Civil Engineering MEng
BEng : AAB – BBB at A level, A-level Mathematics and Physics. (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only); graduates earn a median £30,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
BEng : AAB – BBB
A-level Mathematics and Physics. (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only) · 90% of entrants came with A levels · 90% stay on after year 1 · Glasgow course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
BEng : AAB – BBBtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Glasgow course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A-level Mathematics and Physics. (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only)
Who actually got in: 90% with A levels, 10% with the IB. 85% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 10 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications2
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | AAAAA | Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).; Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. |
| IB | BEng : 34 (6,5,5) | HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics. (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics). |
Years 1–5
What do you study?
9compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: engineering & manufacturing 61% · natural sciences 10% · mathematics & statistics 7% · green & sustainability 7%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Glasgow course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 9 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Analogue Electronics 1
What you learn (13)
- describe charge, current, voltage and power concepts across disciplines
- convert between units of electrical quantities
- apply circuit laws to find unknown currents and voltages in networks
- derive nodal analysis from basic circuit laws
- calculate unknown currents and voltages using nodal analysis
- state Thevenin's and Norton's theorems
- calculate Thevenin and Norton equivalent values for two-port networks
- apply Thevenin's and Norton's theorems to simplify circuit analysis
- analyse ac networks using complex impedance representation
- define key properties of ideal operational amplifiers
- calculate voltage gain of op-amp amplifier circuits
- design circuits to solve practical engineering problems
- collaborate in a team to solve technical challenges
- Engineering Skills 1
What you learn (20)
- identify university support services available to students
- collaborate within a team to achieve a shared engineering goal
- describe the responsibilities and ethical duties of a professional engineer
- discuss how standards and regulations shape engineering practice
- apply research findings to inform an engineering design
- develop a solution for an open-ended creative design brief
- build a prototype of sufficient quality to demonstrate a concept
- evaluate a prototype through testing and refine its design
- produce basic drawings, models and assemblies using CAD software to engineering standards
- write a basic computer program
- use software tools to prepare reports, calculations and data presentations
- apply manufacturing processes to construct prototypes or models
- build a basic electrical circuit from a drawing and identify faults
- write a technical report that meets engineering conventions
- cite references using correct engineering conventions
- give and respond to verbal and written feedback, showing resulting improvement
- maintain written records of progress such as logbooks or portfolios
- communicate engineering ideas through functional sketches
- present data and graphs according to engineering conventions
- write up engineering calculations for a professional audience following conventions
- Environmental Engineering 1
What you learn (11)
- describe the stages of the engineering design process
- formulate a specification for a given process
- research a specific engineering topic using appropriate sources
- report findings of a research investigation clearly
- explain how people, environment and economics interact in engineering design
- incorporate social, environmental and economic factors into a design solution
- discuss professional ethical responsibilities of an engineer
- relate the UN sustainable development goals to engineering practice
- plan a short presentation and written report for a target audience
- deliver a concise oral presentation on a technical topic
- produce a structured technical report of defined length
- Materials 1
What you learn (10)
- compare structural features of metals, polymers and ceramics
- calculate material density from crystallographic data
- identify factors determining stiffness, strength and toughness of materials
- identify factors determining electrical conductivity of materials
- distinguish elastic from plastic deformation behaviour in materials
- apply yield criteria to analyse multiaxial stress states
- conduct a basic mechanical test on a material sample
- analyse results obtained from a mechanical test
- select materials for applications by weighing efficiency and lifecycle factors
- use ashby diagrams to support material selection decisions
- Civil Engineering 1
What you learn (6)
- identify key material properties of concrete, steel and timber
- explain how material properties affect construction use
- design a concrete mix using standard charts and tables
- discuss sustainability issues in the use of construction materials
- describe applications of Building Information Modelling in construction
- use BIM software to develop a simple building design
- Dynamics 1
What you learn (3)
- solve basic engineering dynamics problems using standard methods
- explain the physical phenomena underlying motion and forces in dynamic systems
- integrate multiple engineering analysis techniques to solve complex dynamics problems
- Statics 1
What you learn (5)
- identify types of forces acting in mechanical systems
- combine multiple forces to find their resultant
- apply equilibrium conditions to analyse engineering structures
- formulate mathematical models linking applied and internal forces
- solve mathematical models to determine force relationships
- Thermodynamics 1
What you learn (10)
- perform engineering and scientific calculations with accuracy and rigour
- decompose a thermodynamic problem into its constituent systems
- identify how energy interactions occur between systems
- use appropriate thermodynamic terminology correctly
- explain sources of energy within a thermodynamic system
- explain the environmental impact of thermodynamic engineering solutions
- identify whether an open or closed system analysis applies
- derive the first law of thermodynamics from basic theory
- apply the first law of thermodynamics to closed system problems
- analyse basic steady flow processes
Year 2 · 10 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Soil Mechanics 2
What you learn (13)
- describe common engineering soil types
- classify soils according to engineering classification systems
- calculate water content, void ratio and degree of saturation from soil sample data
- determine how total stress, pore pressure and effective stress vary with depth
- apply effective stress principle to compute elastic strain in loaded soil
- apply effective stress principle to assess failure conditions under loading
- construct flownets for isotropic soil conditions
- construct flownets for anisotropic soil conditions
- use a flownet to calculate seepage flow rate
- use a flownet to determine pore pressure distribution
- use a flownet to evaluate factor of safety against piping
- calculate final settlement of a wide foundation from an oedometer compression curve
- apply one-dimensional consolidation theory to predict settlement development over time
- Structural Design 2
What you learn (9)
- identify appropriate loading conditions for structures and elements
- apply relevant loads to structural elements
- determine the significant effects resulting from applied loads
- calculate load effects using mechanics principles
- select suitable trial sections for structural elements
- design structural elements in reinforced concrete, steel and timber
- evaluate the load-bearing capacity of existing structural elements
- evaluate the effectiveness of a structural design solution
- propose alternative design solutions
- Structural Design Project 2
What you learn (13)
- develop an architectural brief responding to a community societal issue
- devise two alternative architectural concepts for a given site and users
- produce two alternative structural framing plans for the concepts
- evaluate alternative solutions against a structural design brief
- analyse the chosen structural solution in detail
- design the chosen structural solution in detail
- assess the sustainability performance of a structural design proposal
- outline a construction sequence for the proposed structure
- identify health and safety considerations in the construction process
- produce a large-scale drawing representing the complete design
- present a design proposal to a panel of assessors
- defend design decisions in response to panel questioning
- apply structural analysis and design methods to solve real-life engineering problems
- Environmental Processes 2
What you learn (10)
- explain the energy changes occurring in chemical reactions
- describe the concept of chemical thermodynamic equilibrium
- describe the kinetics governing a chemical reaction
- derive oxidation-reduction reaction equations
- calculate the free energy of oxidation-reduction reactions
- explain the concept of pH in chemical systems
- calculate ph values for simple chemical systems
- describe how micro-organisms obtain energy for growth
- calculate the growth rate of microorganism populations
- identify challenges involved in communicating science effectively
- Civil Engineering Skills 2
What you learn (9)
- solve basic engineering problems using a programming environment
- analyse a problem to identify a logical solution sequence
- translate a solution strategy into a working program
- describe fundamental programming constructs such as input, output, loops and branching
- apply user-defined functions within a program
- test program code to check its correctness
- apply standard drawing conventions in engineering sketches
- identify common structural forms used in civil engineering
- analyse simple structural frames to determine deformation
- Geology and Surveying for Civil Engineers 2
What you learn (9)
- identify common rock types
- produce concise engineering descriptions of rock samples
- produce concise engineering descriptions of soil samples
- infer likely groundwater conditions from field observations
- explain key surveying terminology
- apply surveying terminology in practical contexts
- perform basic levelling using surveying instruments
- perform simple setting-out tasks using surveying instruments
- interpret borehole log data
- Mechanics of Structures 2A
What you learn (10)
- construct shear force diagrams for structural members
- construct bending moment diagrams for structural members
- calculate geometric and structural properties of cross-sections
- determine bending stresses in structural members
- determine shear stresses in structural members
- determine axial stresses in structural members
- calculate elastic deflections of statically determinate beams
- determine elastic stresses in circular shafts under torsion
- determine elastic stresses in thin-walled sections under torsion
- calculate angle of twist for shafts subject to torsion
- Mechanics of Structures 2B
What you learn (5)
- calculate principal stresses and strains for a given loading condition
- construct Mohr's circle to determine stress and strain states
- interpret strain gauge rosette readings to determine strain values
- calculate the stability of flexible structures containing rigid members
- evaluate elastic stability of columns under different boundary conditions
- Fluid Mechanics 2
What you learn (14)
- explain behavioural differences between fluids and solids
- define key physical variables used in fluid mechanics
- define dimensionless quantities such as reynolds number
- apply dimensional analysis to fluid mechanics problems
- apply mechanics principles to static fluid problems
- explain significance of conservation laws in fluid mechanics
- apply conservation laws to simple fluid flow problems
- state the bernoulli equation
- apply the bernoulli equation to simple fluid dynamics problems
- solve flow problems in closed pipe systems
- solve flow problems in open channel systems
- carry out fluid mechanics experiments
- analyse experimental data from fluid experiments
- report findings of fluid mechanics experiments
- Engineering Mathematics 2
What you learn (16)
- construct contour plots of multivariable functions
- determine stationary points of multivariable functions
- calculate rates of change and gradients using partial differentiation and chain rule
- apply the total differential to estimate experimental errors in engineering problems
- determine whether a differential equation is exact
- solve for the parent function of an exact differential
- apply exact differentials to calculate work done in conservative fields
- construct double integrals to determine the volume of solid objects
- construct path integrals to determine areas and work done in force fields
- classify differential equations by order, degree, type and linearity
- identify separable differential equations and solve them by integration
- solve first-order linear differential equations using the integrating factor method
- describe the general form of solutions to higher-order differential equations
- apply second-order differential equation methods to model engineering systems
- apply symmetry properties to simplify Fourier series calculations
- apply Laplace transforms to solve ordinary differential equations with initial conditions
Year 3 · 10 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Mechanics of Solids 3
What you learn (12)
- define stress components in two and three dimensions
- define strain components in two and three dimensions
- calculate principal stresses and strains in 2D and 3D
- define octahedral, hydrostatic and deviatoric stress components
- calculate octahedral, hydrostatic and deviatoric stresses and strains
- apply geometric, matrix and index notation to transform stress and strain states
- use Mohr's circle to find stresses and strains at given orientations
- explain experimental methods for measuring stress fields
- solve two-dimensional strain gauge rosette problems
- explain yield criteria used for brittle and ductile failure
- explain the mechanisms underlying material plasticity
- calculate the likelihood of yield in practical 2D and 3D stress states
- Structural Design 3
What you learn (11)
- identify appropriate loading conditions for structures and elements
- apply appropriate loads to structural elements
- identify significant effects resulting from applied loads
- analyse load effects using mechanical principles
- select trial structural sections to reduce carbon impact
- design reinforced concrete elements for various loads
- design structural steel elements for various loads
- evaluate effectiveness of proposed structural design solutions
- propose alternative design solutions where needed
- perform basic structural analysis using Robot software
- verify software results using hand calculation methods
- Structural Mechanics 3
What you learn (10)
- explain the theoretical basis of the force method for structural analysis
- explain the theoretical basis of the displacement method for structural analysis
- analyse trusses and frames under varied loads and support conditions
- construct influence lines for determinate structures using quantitative methods
- construct influence lines for indeterminate structures using qualitative methods
- apply influence lines to identify worst-case loading conditions
- apply limit load analysis concepts from elastic limit to structural collapse
- calculate the collapse load and mechanism of simple frame structures
- modify existing code within a structural analysis program
- optimise structural designs to reduce material usage
- Geotechnical Engineering 3
What you learn (15)
- calculate in-situ stresses within soil masses
- calculate shallow foundation settlement using elastic theory
- calculate consolidation settlement using consolidation theory
- propose sustainable approaches to limit differential foundation settlement
- explain soil shear failure using the mohr-coulomb criterion
- interpret triaxial test data for sands and clays under different drainage conditions
- interpret soil behaviour through critical state soil mechanics concepts
- calculate lateral earth pressures using rankine and coulomb theories
- apply eurocode 7 partial factors to geotechnical design problems
- assess slope stability for cuts and rotational or translational slides
- evaluate how environmental conditions affect slope stability
- explain how climate change affects slope stability
- identify sustainable methods for stabilizing slopes
- design simple gravity and embedded retaining structures
- design shallow foundations based on analysis of soil behaviour
- Structural Design Project 3
What you learn (16)
- gather background engineering information from a project brief
- develop a conceptual structural design
- evaluate the effectiveness of alternative design solutions
- propose design alternatives considering efficiency and sustainability
- present a final design orally using visual aids
- collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team
- design a braced or rigid frame structure
- select suitable materials and technologies for structural members and connections
- define structural loads for a superstructure
- analyse a superstructure using 3D frame analysis software
- calculate foundation bearing pressure and overall stability
- identify critical structural members and connections
- design structural elements to eurocode standards
- define a safe structural erection procedure
- quantify the embodied carbon of a structural design
- report on a structural design covering function, efficiency and impact
- Civil Design Projects 3
What you learn (7)
- apply hydraulics analysis methods to solve civil engineering problems
- apply geotechnical design methods to solve civil engineering problems
- research technical requirements for a pumped storage hydro scheme
- evaluate design options for a railway structure and a hydro scheme
- write a technical engineering report presenting design work
- produce professional presentation slides summarising engineering solutions
- deliver an oral presentation of engineering design work to professional experts
- Environmental Process Engineering 3
What you learn (12)
- describe physical properties of water relevant to environmental processes
- describe chemical properties of water relevant to environmental processes
- explain criteria used to assess drinking water quality
- describe methods used to treat water for human consumption
- identify sources of contamination affecting natural water bodies
- describe how different contaminants affect natural water systems
- identify key physical processes used in water and wastewater treatment
- explain key chemical processes used in water and wastewater treatment
- design simple physical treatment processes for water and wastewater
- design simple chemical treatment processes for water and wastewater
- evaluate treatment technologies based on social, economic and environmental sustainability
- combine physical and chemical processes into an integrated treatment solution
- Construction Management 3
What you learn (6)
- identify the parties involved in a construction contract
- describe party responsibilities under different contract forms
- apply health and safety legislation to practical construction scenarios
- conduct a risk assessment for a straightforward work activity
- use measurement techniques to produce a bill of quantities
- develop a project plan using bar chart and network analysis methods
- Engineering Hydraulics 3
What you learn (9)
- classify flow types using non-dimensional parameters
- calculate flow depth for uniform open channel flow
- calculate discharge for uniform open channel flow
- apply momentum conservation to non-uniform open channel flows
- analyse flow behaviour in simple pipe systems
- analyse flow behaviour in complex pipe networks
- conduct hydraulic laboratory experiments to measure flow characteristics
- report laboratory data accurately
- incorporate sustainability considerations into hydraulic engineering designs
- Transport Engineering 3: Urban Streets and Highways
What you learn (13)
- apply national and local highway design guidance to street design tasks
- explain key principles for designing inclusive active travel infrastructure
- explain how inclusive transport systems improve public health outcomes
- explain how inclusive transport systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- create principled street designs reallocating space for walking and cycling
- describe material properties relevant to pavement construction
- describe test methods used to measure pavement material properties
- calculate geometric parameters for highway design
- design an earthwork compaction scheme using current engineering methods
- describe methods for assessing existing pavement condition
- construct a basic earthworks balance for a project
- explain cost and environmental implications of earthworks balance decisions
- describe methods to reduce climate impact of earthwork construction
Year 4 · 9 core · 130 credits ≈ 1,300 hours
- Finite Element Analysis 4
What you learn (4)
- apply approximation methods to engineering problem analysis
- perform a finite element analysis on an engineering problem
- identify modelling issues such as discretisation and boundary conditions
- evaluate the validity of a finite element model
- Civil Design Project 4
What you learn (6)
- collaborate within a team to address open-ended engineering problems
- plan a design or feasibility study for a complex multi-disciplinary project
- integrate sustainability, economic and socio-political factors into project analysis
- evaluate alternative design options critically
- deliver project findings through a professional oral presentation
- produce a professional written report of project outcomes
- Geotechnical Engineering 4
What you learn (14)
- describe the stages involved in a typical site investigation
- identify resources and equipment commonly used in site investigations
- describe common drilling and sampling methods used in ground investigation
- explain the significance of soil index test results
- describe standard laboratory soil element tests
- describe procedures for standard in situ soil tests
- interpret data obtained from in situ soil testing
- identify different pile types and their construction methods
- explain implications of pile type selection for foundation design
- evaluate the axial load capacity of a single pile under short-term conditions
- evaluate the axial load capacity of a single pile under long-term conditions
- calculate the settlement of a single vertical pile using analytical methods
- design a pile group to meet geotechnical requirements
- apply Eurocode 7 partial factors in pile design calculations
- Business Planning and Management for Engineers
What you learn (8)
- evaluate feasibility and potential impact of proposed solutions using established methods
- analyse how an engineering business operates
- apply project planning techniques to develop realistic timelines
- formulate a business plan proposal for an engineering venture
- justify the technical and financial feasibility of a business proposal
- synthesise feedback from mentors and peers to refine a business strategy
- align a refined strategy with market needs
- propose measures to minimise adverse environmental and societal impacts
- Individual Project 4
What you learn (12)
- develop an independent project plan
- carry out project tasks safely and independently
- summarise relevant technical literature and standards for a project
- apply mathematical and engineering principles to analyse a problem
- devise a creative solution to an engineering problem
- evaluate technical project outcomes critically
- quantify the effect of input data uncertainty on results
- assess design and analysis decisions within wider engineering contexts
- evaluate implications of design choices for business, society and environment
- interact professionally and ethically with colleagues
- compose a detailed technical report in clear English
- present technical information orally to a non-specialist audience
- Structural Analysis 4
What you learn (4)
- derive critical frequencies for simple vibrating structures
- derive mode shapes for simple vibrating structures
- calculate buckling loads for beams and framed structures
- solve eigenvalue problems applied to structural mechanics
- Advanced Steel and Concrete Design 4
What you learn (4)
- identify appropriate applications of these construction methods considering buildability
- analyse rigid steel frames to determine structural behaviour
- design pre-stressed concrete structural elements
- design composite construction structural elements
- Geotechnical Design Project 4
What you learn (12)
- interpret ground investigation data to build a ground model
- determine characteristic values for soil parameters
- research different pile foundation types and their design approaches
- evaluate the suitability of pile foundation options for a given project
- report findings on foundation suitability for a project
- apply geotechnical design methods to an open-ended design problem
- minimise the carbon footprint of selected construction materials
- organise design calculations in a logical sequence
- identify key assumptions underlying design calculations
- write a concise and well-argued design proposal
- collaborate effectively within a project team
- contribute identifiable work to a group project
- Hydraulics and Hydrology 4
What you learn (6)
- describe mechanisms of surface water runoff
- estimate flood return period flows under climate change scenarios
- apply analytical methods to predict river flow depth
- calculate sediment entrainment rates
- calculate sediment transport rates in rivers
- design hydraulic systems incorporating sustainability principles
Year 5 · 2 core · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
- Individual Project 5
What you learn (14)
- direct a project plan to resolve an unfamiliar engineering problem
- manage work independently within an international engineering context
- collaborate with colleagues professionally and ethically
- apply project management techniques showing personal initiative
- summarise non-technical drivers and constraints affecting an engineering problem
- apply mathematical and interdisciplinary knowledge to analyse an engineering problem
- develop a creative solution to an engineering problem using broad knowledge
- assess interim project outcomes critically against intended goals
- adapt theoretical and experimental approaches to overcome identified weaknesses
- evaluate project results against current and emerging technologies
- evaluate project outcomes in relation to societal needs
- compose a detailed technical report in clear written English
- deliver technical information verbally to a non-expert audience
- use presentation aids to support technical communication
- Conceptual Design Project M
What you learn (9)
- design associated infrastructure and major components of a structure
- apply detailed design principles to structural components
- apply analysis techniques to major structural components
- evaluate design options against aesthetic, cost and functional criteria
- evaluate design options for safety, buildability and sustainability
- collaborate with a group to compare design alternatives
- identify challenges of coordinating multiple engineering specialisms
- explain design concepts and solutions to varied audiences
- produce a technical document detailing the design process and final scheme
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£30,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£27k
Median£30k
Upper quarter£32k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 35 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 14, 24, 13, 23
Half of graduates earned between £26,500 and £32,000. Five years on, the median is £36,500. 85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 100% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 110% left | 90% | 10 |
| In work or study, 15 months on5% studying | 85% | 25 |
| Professional or managerial job | 100% | 20 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £31,000 | 20 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £30,000 | 35 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £36,500 | 35 |
National Student Survey 2024-26
What do students say?
84%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 76% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 20 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 4; lowest: 50% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 82% |
| Question 2 | 59% |
| Question 3 | 95% |
| Question 4 | 100% |
| Question 5 | 95% |
| Question 6 | 95% |
| Question 7 | 95% |
| Question 8 | 95% |
| Question 9 | 95% |
| Question 10 | 68% |
| Question 11 | 82% |
| Question 12 | 91% |
| Question 13 | 68% |
| Question 14 | 57% |
| Question 15 | 68% |
| Question 16 | 91% |
| Question 17 | 77% |
| Question 18 | 73% |
| Question 19 | 82% |
| Question 20 | 86% |
| Question 21 | 86% |
| Question 22 | 91% |
| Question 23 | 64% |
| Question 24 | 50% |
| Question 25 | 65% |
| Question 26 | 84% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Glasgow’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Glasgow is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.