BEng in Civil Engineering

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. Your learning is enhanced by industry-standard software and features design projects that address contemporary engineering challenges, giving you valuable experience that employers are looking for.

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.

• Materials Testing: You'll work with our concrete and materials testing equipment to analyse construction materials and their performance characteristics.

• Field Trips: The curriculum includes valuable site visits to construction projects and infrastructure sites across the South West, providing crucial real-world context for your studies.

• Placement Opportunities: You can choose to take an optional salaried industrial placement year, with support from the University's Career Zone to help you secure a role with industry partners.

Graduates of Exeter’s BEng Civil Engineering programme often move into exciting roles such as Civil Engineer, Project Engineer, Transport Consultant, or Infrastructure Designer. Because the degree blends strong academic grounding with real-world exposure—from site visits and field-based learning to project-based modules—you’ll finish ready to solve real engineering challenges with both skill and confidence. 

Here’s how Exeter backs you throughout your journey:

• Career Services & Employability Support
  You’ll benefit from close engagement with employers throughout your studies. Professional engineers visit campus for guest lectures and mock interviews—helping you build confidence and chart your career direction early.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures
  Exeter engineers enjoy strong outcomes: 91% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months. Median salaries are approximately: £28,000 at 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, and £36,500 by year 5—well in line with national trends. 

• University–Industry Partnerships
  Exeter designs its curriculum with input from leading academia and industry. From industry-linked challenge projects to authentic problem-solving work, you’ll graduate armed with both knowledge and practical experience. 

• Accreditation & Long-Term Professional Value
  The degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE), fully meeting the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng)—requiring further accredited learning to complete chartered status. 

• Graduation Outcomes & Recognition
  Civil Engineering is consistently ranked among the top programmes in the UK—Exeter is Top 10 for General Engineering across key league tables, and Top 20 for Civil Engineering. That reputation speaks volumes when you’re stepping into the job market. 

Further Academic Progression:
Once you complete your BEng, here’s how your path can continue to evolve:

• You can advance into an MEng Civil Engineering degree, beginning a more direct route toward full Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.

• You may pursue MSc or PhD-level study in expert areas like water resource management, structural resilience, or vibration engineering—leveraging Exeter's research strengths.

• Alternatively, with accreditation, industry awareness, and a solid academic foundation, you’re well positioned to launch an engineering career with both impact and upward mobility.