The Civil and Structural Engineering MEng and BEng programmes at the University of Leeds are designed to prepare students for impactful careers in designing, constructing, and maintaining critical infrastructure. Suitable for those passionate about addressing global engineering challenges, the courses offer a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills across key civil engineering disciplines including structures, fluids, geotechnics, materials, and environmental impact.
Curriculum Structure:
In the first year, students focus on fundamental engineering science with modules such as Architecture and Environment, Engineering Surveying and Construction Technology, and Structural Design and Analysis, establishing a strong technical foundation while applying their knowledge through design projects. The second year dives deeper into technical and analytical skills with courses like Properties of Materials (Water, Soil, Steel, Timber), Engineering Mathematics and Modelling, and Integrated Design Projects that promote teamwork and real-world problem-solving. By the third year, students specialize further in Structural Design, Hydraulics, Geotechnics, and Project Management, culminating in a major independent research project. MEng students progress to a fourth year, undertaking advanced research, technical modules, and an extended dissertation, further enhancing both their knowledge and professional skills.
Focus Areas:
Structures, Fluids, Geotechnics, Materials, Environmental Impact, Surveying, Project Management.
Learning Outcomes:
Technical proficiency, sustainable engineering design, problem-solving, decision-making, collaboration, and ethical professional practice.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), satisfying educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Leeds ranks within the top 51-100 globally for Civil and Structural Engineering according to QS World Rankings, with strong employer connections and excellent graduate employment rates.
This programme is built on a 'design and do' philosophy, ensuring you graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with the hands-on experience and confidence to tackle real-world engineering challenges from day one of your career. You'll learn in our fantastic Sir William Henry Bragg Building, a state-of-the-art facility that houses specialist structures laboratories, concrete testing labs, and hydraulics labs with wave tanks and flumes. Your education is powered by the same industry-standard software used by top global engineering firms, and you'll work on ambitious, real-world projects that bring your learning to life and prepare you for professional practice.
Here’s a closer look at the practical opportunities that define your experience:
Industry-Standard Software: You'll gain expert proficiency in essential professional tools like Tekla for Building Information Modelling (BIM), ANSYS for finite element analysis, and Plaxis for geotechnical design, making you industry-ready upon graduation.
The Leeds Design Challenge: A cornerstone of your final year is this intensive group project, where you'll work in a team to design a solution to a complex, real-world civil engineering problem, developing crucial project management and teamwork skills.
Structures Laboratory: You will conduct hands-on experiments in our dedicated structures lab, equipped with strong floors and modern loading frames, allowing you to test structural components to failure and understand their real-world behavior.
Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use our hydraulics lab, featuring a tilting flume and wave generator, to model water flow, sediment transport, and environmental processes central to civil engineering projects.
Concrete and Materials Laboratory: You will test and analyse the properties of concrete and other construction materials, gaining practical insight into their performance and durability.
Field Trips: The curriculum includes valuable field courses, such as geotechnical site visits to study slope stability and ground conditions, providing crucial real-world context for your studies.
Research-Led Facilities: Your practical work is informed by the cutting-edge research conducted within the School of Civil Engineering, particularly in areas like water, public health, and environmental engineering.
Placement Opportunities: You can choose to take an optional salaried industrial placement year, gaining invaluable experience with major companies like Arup, Atkins, or Network Rail, with dedicated support from the University's Careers Centre.
Progression & Future Opportunities
Graduates from the University of Leeds' Civil and Structural Engineering programmes embark on successful careers in roles such as Assistant Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Engineer, and Site Engineer. These positions are within leading engineering firms, infrastructure projects, and consultancy practices, both in the UK and internationally.
Key aspects to consider:
Career Services & Employability Support: The University offers dedicated employability services, including career advice, CV workshops, and interview preparation, to assist students in securing employment upon graduation.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures: While specific figures for this programme are not detailed, the University's employability services provide data and support to help students understand potential career outcomes.
University–Industry Partnerships: The programme benefits from strong links with industry partners, providing students with opportunities for placements and collaborative projects.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The MEng and BEng degrees are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council, meeting the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) .
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are well-prepared for professional practice, with the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MEng or BEng programme, graduates have the opportunity to pursue further studies, including:
Postgraduate Programmes: Graduates can apply for MSc or PhD programmes in specialized areas of civil and structural engineering.
Professional Development: The accredited MEng degree supports progression towards Chartered Engineer status (CEng), enhancing career prospects and professional recognition.
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