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Masters in Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering

ME (NFQ Level 9)
Internships Available
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This programme prepares graduates to work as professional engineers in the broad field of infrastructural design, construction and management. Graduates will satisfy the academic requirements for the title of Chartered Engineer. You can chose a specialisation either in civil, structural or environmental engineering and as such the range of module options are extensive. The programme is delivered by a culturally diverse group of internationally renowned academic staff as part of a highly research intensive School which continually responds and evolves, so that the significant challenges of the 21st century can be met.

This masters provides advanced learning in the fields of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. Your ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex Civil Engineering problems is further developed. A significant research project enables you to develop skills to design and conduct experiments and to apply standard and specialised research tools and methods of enquiry to solve problems in new and emerging relevant areas of Civil Engineering infrastructure.

While specifically addressing learning outcomes required for a career in Civil Engineering your numerate and problem solving skills will also provide access to professional careers in other engineering disciplines, business, finance, policy development and project management amongst others. 

About This Course

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.


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN30110 Introduction to Transportation and Traffic Engineering Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40390 Innovation Leadership Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40690 Civil Engineering Systems Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40720 Geotechnics 3 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40780 Design of Structures 2 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN40830 Applied Hydrology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE: IMPORTANT NOTE: For the Spring Trimester, ALL STUDENTS should initially register to CVEN40730 Professional Work Experience. During the Autumn Trimester, students, with the support and guidance of the Internship Managers, will be expected to submit their CV to prospective employers. Professional Work Placement Opportunities will be offered by prospective employers on the basis of competitive interviews. Where a student does not secure an internship for Spring, they will be required to register to the list of Alternative Option modules outlined under the Section: "STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS"
 CVEN40730 Professional Work Experience 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)  30
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 BSEN40110 Advanced Air Pollution Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CHEN40010 Environmental Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CVEN40050 Design of Structures 3 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CVEN40060 Transport Modelling Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CVEN40070 Water & Wastewater Treatment Processes Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CVEN40080 Hydraulic Engineering Design Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CVEN40120 Bridge Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CVEN40210 Geotechnics 4 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CVEN40500 Engineering Design Project Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 CVEN40570 Water Waste and Environmental Modelling Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 MEEN40670 Technical Communication Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
STAGE 1 SPRING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Students, who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Work Placement must select CVEN40500 (Design Project) along with 4 (3 if BSEN40110) is selected) of the following OPTION MODULES in the Spring Trimester to earn a total of 30 credits.
 STAT30270 Statistical Machine Learning Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN40750 Engineering Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN40760 Case Studies Autumn  10
Stage 2 Core Modules
 STAT40690 Quantitative Methods for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN40710 Highway Engineering Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MEEN40430 Professional Engineering (Management) Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 BSEN30240 Waste Management Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 CVEN40550 Structural Dynamics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 CVEN40610 Advanced Materials Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 CVEN40770 Analysis of Structures 3 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 CVEN40860 Research Skills for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 ENVB40040 Environmental Impact Assessment Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 MEEN40050 Computational Continuum Mechanics I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 2 - YEAR 2 AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students should select ONE Option Module from the Autumn Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
 MEEN40820 Technical Comms (Online) Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
BSEN40110 Advanced Air Pollution Spring  10
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CHEN40010 Environmental Engineering Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CVEN40050 Design of Structures 3 Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CVEN40060 Transport Modelling Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CVEN40070 Water & Wastewater Treatment Processes Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CVEN40080 Hydraulic Engineering Design Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CVEN40120 Bridge Engineering Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CVEN40210 Geotechnics 4 Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CVEN40500 Engineering Design Project Spring  10
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
CVEN40570 Water Waste and Environmental Modelling Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
MEEN40670 Technical Communication Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
STAGE 2 - YEAR 2 SPRING OPTIONS: Students should select TWO Option Modules (or ONE if selecting a 10-credit module) from the Spring Trimester Options listed below to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.
STAT30270 Statistical Machine Learning Spring  5

UCD ranks 1st in Ireland and in the top 50 worldwide in the QS Sustainability rankings 2023, which focus on what institutions are doing to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges

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


Graduate Testimonial - Enoch Ademo, Waterman Moylan Consulting

I picked the ME in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering degree because it allows me to combine three different courses in one because it covers three different branches of Civil Engineering in one master’s programme. It also allows me to explore areas such as geotechnical engineering and covers case studies which gives you real-life solutions to real life practical problems. While the course content is challenging and you are kept on your toes, it makes you think fast and equips you with real insight knowledge on how to achieve and how to prepare solutions to problems that we meet every day. As part of the course you also complete an eight-month internship to a civil engineering company, to gain valuable knowledge and gain valuable insight. I got an internship at Waterman Moylan and with them I hope to gain skills and further my knowledge as I build towards a good career when I finish my master’s in UCD.

Masters in Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering (T298) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9300
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

***Fees are subject to change

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 EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Masters in Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
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Masters in Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering
Master of Engineering		 Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
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