Master Program of Civil Engineering
Programe code: 081400
1. Program Objective
To cultivate advanced specialists with a solid and broad grasp of fundamental theories and systematic disciplinary expertise in Civil Engineering. These individuals will possess a robust foundation in mathematics and mechanics, understand the current research status and development trends in the field, and have the ability to independently perform computations, analyses, and solve complex engineering problems, along with strong hands-on experimental skills. They will demonstrate a rigorous and truth-seeking scientific attitude, a degree of innovative capability, and proficiency in a foreign language. Equipped with an international perspective, they will be competent for roles in scientific research, higher education, and engineering technology.
2. Program Orientation
(1) Civil Engineering Track：
1) Geotechnical Engineering: Underground structures, ground improvement, geotechnical dynamics and earthquake engineering, groundwater and environmental geotechnical engineering, etc.
2) Structural Engineering: High-rise building structures, long-span spatial structures, reinforced concrete structures, steel structures, prestressed structures, composite structures, etc.
3) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Engineering & Protective Engineering: Structural earthquake resistance, structural wind resistance, structural fire resistance, structural vibration control, structural health monitoring and damage diagnosis, geological hazard assessment and mitigation, solid waste recycling, etc.
4) Bridge and Tunnel Engineering: Long-span bridge structures, bridge assessment and strengthening, vibration and stability of bridge structures, bridge structure theory, tunnel structure theory, etc.
(2) Civil Engineering Construction and Management Track: Construction technology and management, project management, engineering economics, Building Information Modeling (BIM) simulation and analysis, etc.
(3) Water Engineering Track: Urban flood and waterlogging disaster prevention and control, watershed water eco-environment restoration, hydraulics and river dynamics, water resources planning and management, smart water systems, etc.
3. Program Length and Study Period
The standard duration of the program is 3 years, with a maximum study period of 5 years.
4. Program Structure
The training for Academic Master's students primarily adopts a mode that integrates coursework, scientific research, academic exchanges, and social practice, implemented under a supervisor (or supervisor panel) responsibility system. The principle of equal emphasis on coursework and the dissertation is upheld, requiring students to undertake systematic theoretical learning alongside in-depth scientific research or engage deeply in practical production to solve engineering and technical problems. The program focuses on cultivating students' ability to conduct independent scientific research and solve practical engineering problems. The program also incorporates education on current affairs, policies, ideals, legal discipline, moral character, and patriotism. Students must formulate their individual training plan under the guidance of their supervisor within two weeks after enrollment.
5. Credit and Coursework Requirements
The total credit requirement is no less than 28 credits, comprised of: 10 credits from General Compulsory Courses, a minimum of 10 credits from Program Core Courses, a minimum of 6 credits from Program Elective Courses, and a minimum of 2 credits from General Elective Courses.
6. Compulsory Components
(1) Social practice
Social Practice is a compulsory component for Academic Master’s students. It must be conducted under the supervision of the student’s supervisor. Students enrolled in part-time programs may be exempt from this requirement. Upon completion, students must submit the duly filled “South China University of Technology Graduate Student Social Practice Assessment Form”. Specific implementation details shall follow the “South China University of Technology Implementation Measures for Incorporating Social Practice into the Graduate Training Program (Trial)”.
(2) Academic activities
During their study, Master’s students are required to attend no fewer than 10 academic presentations/seminars. For each event, students must complete the “South China University of Technology Graduate Student Academic Seminar/Lecture Attendance Form”. Publishing an English conference paper with South China University of Technology as the primary affiliation, and with the student as the first author or the supervisor as the first author and the student as the second author, will be considered equivalent to attending 5 academic presentations.
7. Thesis Work
(1) Thesis Topic Selection
The thesis topic for Master's students should be of practical or theoretical significance. Topic selection must be conducted under the supervisor's guidance. Students are required to conduct extensive literature review, primarily of foreign-language sources, with a total reading volume of no less than 150,000 to 200,000 English words. Based on the literature review and preliminary research, a comprehensive literature review must be completed prior to the thesis proposal defense.
(2) Thesis Proposal
The thesis proposal is a fundamental and crucial stage for ensuring thesis quality. Conducted under the supervisor's guidance, the proposal defense should generally be completed before the start of the third semester.
(3) Mid-term Assessment of the Thesis
The mid-term assessment evaluates the progress of the thesis work and ensures its timely completion. This assessment must be completed before the start of the fifth semester.
(4) Academic Achievement Requirements
Prior to applying for the thesis defense, Master's students must meet the academic achievement requirements for graduation or degree conferral as stipulated by the School.
8. Graduation and Degree Conferral
Master's students who, within the stipulated period of study, complete all coursework and compulsory components as per their training plan with satisfactory grades, fulfill the graduation (degree) thesis requirements and pass its defense, and meet the university's graduation requirements, shall be approved for graduation upon review and approval by the School's Sub-committee of the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee. A graduation certificate will be issued accordingly.
Applications for degree conferral shall be processed in accordance with the South China University of Technology Regulations on Academic Degree Conferral and the South China University of Technology Graduate Student Thesis (Graduation Thesis) Work Management Measures.
9. Curriculum
The detailed curriculum is provided in the separate Course List.
