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Civil engineers are problem-solvers who work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams to address society’s most pressing challenges. Architects, on the other hand, are visionaries who conceptualize and plan the constructed world. Together, structural engineering and architecture shape the built environment in which we live.
This interdisciplinary programme is jointly taught with the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA), part of the Edinburgh College of Art. It provides comprehensive training in structural engineering while fostering a deep appreciation of the architectural context. The programme equips students with a holistic approach to sustainable building design and prepares them for professional licensure.
Year 1
In the first year, students take introductory courses that build the foundation for working at the interface of architecture and engineering. The curriculum develops critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through interdisciplinary design tasks, while also covering the mathematics essential to engineering science. Students study architectural history alongside the technological and environmental principles that shape design. This year establishes the broad base needed to progress into more specialised study.
Year 2
The second year expands knowledge across both civil and environmental engineering and architecture, preparing students for advanced courses in later years. Key subjects include structural mechanics, engineering materials, soil and rock mechanics, engineering geology, mathematics, and land surveying. Architectural history is studied in greater depth, while optional courses allow students to explore themes such as fire safety, sustainability, environmental engineering, or modules from outside engineering to broaden their education.
Year 3
In the third year, students enter the honours stage and take specialist courses that highlight the synergy between engineering and architecture. Core topics include conceptual design and sustainability, geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, transport systems, and engineering construction. Students also choose from a wide range of multidisciplinary engineering options. At this stage, there is flexibility to study abroad at one of the University’s partner institutions in destinations such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, or Asia, gaining international experience while continuing their academic development. At the end of Year 3, students can either graduate with a BEng degree after one more year, or progress towards the MEng degree by studying for two additional years, provided they achieve an average of at least 55%.
Year 4
The final year focuses on advanced and applied learning across both engineering and architecture. Core courses cover structural design, foundation engineering, engineering design, and lessons learned from past failures. A major component is the individual research project, where students conduct in-depth investigation in engineering and/or architecture, producing a dissertation that offers an original solution supported by experimental, numerical, or analytical work. This project is supervised by leading academics from the School of Engineering or the School of Architecture, providing students with the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research while consolidating their skills for professional practice or further study.
Teaching
The interdisciplinary nature of engineering and architecture ensures that students experience a diverse and engaging learning environment throughout their degree. Teaching methods include:
Interactive lectures and seminars
Hands-on laboratory activities
Individual and group design projects
In the final years of study, students undertake independent research projects under the guidance of a supervisor, contributing to the advancement of engineering knowledge.
Sustainability
Compulsory courses within the programme align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on:
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Optional courses allow students to explore additional SDGs, further broadening their understanding of sustainability.
The University also offers free training and resources to enhance sustainability knowledge, reflecting its strong commitment to social and civic responsibility, as outlined in the University’s Climate Strategy.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.
The specific forms of assessment vary by course and are detailed in the Programme Structure – Degree Programme Table, which provides information on compulsory and optional courses across all years of study.
Individual course descriptions specify the exact assessment methods used.
Support for Studies
Throughout the programme, students have access to a wide range of academic and personal support services. Each student is assigned a Student Adviser, who serves as the first point of contact for any queries or concerns. Advisers also provide guidance on accessing additional University services tailored to individual needs.
Studying engineering at the University of Edinburgh prepares graduates for careers as professional engineers both in the UK and internationally.
On completion of this programme, students will have:
A solid foundation in engineering knowledge
Practical, communication, and design skills
A strong understanding of the interaction between engineering and architectural processes
This diverse skill set enables graduates to join design, production, or research teams, and to progress rapidly into management and leadership roles.
Beyond engineering, many graduates pursue careers in areas such as:
The civil service
Education
The emergency services and armed forces
The financial sector
Internships
The School of Engineering funds a number of summer internships each year, offering students the chance to work on research or teaching-focused projects and gain relevant work experience within the School. These opportunities are open to undergraduate students from the second year onwards (excluding finalists) and are allocated competitively across four disciplines:
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electronics & Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Additionally, the University supports students in developing professional skills through the Edinburgh Award for Civil and Environmental Engineering Industrial Internships. Completion of this award is formally recognised on academic transcripts.
Careers Service
The University’s Careers Service provides tailored support to help students explore career opportunities during their studies and after graduation. Services include:
Personalised advice and one-to-one guidance
Access to internships and networking opportunities with employers, from local organisations to multinational companies
Insights and connections through the University’s global alumni network
The Careers Service plays a vital role in enhancing the student experience and helps ensure that graduates are well prepared for future success.
CBSE - Applicants must score an overall 80% in Class XII with at least three subjects at 75% or above, taken from CBSE or CISCE boards. For Science and Engineering degrees, 80–85% is expected in required subjects, and Applied Mathematics is not accepted for certain courses.AP (Advanced Placement) - If AP exams are not available, applicants should show a minimum 3.3 GPA with strong A and B grades in honors-level courses. Where an AP 4 is required, a B+ in that subject is needed, and where an AP 5 is required, an A is expected.IB (International Baccalaureate) - Typical offers range from 37 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL. Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) at 5 plus one science subject at 5 is required, with Physics preferred.A-Level - Standard offers fall between AAA and ABB, with Mathematics and one science subject (Physics preferred) at minimum grade B. A third A-Level can be in any acceptable subject, excluding a few restricted ones.IELTS - An IELTS Academic overall score must be achieved in a single test, with the required band depending on the programme. One Skill Retake, General IELTS, and UKVI Life Skills are not accepted for admission.TOEFL - TOEFL iBT (including Home or Paper Edition) is accepted if all section requirements are met in a single sitting. MyBest Scores are not accepted, so applicants must present one complete valid result.Architectural AssistantUrban Design Assistant Interior Designer 3D Visualiser / Architectural Illustrator Construction Project Manager (assistant level) Planning & Development Officer Property Developer / Real Estate Consultant Landscape Designer Furniture Designer Set Designer (filmtheatreTV) Lighting Designer Exhibition & Museum Designer
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