MSc Coastal Engineering

This MSc equips graduates of engineering or science degrees with the knowledge and skills needed to work within the coastal engineering industry. You'll study core topics in coastal and port engineering, be introduced to numerical modelling techniques, obtain hands-on experience of using state-of-the-art software tools and carry out physical modelling of coastal structures within the COAST laboratory. Supervised and supported by members of the COAST Engineering Research Group, you will also have the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project focused on an aspect of coastal engineering.

Key features

• Equips engineering and science graduates with knowledge and understanding of engineering and coastal processes enabling them to work in this strategically important sector.
• Learn how to quantify the loading effects of waves, tides, surges and manage the influences of climate change: sea level rise and greater storminess.
• Discover how coastal structures - breakwaters, groynes, sea walls - are designed to protect against flooding and coastal erosion.
• Understand how modern ports are designed for the needs of international trade.
• Work in our acclaimed COAST laboratory to develop skills in physical modelling and interact with our COAST researchers or collect data in Plymouth Sound.
• Obtain hands on experience in numerical modelling using modern industry software.

For Civil Engineering graduates this programme will help you work as a specialist coastal engineer. For other applicants the course provides you with the skills and knowledge to work alongside engineers within the sector. Previous graduates work as scientists, researchers or engineers at graduate destinations such as Arup, Mott MacDonald, the Environment Agency, Symprove, HR Wallingford, Mining Searches UK, Canterbury Council and JBA Consulting.

Study the theory of waves, tides, surges and modern techniques in coastal data collection and analysis, including GIS and remote sensing. You also study core topics in coastal and port engineering, gain research skills, are introduced to numerical modelling techniques and obtain hands-on experience of using state-of-the-art software tools. Towards the end of the programme, you have the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project focused on an aspect of coastal engineering, supervised by academic staff actively researching this field.