BEng Civil Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

The BEng Civil Engineering at Bath offers you a hands-on, creative civil engineering education, where you’ll learn to design sustainable infrastructure while mastering materials, geotechnics, structures and digital tools. It suits students who want to ask tough questions, work in interdisciplinary settings (including architecture), and build real-world skills for designing the built environment.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: In the first year you’ll build your foundations: you study Engineering Mathematics and Computation 1, Structural Mechanics and Materials, Geology, Hydrology and Surveying, and Architectural Engineering 1. You’ll begin working in design studios, exploring materials and structural statics, and develop mathematical & computational skills needed for engineering.

Year 2: Year two deepens your understanding: units such as Civil Engineering Infrastructure 1A: Hydraulics, Soil Mechanics and Foundation Design, Structural Design and Construction, and Transportation give you real tools for infrastructure planning and design. You’ll use computation, lab work and group design tasks to apply theory to concrete engineering problems.

Year 3: In the final year you take on more independent and integrative work: Civil Engineering Infrastructure 2, Structural & Geotechnical Design & Analysis, Joint Design Project, and the BEng Civil Engineering Individual Project. You’ll synthesise what you’ve learned, tackling complex challenges, managing project design, and refining your engineering judgment.

Focus areas: Structures; Geotechnics; Hydraulics; Digital Design; Infrastructure Planning

Learning outcomes: Ability to analyse & design civil engineering systems, integrate sustainability & environmental constraints, apply lab & field methods, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (including ICE etc.), meeting the educational base for Chartered Engineer status.

Reputation (employability rankings): Bath is top ranked for civil engineering teaching satisfaction; 1st for satisfaction with teaching (Guardian University Guide 2025) and high graduate outcome rates with 89% of graduates in high-skilled employment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is designed to give you an exceptional hands-on education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application from your very first week. You'll have access to our outstanding facilities in the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, including our dedicated structures laboratory, hydraulics laboratory, and concrete testing facilities that rival professional industry standards.

Here’s a closer look at the practical opportunities you'll experience:

Industry-Standard Software: You'll gain proficiency in essential professional tools including AutoCAD for technical drawing, Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM), and LUSAS for finite element analysis, ensuring you're industry-ready upon graduation.
Integrated Design Projects: Each year features progressive design projects where you'll work in teams to solve complex civil engineering challenges, developing crucial project management and teamwork skills.
Structures Laboratory: You'll conduct hands-on experiments in our dedicated structures lab, equipped with modern loading frames and testing equipment for analyzing structural behavior and material performance.
Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use our hydraulics lab with its flow channels and wave generation equipment to model water behavior and environmental processes relevant to civil engineering projects.
Concrete and Materials Laboratory: You'll test and analyze construction materials using our comprehensive materials testing equipment, gaining practical insight into material properties and performance.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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

Structural Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Transport Planner
Project Manager

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.