DEGREE GUIDE

Civil Engineering

What do Civil Engineering degrees involve?

Civil Engineering degrees teach you how to plan, design, and deliver infrastructure that society relies on, from roads, rail and bridges to water supply, flood defences, and sustainable buildings. You will explore key areas such as structural and geotechnical engineering, materials and construction methods, transport engineering, water and environmental engineering, surveying, and project management. These courses help you develop strong problem-solving, mathematical, and analytical skills while learning to use industry tools like CAD/BIM, modelling and surveying equipment. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through labs, surveying camps, site visits, and real-world design projects that emphasise safety, sustainability, and whole-life performance. Many programmes offer group projects with industry input and the option of a placement year. With this mix of theory and practical experience, you’ll graduate ready for roles in consultancy, contracting, local and national infrastructure delivery, and specialist areas such as structural, geotechnical, transport, or water engineering.

Example
Modules

Structural Mechanics: Study how forces affect materials and structures, learning to calculate stresses, strains and deformations in beams, columns and frameworks.

Construction Materials: Explore properties of concrete, steel, timber and composites, and how they’re tested, selected and applied in different types of infrastructure.

Engineering Drawing and CAD: Develop skills in technical drawing and computer-aided design (CAD) used to communicate civil engineering concepts clearly and accurately.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are very common in construction, infrastructure, or environmental engineering sectors.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at several institutions through global engineering exchanges or international projects.

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
MEng Civil Engineering
BEng (Hons) Civil and Structural Engineering
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering
BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is typically a BEng degree, with BSc offered at some universities. MEng is a four-year integrated Master’s degree that combines undergraduate and Master’s level study in one course.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Civil Engineering is about designing and building the infrastructure that shapes our world – bridges, buildings, roads, and water systems. The degree is mathematically demanding, so universities look for strong quantitative skills.

You'll need:

Maths – essential for all Civil Engineering courses
Physics – essential or strongly preferred

Subjects that would strengthen your application:

Further Maths – encouraged by some courses if it is available at your school
Design & Technology, Computer Science or Geography – useful for CAD, materials, or surveying

✨ Maths and Physics together keeps the widest range of engineering courses open for you. Further Maths can strengthen your application but isn't essential.

Universities may also welcome equivalent qualifications, such as:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Engineering or Construction/Built Environment (often with strong maths/physics units; some providers may also ask for A-level Maths)
T-levels in Engineering & Manufacturing or Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) with a STEM pathway

✨ Entry expectations—especially around Maths, Physics and Further Maths—vary by university, so always check the specific subjects and entry criteria on each university’s website.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses ask for:

GCSE English Language, Maths and Science at grade 4/C or above, or equivalents such as National 5s or MYP

📘 A strong Maths background is important, as Civil Engineering involves mechanics, structures, and data analysis.

💬 Interviews
Not common across the sector. Some universities may invite you to an applicant day or informal interview, especially for courses with placements.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no single national tests required by all universities. A few competitive programmes may set a short maths/physics assessment—check the course page.

🔧 Work Experience
Not required, but experience with engineering clubs, CAD projects, construction/DIY, site visits, or surveying can strengthen your application and personal statement.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Engineering
A good route if you’re missing Further Maths or want extra preparation in Maths/Physics before the degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Engineering or Science)
Accepted by many universities when the course includes calculus, algebra, and physics units; strong performance in quantitative modules is important.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Relevant options include Civil Engineering Technician, Construction Design & Build Technician, or Surveying Technician. These provide practical experience and can support progression to a Civil Engineering degree when combined with further study.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Civil Engineering degree

Is this a good fit for you?

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Interests that would make a Civil Engineering degree a good match for you

Careers a Civil Engineering degree could lead you to