BEng Hons Civil and Structural Engineering with Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Bradford

Program Overview

The University of Bradford’s BEng (Hons) Civil and Structural Engineering with Placement Year program offers an excellent opportunity to combine academic study with valuable industry experience. This course suits students eager to develop practical engineering skills through a full year placement, gaining professional confidence and networking opportunities alongside a comprehensive civil and structural engineering education.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Students are introduced to fundamental engineering principles through modules such as Mathematical Methods and Applications, Engineering Materials, and Surveying and CAD. These foundational subjects establish the core knowledge necessary for advanced study in civil and structural engineering.

Year 2: The second year delves deeper into specialized topics, including Fluid Mechanics, Soil Mechanics, and Structural Analysis and Design. Practical applications and laboratory work complement theoretical learning, enhancing students' problem-solving abilities.

Year 3 (Placement Year): Students undertake a year-long industrial placement, gaining hands-on experience in the field. This opportunity allows them to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting, developing valuable industry contacts and enhancing their employability.

Year 4: In the final year, students focus on advanced topics such as Design of Steel and Concrete Structures, Water Engineering, and Structural Mechanics and Analysis. The curriculum emphasizes the application of knowledge to real-world engineering projects, preparing students for professional practice.

Focus areas

Structural design, geotechnics, water engineering, materials science, project management, sustainability.

Learning outcomes

Ability to design, analyse and manage civil engineering projects; apply technical and sustainability principles; communicate professionally; manage projects; and apply industry standards and codes.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), and Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), fulfilling the education base for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Ranked 7th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2022 for Civil Engineering, Bradford is recognized for strong industry links, excellent placement opportunities, and high graduate employability with average first-year salaries around £27,000.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

You'll begin by building your practical foundation in our excellent Faculty of Engineering and Digital Technologies facilities, mastering industry-standard software and testing methods in our structures and materials laboratories. This hands-on preparation ensures you're fully equipped to excel during your industrial placement year, where you'll apply your skills on real projects with leading engineering companies, returning for your final year with invaluable professional insight and confidence.

Here's how this programme provides exceptional practical experience:

Industrial Placement Year: You'll spend your third year on a salaried placement with major companies in the construction and engineering sectors, working on live projects and gaining professional experience that significantly enhances your employability.
Industry-Standard Software: You'll develop expertise in AutoCAD for technical drawing, Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM), and structural analysis software, making you immediately valuable to your placement employer.
Structures Laboratory: You'll test structural components using our modern testing equipment, gaining practical understanding of material behavior before applying this knowledge in industry.
Geotechnical Engineering Equipment: You'll use our soil testing apparatus to investigate ground conditions and foundation design principles relevant to structural engineering projects.
Materials Testing Laboratory: You'll conduct concrete and construction materials testing using our comprehensive equipment, providing hands-on experience with material analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Civil and Structural Engineering with Placement Year at the University of Bradford are prepared for roles such as Structural Engineer, Site Engineer, Project Manager, and Civil Engineer:

University Services: Careers and Employability Service supports job applications, interviews, and networking.
Employment & Salary: 85% employed or in further study within 15 months; starting salaries ~£28,500, rising to £36,000.
Industry Partnerships: Placement year with real-world experience through links with local and national engineering firms.
Accreditation: Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), supporting future Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in civil and structural engineering.

Further Academic Progression: Students can pursue a Master’s in Civil or Structural Engineering, Project Management, or Environmental Engineering to specialize further.