Course summary

Do you want to protect coastal communities from the threat of flooding? Are you interested in how engineers think about the sustainability of our coastlines and the consequences of climate change? Would you like to design large structures that withstand the strength of storms and the sea? Our Coastal Engineers graduate with the skills and knowledge of a Civil Engineer combined with specialist skills for designing and creating infrastructure that functions in the coastal environment. This professionally accredited course allows you the flexibility to change to other civil engineering programmes. We offer a mentoring scheme that puts you in touch with our professional network of alumni. You can also enhance your professional competence by choosing to take a year in industry. You will receive support and inspiration from enthusiastic academic staff from the day you arrive through to your joining our exciting profession as a graduate Plymouth Engineer.

• In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking we are eighth out of 50, and the highest ranked UK university, for Marine/Ocean Engineering.

• Distinguish yourself professionally with an accredited degree. Our BEng (Hons) is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You'll qualify for membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Institution of Structural Engineers.

• Benefit from our £19 million Marine Building, where you’ll find facilities for teaching water and coastal engineering. You’ll be taught modules in coastal engineering and water management, preparing you to specialise in design or flood risk management.

• Students in engineering, science and the arts will have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories in our new engineering and design facility.

• Lay strong foundations for a successful career using our extensive industry links to secure a paid, one-year work placement. Gain the confidence, real-world know-how and vital industry experience employers are looking for.

• Learn a host of design skills from problem solving to sustainable development, as well as enhancing the critical thinking that plays a key role in the work of a civil engineer.

• Work with the latest industry-standard software, in our high specification laboratories. You’ll develop a strong understanding of fundamental principles, while honing your skills at the same time.

• Learn from professionally qualified experts with relevant experience from the civil engineering industry, and researchers with national and international reputations.

• Increase your employability by taking an extra-curricular Health and Safety Executive (HSE), recognised diving qualification (subject to availability).

• Progress onto MEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering at the end of the second year, subject to achieving the required level of academic performance on the BEng (Hons).

• Develop your professional skills including communication, self-management, team working and leadership so you’re ready to hit the ground running in your future career.

• Learn in a progressive environment, the University of Plymouth is a recipient of the Athena Bronze award, in recognition of advancing the careers of women scientists and engineers.