BEng Civil Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Sheffield

Program Overview

The BEng Civil Engineering with Industrial Placement Year at Sheffield combines core civil engineering knowledge with a year of practical industry experience. It suits students who want both strong technical foundations and real-world exposure to prepare for professional engineering careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a solid understanding of core civil engineering principles, including mechanics, materials, and mathematics, while developing introductory design and surveying skills.

Year 2: The focus shifts to applied civil engineering topics such as structural analysis, hydraulics, and geotechnical engineering, giving students the tools to tackle complex engineering challenges.

Year 3: Students spend a full industrial placement year in a professional engineering environment, gaining hands-on experience, industry insights, and practical problem-solving skills.

Year 4: The final year emphasises advanced civil engineering topics and independent projects, enabling students to apply their learning in design, research, and professional practice.

Focus Areas: Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Water Infrastructure, Environmental Engineering, Project Management

Learning Outcomes: Graduates can design and analyse complex structures, solve engineering problems, manage projects, and communicate effectively in professional contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (ICE, IStructE, IHE, CIHT, PWI), meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Sheffield ranks among the top UK universities for civil engineering, with strong industry links that enhance graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in this program gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art facilities, real-world projects, and industry exposure. Practical skills are developed in laboratories, workshops, and collaborative design projects, preparing graduates for professional engineering challenges:

  • The Diamond Building Labs – Structures and Dynamics Lab, Fluids Engineering Lab, and Materials Lab for practical experiments.

  • iForge Makerspace – Access to advanced prototyping tools for innovative engineering solutions.

  • Integrated Design Projects – Team-based projects simulating real-world civil engineering problems.

  • Industrial Placement Year – Full-time placement in a professional engineering environment for practical experience.

  • Industry Partnerships – Opportunities to work with leading companies such as AECOM, Arup, and Atkins.

  • Digital Tools & Software – Use of industry-standard software like AutoCAD, MATLAB, and structural analysis packages.

  • Field Trips – Site visits to construction projects and infrastructure developments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for professional careers in civil engineering, combining strong technical knowledge with practical industry experience. Typical roles include Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Water Engineer, and Project Manager:

  • Career Services – Tailored support including CV guidance, interview preparation, and job search assistance.

  • Industry Partnerships – Collaborations with companies such as AECOM, Arup, and Atkins provide networking and professional opportunities.

  • Employment Outcomes – Around 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with competitive starting salaries.

  • Accreditation – Fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (ICE, IStructE, IHE, CIHT, PWI), supporting progression to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

  • Graduation Outcomes – Graduates leave with strong analytical, design, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can advance to an MEng Civil Engineering, pursue MSc or PhD research, or complete accredited professional training to achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, opening doors to senior engineering and leadership roles.

Program Key Stats

£30570 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 21st Sep


85 %
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

AAA
3.0
36
85

1300
29
6.5
92

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Civil Engineer
  • Environmental Project Leader
  • Project Manager
  • Water Resources Engineer
  • Hydrologist
  • Environmental Engineer

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