Civil Engineering Courses in the UK
Several of the UK’s state-of-the-art universities offer civil engineering courses through their most reputable schools of science, engineering and technology. Studying civil engineering in the UK is ideal for students who wish to experience world-class education in some of the best universities in the world.
Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines in history and involves the planning, design, construction, development and maintenance of man-made infrastructures that are essential to the community. This includes the creation of highways, tunnels, buildings, canals, bridges, railways, dams, transport, pipeline systems etc. Modern living constantly requires civil engineers to create and transform the world we live in. Civil engineering has now garnered attention for its vital role in fields like public and environmental health, sustainable building, green constructions and smart infrastructure.
In the UK there are more than 50 top-ranked universities that offer Civil Engineering courses to national and international students, spread across England, Scotland and Wales, through their schools of science, engineering and technology. Among these the top 5 high-ranking universities that offer Civil Engineering are the University of Cambridge, University of Glasgow, University of Bath, Imperial College London and University of Southampton (UK University Times Subject Ranking 2020). All of them have dedicated and supportive programs for international students. International students who wish to experience world-class education, can compare the facilities and programs to choose a school that best suits their requirements.
A discipline that is constantly impacted by the rapid advancement of technology, civil engineering is a field that necessitates continuous updating and innovation. Newer technologies like robotics, Al, 3D printing, big data, smart cities etc. influence the future of civil engineering, which gives this profession great scope, today and in the years to come.
A career in civil engineering is intellectually challenging, lucrative and appeals to the innovative, creative and diligent mind. Civil engineers get opportunities to work on major construction projects and town planning that change the face of society. The duration of the undergraduate course is generally 4 years in the UK. It equips the student with the knowledge and practical training through internships and projects, to make them capable of becoming competent future civil engineers. They also have excellent placement and career counselling cells for fresh graduates and postgraduates.
The civil engineering course may differ according to how a student selects their specialisations, majors, minors and electives. These play a comparatively significant role in postgraduate and advanced courses. Universities like the University of Cambridge, also offer integrated BA (Hons) plus MEng four year programs that lead to a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, combined.
Undergraduate courses in Civil engineering include BEng (Bachelors in Engineering) and BEng Honours in various disciplines, such as Civil Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering with Project Management, BSc in Construction Project Management etc. Undergraduate programmes prepare the student with the fundamentals of construction engineering, survey, land and town planning, material analysis, building technology, structural design, architecture and other subjects.
A civil engineer has a wide and interesting array of career paths to choose from, given the vast scope of this field of engineering, added with the impact of modern technology. Fresh graduates and postgraduates may begin their careers with internships or on-the-job training as assistant or junior project engineers.
The major industries that employ civil engineers are construction companies where your role would be designing buildings and infrastructure.
Management is another allied career for civil engineers and often requires an additional degree. Such candidates hold administrative roles in construction and engineering management.
Job Options
• project engineers
• civil engineers
• site engineers
• rural and urban transport engineers
• structural engineer
• water engineer
• building control surveyors
• town planning
• smart city engineers
Other career opportunities include professions like
• Architect
• Scientist
• research professional
• academician professors
Additionally, completing short term management courses may help a graduate to pursue Construction and Engineering Management as well.
International Baccalaureate requirements: 35 points
A-levels requirements: AAB
IELTS requirements: 7.0 overall, with no lower than 6.5 in any one component
*Please note that Entry Requirements vary for each university.
English Language Requirement: IELTS is not essential for some Universities in the UK, English language scores secured in the Higher Secondary (in your country) are accepted by select institutions. English Language classes, delivered by the British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, are available at specific Universities for both before and throughout the program for international students. Speak to us to find out more about English Language requirements, we can guide you to get admission to Universities where IELTS is not mandatory.
If you are keen to pursue a course in Civil Engineering in the United Kingdom, contact our education consultant now. LACAH has an excellent record in helping international students get placed at some of the leading UK Universities. Our UK course advisors will assist you with scholarship advice, English Language requirement, visa application and so on. If you are planning to pursue your studies in Civil Engineering in the UK, speak to one of our advisors right away for prompt and impartial advice!
• Northumbria University
• University of Greenwich
• Derby University
• Ulster University
• Concordia University
These are some of the leading UK Universities offering Civil Engineering courses. At LACAH, we can help you get placed not just at these institutes but across a wide range of Universities in the UK. Contact our education advisors now if you wish to know more about a University not listed above.
On this page
- Introduction To Studying Civil Engineering in the UK
- Why choose a course in Civil Engineering?
- What will you learn on a Civil Engineering course in the UK ?
- Career options after studying Civil Engineering in the UK
- Entry Requirements for Civil Engineering in the UK
- How can help you get placed for a Civil Engineering course at a UK University?
- Universities