The MSc in Civil Engineering equips students with the advanced knowledge and skillset required to meet the needs of a dynamic global industry. Graduates of this programme pursue diverse and rewarding career pathways across all areas of civil engineering, from infrastructure and water systems to energy, climate resilience, and project management. Alumni from Civil Engineering at the University of Galway enjoy a strong international reputation, with many now leading in industry, government, NGOs, utilities, and research. 

This programme prepares graduates to undertake complex, innovative, and impactful work that delivers significant benefits to society and the environment. We foster a learning environment that values creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Learning is “hands-on” and design-led, with assessments reflecting real-world practice. Students are encouraged to bring forward their own project ideas, particularly those connected to professional experience. Industry engagement is central: feedback from employers shapes the programme, and modules such as the integrated design project involve industry partners throughout, providing invaluable applied insight. 

Upon completion of the MSc, graduates will be able to: 

• Identify and implement solutions to complex societal and environmental challenges related to the built environment, water, energy, and climate resilience.
• Embed sustainability at every stage of project design, delivery, and operation.
• Lead and implement complex engineering projects and infrastructure initiatives.
• Apply data-driven approaches to the planning, design, and operation of civil and environmental systems.
• Work effectively both independently and in diverse, inclusive teams, communicate complex problems clearly to varied audiences, and commit to lifelong learning. 

What will I study?

This programme offers a flexible structure, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. 

The MSc in Civil Engineering is a 90 ECTS programme made up of: 

• 40 ECTS Project/Thesis
• 40 ECTS Advanced Subject-Specific Modules
• 10 ECTS Transferable Skills Modules 

Students select options within both the Advanced Subject-Specific and Transferable Skills categories. 

Advanced Subject-Specific Modules (40 ECTS) 

Choose from a wide range of specialised modules, including: 

• CE509 Advanced Structures (5 ECTS)
• CE514 Transportation Systems and Infrastructure II (5 ECTS)
• BME5110 Finite Element Methods in Engineering – Theory and Practice (5 ECTS)
• CE6102 Design of Sustainable Environmental Systems I (5 ECTS)
• EOS418 Applied Field Hydrogeology (5 ECTS)
• CE5104 Sustainability Planning in Construction (10 ECTS)
• CE5105 Digital Construction Technologies (10 ECTS)
• ME4112 Computational Fluid Dynamics (5 ECTS)
• CE462 Coastal and Offshore Engineering (5 ECTS)
• CE4103 Geotechnical Engineering Design (5 ECTS)
• CE471 Project Management (5 ECTS)
• CE6113 Energy in Buildings (5 ECTS)
• CE5102 Timber Engineering and Design of Timber Structures (5 ECTS)
• CE6103 Design of Sustainable Environmental Systems II (5 ECTS)
• CE6120 Hydraulic Modelling (5 ECTS) 

Transferable Skills Modules (10 ECTS) 

Students can choose from an extensive range of professional and transferable skills modules to complement their technical expertise and enhance career readiness. 

• AY872 Financial Management I (5 ECTS)
• CE471 Project Management (5 ECTS)
• EE4104 Machine Learning and AI for Engineering (5 ECTS)
• EE5127 Internet of Things Systems Design (5 ECTS)
• EOS4101 Earth Observation and Remote Sensing (5 ECTS)
• LW361 Planning and Law (5 ECTS)
• ME432 Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (5 ECTS)
• MG3119 Strategy (5 ECTS) 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Dual pathways: Academic-focused pathway or a practice-based approach to film, including the possibility of completing a feature-length screenplay during the academic year. 
  
• Range of modules: Includes modules in screenwriting, digital film practice, film festival curation, and film education, providing both practical and theoretical expertise.
• Industry connections: Provides strong connections with Galway’s PALAS arthouse cinema and the Galway Film Fleadh, offering real-world exposure to film culture and events.
• Collaborative Community: Part of a collaborative creative community at the Huston School, enabling cross-programme learning with students from other MA disciplines.
• Master core concepts: Develop a solid foundation in economic theory and financial principles, applying them to real-world contexts.
• Enhance analytical skills: Build the ability to interpret and analyse data using advanced tools and methodologies.
• Understand Economic and Financial Systems: Gain insights into the interconnectedness of global markets, institutions and policymaking frameworks.
• Strengthen problem-solving abilities: Learn to approach economic and financial challenges critically, using both theoretical and practical perspectives.
• Develop professional expertise: Hone the skills required to succeed in diverse roles, including financial analysis, policymaking and consultancy.
• Improve communication skills: Learn to effectively present and articulate findings to a range of audiences, from stakeholders to decision-makers. 

There is a global shortage and demand for highly-skilled Civil Engineering professionals. The MSc Civil Engineering will equip students with the required knowledge and skillset to meet the needs of industry. Graduates of this program can avail of diverse career pathways in a variety of exciting fields in various areas of Civil Engineering. Graduates from Civil Engineering at the University of Galway have an excellent international relationship and many are leaders in industry, government, non-governmental organisations, utilities and research/academia. This program will prepare graduates with the skills necessary to undertake complex, innovative and impactful work with significant benefits to society and the environment. 

Our goal is to foster a learning environment that encourages creativity, teamwork and innovation. There will be an emphasis on “hands-on” and “design-led” learning activities, and the assessment structure will reflect this. Students will also be encouraged to bring their own project ideas, particularly if they are pertinent to current/previous employment. The programme integrates industry feedback and direct industry contact into its structure and individual modules (e.g. the integrated design project which involves industry partners at all stages of the project).

Accrediting Body 

All Engineering Degrees at University of Galway are professionally accredited by the statutory professional body, Engineers Ireland. This means that the degree has been assessed and approved to meet the educational requirements for professional Engineers. 

• Under an international agreement (Washington Accord), any Degree accredited by the National professional body (Engineers Ireland) is recognized internationally. So having an “Accredited” degree means that employers outside of Ireland can (1) understand the quality/education achieved by a graduate and (2) know that it is equivalent to their own Education system/standards, and (3) can offer appropriate employment on this basis.
• Engineers Ireland require a Masters (Level 9) qualification as the education standard required for Registered Professional Titles of Chartered Engineer* The standard European engineering qualification (degree or diploma) is at level 9, and European industry maintains a strict differentiation between those engineers qualified at level 9 and those qualified at level 8. Any graduate interested in working in Europe/Worldwide is now strongly advised to get an accredited level 9 award. 

Engineers’ Ireland accreditation can be obtained at the following levels: 

• Level 8:  4-year honours degree - associate engineer
• Level 9:  5-year Masters degree - chartered engineer 

A Chartered Engineer holds the highest professional qualification in engineering. They are trusted to take full responsibility for the development and application of engineering across areas like research, design, construction, manufacturing, management, and education. Their work is intellectually challenging and varied, requiring original thinking, sound judgment, and leadership of both technical and administrative teams. 

Further information on Engineering Accreditation 

• Professor Eoghan Clifford
• Dr Edelle Doherty
• Dr William Finnegan
• Professor Jamie Goggins
• Professor Mark Healy
• Dr Yadong Jiang
• Dr Marcus Keane
• Dr Myra Lydon
• Dr Bryan McCabe
• Dr Patrick McGetrick
• Dr Paul Moran
• Dr Stephen Nash
• Dr Indiana Agnieszka Olbert
• Dr Guangxue Wu
• Professor Xinmin Zhan

How will I learn? 

The 90 ECTS that Students must take in the MSc in Civil Engineering consists of 40 ECTS Project/Thesis, 40 ECTS Advanced Subject-Specific Modules and 10 ECTS Transferrable Skills Modules. Students choose options in each of the categories: (1) Advanced Subject Specific Courses and (2) Transferrable Skills Modules. 

Advanced Subject Specific Modules (40 ECTS), chosen from:  

• CE509 Advanced Structures (5 ECTS)
• CE514 Transportation Systems and Infrastructure II (5 ECTS)
• BME5110 Finite Element Methods in Engineering – Theory and Practice (5 ECTS)
• CE6102 Design of Sustainable Environmental Systems I (5 ECTS)
• EOS418 Applied Field Hydrogeology (5 ECTS)
• CE5104 Sustainability Planning in Construction (10 ECTS)
• CE5105 Digital Construction Technologies (10 ECTS)
• ME4112 Computational Fluid Dynamics (5 ECTS)
• CE462 Coastal and Offshore Engineering (5 ECTS)
• CE4103 Geotechnical Engineering Design (5 ECTS)
• CE471 Project Management (5 ECTS)
• CE6113 Energy in Buildings (5 ECTS)
• CE5102 Timber Engrg and Design of Timber Structures (5 ECTS)
• CE6103 Design of Sustainable Environmental Systems II (5 ECTS)
• CE6120 Hydraulic Modelling (5 ECTS) 

There is an extensive list of transferrable/professional skills available. extensive list of transferrable/professional skills available. 

Although timetables may change from year to year, the current timetable is available at: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/engineering/currentstudentinformation/timetablesandsyllabus/civilengineering/#d.en.334402  

Research - University of Galway

Course queries: 
Victoria.mossman@universityofgalway.ie (Administrator)
ENG-1046 
Alice Perry Enginering Building 

civilengineering@universityofgalway.ie 
william.finnegan@univeristyofgalway.ie (Programme Director) 

Programme Director(s):  

William Finnegan  

BE(Civil), PgCert, PhD (Civil Engineering), CEng MIEI  
Programme Director (ME) 
Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering 
william.finnegan@univeristyofgalway.ie 

Students can choose from an extensive range of professional and transferable skills modules to complement their technical expertise and enhance career readiness. 

• AY872 Financial Management I (5 ECTS)
• CE471 Project Management (5 ECTS)
• EE4104 Machine Learning and AI for Engineering (5 ECTS)
• EE5127 Internet of Things Systems Design (5 ECTS)
• EOS4101 Earth Observation and Remote Sensing (5 ECTS)
• LW361 Planning and Law (5 ECTS)
• ME432 Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (5 ECTS)
• MG3119 Strategy (5 ECTS)

Minimum Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in the subject area. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements 

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€8,900		€28,500	€140		€9,040	€28,640

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.