BEng Hons in Civil Engineering

This programme is built around a practical, industry-focused approach to learning, ensuring you develop the real-world skills and confidence to excel as a civil engineer from the very start of your career. You'll have access to our excellent facilities at our Edinburgh campus, which include modern civil engineering laboratories, hydraulic benches, and structures testing equipment where you can apply theory to practical challenges. Your learning is enhanced by industry-standard software and features design projects that often incorporate real-world scenarios, giving you valuable experience that employers are looking for.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, industry-relevant experience:

• Industry-Standard Software: You'll gain proficiency in essential professional tools including AutoCAD for technical drawing, Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM), and specialist analysis software used in civil engineering design.

• Heriot-Watt Design Projects: A key feature of your degree is the series of group design projects where you'll work in teams to solve complex civil engineering problems, developing crucial project management and teamwork skills.

• Structures Laboratory: You will conduct hands-on experiments using our modern testing equipment for analysing structural components and understanding material performance under various conditions.

• Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use our hydraulic benches and flow measurement equipment to model water behaviour and environmental processes relevant to civil engineering projects.

• Geotechnical Engineering Equipment: You'll test soil properties and foundation behaviour using our geotechnical testing apparatus, gaining practical insight into ground engineering principles.

• Materials Testing: You'll work with our concrete and materials testing equipment to analyse construction materials and their performance characteristics.

• Field Trips: The curriculum includes valuable site visits to construction projects and infrastructure sites around Scotland, providing crucial real-world context for your studies.

• Placement Opportunities: You can choose to take an optional salaried industrial placement year, with support from the University's Careers Service to help you secure a role with industry partners.

Graduates of Heriot-Watt’s BEng Civil Engineering degree frequently launch into roles such as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, or Infrastructure Project Engineer. Because the programme balances technical rigour—from materials and transport systems to water engineering—with professional-development support and real-world learning, you'll leave well-prepared and in demand.

Let’s explore why Heriot-Watt graduates are so successful:

• Career Services & Employability Support
  You’ll benefit from a culture of support: Heriot-Watt is Scotland’s top university for graduate outcomes, and their Careers & Employability Service backs students with CV workshops, interview prep, job fairs, and career coaching. The University also promotes global readiness through its Go Global programme.
   

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures

  • 15 months post-graduation, approximately 84% are working, 4% are studying, and 4% are both.

  • Average salary stands at £28,500, slightly above the UK average of £29,000.

  • Graduates report strong alignment: 75% say their job aligns with future plans, 85% say their work is meaningful, and 95% are in highly skilled roles.
     

• University–Industry Partnerships
  The programme is guided by a dedicated Industry Advisory Committee composed of representatives from major multinational engineering employers, ensuring curriculum relevance and facilitating work-ready graduates.
   

• Accreditation & Long-Term Professional Value
  The degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE), meeting the academic standards for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially supporting progress toward Chartered Engineer (CEng).
   

• Graduation Outcomes & Recognition
  Heriot-Watt consistently earns high marks for employability and leadership. The university ranks top in Scotland and 5th in the UK for leading into CEO/MD roles—so you're not just crafting a career, you're gearing up for leadership.
   

Further Academic Progression:
After your BEng, you're well-positioned to continue your studies or further your career:

• Step into the MEng Civil Engineering programme, which provides a seamless path to full Chartered Engineer (CEng) qualification.

• Pursue MSc or PhD studies specializing in areas like sustainable infrastructure, water systems, or smart construction.

• Alternatively, leveraging your accredited background and industry-ready skills, you can jump directly into dynamic, high-impact engineering roles.