Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 112 - 120 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): H200 (with placement year) / H203 (full-time)
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Four years full-time with placement year, three years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: City Campus
Introduction:
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 2023). -
98% of BEng Civil Engineering full-time students are positive about the teaching on their course (NSS 2023). -
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). -
99% of our Civil Engineering graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
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.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Video Gallery
How you’re taught
In Year One approximately 40% of your time is spent in scheduled learning sessions, and in Year Two approximately 35%. This includes lectures, seminars and tutorials; laboratory practical exercises, such as making and testing concrete, assessing structural forms and testing beams; fieldwork, like site visits and practical exercises; and IT sessions, including computer-aided design (CAD). You will also be involved in self-directed project work 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. In your final year, the scheduled learning sessions reduce to approximately 30% of your time, as more time is focused on your group and individual projects.
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.
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.
Contact hours
| Year One | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 41% | Independent study | 59% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Two | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 36% | Independent study | 64% |
| Year Three | Optional placement year | |||
| Year Four | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 23% | Independent study | 77% |
How you’re assessed
You will be assessed through a mix of coursework, practical exercises and exams. The coursework will make up the majority of your assessment and will consist of group and individual projects, reports, presentations, and essays. You will receive feedback throughout each module.
| Year One | Coursework | 54% | Practical | 3% | Written exams | 43% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Two | Coursework | 60% | Practical | 5% | Written exams | 35% |
| Year Three | Optional placement year | |||||
| Year Four | Coursework | 63% | Written exams | 37% | ||
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:
- Jackson Civil Engineering
- AECOM
- PCE Ltd.
- J Reddington
- APR Services
- Arcadis
- Mott MacDonald Bentley
99% of our Civil Engineering graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
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.
NTU is 4th for the number of year-long placement undergraduates studying Civil engineering (HESA, 2021/22)
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:
- VolkerFitzpatrick
- BAM Nuttall
- Aarsleff
- Mott MacDonald Bentley
- Plowman Craven
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 Visit Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction
On 17th January 2024 a group of first year civil engineering students from Nottingham Trent University visited the Laing O’Rourke Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (CEMC), just outside of Worksop.
Recognising Excellence: NTU's Civil Engineering Department Honours Students at Annual Prize Evening
NTU apprentice wins the ICE International Emerging Engineers Award
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
What are we looking for?
- 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).
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
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.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
- 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).
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, that’s why we’re here to help. Take a look at our fees and funding pages for lots of handy advice and guidance.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our modern library, industry-standard workshops and study spaces, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
You’ll need to cover the cost of your own books, standard drawing and writing equipment and consumables. However, our City Campus library is home to four floors of books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! Our library team work closely with our academics to ensure that our library collection closely matches the topics you’ll be studying, to provide relevant resources for you to use, free of charge.
Printing and materials costs
Students should also budget approximately £100 per year to cover any printing or materials that they may require to support their studies. Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course.
Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies
As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.
What you’ll receive
- All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
- Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
- Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
- £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
ICE Scholarship
The Institution of Civil Engineers have a yearly opportunity to apply for the ICE QUEST undergraduate scholarships. These scholarships currently provide:
- £8,000 over the course of your study
- paid work placements every summer
- the potential of a full-time job with a leading civil engineering or construction company when you graduate
- experience and knowledge that are good for your CV and your career – especially if you want to become an incorporated or chartered civil engineer
For more information, please visit the Institution of Civil Engineers website.
Tuition fees for September 2024 entry
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our modern library, industry-standard workshops and study spaces, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
You’ll need to cover the cost of your own books, standard drawing and writing equipment and consumables. However, our City Campus library is home to four floors of books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! Our library team work closely with our academics to ensure that our library collection closely matches the topics you’ll be studying, to provide relevant resources for you to use, free of charge.
Printing and materials costs
Students should also budget approximately £100 per year to cover any printing or materials that they may require to support their studies. Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course.
Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies
As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.
What you’ll receive
- All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
- Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
- Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
- £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
ICE Scholarship
The Institution of Civil Engineers have a yearly opportunity to apply for the ICE QUEST undergraduate scholarships. These scholarships currently provide:
- £8,000 over the course of your study
- paid work placements every summer
- the potential of a full-time job with a leading civil engineering or construction company when you graduate
- experience and knowledge that are good for your CV and your career – especially if you want to become an incorporated or chartered civil engineer
For more information, please visit the Institution of Civil Engineers website.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS.
As part of your application, you’ll submit a personal statement. Tell us about your ambitions, skills and experience. You have 4,000 characters to impress us – here’s how to make your words count.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.
You can apply for this course through UCAS.
If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU Applicant Portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.