About this course
Civil engineers find creative ways to solve real-world problems by developing the physical infrastructure society needs to exist – from bridges to houses, through to roads, hospitals and train stations.
This course will provide you with a thorough understanding of all of the key engineering principles, focusing on combining high-quality technical ability with the people management skills that are so vitally needed within the industry.
You'll become an expert at looking at engineering with an advanced mathematical understanding, and learn about the importance of design, sustainability, health and safety — everything you need to tackle the real-world challenges you'll face as a professional Civil Engineer.
Take a look at our course comparison page to see what the differences are between our BSc, BEng and MEng Civil Engineering degrees.
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2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024). -
NTU is 4th for the number of year-long placement undergraduates studying Civil engineering (HESA 2021/22). -
Take the first step in gaining Incorporated or Chartered status – this course is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). -
100% of BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering full-time students are positive that their course has developed their knowledge and skills needed for the future (NSS, 2024).
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Candidates must hold a masters or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration. It's also accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).
See jbm.org.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.
What you’ll study
The course is designed around the core themes of the professional accrediting bodies, relating your learning to application in the real world. You'll develop your general understanding of civil engineering, focusing on key core subject areas – geotechnics, and materials and structures.
You'll develop knowledge and skills in architectural and building technology, computer-aided design, health and safety, the environment, hydraulics, ground engineering and structural engineering. You'll look at how to solve problems using creativity and innovation, gaining a deeper understanding of engineering principles and practice along the way.
During the course you will undertake the following modules:
Year One
- Civil Engineering Design Projects (40 credits)
- Sustainable Engineering Materials (20 credits)
- Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics (20 credits)
- Engineering Surveying (20 credits)
- Introduction to Structural Analysis and Design (20 credits)
Year Two
- Construction Practice and the Environment (20 credits)
- Ground Engineering (20 credits)
- Further Engineering Mathematics and Fluid Mechanics (20 credits)
- Integration of Engineering Applications (20 credits)
- Structural Design and Detailing (20 credits)
- Analysis of Determinate and Indeterminate Structures (20 credits)
Year Three
- Sandwich placement year or Study abroad
Final Year
- Individual with Group project (40 credits)
- Infrastructure Engineering 1 (20 credits)
- Further Structural Design (20 credits)
- Further Geotechnical Engineering and Design (20 credits)
- Professional Responsibilities and Development in Civil Engineering (20 credits)
Civil Engineering Design Projects (40 credits)
- This module will form an introduction to the construction industry and the key roles played by civil engineering professionals.
- You'll look at areas such health and safety, environmental and sustainability considerations, legislation, and the role of construction in the UK economy.
- The module will also focus on building your professional communication skills, through presentations, an introduction to computer-aided design, and career planning.
Sustainable Engineering Materials (20 credits)
- This module is designed to introduce you to the materials encountered in civil engineering and general construction.
- You'll look at areas such as geology, soil mechanics, steel, concrete, bricks and ceramics, and organic materials, developing an understanding of the materials' properties and applications.
Engineering Mathematics and Mechanics (20 credits)
- This module will furnish you with a comprehensive range of mathematical techniques, providing you with the foundation for the study of more advanced mathematical techniques in Year Two.
Engineering Surveying (20 credits)
- The aim of this module is to introduce you to the basic principles and purposes of engineering surveying. You'll learn the theory in lectures and tutors, with hands-on seminar and laboratory sessions introducing the practical surveying field skills required by industry.
- You'll learn how to use standard surveying instruments, how to set out and control construction works, and how to measure existing terrain and features.
Introduction to Structural Analysis and Design (20 credits)
- The module aims to provide you with an initial qualitative and quantitative appreciation of the behaviour and design of skeletal structures.
- You'll explore a range of areas including the types of pin-jointed frameworks and their structural idealisation, types of beam structures and loadings, section analysis for direct bending stresses based on elastic theory, combined axial and bending elastic stresses with application to short columns, foundations and pre-stressed concrete and introductory timber design.
Construction Practice and the Environment (20 credits)
- The aim of this module is to improve your knowledge of practice within the construction industry, introducing you to the roles and responsibilities that you may undertake during placement, after graduation, and as you progress in your career.
- You'll look at key areas such as project organisation, procurement, planning, programming, management, and contract and commercial documentation and administration, and health and safety.
Ground Engineering (20 credits)
- This module will develop your appreciation of fundamental soil and geological properties.
- You'll measure and test different geological and geotechnical materials, allowing you to recognise and investigate ground-related problems and hazards.
Further Engineering Mathematics and Fluid Mechanics (20 credits)
- Building on the mathematical skills and knowledge developed in Year One, this module will provide you with the mathematical and fluid mechanics knowledge and techniques required as a civil engineer.
- In this module you will look at probability, calculus, vectors and matrices. You'll also examine fluid mechanics, dimensional analysis, flow through pipes, and hydraulic machinery.
Integration of Engineering Applications (20 credits)
- This module will introduce you to new and emerging technologies within the construction industry, in relation to engineering surveying, CAD, and BIM.
- You will work in a project group with final year students to simulate a work situation where you will produce, present and defend a scheme design.
Structural Design and Detailing (20 credits)
- This module will act as an introduction to the structural behaviour of elements in reinforced concrete and steelwork structures, looking in depth at their design and detailing.
- You'll also be introduced to a range of new and emerging technologies within the construction industry.
Analysis of Determinate and Indeterminate Structures (20 credits)
- This module will provide you with an introduction to elastic and plastic behaviour of statically determinate and indeterminate beams, pin-jointed frames (trusses) and rigidly jointed frames.
Sandwich placement year
In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to take a year-long, full-time placement. This year in industry will offer you hands-on experience, adding invaluable knowledge and skills to your CV. Many students return to their placement company after graduation, having developed a useful network of contacts within the industry.
Recent placement destinations include VolkerFitzpatrick, nmcn, BAM Nuttall, Aarsleff, Mott MacDonald Bentley and Plowman Craven. Our civil engineering placement roles have historically all come with a salary, with some students earning over £20,000 for their year.
Successful completion of the placement year leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice.
Study abroad
If you're studying on our sandwich route you can also opt to study abroad for a full academic year, or for a semester, during Year Three. This is an optional and additional period of study that complements your degree at NTU as an alternative to taking a work placement.
This is an exciting opportunity to experience a different national culture, teaching and learning styles and subjects in an international environment. The destination university must be a year abroad / exchange partner of NTU or member of a formally recognised scheme such as the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP).
Our NTU Global and student mobility team will support you in finding the right opportunity from one of the many international partners available around the world.
Successful completion of a period of international study will earn you a standalone award – an International Study Certificate (minimum six weeks) or the International Study Diploma (minimum 36 weeks).
Individual with Group project (40 credits)
- The majority of this module will be formed by a self-led research project or dissertation; a significant body of work allowing you to research in depth an agreed topic relating to the construction industry.
- You'll also work on a group project over the course of the year, relating to a real-world engineering scheme. You'll work in a team environment, producing and presenting a design scheme.
Infrastructure Engineering 1 (20 credits)
- This module will broaden your understanding of the wider urban environment through the introduction of infrastructure topics such as transport, highways, rail, asset management and water. You'll develop an appreciation of the issues that influence decision-making, design, and implementation of major infrastructure schemes.
- You'll study these topics within the context of sustainable developments, looking at key applications of environmental legislation.
Further Structural Design (20 credits)
- This module will broaden your knowledge of the design of structural frameworks and how they withstand forces acting on them.
- You'll be introduced to the most common methods of providing robustness to framed structures. You'll have the opportunity to design a structure from the initial stage to completion.
Further Geotechnical Engineering and Design (20 credits)
- Building on the grasp of principles and theory you'll develop in Year Two, this module will provide a sound background to the decision making, design and implementation of geotechnical design.
- You'll learn to analyse and design some typical engineering problems involved in the construction of geotechnical structures, and develop informed solutions in line with current design standards and industry approach.
- You'll look at topics such as soil mechanics, foundations, slope stability, and the development of brownfield sites.
Professional Responsibilities and Development in Civil Engineering (20 credits)
- This module is based around four themes: health, safety and welfare; the profession and wider society; clients, stakeholders, communities and government; and sustainability.
- It's aim is to fully prepare you for graduate roles, with the knowledge, skills, awareness and professionalism expected by graduate employers.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Video Gallery
How you're taught
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures - covering the key theories
- seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
- practical laboratory sessions- such as making and testing concrete, assessing structural forms and testing beams
- practical exercises - including IT sessions and computer-aided design (CAD)
- project work - self-directed study with the support of NOW, our virtual learning environment.
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to undertake self-directed independent study. This will include preparing for lectures, researching, completing coursework, developing a portfolio, and directed reading to expand your knowledge.
You will benefit from our established links with the industry, ensuring the continual relevancy of our course content. You'll be exposed to industry professionals by working on live project briefs set by companies from the industry. Previously students worked with Ashfield District Council on the Brierley Forest Park project. You will also benefit from guest lecturers, industry-sponsored awards, and work placements.
100% of BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering full-time students are positive that their course has developed their knowledge and skills needed for the future (NSS, 2024).
94% of BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering sandwich students believe they have improved their career prospects as a result of their course (NTU Student Survey, 2024).
Study trips
Field trips and study visits are an important part of your learning. Trips may include site visits to live projects and residential study trips. Where a trip is mandatory it will be aligned to your modules and inform project work, and substantive costs – including travel and accommodation – will be paid for by the school. Optional trips may also be organised which can provide additional opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. Optional trips may incur a cost to the student.
Transferring to MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Design and Construction
As a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering student you have the opportunity to transfer onto the MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Design and Construction course during your studies. If you’re interested in this option, you can do this:
- at the beginning of Year Three if you've achieved an overall grade of 2.1 in Year Two
- at the end of Year Three* if you've achieved an overall grade of 2.1 in both Year Two and Year Three*.
*If you’ve spent your third year on placement, this applies to Year Four.
How you're assessed
People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. You will be assessed through:
- coursework, this will make up the majority of your assessments and will consist of group and individual projects, reports, presentations, and essays.
- practical exercises, such as individual and group presentations, and laboratory assessments
- exams, including formal exams and written tests.
Careers and employability
Our course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the construction industry. By working on real projects from industry, fieldwork and regularly updated course content, you'll be equipped with skills and experience to carry with you for the rest of your professional career.
Skilled Civil Engineering graduates are in high demand in industry. You'll graduate from this course with desirable skills and knowledge, boosting your employment prospects.
Where do Civil Engineering graduates from NTU work?
NTU has a strong civil engineering alumni community, with many graduates working in senior positions in leading national and international companies.
Recent BEng Civil Engineering graduate destinations include:
- VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd
- Kier Group
- Balfour Beatty
- JPS Consulting Engineering
- Winvic Construction
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course.
Find out more about career options in civil engineering on the Institution of Civil Engineers website.
Excellent placement opportunities
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering students have the opportunity to apply for a year-long work placement. This will give you real, hands-on experience within the industry, opening up exciting opportunities for future employment.
Where can I work?
Civil Engineering students typically secure placements in civil engineering contractors, design consultancies, surveying sub-contractors, utilities companies, and structural engineering organisations.
Recent destinations have included:
- BAM Nuttall
- Aarsleff
- VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd
- EDF
- Canal & River Trust
Recent roles have included site engineer, junior site manager, assistant engineer, designer, and project manager.
Sponsorship
Many students are sponsored through their final year by their placement company, with a guaranteed job on graduation.
Professional qualification
Successful completion of the 36 weeks leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice, which will further enhance your CV.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
What our students are doing now
Civil Engineering students showcase sustainability skills in collaboration with Arcadis
A group of second-year BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering students recently had the unique opportunity to present their coursework to industry experts at the Arcadis offices in York. This visit marked the culmination of a collaborative project that highlighted NTU's commitment to providing students with real-world experience through industry partnerships.
Civil Engineering Students Visit Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction
Recognising Excellence: NTU's Civil Engineering Department Honours Students at Annual Prize Evening
Campus and facilities
Facilities for Civil Engineering students
The School has a range of specialist industry-standard facilities to enable you to maximise your development and apply your project work to practice. These include dedicated concrete, materials, hydraulics, geotechnical and technology labs, surveying equipment, and structural testing machinery. View our facilities.
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City Campus.
Books and library resources
In our modern library, you'll have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the Built Environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.
Within the library there's a liaison librarian who has specialist Civil Engineering subject knowledge. They can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources, and also support on things such as Harvard referencing and research skills.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent, including Maths, Use of Maths, or Further Maths at Grade C or above).
Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent, including Maths, Use of Maths, or Further Maths at Grade C or above).
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent, including Maths, Use of Maths, or Further Maths at Grade C or above). We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
