BEng Honours Civil Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Newcastle University

Program Overview

The BEng Honours Civil Engineering course at Newcastle University is tailored for students keen to develop a broad-ranging and practical understanding of civil engineering principles from day one. This degree suits those looking to design innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions to real-world challenges while gaining hands-on experience in specialist labs and on site visits.

Curriculum structure:

Stage 1 (Year 1):
You start by building up core engineering knowledge in modules such as Engineering Mathematics I, Mechanics I, Properties & Behaviour of Engineering Materials, and Thermofluid Mechanics. These give you a solid base in how materials behave, how fluids work, and how to apply mathematics in engineering contexts.

Stage 2 (Year 2):
In the second year, the focus shifts towards more civil-engineering specific topics. You’ll study modules like Design of Sustainable Engineering Systems 2, Structural Analysis, Hydraulics, and Geotechnics. You’ll begin working more with design, labs and environmental or infrastructure case studies, which helps you see how theory connects to real infrastructure.

Stage 3 (Year 3):
In your third year you'll deepen your skills in specialist areas and work on an Individual Project that lets you tackle current civil/structural engineering challenges. Modules such as Design of Sustainable Engineering Systems 3, Foundation Design, Design of Building Systems, and Engineering Ethics & Sustainability refine your understanding of structure, sustainability, and professional practice.

Focus areas: Structural engineering, geotechnics, hydraulics, construction management, sustainability, transport infrastructure.

Learning outcomes: Comprehensive technical knowledge, expertise in engineering design and analysis, project management skills, understanding of sustainability in engineering, and strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Professional alignment (accreditation): This program is professionally accredited and meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Engineering Council and relevant professional institutes.

Reputation (employability rankings): Newcastle University is ranked in the top 150 globally for Civil Engineering by QS World University Rankings and is known for strong industry links enhancing graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is designed to give you a fantastic hands-on education, blending strong theoretical knowledge with practical application from day one. You'll have access to our excellent facilities in the Cassie Building, which houses modern civil engineering laboratories, including structures, hydraulics, and geotechnics labs where you can test designs and understand material behaviour in real-world conditions.

Here’s how you’ll gain valuable practical experience:

Industry-Standard Software: You'll develop skills in essential professional tools including AutoCAD for technical drawing, Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM), and specialist analysis software used in civil engineering design.
Design Projects: Each year features practical design projects where you'll work in teams to solve complex civil engineering problems, developing crucial project management and teamwork skills.
Structures Laboratory: You'll test building materials and structural components using our modern testing equipment, gaining hands-on understanding of structural behavior and material performance.
Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use our flow channels and water testing equipment to model hydraulic processes and environmental systems relevant to civil engineering projects.
Geotechnical Engineering Equipment: You'll work with soil testing apparatus to investigate ground conditions and foundation design principles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering programme at Newcastle University are well-equipped to embark on successful careers in various sectors. Typical roles include:

Graduate Civil Engineer
Graduate Structural Engineer
Consultant to Architect
Design-Build Contractor

These positions are supported by the university's strong industry connections and comprehensive career services.

Key aspects of the programme include:

Accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), and the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE). This accreditation satisfies the educational base for becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) upon completion of further professional development.
Employment Support: The university offers robust career services, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and job fairs, to assist students in securing employment.
Industry Partnerships: The programme benefits from strong links with industry, providing students with opportunities for placements and projects that enhance practical experience.
Graduate Outcomes: While specific statistics for this programme are not detailed, the university's overall employability rate for engineering graduates is high, with many securing positions in leading engineering firms.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree, graduates have several pathways for further academic development:

MSc Programmes: Graduates can pursue Master's degrees in specialised areas such as Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or Transport Planning.
PhD Research: For those interested in research, the university offers opportunities to undertake PhD studies in various civil engineering disciplines.
Professional Development: Graduates can also engage in continuous professional development courses to further their expertise and career prospects.