Gain advanced knowledge of fluid dynamics to solve real-world marine and built-environment challenges in renewable energy, environmental pollution, and urban climate.
Key Information
Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Start date: September 2025
Applications open: Currently open
Fees: £18,500 (home) or £42,900 (overseas)
Location: South Kensington campus
ECTS: 90
Fluid dynamics shapes the natural and urban environments in which we live and work. It underpins offshore renewable energy systems, governs climate and oceanic processes, and defines urban air quality. Our MSc Programme –accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers— has been carefully designed in consultation with industry experts to equip students with the fundamental knowledge, advanced analytical skills, and hands-on numerical expertise needed to tackle pressing societal challenges in engineering and beyond.
Our combination of a world-class Hydrodynamics Laboratory, High Performance Computing facilities, and a supportive teaching environment—built on one-on-one mentorship—offers students a unique opportunity to excel in essential practical, numerical, and theoretical aspects of fluid dynamics. Our close collaboration and engagement with long-term industry partners during the two intensive group design projects and Summer Term research projects ensures that students will develop the transferable skills needed to thrive in Civil and Environmental Engineering roles.
Our graduates will be able to develop leading careers in: 1) industry, developing renewable energy solutions for the net zero transition, 2) civil engineering, keeping coastal cities safe from climate extremes while designing sustainably, 3) engineering consulting, designing carbon reduction strategies through energy saving designs, 4) government agencies, leading environmental and urban pollution mitigation strategies, and 5) research, as a first step towards PhD studies at Imperial or other leading research institutions.
Studying with us
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Engaging section below video
Further information about this MSc Programme
This programme is designed for those with a strong foundation in Science, Maths, or Engineering who have a passion for fluid mechanics. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced engineer looking to specialise, this course will equip you with cutting-edge techniques and essential skills to tackle future challenges across the natural and built environment, energy, climate, transition to net zero, and sustainability.
You'll gain expertise in theoretical concepts, problem-solving tools, advanced numerical methods, experimental techniques, and design principles, with a focus on Civil and Environmental Engineering applications in offshore, coastal, and built environments. However, the skills you develop will be highly transferable, opening doors across all engineering disciplines involving fluid mechanics.
Graduate prospects
Graduates will be well-prepared for diverse career paths in industry, government, or academia. Whether you choose to apply your expertise in professional practice or pursue a PhD, this programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills to excel and lead in the field of fluid mechanics.
Industry will play a large role in the programme, including:
- Delivering guest lectures
- Supervising the design projects (contributions have been made by Ramboll, Breathing Buildings, ARUP, Foster + Partners)
- Offering placements as part of the MSc research project
- Providing scholarships/sponsorships
We have also consulted Engineers within industry during the design of the programme itself, such that it helps meet their needs and also equips graduates will all the necessary tools for entering the work force.
This programme of study is made up of:
- 11 taught modules,
- 1 module comprising 2 design projects and
- 1 research project.
The flow chart (below) outlines the programme layout and highlights the key skills you will learn in each of the individual modules. You will notice that each module offers a variety of skills and the programme is structured to help you excel whatever your background.
The first term is more theoretical and tool based. The second term increasingly design orientated. The final term is dedicated to research so that you can really apply the knowledge you’ve gained.
Transferable skills will focus on technical writing, oral presentations and team working. We have designed these modules to be complementary and teach a wide range of the skills required by modern engineers, whilst providing you with lots of exposure to design and research.
You can find out more about each of the modules in the 'syllabus' tab.
Flow chart of Programme layout
Lectures will form a significant component of the teaching approach. They will be delivered by a mix of academics and external speakers from industry with relevant expertise. Tutorials will enable the students to test their understanding of the lecture material, ask specific questions and consolidate their knowledge. There will be a good balance of theory and practice throughout the programme. This is achieved with laboratory investigations and demonstrations as well as during the design projects. Finally, the research project will enable students to learn skills essential for independent research. The project may be undertaken at College or in collaboration with industry. The module content provided is indicative and is subject to annual update.
To complete the MSc, all students registered for the MSc in Engineering Fluid Mechanics for the Offshore, Coastal and Built Environments must undertake all modules.
There is also a pre-session, non-assessed 'Mathematics Resource' module available.
Modules for this programme
Select a module from the list to scroll directly to its description.
|
Autumn term modules |
|
CIVE70073 Fluid Mechanics Fundamentals |
|
CIVE70074 Modelling Tools |
|
CIVE70075 Transport Processes |
|
CIVE70076 Wave Mechanics |
|
CIVE70077 Buoyancy Driven Flows |
|
CIVE70080 Fluid Loading |
|
CIVE70084 Design Projects |
|
Spring term modules |
|
CIVE70074 Modelling Tools |
|
CIVE70078 Air-Sea Interaction Dynamics |
|
CIVE70079 Computational Analysis |
|
CIVE70081 Coastal Processes |
|
CIVE70082 Energy Systems |
|
CIVE70083 Urban Fluid Mechanics |
|
CIVE70084 Design Projects |
|
Summer term modules |
|
CIVE70085 Research Project - Fluid Mechanics |
Module details and descriptions
Autumn term modules
CIVE70073 Fluid Mechanics Fundamentals
In order to build towards realistic Fluid Mechanics applications, it’s necessary to consolidate the fundamentals of the subject. This module will create a solid foundation in Fluid Mechanics upon which the subsequent modules will build. You will learn about the fundamental physics of fluid flows and appreciate a wide range of fluid properties and behaviours. This will include general conservation laws, steady and unsteady flow as well as Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions. We will then go over the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations, laminar and turbulent flows, scaling and similarity, and finish by introducing turbulence.
- Assessment: coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70074 Modelling Tools
Fluid flows are complex (they would be no fun if they were too easy!) but they are everywhere – right from living-and-breathing itself to the environment we experience around us. This module brings together fundamental fluid mechanics with mathematical modeling tools and deploys them to solve genuine physical phenomena of real application. Core to the module is the distillation of complex physical situations to simplified governing physics and clear communication in both written and oral presentation. The learning that you’ll do in this module will complement and underpin your approaches to solving any fluid flows you’ll meet in this course and in any engineering application – moreover, it will change the way you approach problem solving far beyond fluid mechanics.
- Assessment: coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
* This module is also offered in the spring term.
CIVE70075 Transport Processes
The dispersion of pollutants within the atmosphere, rivers, lakes or oceans is of key consideration for controlling the release of contaminants and preventing environmental disasters. Furthermore, the transport of sediments is essential in understanding erosion and accretion in rivers and coastal areas, both of which play a key role in managing the risk of flooding. This module will highlight the significance of transport processes in the areas of pollutant dispersion and sediment transport. In this module you will appreciate the physical processes that govern the transport of fluids, tracers and sediments. You will also formulate mathematical models that can describe these physical processes. In addition, you will understand the influence of turbulence and dispersion on scalar transport and how these can be modelled.
- Assessment: written examination and coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70076 Wave Mechanics
In the offshore and coastal environments, ocean waves generate the largest forces on man-made and natural structures. This is due to the high density of water as well as the large velocities and accelerations generated by ocean waves. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of wave mechanics is an essential skill for any Offshore or Coastal Engineer. This module will begin by teaching you the analytical waves theories that represent regular (or steady) waves. You will then be introduced to irregular (or unsteady) wave theories, which contain many frequencies and directions, and are therefore more representative of realistic sea states found in seas and oceans around the World. You will learn about the range of validity and accuracy of these theories and which situations require more advanced numerical models. This will be put into context of both recent research developments and the design requirements of the offshore and coastal engineering industries. This module is closely linked with the Fluid Loading and Coastal Processes modules that build upon the material introduced in this module.
- Assessment: written examination and coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70077 Buoyancy Driven Flows
An abundance of flows in natural and man-made environments are driven or modified by density differences. Examples include ocean outfalls, dust clouds, pollution clouds, avalanches, volcanic eruption columns, mixing in reservoirs and ventilation driven by heated surfaces in buildings. This module will explain the complex and various influences of buoyancy by focusing on relatively simple models of canonical flows and their incorporation in practical engineering problems. We will study the behaviour of stratified environments, the effects of horizontal density gradients and of localised sources of buoyancy. A variety of flows will be considered in the context of building ventilation, in which the temperature distribution in a space plays a key role in determining comfort and ventilation. The development of integral models to describe buoyancy-driven flows will be underpinned by a thorough understanding of the physics associated with buoyancy, the energetics associated with mixing and assumptions that are typically made to simplify the governing equations.
- Assessment: written examination and coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70080 Fluid Loading
Calculating fluid loading is a key component in the design process of structures in the offshore, coastal and built environments. In these environments the fluid loading is typically generated by winds, waves and/or currents and both steady and unsteady flows can be encountered. A good understanding of fluid-structure interaction is essential for accurately calculating loading. In this module will you explore various flow regimes, the associated fluid loading and gain an understanding of the physics that govern these loads. You will be taught the simplifying assumptions on which design solutions are based and you will appreciate the accuracy of these simple solutions and when they are appropriate. You will consider fixed structures as well as dynamically-responding bodies and systems. This module will also cover physical model testing and the relevant scaling parameters.
- Assessment: written examination and coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70084 Design Projects
This module will prepare you for entering industry by teaching design principles and best practices in Fluid Mechanics. It will consist of 2 design projects that bring together and consolidate all aspects of the taught material. The design brief will be formulated with help from industry members, who will also make up the client panel for judging the projects. You will work in small teams and during these projects you will be taught industry-standard tools/software as required. At the end of each project you will hand in a design report and give a group presentation to the client and your peers. This module emphasizes design principles, team working, writing and presentation skills as well as consideration of health and safety, risks, finance and sustainability. There will be a project in two of the following areas: Offshore Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Environmental Flows, Built Environment.
- Assessment: coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
* This module is also offered in the spring term.
Spring term modules
CIVE70078 Air-Sea Interaction Dynamics
The interaction of the ocean and atmosphere through wind and heat forcing plays an enormous role in driving fluid flows relevant to offshore and coastal engineering design, weather forecasting and climate modelling. Ocean waves are a direct result of momentum and energy transfer from the wind to the ocean and air-sea heat fluxes help drive our weather patterns, provide the fuel for hurricanes and help drive the overturning circulation of the global oceans. This module draws upon the fluid flow fundamentals associated with turbulent buoyancy-driven flows and wave mechanics and applies that knowledge to the coupled ocean-atmosphere system. During this module we will cover topics related to vertical variability in wind speed over the ocean, spectral wave modelling, energy dissipation by breaking waves, turbulence in the upper ocean and the effect of the Earth’s rotation on ocean currents. The incorporation of a hands-on practical will allow you to collect and analyse a wind-wave interaction dataset in order to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during the formal lecture course.
- Assessment: written examination and coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70079 Computational Analysis
With the advent of high performance computing and sophisticated algorithms, the computational analysis of fluid flow has entered a new era. Direct simulation and the numerical analysis of the equations governing fluid motion yield insights and quantitative information parallels and complements laboratory observations. This module provides the foundations of a thorough understanding of simulation and analysis techniques that can be employed in engineering design problems. These techniques include the variety of ways in which a system of partial differential equations can be represented in a discrete form by a computer. We will discuss the implications of various approaches to discretisation, including accuracy and stability. The module will discuss numerical methods for free-surface flows, confined and unconfined turbulence and complex geometry. This is a `hands-on’ module in which practical engineering design problems will be modelled and solved in class using a wide variety of numerical techniques.
- Assessment: coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70081 Coastal Processes
90% of the World’s trade is exported by sea, and all these vessels need to dock at ports and harbours to offload their cargo. In addition, recent winter storms in the UK wrecked havoc by causing major coastal flooding. As such an appreciation of nearshore processes is necessary for engineers to design ports, harbours and coastal defences. This module will teach you the key coastal processes and equip you with the necessary tools. The subject will build on the Wave Mechanics module and complement the material of the Fluid Loading module. You will first be taught about the key wave transformations such as shoaling, refraction, diffraction and wave breaking. This will be followed by the introduction of coastal structures such as sea walls and breakwaters. The module will then present the importance of water level and the influence of tides and storm surge. You will then learn about the processes very close to the shore such as surf-zone hydrodynamics and sediment transport. Finally, you will learn the fundamentals of designing state of art coastal protection techniques.
- Assessment: written examination and coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70082 Energy Systems
With the expanding global population, the demand for energy is increasing whilst simultaneously our traditional, finite energy supplies are reducing. As such, there is a strong push towards sustainable solutions and Fluid Mechanics has a central role to play in generating, harnessing and consuming energy. This module will provide you with a broad overview of energy systems and the role of thermodynamics in assessing solutions. You will examine energy demand, supply, resources and usage. The specific applications will consider marine renewables (wave, tidal and offshore wind), hydroelectric power and solar energy. You will critically assess these technologies and their key advantages and disadvantages in conjunction with the overall economic and policy setting. This will allow you to apply the knowledge introduced throughout the MSc course to realistic energy systems. It provides a perfect link to the 4 design projects and industry application that you’ll need once you enter the work force.
- Assessment: written examination and coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
CIVE70083 Urban Fluid Mechanics
More and more of us are living in cities. Currently, the number stands at 3.97bn and this number is expected to rise to 6.42bn (66% of the world population) in 2050. This will exert significant pressures on the air quality, energy consumption, noise levels, biodiversity and general well-being of the population. These pressures are exacerbated by the expected increase in the frequency of extreme weather events such as storms and droughts that climate change will bring. In order to overcome these challenges, it is crucial to understand and model the flow of air, heat, water vapour, water and pollutants, both outside and inside buildings. The module is designed to bring you to the forefront of the current knowledge in modelling the built environment. It will cover the exchanges of the city with the atmosphere and the urban heat island effect, air quality, indoor climate and building energy performance. The module will cover strategies to make urban areas both sustainable and resilient to climate change and the challenges that need to be overcome to make these happen.
- Assessment: written examination
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
Summer term modules
CIVE70085 Research Project - Fluid Mechanics
During this module, you will undertake research with one (or more) of the leading academics within the Fluid Mechanics section. You may also choose to undertake this research project in the form of an industry placement. You will submit a literature review, a dissertation and give a final presentation at the end-of-year student conference. This module will emphasise independent work, literature review, technical writing, oral presentation, time management and forming and defending hypotheses. See the project titles for some of our previous students: 2017/18, 2018/19.
- Assessment: coursework
- EACTS: 5; CATS: 10
Contact the Education Office
For current students, prospective students, applicants, and offer holders regarding: questions and advice relating to MSc application, basic eligibility, supporting documentation required, and information on entry to our postgraduate taught (MSc) programmes, and general information pre-registration.
Tel: +44 (0)207 594 5932
Email: cvpgo@imperial.ac.uk
Contact the Programme Director (Dr Adrian Callaghan)
For all queries related to the academic content of the programme.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 6644
Email: a.callaghan@imperial.ac.uk
Contact the Programme Administrator (Rebecca Naessens)
For all other queries.
Tel: +44 (0)207 594 5990
Email: rebecca.naessens@imperial.ac.uk