The course provides the basic knowledge of design concepts and mechanical behaviour of new frontier composite materials based on brittle (i.e. mainly cement-based) matrix with non-metallic fibre reinforcement for structural retrofitting and protection. The course will specifically cover emerging technologies, i.e. high-toughness and high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete and textile-reinforced concrete. The course covers the fundamentals of material selection, micro-mechanical modelling, mechanical response, especially under tensile and highly dynamic loading, and durability based design. The course is characterised by a highly research-oriented approach, with advanced seminar lectures and practical exercises focusing on composite materials design in civil engineering.