BEng Civil Engineering

This programme is built around a practical, industry-focused approach to learning, ensuring you develop the real-world skills and confidence to excel as a civil engineer from the very start of your career. You'll have access to our excellent facilities in the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering at our Docklands Campus, which houses modern civil engineering laboratories, including our structures lab, materials testing equipment, and hydraulics facilities. Your learning is enhanced by industry-standard software and features design projects that address the unique challenges of urban infrastructure, giving you valuable experience that employers in the London market actively seek.

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.

• UEL 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 an 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, particularly relevant to London's complex geology.

• Materials Testing Laboratory: You'll work with our concrete and construction materials testing equipment, learning about material properties and performance characteristics through hands-on experimentation.

• London Site Visits: The curriculum includes valuable site visits to major construction projects and infrastructure sites across London, providing crucial real-world context for your studies.

• Placement Opportunities: You can choose to take an optional salaried industrial placement year, with dedicated support from the University's Careers and Student Enterprise team to help you secure a role with one of our industry partners in the London market.

Graduates of UEL’s BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering programme step confidently into roles like structural engineer, site/project engineer, hydraulic engineer, or geotechnical specialist—with strong industry alignment, creative design skills, and a solid foothold for professional progression. Supportive learning and industry exposure mean you're well equipped for early career impact.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Let’s explore how UEL helps you launch and grow your engineering career:

• University Services to Boost Employability

  • Learning by Doing + Industry Visits: You’ll learn through hands-on projects, physical prototyping, and simulation, plus benefit from visits by top civil engineering professionals who not only advise but often open doors to work opportunities source

  • Mentoring & Employer Connectivity: UEL’s mentorship scheme connects you with professionals from firms like Canary Wharf Group, BT Sport, Barclays, and more to offer guidance on CVs, interviews, and career planning source

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures

  • Student Satisfaction: 100% satisfaction—UEL ranks first in London for “Teaching on my course” and “Learning Opportunities” in the 2024 National Student Survey source

  • Graduate Earnings: Median salary around £25,000 at 15 months, rising to £29,000 at 3 years, and £32,500 by year 5 source

  • Broader Averages: Graduates across UEL typically earn about £27,000 after 15 months, £29,000 at 3 years, and £33,000 after 5 years. source

• University–Industry Partnerships

  • Industrial Advisory Board & Site Exposure: UEL hosts an Industrial Advisory Board with members from Atkins, Waterman Group, Siemens, Careys, Local Authorities, and more, ensuring your learning stays in step with industry needs. You’ll also study iconic London developments—from Canary Wharf Crossrail to Olympic Stadium regeneration—right on your doorstep. source

  • Graduate Employers: Alumni are hired by respected names like Balfour Beatty, Transport for London, Canary Wharf Group, Careys, and Atkins. source

• Long-Term Accreditation Value

  • The degree is fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)—fully meeting the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng), pending further accredited learning source

• Graduation Outcomes

  • With a creative, practical education in a dynamic London setting, top-tier teaching quality, and strong professional links, you’ll graduate equipped for roles such as structural engineers, site managers, infrastructure planners, or design specialists—with both academic confidence and network strength in your corner.

Further Academic Progression:
Post-graduation, many UEL alumni pursue further professional credentials by taking on structured Initial Professional Development (IPD). To aim for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, you can continue your studies at master’s level through accredited MSc Civil Engineering programmes, which build upon your IEng foundation and prepare you for advanced professional recognition—and meaningful leadership in the field.