4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BEng Civil Engineering Including Placement Year course at the University of Bath is designed for students driven to tackle real-world engineering challenges through innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions. It suits those eager to combine strong technical training with practical industry experience, preparing graduates for a future in leading civil engineering roles.
Curriculum structure:
In the first two years, students build a solid foundation in core subjects such as Materials, Geotechnics, Structural Analysis, and Digital Design, through a mix of lectures, lab work, and collaborative projects that mirror professional engineering teamwork. The third year is a full professional placement, allowing students to apply their engineering knowledge in a real-world environment, build confidence, and develop valuable workplace skills. The final year advances technical expertise through modules like Structural and Geotechnical Design and Analysis, Civil Engineering Infrastructure, and an individual Civil Engineering Project, culminating in the integration of theory and practice.
Focus areas:
Materials science, geotechnics, structures, digital design, project management, sustainable infrastructure.
Learning outcomes:
Proficiency in civil engineering principles, practical design and analysis, professional skills gained from industry experience, project management, teamwork, and communication.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), and Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), fulfilling the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Bath ranks in the QS Top 50 globally for Civil and Structural Engineering and boasts excellent graduate employability supported by extensive industry links.
This programme is specifically designed to give you the ultimate competitive advantage by combining rigorous academic study with a full year of paid professional experience. You'll begin by building your practical foundation in our outstanding Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering facilities, mastering industry-standard software and testing methods in our structures, hydraulics, 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:
Professional Placement Year: You'll spend your third year on a salaried placement with major companies like Arup, Atkins, Balfour Beatty, or Mott MacDonald, 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 LUSAS for finite element analysis, making you immediately valuable to your placement employer.
Structures Laboratory: You'll test structural components using our modern loading frames and testing equipment, gaining practical understanding of material behavior before applying this knowledge in industry.
Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use flow channels and wave generation equipment to model water behavior and environmental processes relevant to civil engineering projects.
Concrete and Materials Laboratory: You'll conduct comprehensive materials testing using our advanced equipment, providing hands-on experience with construction materials analysis.
Integrated Design Projects: In your second year, you'll complete major group design projects, developing the teamwork and project management skills crucial for success during your industrial placement.
Dedicated Placement Support: The University's Placements Office provides specialised support including placement application reviews, interview practice, and exclusive access to opportunities with partner companies.
Field Trips and Site Visits: The programme includes visits to major construction projects and infrastructure sites, giving you practical context for your academic studies and industrial placement.
Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Professional Placement 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.
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