China has invested heavily in infrastructure development. There are a large number of active construction projects within the local environment of the University, making XJTLU an ideal location for an engineer in training. XJTLU’s MSc programmes attract students from across the world, generating an international feel within a Chinese context. This combination provides you with an excellent cross-cultural experience.

Civil engineering encompasses all of the key elements of engineering design of the built environment. As such, this programme provides you with broad, advance level training in the application of the civil engineering principles of structural, environmental and geotechnical engineering, fluid mechanics and advanced materials. The programme introduces you to modelling approaches that allow the effective and sustainable design of structures and systems within the built environment. In addition, it provides you with design perspectives that allow you to extend your knowledge from fundamental principles to the appreciation of the influence of using sustainable materials.

This programme is offered on a part-time 36-month basis for potential students currently working in industry. All the modules are delivered in English by international academic staff who specialise in sustainability and civil engineering.

Graduates of this programme, as with all XJTLU masters degrees, earn a University of Liverpool degree that is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

The industrialisation of China is occurring at a rapid rate. To accommodate this unprecedented process, China is building massive new infrastructures, industrial and residential properties each year. At the same time, the natural environment is seriously polluted and the energy demand has also increased sharply.

Growth has to be delivered by suitably qualified graduates who understand the multi-interdisciplinary issues concerned and are able to apply their academic knowledge to providing more environment friendly and energy saving infrastructures and properties. The Department of Civil Engineering aims to deliver those graduates.

The Department is one of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University newer departments and has already attracted a healthy number of academically talented students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The department aims to be internationally recognised as a first class and dynamic department, highly committed to research, teaching and learning excellence with an aspiration to develop into leading research-driven education provider for sustainable development in civil engineering.

The MSc Civil Engineering programme provides you with sufficient training to obtain employment across the industry. With the global growth of civil engineering, encompassing design, construction and continual maintenance of the built environment, students should find themselves able to take up roles within this important industry.

With the strong global investment in construction and infrastructure driven by increasing urbanisation, civil engineering is a key field of growth. Civil engineering as a discipline is taking into account current trends such as CO₂ reduction, utilisation of new materials and the application of modern computer modelling and simulation-based techniques. Designs and design methods have become more efficient and more sustainable with civil engineers driving these innovations.

Minimum Entry Requirements

UK

Upper second class (2:1) honours

China

• 1st tier universities: 75 percent or above
• 2nd tier universities: 80 percent or above

Note: Chinese applicants are not required to take the MoE postgraduate entrance exam.

North America

3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 Cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate programme

Other Regions

Equivalent academic qualifications

Academic Background

An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant field such as civil engineering or a related programme.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:

• IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in all sections)
• TOEFL iBT: 90 (minimum of 21 in any skill)

In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.

Core Modules

• Sustainable technology and building materials
• Sustainable drainage systems
• Critical state soil mechanics
• Advanced construction management
• Advanced simulation of sustainable structural systems
• Sustainable engineering with timber
• Environmental engineering and management practice
• Advanced structural design
• Dissertation

Additional learning activities

The completion of additional learning activities is required to complete your masters degree. Normally, required ALA hours will be distributed evenly across each semester, amounting to 200 hours per semester. Part-time programmes will normally require 100 to 150 hours per semester.