Civil Engineering BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): H202 (with placement year) / H201 (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
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Entry Requirements:
More information
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 broad civil engineering education, focusing on the design, analysis and construction skills that are so vital for the industry. You'll be equipped with abilities to develop sustainable and cost-effective design ideas, learning about key civil engineering concepts such as structures, materials, geotechnics and mathematics.
You'll become an expert in applying your understanding of practical engineering techniques to find innovative solutions to real-world built environment challenges. Through industry-facing projects, site visits and the opportunity to undertake a work placement year, this course will give you all the skills needed to begin a successful career in Civil Engineering.
Take a look at our course comparison page to see the differences between our BSc, BEng and MEng Civil Engineering degrees.
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Experience hands-on learning in our specialist facilities and workshops, including dedicated concrete, materials, hydraulics, geotechnical labs and structural testing equipment. -
Gain vital workplace skills by undertaking a one-year placement on our sandwich route. Previous students have spent their placements at companies such as AECOM, Curtins Consulting and Jackson Civil Engineering. -
Gain vital skills and experience in the workplace by undertaking a one-year placement on our sandwich route. Previously, students have spent their placements at companies such as AECOM, Curtins Consulting and Jackson Civil Engineering. -
97% of our BSc Civil Engineering sandwich route graduates are in a 'High Skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees (latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20).
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). It is also accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).
See jbm.org.uk for further information
What you’ll study
Our course exposes you to the exciting and rapidly expanding world of construction, preparing you to take on the challenges of developing and maintaining the infrastructure that underpins society. The course develops together the theory and practice of civil engineering, with an emphasis on the practical nature of civil engineering and the application and management of current technologies.
The final year of the course builds upon the engineering knowledge and practice developed in Years One and Two and broadens the curriculum, addressing issues such as people management, finance, professional ethics, and transportation issues.
During the course you will undertake the following modules:
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.
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 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 tutorials, 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 Engineering (20 credits)
- This module aims to provide you with knowledge of relevant statics, and a quantitative and qualitative appreciation of structural elements, loadings, and the behaviour and design of beams and triangulated frameworks.
- The module will also develop your knowledge of statistical analysis.
Mathematics (20 credits)
- This module will act as a thorough introduction to mathematics and statistics, improving your ability to apply numeracy to typical civil engineering tasks.
Civil Engineering Construction (20 credits)
- In this module, you'll explore a range of techniques, materials, equipment and process that are used in the design and construction of civil engineering projects.
- Site and project constraints will initially be considered on a project, before evaluating possible solutions in terms of efficiency, cost, practicality, aesthetics, risk, time, quality, safety, the environment, and sustainability.
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, contract and commercial documentation and administration, and health and safety.
Engineering Skills (20 credits)
- This module has a two-fold function: to improve your IT skills in relation to civil engineering, and extend your knowledge and skills in the use of surveying instruments.
- Using simulated work situations, you'll also look at new and emerging technologies, and their application in the construction industry.
Further Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)
- Building on the skills you developed in Year One, this module will further develop your mathematical and statistical abilities, appropriate for civil engineering at IEng level.
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.
Structural Engineering (20 credits)
- This module aims to provide you with an introduction to the structural behaviour of elements in reinforced concrete and steelwork.
- You'll look at factors influencing the design of reinforced concrete structural elements.
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 Jackson Civil Engineering, Smithers Purslow, Curtins Consulting, J Reddington and AECOM. 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.
Management and Transportation Studies (20 credits)
- This module focuses on two main themes: management theory and practice within the construction industry, and transport policy. The aim of the module is to broaden your experience within the civil engineering discipline, providing useful context and skills for graduate roles.
- You'll look at areas such as marketing, pitching or tendering for business, business audits, and scenario planning.
- You'll also look at transport policy formulation and implementation from local to international levels, with module content ranging from the development of sustainable mobility to techniques for managing and controlling traffic.
Further Structural Engineering (20 credits)
- This module aims to broaden your knowledge of the conceptual design of structural elements to the recommendations of published guidance.
- You'll be introduced to the factors that affect the stability of framed building structures, and to the common methods of ensuring the stability and robustness of these types of structures.
Ground Engineering, Water Resources and the Environment (20 credits)
- Within the context of sustainable development, this module will introduce you to the engineering implications of ground-based structures and water resources, examining the environmental and legislative context surrounding this type of project.
- You will learn to analyse some typical engineering problems involved in the management of foundations, geotechnical structures, water supplies, and associated fluid principles.
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.
- Its 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
How will I learn?
Based on 40-hour weeks during term time, approximately 14 hours per week is spent in scheduled learning.
This includes lectures; seminars and tutorials; laboratory practical exercises, such as making and testing concrete; assessing structural forms and testing beams; field work, such as 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.
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. These optional trips may incur a cost to the student.
Our links with industry
You will benefit from our established links with 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 industry, and in the form of guest lecturers, visits to working sites, industry-sponsored awards, and work placements.
You will also have opportunities to work with companies to gain new skills. For example, recent final year students took part in a project to design part of a new super cycleway between Toton and Nottingham city centre.
Transferring to BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
As a BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering student you have the opportunity to transfer onto the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering course after Year One. You'll need to achieve an average of 2.1 or above in Year One, including a grade of mid-2.1 or higher in the Mathematics module and with no failed modules.
If you meet these requirements and want to transfer, you’ll be required to complete some further study over the summer to demonstrate competency in Year One BEng learning outcomes, primarily in mechanics and structures.
Sir John Armitt, former President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) speaking to students at NTU.
Contact hours
| Year One | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 40% | Independent study | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Two | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 31% | Independent study | 69% |
| Year Three | Optional placement year | |||
| Year Four | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 24% | Independent study | 76% |
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 | 54% | Practical | 11% | Written exams | 35% |
| Year Three | Optional placement year | |||||
| Year Four | Coursework | 78% | Written exams | 22% | ||
Careers and employability
Our course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the construction industry. Through 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.
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 BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering graduate destinations include:
- VolkerFItzpatrick
- Winvic
- Buckingham Group
- Aarsleff
- Arcadis
- Plowman Craven
97% of our Civil Engineering sandwich route undergraduates are in a ‘High Skilled’ role within 15 months of finishing their degrees (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20).
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
BSc (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 go on my placement?
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:
- Jackson Civil Engineering
- Smithers Purslow
- Curtins Consulting
- J Reddington
- AECOM
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
NTU students reach Grand Final of Engineers Without Borders’ People Design Challenge
BSc (Hons) Product Design and BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering students celebrate reaching the Grand Final of this year’s Engineers Without Borders’ People Design Challenge.
Civil Engineering students celebrated at industry sponsored prize-giving event
Civil Engineering students propose a new tramline for Nottingham City Council and Tramlink
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.
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City Campus.
Books and library resources
In our modern Boots 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 is 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?
- 104 – 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
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.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
What are we looking for?
- 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).
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.