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If you’re someone who loves to get hands-on with creative design and wants to make a real, positive impact on the world, the BEng Civil Engineering degree at the University of Bristol is a fantastic choice. This program doesn’t just teach you engineering—it gives you the skills to solve some of the biggest environmental and infrastructure challenges out there, from designing striking bridges to building water systems that communities rely on, all while learning from experts and using cutting-edge facilities.
Curriculum structure
Year 1:
You'll begin by building a solid foundation in essential topics like math, structures, soil and fluid mechanics, and surveying. Early on, you'll work alongside your classmates on exciting projects inspired by real-world issues, like creating a sustainable bridge model, which helps you start thinking creatively and work as part of a team right from the start.
Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into the practical side of things, learning about designing with steel, concrete, and timber, water management, and ground engineering. You’ll apply what you learn to real challenges, preparing yourself for the kinds of projects you’ll see in the civil engineering industry.
Year 3:
The final year is all about making your mark. You’ll complete an individual research project, choosing an area that excites you, and develop key skills like project management, economics, and risk analysis. This ensures you're ready not only to design great structures but also to lead projects and teams in your future career.
Focus areas:
From sustainable engineering and major infrastructure to smart cities and disaster risk management, you’ll explore various ways to shape our world for the better.
Learning outcomes:
By the time you graduate, you’ll be confident in designing complex projects, managing teams, and delivering sustainable engineering solutions that make a real difference.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This degree is fully accredited by top engineering institutions, which means you’ll be on the path to becoming a chartered engineer, a highly respected qualification in the field.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Ranked first in the UK for Civil Engineering by the Guardian University Guide, Bristol civil engineering grads are highly sought-after by employers in everything from consultancy and construction to public transport and environmental management.
This degree really opens doors for your future career.
Choosing the BEng Civil Engineering degree at the University of Bristol means you’ll get lots of hands-on experience to really understand how things work in the real world. You won’t just learn from books — you’ll get to use some amazing facilities and tools, like a special lab with the biggest earthquake simulator in Europe. This helps you see how buildings and structures behave during earthquakes, which is pretty cool and really useful.
Here’s what you can look forward to with this course:
Work in labs where you test materials like steel, concrete, and timber, and learn about soils and water engineering
Use modern engineering software and surveying tools as part of your projects
Take on a big individual research project in your third year where you get to dive deep into a topic you’re interested in
Start design projects from the very first year, including challenges focused on sustainability
Learn practical skills like project management, budgeting, and understanding risks
Get real-world experience and industry connections through an optional year working in a company
Graduate with a degree that’s recognized by professional engineering bodies, making it easier to become a certified engineer
This degree is great if you want to build smart, safe, and sustainable structures while learning by doing. Plus, the University of Bristol has strong industry links, so you get support to step confidently into your career.
Graduating with a BEng in Civil Engineering from the University of Bristol opens up a lot of great career options. You could work as a civil engineering consultant, a structural engineer, a project manager, or an environmental engineer. Thanks to the hands-on experience and strong industry links you get during the course, employers really value Bristol grads.
Here’s how Bristol helps you get ready for the future:
The university’s Careers Service will help you with things like writing your CV, preparing for interviews, and connecting you with engineering companies.
Many graduates find jobs quickly and earn around £30,000 within about a year after finishing.
You’ll benefit from close ties with industry, including guest lectures and partnerships that keep you up to date with what employers need.
The course is accredited by top professional bodies, meaning your degree is recognized and can help you become a Chartered Engineer.
Graduates find jobs in engineering firms, construction companies, public services, and environmental organizations.
Further Academic Progression:
After your degree, you can choose to keep learning with a master’s or PhD to specialize further or go into research. This also helps if you want to take professional qualifications later, like becoming a Chartered Engineer.
A-level standard offer: A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and a science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Physics; and Electronics.BTEC: D*DD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent), or in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants taking Engineering BTEC may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level MathematicsApplicants are expected to have completed the US High School Diploma along with one of the following combinations to be considered for entry: three AP exams at grade 4 or higher including the required subjects; or the SAT Reasoning Test with a minimum score of 1290 (at least 650 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 620 in Math) plus at least two AP exams at grade 4 or higher including the required subjects; or an ACT score of 27 or higher plus at least two AP exams at grade 4 or higher including the required subjects; or three SAT Subject Tests at 650 or higher including required subjectsEnglish language requirements: If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following: • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills • GCSE English Language grade C or 4 TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. International Baccalaureate -38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and a science-related subject. India- Standard XII grade CBSE/ICSE/State Board - 90% or higher (with a minimum of 75% in Mathematics and Physics and 65% in English) Site EngineerStructural EngineerGeotechnical EngineerTransportation EngineerEnvironmental EngineerWater Resources EngineerConstruction Project EngineerUrban PlannerCivil Design EngineerQuantity SurveyorProject ManagerBuilding Services EngineerInfrastructure EngineerSustainability ConsultantResearcher/Academic
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