Civil and Coastal Engineering

Civil and Coastal Engineering addresses the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, from roads, bridges and buildings to the increasingly important field of coastal protection. Civil engineering is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines, encompassing structural analysis, geotechnics, hydraulics, transport and environmental engineering. Coastal engineering adds a specialist focus on the challenges of managing the interface between land and sea, including flood defence, erosion control, harbour design and the impacts of rising sea levels and more intense storms.

As climate change puts coastlines under increasing pressure, professionals who combine these competencies are in growing demand.

At the University of Plymouth this degree includes a foundation year, giving you additional time to develop the mathematical, scientific and engineering fundamentals you need before entering the main programme. The course also incorporates a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you the opportunity to gain real professional experience in civil or coastal engineering environments before completing your degree. Plymouth's location on the south-west coast of England provides a natural context for studying coastal systems and engineering responses to coastal hazards.

Graduates from Civil and Coastal Engineering degrees go on to careers in infrastructure development, construction, environmental consultancy, government agencies, local authorities, port and harbour authorities, and specialist coastal engineering practices. Many pursue chartered engineer status through bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers, which requires relevant experience alongside the academic qualification. The growing importance of coastal resilience and flood risk management in the face of climate change means that the specialist coastal element of this degree is increasingly valuable.

Postgraduate study in civil engineering, coastal engineering, structural engineering or environmental engineering is also an option for those wishing to deepen their expertise.