Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)

This program is designed to transform theoretical knowledge into tangible skills through a hands-on, practical approach from day one. You'll have access to world-class facilities that mirror a professional engineering environment, allowing you to test materials, model complex designs, and tackle real-world challenges. Your learning will be powered by industry-standard software and include collaborative projects that build not just your technical expertise, but also your teamwork and communication skills—exactly what employers are looking for.

Here’s how you’ll learn by doing:

• Industry-Standard Software: You'll gain proficiency in essential tools like AutoCAD for 2D and 3D design, Revit for Building Information Modelling (BIM), and specialist analysis software such as LUSAS for finite element analysis of structures, giving you a significant advantage in the job market.

• Group Design Projects: A core part of your degree involves team-based design projects, such as the renowned Forth Bridge Design Project, where you'll work collaboratively to solve complex engineering problems and present your solutions.

• Specialist Laboratories: You will conduct experiments in our dedicated Structures Laboratory, which includes a strong floor and reaction wall for testing large-scale structural components, and our Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, equipped for testing soil properties and foundation behavior.

• Field Trips: The curriculum includes valuable field trips to iconic Scottish engineering sites, such as a visit to the Forth Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to study real-world applications of design and construction principles.

• Digital Fabrication: You can bring your designs to life using the advanced equipment at the University's MakerSpace, including 3D printers and laser cutters, for creating detailed models and prototypes.

• Dedicated Resources: You will have access to the King's Buildings Campus Library, which holds extensive collections in engineering and physical sciences, providing all the specialist journals and texts you'll need for your studies.

• Research Institutes: Your learning is informed by the cutting-edge work of our Institute for Infrastructure and Environment, a leading centre of research where academics are addressing global challenges in water systems, sustainable construction, and resilient infrastructure.

A degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Edinburgh opens doors to a global career where you can literally build the future. Our graduates are highly sought-after for their strong technical and problem-solving skills, going on to work with top consulting firms, contractors, and government agencies around the world on projects that make a real difference. The professional accreditation of this degree means you're not just getting a qualification—you're starting your journey to becoming a Chartered Engineer.

Here’s how we prepare you for what comes next:

• Dedicated Careers Service: You'll have access to the University's Edinburgh Careers Service for the rest of your life. They offer one-on-one advice, CV workshops, and exclusive events like the annual Engineering Career Fair, where you can meet and network with top graduate employers directly on campus.

• Strong Employment Outcomes: According to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey, our engineering graduates are highly successful. The University reports that a significant majority of our School of Engineering graduates are in professional-level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

• Industry Partnerships: The School of Engineering has strong links with major industry players like Jacobs, Arup, Mott MacDonald, and Balfour Beatty. These partnerships often feed into your curriculum through guest lectures, live project briefs, and sponsorship opportunities, giving you invaluable industry insight.

• Path to Chartered Status: This BEng is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), providing the first step towards becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You'll need to complete a period of further learning (like our integrated Masters, MEng) and gain practical experience, but this degree is your essential foundation.

• Diverse Graduate Roles: Our graduates quickly move into exciting roles such as Graduate Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Project Manager, and Water Resources Consultant, working on everything from sustainable infrastructure to disaster resilience projects.

Further Academic Progression:
This BEng degree provides an excellent platform for further study. Many of our students choose to stay at Edinburgh to pursue an integrated MEng in Civil Engineering, which is the most direct route to becoming a Chartered Engineer. The university also offers a range of specialised MSc programmes, such as Structural and Fire Safety Engineering or Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Management, allowing you to become an expert in your chosen field. Your strong foundation also makes you a competitive candidate for PhD research programmes right here at Edinburgh, where you can contribute to cutting-edge engineering discoveries.