built environment
address the implications of earthquakes and ground challenges

It is suitable for candidates with an undergraduate degree qualification looking to strengthen their technical knowledge and improve their career potential in the sector.

You will be taught by research active staff, ensuring you are taught the latest theory and practice. It also means you’ll have opportunities to work on ongoing research projects.

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM: The Institution of Civil Engineers, The Institution of Structural Engineers, The Institution of Highway Engineers and The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation) as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.

See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Entry requirements

A second-class Honours degree or equivalent in relevant discipline.

Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in a related area are considered on an individual basis.

A second-class Honours degree or equivalent in relevant discipline.

Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in a related area are considered on an individual basis.

Additional entry requirements

Applications from candidates with Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science degrees with relevant background in maths and physics are welcomed.

Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in a related area will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements

IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

Applications from candidates with Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science degrees with relevant background in maths and physics are welcomed.

Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in a related area will be considered on an individual basis.

Additional entry requirements

Applications from candidates with Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science degrees with relevant background in maths and physics are welcomed.

Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in a related area will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements

IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

Applications from candidates with Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science degrees with relevant background in maths and physics are welcomed.

Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in a related area will be considered on an individual basis.

Your learning journey

All module information is for 2026/7 entry and is subject to change.

First year

Optional

Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling has become a prominent topic in civil engineering in recent years. This approach to managing and sharing information has been shown to improve the sustainability, safety and overall efficiency of civil engineering projects throughout their lifecycle. Since 2016, all publicly procured construction projects in the UK are required to implement BIM, with similar mandates being established in other countries. Therefore it is crucial for all civil engineers to understand this method of managing the information that they work with.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a deep and practical understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the context of Civil and Structural Engineering. Through learning about the key drivers that resulted in the emergence of BIM as well as the main national and international standards that have been developed to describe the UK BIM Framework including ISO EN 19650-1:2018, students will be equipped to take leading and pragmatic roles on projects in embracing this new way of working. There exists a significant knowledge and skills gap in the industry, which students of this module will be able to provide a meaningful role in closing through reverse-mentoring of more senior staff when they enter the workplace.

Statistical Applications of Industrial Big Data

Nowadays large amounts of data are collected from many different sources; such data can be used for enhanced benefits and impact to society by evaluating the quality and relevance, integrating with existing information and digital resources, extracting patterns and creating new knowledge for decision support in engineering, healthcare and wellbeing, and society sustainable development.

However, large amounts of data create continuous challenges for relevant and effective usage in industry. The module is intended to Engineering, Management, Data Analytics, Computer Science and similar subject graduates to gain hands-on development of advanced knowledge and skills in the application of statistical methods in support of robust big data-based decision-making.

This research-informed module enables students to develop both specialist knowledge and enhanced problem-solving skills in statistical data analysis required to apply data science principles, and to provide data-driven, innovative engineering solutions for decision support and data-enhanced applications.

Students will explore how statistical applications of industrial big data resources can support knowledge discovery for decision making in domains such as industry 4.0/5.0, product design and development, product quality management and product safety. The module will also address legal, social ethical and professional aspects of such application domains. Students will also benefit from a hybrid approach of learning and assessment, benefitting from critical research, planning and working as team members, and solution development and demonstration as individual professionals.

The example topics are aligned with the programme of studies topics through relevant data resources and references. The module assessment will provide opportunities to develop interest, knowledge and skills in problem solving applying statistics to industrial big data challenges and projects within the new wave of data-enhanced engineering developments.

Supply Chain Management and Production

1. To develop a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge on operations and supply chain management with a strong focus on sustainability and circular economy aspects. A strategic perspective will be adopted throughout this module.

2. To analyse globalisation, sustainability and technological aspects influencing the performance of operations and the supply network.

Risk Assessment and Management

This module aims to introduce students to the challenges typically encountered in the implementation of Risk Assessment and Management in engineering applications and the tools used to address these challenges, including quantitative methods and management systems. It will enable students to acquire a deep understanding of the theories and practices of integrated Risk Assessment and Management, and apply these principles for decision-making, control and management purposes in a variety of challenging engineering applications.

Construction Management

To provide students with an understanding of the concepts and techniques of construction management with reference to their use in an engineering, design and technological organisational built environment.

Core

MSc Project

To further develop practical evaluation of professional engineering activity in a chosen specialisation. To extend the student's ability to plan, implement and review appropriate activities in a large and academically demanding project, so as to achieve an agreed set of objectives in a given time scale.

Advanced Geotechnics

Near surface soil layers that are characterized by the inclusion of soft soils and/or high groundwater which may pose serious problems to sustainable and resilient development of cities if care is not undertaken. An advanced knowledge is required to ensure safe ground conditions, to develop creative, and cost- effective and environmentally friendly design geotechnical solutions, to reduce the carbon footprint of geotechnical structures and to ensure long-term stability of structures. This module aims to extent the application of the fundamental concepts and principles of soil behaviour introduced in Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical and Civil Engineering modules, with particular emphasis on analysis and design of dewatering schemes, soil improvement techniques and temporary ground support systems. Students will develop solutions to advanced geotechnical engineering problems by a process of analysis and validation using specialist software where appropriate.

Advanced Structural Analysis & Earthquake Engineering

To develop an understanding of some key methods of advanced structural analysis. To study the concepts of structural dynamics and earthquake engineering in accordance with UNSDGs (11, 12, 13) and thereafter impart the key knowledge and skills required to design buildings to resist earthquakes. To develop the ability and skills to use laboratory equipment to measure the behaviour of simple and complex systems conferring to EDI and H&S.

Advanced Structural Design

To experience the complete design process from the initial consideration of a very open-ended client's brief through to the presentation of your proposed design solution in the form of a report with detailed engineering drawings and supporting analysis and calculations.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

1. Understand water pollution, sources of water pollution and the main aspects of public health engineering.

2. Apply water quality characteristics to assess the water quality.

3. Understand water supply and treatment processes, learn the design of various water treatment processes, technology and facility.

4. Understand wastewater treatment processes and the design of various wastewater treatment stages.

All module information is for 2026/7 entry and is subject to change.

First year

Optional

Building Information Modelling

Statistical Applications of Industrial Big Data

Supply Chain Management and Production

2. To analyse globalisation, sustainability and technological aspects influencing the performance of operations and the supply network.

Risk Assessment and Management

Construction Management

Core

MSc Project

Advanced Geotechnics

Advanced Structural Analysis & Earthquake Engineering

Advanced Structural Design

Water and Wastewater Treatment

1. Understand water pollution, sources of water pollution and the main aspects of public health engineering.

2. Apply water quality characteristics to assess the water quality.

3. Understand water supply and treatment processes, learn the design of various water treatment processes, technology and facility.

4. Understand wastewater treatment processes and the design of various wastewater treatment stages.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching methods include formal lectures, case studies, tutorial exercises, practical demonstrations, directed learning, and group and individual work.

Modules are assessed through formal written examinations, class tests, analytical and experimental coursework and presentations.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching methods include formal lectures, case studies, tutorial exercises, practical demonstrations, directed learning, and group and individual work.

Modules are assessed through formal written examinations, class tests, analytical and experimental coursework and presentations.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

Home: £10,189
International: Fees are currently under review and will be confirmed soon

Tuition fee

Home: £9,940
International: £19,500

Additional course costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Funding your studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career prospects

Civil Engineers are key players in both developed and developing nations. They plan, design, operate and maintain our sustainable infrastructures. Sustainable use of materials, resources, and energy, in order to enhance the quality of life, for current and future generations, is a key aim for civil and structural engineers.

Those in this field increasingly need to build on their Bachelor degree qualification and increase their knowledge base to remain competitive. This programme is designed to give you this competitive edge.

Graduates are equipped to enter a wide range of industries such as consulting or contracting, construction, utility providers (such as the water, gas, or electricity companies), the railways, and many other fields.

Career opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the careers section.

Support for your studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions. We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment. In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

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Terms and conditions of study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

View our Student Contract for further details.

Transparency statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.