Modes of Study

The MSc is a 12 month intensive full-time course consisting of 120 credits of taught modules, equally split over two semesters, followed by a 60 credit research dissertation during the summer. The dissertation is tailored to the theme of the course selected. The Diploma is awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a Certificate is awarded to the successful completion of 60 credits worth of taught modules.

For Contaminant Hydrogeology, Environmental Management of Urban Land and Water, and Urban Water Engineering and Management courses

These MScs are all earned through the successful completion of 12 three-week course modules and a dissertation. The delivery schedule is designed to allow this to be accomplished in one year of full time study. However, this may not be possible for working professionals, and so part-time options are available.

Part-time over two years It is not necessary to split study evenly: any number of modules can in principle be taken in the first year. However, we do offer guidance on the order modules are taken as some modules build on knowledge gained in other modules. The order of module delivery shown in each MSc schedule can be used as a rough guide to ideal module order.

For Earthquake and Civil Engineering Dynamics, Structural Engineering, Steel Construction, and Concrete Engineering courses

Modules are worth 10 credits and are taught in blocks; 2-week blocks in semester 1 and 3-week blocks in semester 2. Semester 1 modules are assessed in the last three weeks of the semester (in January) and the assessment of each module in semester 2 is carried out during the 3-week block for the module. The dissertation is taken in summer. You are expected to spend 100 hrs per 10 credits (including assessment) equating to 40 hrs per week. For further details, click on Course Structure for a particular programme. The timetable for each module is given at the start of the module by the lecturer responsible.

Part-time over two years Ideally autumn semester modules to be taken in the first year and spring semester modules and dissertation taken in the second year. Other arrangements are possible (consult with the Cyril Lynsdale).
In order to make full benefit from certain modules, you need to have covered pre-requisite modules first. Ensure that the sequence you take modules satisfies the published pre-requisites.

For Architectural Engineering Design

This course is currently only offered as a Full-time MSc level programme. Modules are taken in both the Department of Civil Engineering and the School of Architecture with a dissertation carried out over the summer.

Five Year Flexible Route for all Postgraduate Courses * 

MSc and Postgraduate Diploma programmes can be taken through a more flexible route, especially designed for those in employment. Under this scheme, modules for a particular programme can be taken and credits accumulated over a period of up to 5 years for a degree as above, 120 credits for a PG Diploma and 180 credits for MSc. Some guidance will be offered regarding the order in which modules might ideally be taken. 

* Not available for the Architectural Engineering Design programme.