The ME in Civil Engineering at the University of Galway is part of a 4+1 integrated program—a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by a one-year master’s. This structure meets the European standards for engineering accreditation. 

If you complete the full accredited 4+1 program (Level 8 + Level 9), you’ll meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status when you graduate. 

The ME itself is a one-year (60 ECTS) course. It is open to students with an honours degree in a related engineering field. It’s ideal for those who want to deepen their knowledge in their core discipline. 

Important: 
If you're planning to use this ME as part of your Chartered Engineer (CEng) pathway, remember that professional accreditation is based on your full academic record—both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Professional accreditation is assessed by the Engineering Councils based on the aggregate periods of study (Level 8 + Level 9), and not on the Masters year alone. Candidates need to satisfy themselves that their undergraduate (Level 8) degree meets the relevant standards. 

The Master of Engineering (ME) in Civil Engineering at the University of Galway is a 60 ECTS, full-time, taught programme that runs from September to early June. Classified as a Level 9 qualification on the Irish National Framework, the programme is designed to meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with Engineers Ireland. (Accreditation assessment is currently in progress as of May 2025.) 

The University of Galway has a strong reputation for excellence in Civil Engineering, with a long history of producing high-quality graduates through its accredited Level 8 BE programme. This ME builds on that legacy - offering advanced knowledge, real-world skills, and leadership training to prepare graduates for senior roles across the civil engineering sector. 

What will I study?.  

The ME in Civil Engineering is a one-year, design-focused programme combining advanced technical training, professional development, and independent research. The academic year runs from September to June and is organised into three integrated components: 

1. Taught Modules – 40 ECTS

• Students complete 40 ECTS across semesters, assessed by exams (December & April/May) and continuous assessment. 
• Modules emphasise applied, design-led learning in key areas such as:

• • Advanced Structures
  • Sustainable Environmental Systems
  • Transportation & Infrastructure
  • Offshore & Coastal Engineering
  • Energy in Buildings
  • Computational Methods
  • Hydrology & Water Resources
  • Hydrological Modelling
  • The Built Environment 

• A compulsory Integrated Design Project synthesises learning across disciplines, reflecting the programme’s strong design ethos. 

2. Capstone Individual Research Project – 20 ECTS

• Runs throughout the academic year with final submission in late May.
• Students work independently under academic supervision on a research question in any major Civil Engineering area.
• Opportunity to propose industry-linked or experience-based projects ensures strong professional relevance. 

3. Professional Development & Transferable Skills

• Complementing technical training, modules build skills in:
  • Project management
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Communication and reporting
  • Ethics and professional practice 

• These modules prepare graduates for progression into Chartered Engineer status and leadership in industry 

Curriculum Information

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

• Design-Led Curriculum with Real Impact: At the heart of the programme is a strong emphasis on design thinking. Through the Integrated Design Project, students solve complex, multidisciplinary engineering problems—mirroring real industry challenges and reinforcing creativity, teamwork, and innovation. 
  
• Broad and Flexible Range of modules: The ME offers a wide spectrum of advanced modules across all major Civil Engineering disciplines, including:
  • Sustainable Environmental Systems
  • Offshore and Coastal Engineering
  • Energy in Buildings
  • Transportation Infrastructure
  • Hydrological Modelling 

This allows students to tailor their learning while gaining holistic exposure to emerging areas in the sector. 

• Industry-Integrated Learning: The programme is shaped by strong industry input. Core projects and module content reflect current and future industry needs, while ongoing collaboration ensures relevance, employability, and real-world perspective
• Built-In Professional and Leadership Development: Unlike many traditional programmes, the ME includes an extensive suite of transferable and professional skills modules—from project management to ethical leadership—ensuring graduates are not only technically capable but also ready for management and leadership role
• Individual Capstone Research Project (20 ECTS):
  A signature feature of the programme, this year-long project enables students to work one-on-one with expert faculty on cutting-edge topics—or even pursue their own ideas. It’s a powerful platform for independent thinking and innovation, with real-world relevance. 

Graduates of the ME in Civil Engineering at University of Galway are in high demand both in Ireland and abroad. They are well positioned to take up roles in consultancy, local authorities, government agencies, management, and research and development, both in Ireland and abroad.  

Employers of University of Galway graduates include respected engineering firms such as Tobin Consulting Engineers, Ward and Burke, RPS Consulting Engineers, and Coyle Kennedy. The combination of technical expertise and professional preparation offered by the ME ensures that graduates are equipped not only to contribute as engineers but also to progress rapidly into positions of responsibility. 

In addition to its academic and professional benefits, the programme also offers access to postgraduate scholarships, helping to support talented students as they advance their studies. With strong industry links, international recognition, and a focus on preparing graduates for Chartered Engineer status, the ME in Civil Engineering at the University of Galway represents an excellent opportunity for ambitious engineers seeking to accelerate their careers. 

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 (Washingon 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 

Dr William Finnegan

How will I learn?   

The ME in Civil Engineering, which is a broad design-focussed programme, has three primary elements: (i) advanced core modules in Civil Engineering, (ii) modules on transferrable skills/professional development and (iii) an individual capstone research project. The taught modules amount to 40 ECTS and these will be examined at the end of semester examinations in December and April/May and/or through continuous assessment assignments. The 20 ECTS individual project will run throughout the year with a submission date at the end of May. Projects will be available across all branches of Civil Engineering and each student will work with an individual supervisor. Equally, a student is welcome to propose a project of his/her own. 

Core Civil Engineering 5 ECTS modules will include: 

• Advanced Structures
• Design of Sustainable Environmental Systems 
• Transportation Systems and Infrastructure
• Offshore and Coastal Engineering
• Energy in Buildings
• Computational Methods in Civil Engineering
• Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering
• Hydrological Modelling
• The Built Environment 

Students will also carry out an Integrated Design Project (an obligatory core module), drawing on knowledge across the discipline, and this will reflect the strong design ethos of the programme. 

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

Course queries: 

Victoria.mossman@universityofgalway.ie  (Administrator)
ENG-1046 
Alice Perry Engineering 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 

Minimum Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (H2.2) 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	€6,600	€-	€28,500	€140	€140	€6,740	€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 €4,000 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.  

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/engineering/