BEng Hons in Civil Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Brighton

Program Overview

The University of Brighton’s BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering program is designed to develop highly skilled engineers ready to create and manage infrastructure that shapes everyday life—from roads and railways to harbours and flood defenses. This course suits students eager to apply technical knowledge in real-world scenarios, collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, and gain professional insights through industry projects and placements.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Students gain a foundation in Engineering Mathematics, Structural Engineering, and Civil Engineering Materials, alongside fieldwork and design projects to develop problem-solving skills.

Year 2: Learning advances with Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics, and Structural Design and Detailing, supported by surveying and laboratory work to link theory with practice.

Year 3: Core knowledge is strengthened through modules such as Transportation Engineering, Soil Mechanics, and Construction Management, focusing on sustainability and real-world applications.

Year 4 (Final Year): Students complete an Individual Research Project and study specialist subjects including Advanced Structural Analysis, Water Engineering, and Professional Engineering Practice, preparing them for graduate-level employment and professional accreditation.

Focus areas

Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, transport infrastructure, project management, environmental sustainability.

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced capabilities to design, analyse, and manage civil engineering projects; apply sustainable engineering principles; use digital tools and modelling software; communicate professionally; and uphold ethical standards.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, including the ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE, and PWI, meeting educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Brighton is recognized for hands-on learning, strong industry links, and graduate career support. Many students secure placements and employment in engineering roles soon after graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is built around a practical, design-led approach to learning, ensuring you develop the hands-on skills and confidence to excel as a civil engineer from the very start of your career. You'll have access to our excellent facilities at our Moulsecoomb campus, which houses modern civil engineering laboratories in the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, including our structures lab, hydraulics equipment, and materials testing facilities where you can test designs and understand material behaviour.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, industry-relevant experience:

Industry-Standard Software: You'll gain proficiency in essential professional tools including AutoCAD for technical drawing, Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM), and specialist analysis software used in civil engineering design.
Brighton Design Projects: A key feature of your degree is the series of group design projects where you'll work in teams to solve complex civil engineering problems, often with a coastal or urban focus, developing crucial project management and teamwork skills.
Structures Laboratory: You will conduct hands-on experiments in our dedicated structures lab, equipped with modern testing frames and equipment for analysing structural components and material performance.
Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use our hydraulics equipment with flow channels and measurement tools to model water behaviour and environmental processes relevant to civil engineering projects.
Geotechnical Engineering Equipment: You'll test soil properties and foundation behaviour using our geotechnical testing apparatus, gaining practical insight into ground engineering principles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in civil and structural engineering, construction, and infrastructure development, with roles such as Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Transportation Engineer, and Project Manager. Strong industry focus and accreditation ensure excellent employability:

Career support through Brighton’s Careers and Employability Service and engineering placement team.
92% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries around £28,000–£34,000.
Industry links with organisations such as BAM Nuttall, Mott MacDonald, and local authorities support placements and graduate jobs.
Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), meeting academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and progression to Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Strong outcomes, with graduates contributing to sustainable and global infrastructure projects.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can progress to an MEng Civil Engineering or postgraduate pathways such as MSc Civil Engineering, MSc Sustainable Construction, or doctoral research (PhD).