BEng Civil Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BEng Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter is ideal for students who want to design and develop the infrastructure that shapes everyday life, from buildings and transport systems to sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. The course combines engineering theory with practical experience, giving students the opportunity to explore areas such as structural design, construction, water resources, and digital engineering while developing the skills needed for a successful career in the civil engineering industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the essential principles of engineering and provides a strong foundation in mathematics, science, materials, and design. Through modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, and the Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, students develop technical knowledge while learning how to apply engineering concepts to practical problems through teamwork and project-based learning.

Year 2:
In the second year, students begin to specialise in civil engineering by exploring topics related to structures, construction, materials, and ground engineering. Modules including Soil Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Behaviour, Civil Engineering Practice, Construction Project Management, and the Civil Engineering Challenge Project help students strengthen their design, analysis, and project management skills while working on engineering challenges inspired by real industry scenarios.

Year 3:
The final year focuses on advanced civil engineering applications and prepares students for professional practice through specialist modules and independent project work. Students study areas such as Civil Engineering Hydraulics, Digital Engineering and Building Information Modelling, Geotechnical Engineering and Foundation Design, and Structural Engineering, while completing an Individual Project that allows them to apply their knowledge to a complex engineering challenge.

Year in Industry Option:
Students can choose a Year in Industry pathway, extending the degree to four years and gaining valuable professional experience through a workplace placement. This option allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real engineering environment, build industry connections, and improve their career readiness before graduation.

Focus Areas:

Civil engineering design, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, water resources, sustainable infrastructure, construction management, digital engineering, Building Information Modelling (BIM), engineering projects, materials and mechanics.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop the ability to analyse engineering problems, design safe and sustainable solutions, apply mathematical and scientific principles, use modern engineering tools, manage projects effectively, work collaboratively, and communicate technical ideas clearly. The course also helps students build the practical and professional skills required to succeed in the global civil engineering sector.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The BEng Civil Engineering programme provides students with the academic knowledge and practical skills needed for a professional career in civil engineering. The course is designed to support progression towards professional engineering status and includes industry-focused learning, practical projects, and opportunities to gain professional experience.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Exeter is recognised for its strong academic reputation and career-focused approach to engineering education. The university highlights excellent graduate outcomes, with 96% of UK engineering graduates in employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23. The Civil Engineering course is also ranked 18th in the UK for Civil Engineering in The Guardian University Guide 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is designed to give you a fantastic hands-on education, blending strong theoretical knowledge with practical application right from the start. You'll have access to our excellent facilities in the Harrison Building, which houses modern civil engineering laboratories, including our structures lab, hydraulics equipment, and geotechnics research apparatus, where you can apply theory to real-world scenarios.

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.
Exeter 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, developing crucial project management and teamwork skills.
Structures Laboratory: You will conduct hands-on experiments using our modern testing equipment for analysing structural components and understanding material performance under various conditions.
Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use our flow measurement equipment and hydraulic benches 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

The BEng Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for successful careers by combining technical knowledge with practical engineering experience, problem-solving skills, and industry-focused learning. Graduates leave the programme with the ability to design solutions, manage projects, and contribute to major infrastructure and sustainability challenges across the engineering sector. The university reports that 96% of UK Engineering graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, according to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23.

Graduates can pursue careers such as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Construction Project Manager, Geotechnical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, and Infrastructure Engineer.

The University of Exeter provides strong career support and industry connections to help students transition successfully into professional roles:

Career support and employability services: Students have access to Exeter’s dedicated career services, which provide guidance on career planning, CV development, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and connections with employers. Engineering students can also benefit from industry events, employer interactions, and professional development activities that help them understand different career pathways.
Industry experience opportunities: Students gain practical experience through engineering projects, fieldwork, site visits, and opportunities to undertake placements. The Year in Industry option allows students to complete a paid professional placement, helping them apply their engineering knowledge in a workplace environment, develop industry skills, and build valuable professional networks.
Employment outcomes and salary potential: Civil engineering graduates are highly valued due to continued global demand for infrastructure, sustainable construction, and engineering expertise. The University of Exeter highlights strong graduate outcomes, with 96% of UK Engineering graduates progressing into employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
University–industry partnerships: The programme maintains a strong focus on industry engagement through practical projects, employer involvement, and opportunities to interact with engineering professionals. Students gain exposure to real-world engineering challenges and develop skills that match the expectations of modern engineering employers.
Professional development and long-term accreditation value: The degree provides students with a strong foundation for developing a professional engineering career. The combination of technical knowledge, practical experience, and industry-focused learning supports graduates in progressing towards professional recognition and long-term career advancement within civil engineering.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are equipped for roles across civil engineering, construction, infrastructure, environmental engineering, and related industries. The programme’s emphasis on design, sustainability, digital engineering, and project management helps students develop versatile skills that can be applied across different sectors worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng Civil Engineering, students can continue their education through postgraduate study, such as an MSc in Civil Engineering or related specialist fields. Further study can allow graduates to develop advanced expertise in areas including structural engineering, sustainable infrastructure, digital construction, water engineering, and geotechnical engineering. Students may also choose to progress towards an MEng pathway or other advanced engineering qualifications to strengthen their technical knowledge and professional career opportunities.