Civil Engineering, BEng (Hons), with industry placement

Civil engineers design and construct essential infrastructure, such as suspension bridges and earthquake-resistant buildings, to provide shelter, clean water, transportation, and protection from natural hazards. This accredited BEng (Hons) programme, recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers and others, equips students with practical skills through site visits, laboratory work, and lectures from industry experts. Taught by qualified academics, the course covers core subjects like structural analysis, geotechnics, and hydraulics, while offering options in water and structural engineering.In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in engineering principles and design. The second year delves into civil disciplines, including fluid dynamics and project management, with opportunities for degree swaps. Final-year studies focus on advanced infrastructure design and an individual research project. An optional paid placement year enhances employability, and assessments combine exams (49%) with coursework (51%). Graduates join a global network of professionals, with potential progression to an MEng.

In the first year of your civil engineering course you will study alongside other engineering students to learn about the fundamental principles that underpin technical subjects which are studied throughout the course. You will develop your mathematical skills and study engineering materials, structural mechanics and fluid mechanics. You will learn about generic design and computer-aided design, and work in a team to undertake a real-world design challenge. Laboratory sessions will form an important part of your learning. The second year introduces core civil engineering disciplines that comprise structural analysis and design, geotechnics and fluid dynamics. These subjects are explored in lectures, through practical activities, and field trips. You will develop essential and professional transferable skills and tools for the management of projects. At this point of the course, it is still possible to swap between our ‘civil’ and ‘civil and coastal’ engineering degrees. By taking the opportunity to spend an optional year in paid employment whilst still a student civil engineer, you will obtain recordable professional experience, build a network of industry contacts and often obtain offers of summer work, sponsorship or employment on graduation. Our placements team will support you in finding a placement, and we have an extensive network of employers across all sectors. In your final year, you will deepen your understanding of the core technical subjects in civil engineering with a particular focus on designing infrastructure solutions. You will immerse yourself in the execution of your individual project throughout the year. This project will focus on a research question or a practical issue relevant to a civil engineering topic of your choosing under the supervision of an academic member of staff. This might involve the use of laboratory facilities, modelling and analysis software. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.