BEng Engineering Civil

The Civil Engineering BEng at UCL is taught through the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP)—a framework designed to make you think and work like a professional engineer from day one. Instead of studying in isolation, you’ll collaborate with students across other engineering disciplines, which mirrors how engineers actually work in the real world. You’ll also have the freedom to personalize your degree by choosing a Minor in an area that interests you, whether inside or outside engineering.

Learning here is never just about lectures. You’ll find yourself in labs testing materials, in design studios solving problems as a team, and even out on site visits to see engineering in action. UCL also brings the industry to you through guest lectures from practicing engineers, so you get insight into what’s happening in the field right now.

Experiential Learning Highlights

• Residential Field Trips (Year 1 & 2): End-of-year trips give you the chance to put theory into practice. In Year 1, you’ll work on surveying, dam design, and environmental assessments in Wales. In Year 2, the focus shifts to construction and project management. These trips are not just hands-on learning—they’re also a lot of fun and a great way to bond with classmates.

• Summer Placements in London: UCL’s strong industry links mean you can secure internships with leading civil engineering companies right in the heart of London. The department helps with CV workshops, interview prep, and career guidance so you’re set up for success.

• State-of-the-art Labs & Tools: From specialist facilities for testing materials to industry-standard engineering software, you’ll get comfortable using the same tools professionals rely on. Coursework is designed so you’re applying these digital and technical skills all the time, not just in isolation.

• Team-based Projects: Many of your assignments will be group projects that simulate real-world engineering challenges. These sharpen your teamwork, project management, and problem-solving skills, preparing you for the collaborative nature of the profession.

• Optional Year in Industry: If you want to take things further, you can spend an additional year working in the industry before your final year of study—giving you an edge when it comes to employability.

• Research & Knowledge Resources: Beyond classes, you’ll have access to UCL’s world-class libraries, labs, and specialist institutes, especially those focused on civil and environmental engineering. This gives you the freedom to explore, experiment, and push beyond the classroom.

Graduating with a Civil Engineering BEng from UCL opens doors to a wide range of career paths, both within traditional engineering and beyond. UCL engineers are known not only for their technical expertise but also for their problem-solving mindset and leadership skills—qualities that employers value worldwide. Many graduates go on to become civil or structural engineers, project managers, or environmental consultants, while others branch out into sectors like government, consulting, and even NGOs, where engineering skills help tackle global challenges.

Support Along the Way
You’re not left to figure it out on your own—UCL’s dedicated Careers team is with you throughout your journey. They offer:

• Workshops to polish key professional skills

• Sector-specific employer fairs where you meet recruiters face-to-face

• One-to-one guidance on career planning

• Help with summer placements and internships to get you real-world experience before graduation

This means by the time you graduate, you’ll already have a strong sense of where you want to go and how to get there.

Strong Graduate Prospects
UCL’s track record speaks for itself:

• 91% of graduates are in further study or graduate-level jobs within 15 months of finishing the program.

• The average starting salary is around £30,000, reflecting the strong demand for UCL-trained engineers.

Industry Connections
UCL’s partnerships with top employers—including ARUP, MACE, Transport for London, Network Rail, the European Space Agency, and even the United Nations—give students direct exposure to industry projects and networking opportunities that can shape their careers.

Professional Accreditation
The program is fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, meeting requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This professional recognition provides a long-term career advantage, making it easier to gain international credibility as an engineer.

Beyond Civil Engineering
One of the biggest strengths of this degree is its flexibility. UCL graduates have gone on to roles in architecture, financial analysis, web design, and management consulting, showing how adaptable the skills you gain here really are.

Further Study Options
For those who want to keep learning, UCL offers a strong pathway into postgraduate study—whether that’s an MSc to deepen technical expertise or a PhD in civil engineering and related fields. Continuing on this path can help graduates specialize, pursue cutting-edge research, and eventually achieve full Chartered Engineer (CEng) qualification.