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The MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering program at the University of Exeter offers a comprehensive education in civil engineering, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The program is designed for students aiming to become Chartered Engineers, providing a strong foundation in engineering principles and the opportunity to specialise in areas such as structural, environmental, and geotechnical engineering.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundation in Engineering Principles
In the first year, students are introduced to the core principles of engineering. Modules include Engineering Mathematics, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, and Fundamentals of Electronics, providing a broad understanding of engineering concepts. Students also engage in a Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Year 2: Core Civil Engineering Disciplines
The second year delves into core civil engineering topics. Modules such as Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics, and Materials Science build upon the foundational knowledge gained in the first year. Students continue to develop their analytical and design skills through practical projects and coursework.
Year 3: Specialisation and Industry Placement
In the third year, students have the opportunity to specialise in areas of interest. Modules include Advanced Structural Analysis, Sustainable Engineering, Water and Environmental Systems, and Hydroinformatics Tools. The program includes a paid placement year in business or industry, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their learning in real-world settings.
Year 4: Advanced Topics and Individual Project
The fourth year focuses on advanced topics and prepares students for professional practice. Modules such as Performance-Based Design Under Dynamic Loading, Smart Civil Structures, and Design of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Structures deepen students' expertise. Students undertake a substantial individual project, demonstrating their ability to integrate and apply their knowledge to complex engineering problems.
Focus areas- Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources and pollution control, project management, and digital engineering.
Learning outcomes- Acquire technical proficiency in civil engineering disciplines; effectively design and manage infrastructure projects; apply digital and computational techniques; communicate complex ideas within multidisciplinary teams; understand sustainability and ethical engineering practice.
Professional alignment (accreditation)- This BEng is fully accredited by professional bodies such as the Joint Board of Moderators (Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, Institute of Highway Engineers), meeting the requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (employability rankings)- Exeter ranks 20th in the UK for Civil Engineering in The Guardian University Guide 2025 and 8th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, with 91% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation (HESA).
Focus areas- Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources and pollution control, project management, digital engineering.
Learning outcomes- Acquire technical proficiency in civil engineering disciplines; effectively design and manage infrastructure projects; apply digital and computational techniques; communicate complex ideas within multidisciplinary teams; understand sustainability and ethical engineering practice.
Professional alignment (accreditation)- This BEng is fully accredited by professional bodies such as the Joint Board of Moderators (Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, Institute of Highway Engineers), meeting the requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (employability rankings)- Exeter ranks 20th in the UK for Civil Engineering in The Guardian University Guide 2025 and 8th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, with 91% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation (HESA)
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.
Graduates of Exeter’s MEng 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.
A-Level- AAB-ABB- GCE A-Level Maths grade B and another science* subject at grade B. Candidates may offer A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further MathsIB- 34-32 HL5 in Mathematics (Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretations) and HL5 in another Science subject. Applicants achieving IB Maths SL7 plus IB HL5 in Physics will also be considered.A minimum overall score of around 80% in Class 12 (CBSE/ICSE/ State Board examinations). Strong marks in key subjects, typically 75-80% or above in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.USA- AP requirement - 5,5,4 or 5,4,4 with GPA of 3.3TOEFL: 90 with minimum scores of 20 in speaking and 18 for writing, listening and reading.IELTS: 6.5 overall and no less than 5.5 in any sectionGCSE: 4 or C Grade 4/C in GCSE English languageCivil Engineers and Non-Engineering Careers such as LawMedicineManagement and Fiinance
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University of Exeter
