MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management

The MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management programme is designed for civil engineering professionals looking to broaden their knowledge and technical expertise, as well as those from different engineering backgrounds seeking to develop key civil engineering and construction management skills.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate Taught
• Delivery type: Full Time, Part Time
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September, January
• Next intake: January 2026

Civil engineering professionals often require an extensive understanding of construction management due to the strategic benefits it can bring to both individuals and project teams. As the industry becomes more competitive, organisations are increasingly demanding the combined time, cost, and quality assurances that good project management practice provides.

Your Student Experience

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active civil and structural engineers, construction professionals, industry-leaders, and academics. 96% of Heriot-Watt University's engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh.

Our Expertise

• Our MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management programme is directly informed by the world-class research carried out by Heriot-Watt's Institute of Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE) which sits within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS).
• EGIS is one of the United Kingdom's leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity.

Course Content

The programme combines elements of construction project management, and civil and structural engineering to provide a broad and valuable education. Upon completion, you'll have the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a wide range of technical and managerial careers across the sector, both nationally and internationally, working in areas such as general construction, transport, water, and wastewater engineering.

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

• Optional September:
  • Sustainability for Construction Professionals
  • Advanced Design Of Reinforced Concrete Structures
  • Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
  • Structural Materials
  • Water Supply and Drainage for Buildings
  • Finite Element Method Linear Analysis
  • Structural Element Design
  • Geotechnics B- Geotechnical Applications
  • Machine Learning and Programming
  • Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation
  • Project Management: Theory and Practice
  • Value and Risk Management
• Mandatory May:
  • Research Dissertation (Civil Engineering)

January Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

• Optional January:
  • Plastic Analysis of Structures
  • Advanced Design Of Steel And Steel-Concrete Composite Structures
  • Finite Element Method Nonlinear Analysis
  • Foundation Engineering
  • Safety, Risk and Reliability
  • Urban Drainage Design and Analysis
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • Construction Financial Management
  • Project Management: Strategic Issues
• Mandatory Second January:
  • Research Dissertation (Civil Engineering)

Fees and Funding

• January 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: £12,192 (Full Time), £6,096 (Part Time)
  • International: £25,480 (Full Time), £12,740 (Part Time)
• September 2026/January 2027 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: £12,584 (Full Time), £6,292 (Part Time)
  • International: £26,296 (Full Time), £13,148 (Part Time)

Scholarships and Bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent with evidence of understanding subjects such as water, structures, geotechnics, or materials.
• Degree must also include some numeracy.
• Degrees with elements of construction may be considered with evidence of mathematical, numerical, or engineering content.
• We may consider applicants with relevant industry experience based on their CV.
• Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Recruitment or the relevant Programme Leader based on your CV.

English Language Requirements

• The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
• If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.