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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of BristolThe BEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry at the University of Bristol is perfect if you’re creative and passionate about designing sustainable infrastructure like bridges, buildings, and water systems that shape the world. This program offers a great balance between learning core engineering principles and gaining real work experience through a year-long industrial placement.
Curriculum Structure
Years 1 & 2:
During your first two years, you’ll build a strong foundation in essential engineering topics like mathematics, structures, soil and fluid mechanics, computing, and surveying. You’ll also engage in hands-on projects such as designing and making a model bridge, helping you turn theory into practical skills. Core units include Mathematics for Engineering, Structures, Surveying and Computing, Structural Materials and Design, and Water Engineering.
Year 3 (Industry Placement):
Your third year is spent working in the industry, applying your knowledge to real-world engineering problems. You’ll gain valuable skills, confidence, and professional insights by working with leading employers and experiencing day-to-day civil engineering in practice. The University’s Industrial Liaison Office supports you throughout this placement to make sure you get the most from this opportunity.
Year 4:
Back at Bristol for your final year, you’ll complete a major individual research project and take advanced modules that allow you to focus on your interests, such as project management, entrepreneurship, risk analysis, and engineering economics. You’ll also participate in a group design project that combines all your learning by tackling a realistic, industry-linked challenge.
Focus areas: structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, sustainable design, project management, professional skills development
Learning outcomes: apply engineering principles to design sustainable infrastructure, undertake independent research, manage projects and risks, communicate effectively within teams, and understand engineering business and ethics
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Permanent Way Institution (PWI), and recognized by leading professional bodies in civil engineering
Reputation (employability rankings): Ranked among the top civil engineering programs globally, with graduates highly sought after by engineering consultancies, construction firms, utility companies, and environmental management sectors
When you study BEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry at the University of Bristol, you don’t just learn theory — you get plenty of hands-on experience to build real-world skills. The course gives you access to outstanding facilities, like the most advanced earthquake shaking table in Europe, where you can test and see how structures behave in earthquake conditions. Plus, you’ll have the chance to work on design projects, use industry software, and spend a full year working in an engineering company to apply what you’ve learned on live projects.
Here’s what makes the experiential learning stand out in this program:
Use of world-class laboratories for testing structures, materials, soils, and water systems
Engagement with specialist equipment like advanced surveying tools and structural testing machines
Access to software for engineering analysis, design, and computing used widely in the industry
Collaborative group design projects that tackle real engineering challenges, incorporating sustainability and practical constraints
An entire third year spent working in the industry on placement, gaining professional experience, building networks, and boosting your employability
Supervision and support from the University’s Industrial Liaison Office during your placement year
Access to the University’s engineering libraries and resources for research and project work
Inclusion of professional skill development workshops on project management, entrepreneurship, economics, and risk analysis
This combination of facilities, projects, tools, and real work experience ensures you graduate ready to lead and innovate in civil engineering.
Graduates of the University of Bristol’s BEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry program are highly employable and ready to step into key roles such as civil engineering consultant, structural engineer, project manager, and environmental engineer. The blend of academic study and industry experience equips you with the skills and confidence to thrive in these careers:
The University’s Careers Service offers dedicated support including CV advice, interview practice, networking events, and connections to leading engineering employers.
Civil Engineering graduates from Bristol typically earn around £30,000 within 15 months of graduating, reflecting strong career prospects.
The program has excellent links with industry, including partnerships with civil engineering consultancies, construction firms, utility companies, and public sector organizations that provide placement opportunities and input into the curriculum.
The degree is accredited by major professional bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), ensuring it meets industry standards and supports progression to Chartered Engineer status.
Bristol Civil Engineering graduates find work across a range of sectors including infrastructure design, environmental management, transportation, and renewable energy.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, you can pursue further study such as a master’s or PhD to specialize more deeply or conduct research. This also helps with professional development, including obtaining Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through accredited further learning combined with work experience.
Qualifications: This course is available for transfer onlyGCSE profile requirements: Some undergraduate courses require specific GCSE grades in particular subjects. We refer to these requirements as ‘profiles’. The GCSE profile(s) for each course are stated on the online course finder.English language requirements: Yet to be confirmed.Site EngineerStructural EngineerGeotechnical EngineerTransportation EngineerEnvironmental EngineerWater Resources EngineerConstruction Project EngineerUrban PlannerCivil Design EngineerQuantity SurveyorProject ManagerBuilding Services EngineerInfrastructure EngineerSustainability ConsultantResearcher/Academic
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