Civil Engineering with Transport BEng

At Leeds, we believe the best engineers learn by doing. This programme is designed to give you extensive hands-on experience from day one, using our world-class facilities to turn theory into practice. You'll work on real-world transport challenges, using the same specialist software and equipment you'll encounter in your professional career, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and practical skills that top employers are looking for.

Your learning will be brought to life through a variety of practical activities:

• Specialist Laboratories: You'll get hands-on in our extensive labs, including the Structures Lab for testing materials and components, and our dedicated fluids and hydraulics laboratories for modelling water flow.

• Industry-Standard Software: Develop vital digital skills using professional software central to the transport sector, such as Linsig for traffic signal design, AutoCAD for drafting, and SATURN for traffic assignment and modelling.

• Group Design Projects: Tackle authentic, multi-disciplinary challenges through projects like designing a new transport interchange, where you must integrate geotechnical, structural, and transport planning principles.

• Field Classes and Site Visits: Apply your learning in the real world through field trips, which have included visits to major infrastructure projects like the Manchester Smart Motorway scheme to see construction and traffic management in action.

• The Design Studio: Collaborate and innovate in our purpose-built project space, designed for student-led group work, model-building, and developing creative engineering solutions.

• Institute for Transport Studies (ITS): Benefit from the world-leading research and expertise of one of Europe's largest transport research centres, which informs your teaching and provides unique insights into current industry challenges.

• Industrial Placement Year: Gain a competitive edge by applying for a optional salaried industrial placement year, working with renowned companies like Arup, Atkins, Network Rail, or Transport for London.

Graduating from this specialised programme opens doors to a dynamic career shaping the future of our infrastructure and transport networks. Your unique blend of civil engineering and transport expertise will make you highly sought after by top consultancies, government bodies, and contractors. You'll be equipped to tackle global challenges, from designing sustainable transit systems to building resilient highways, ensuring communities are connected and safe.

The typical, rewarding career paths our graduates pursue include:

• Transport Planner: Analysing and designing efficient transport systems, modelling traffic flow, and developing policies for consultancies like Arup or local authorities.

• Highway Engineer: Designing, constructing, and maintaining road networks, ensuring safety and capacity for firms such as Atkins or Kier.

• Graduate Civil Engineer (Transportation): Working on multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects for major players like Network Rail, Jacobs, or Crossrail.

• Public Transport Officer: Developing and managing bus, rail, and mass transit systems for operators like FirstGroup or Transport for London.

Your journey to these roles is powered by the university's dedicated Careers Centre, which offers bespoke support for engineering students through one-to-one advice sessions, CV and interview workshops, and exclusive recruitment fairs like the STEM Careers Fair, where you can meet major employers.

The programme's strength is amplified by the University's deep industry partnerships; the course is informed by the world-leading research of the Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) and benefits from strong links with companies like Arup, Atkins, and Network Rail, who often provide guest lectures and live project briefs.

This industry connection is a key reason why the University of Leeds is ranked 1st in the UK for Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) and 5th for Civil Engineering (Complete University Guide 2024), demonstrating the high regard employers have for our graduates.

The professional accreditation by the Joint Board of Moderators is a critical advantage. It means your degree fully satisfies the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and provides the foundation for you to later pursue Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, a credential that significantly enhances your career authority and long-term earning potential.

Further Academic Progression:

Your BEng provides a perfect springboard for advanced study. Many graduates choose to pursue a Masters degree (MEng) here at Leeds, often via an integrated route, to deepen their expertise and fully meet the educational base for Chartered Engineer status. For those drawn to research, the University offers exceptional opportunities to pursue a PhD within the world-leading Institute for Transport Studies (ITS), contributing to groundbreaking projects on smart mobility and sustainable infrastructure.