Masters in Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering

This is a two year professionally accredited taught post-graduate programme suited to Civil Engineering graduates with appropriate prior learning at the level of a BSc. 

The learning experience includes approximately two semesters of lectures, tutorials, studio work and group project work, with an eight month work placement in industry and an individual research project making up the balance. Assessment is by a combination of end-of-semester examinations and continuous assessment which takes the form of individual assignments, practical laboratory work and group projects for taught modules. These are complemented by leadership roles in modules for undergraduate students, and a series of presentations, a written thesis, and an oral examination for your research project. While testing your academic ability this assessment strategy also provides learning in the requisite written, oral, multimedia communication and leadership skills required of a professional engineer

• Students will be able to interpret, apply and use scientific, mathematical and engineering principles, data and models (both numerical and physical), coupled with appropriate research methodologies, to evaluate and solve complex problems.
• Students will be able to recognise the built environment and its interactions with the natural environment as a set of inter-related systems governed by scientific, mathematical and engineering principles.
• Students will be able to research, appraise and synthesise data and information from a variety of sources, have the ability to design and conduct experiments and apply a range of standard and specialised research tools and techniques to solve complex problems.
• Students will be able to work independently and alone when required but also be effective team-members and leaders.
• Students will be effective communicators, being able to i) communicate their ideas and solutions to colleagues, clients and the public using different media and ii) listen to the needs of clients, society and colleagues.
• Students will become independent, critical thinkers with the skills required to engage in self-directed learning throughout their careers having undertaken independent research and learning to define, solve and report on complex engineering problems.
• Students will understand the responsibilities of their profession and the importance of high ethical standards in professional practice, along with the role and responsibilities of engineers in developing an inclusive and equitable society.

Graduates from the programme will find employment as engineers in the private sector (e.g. engineering consultancy, engineering design, project management, civil engineering contractors), in the public sector (e.g. local government, higher education sector), and in the non-governmental sector (e.g., environmental advocacies, NGO’s), or may wish to pursue further qualifications (e.g., PhD, MBA) to become even more specialised.

Graduates will be equipped with the skills that allow them to be "lifelong learners", whether in the pursuit of knowledge for personal use or in connection with their engineering careers. Employers of civil, structural and environmental engineers include commercial firms, engineering consultancies, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations, all well known in Ireland and many with global operations. Some of these include: RPS Group, Nicolas O'Dwyer, EPA, Local Authorities, AECOM, SISK, Arup.

The Professional Work Experience (PWE) module is incorporated into the two-year Masters of Engineering Programme and is designed to integrate a student’s academic and career interests with practical work experience for a 6-8 month period. The module provides students with the perfect opportunity to gain increased experience and understanding of their chosen field. The practical skills acquired during this placement will give graduates a competitive advantage when applying for positions upon graduation.

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

The ME programme is professionally accredited by Engineers Ireland and recognised by the Washington Accord for Chartered Engineer status.

Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/

• An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) in a Civil or Structural Engineering discipline with a minimum upper second class honours or international equivalence. 
• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent. 
• Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes