If you’ve ever looked at a bridge, a skyline, or a transport network and thought about how you could be part of shaping the future, then Civil Engineering at Manchester is the path for you. This programme isn’t just about theory—it’s about building, creating, and solving real problems. From day one, you’ll be immersed in projects that combine technical knowledge with creativity and sustainability, preparing you to tackle the challenges of modern society.
At Manchester, one of the UK’s most respected universities, you’ll learn in world-class facilities, supported by leading academics who bring their research and industry experience straight into the classroom. Employers are actively looking for graduates with this blend of knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience—something Manchester does best.
What You’ll Study
Year 1 – Laying the Foundations
Your journey begins with the core building blocks: Structural Mechanics, Engineering Mathematics, Construction Materials, and Surveying. But it won’t just be textbooks—you’ll get straight into design projects and lab sessions, applying your learning to real-life engineering problems.
Year 2 – Growing Your Expertise
In second year, you’ll tackle specialist areas such as Geotechnics, Fluid Mechanics, Structural Design, and Project Management. You’ll work on team-based design challenges while exploring how civil engineering can help solve big issues like sustainability and resilient infrastructure.
Year 3 – Shaping the Future
By your final year, it’s time to focus on the topics that matter most for the world ahead—like Renewable Energy Systems and Resource Efficiency. Alongside this, you’ll complete an individual research project and dive into advanced modules such as Structural Analysis and Infrastructure Design, preparing you for either professional practice or postgraduate study.
Focus Areas
Sustainability and green infrastructure
Innovative and future-ready design
Leadership and project management
Tackling global challenges through engineering
What You’ll Gain
By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to:
Design, analyze, and manage civil engineering projects confidently
Lead teams, work across disciplines, and think creatively
Apply your skills to pressing social and environmental challenges
Accreditation & Professional Standing
This degree is fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), representing top institutions such as the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers. It meets requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and forms a strong foundation if you want to progress to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Career Prospects & Reputation
Manchester ranks among the Top 6 universities in the UK for Civil Engineering (QS 2025). Employers consistently seek out Manchester graduates, with the university named one of the most targeted by top recruiters in the UK (THE Graduate Market 2024). Within 15 months of graduation, civil engineering graduates from Manchester report a median salary of £29,600—a solid start to a successful career.
Students in the BEng Civil Engineering program at The University of Manchester gain hands-on skills through immersive, real-world experiences across every year of study, supported by cutting-edge labs, digital tools, and industry partnerships. Working on design projects, mastering state-of-the-art equipment, collaborating in group work, and having access to industry-leading software, students graduate with the practical expertise that today’s employers demand. Here’s a closer look at experiential learning in this program:
Students develop practical skills and confidence by using:
Design projects every year, emphasizing teamwork and real-world problem solving.
Access to specialist laboratories, including:
Concrete Labs
Hydraulic Labs
High Voltage Lab
National Instruments Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory
Robust industry links enabling work experience and company visits for career progression.
Modern digital tools and computer clusters equipped with industry-standard civil engineering software.
Final year individual research project with access to advanced research facilities and guidance from faculty experts.
Field work and site visits as part of the curriculum (details and costs confirmed by year two).
Extensive library and online information services for research and study support.
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with peers in Manchester’s large, dynamic engineering community.
Student societies like the Civil Engineering Society, fostering networking, leadership, and extra-curricular engagement.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Civil Engineering program at The University of Manchester are highly sought-after, securing rewarding roles in a vital industry shaping society’s infrastructure. Typical positions include Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager, and Sustainability Consultant:
The University of Manchester’s award-winning Careers Service supports employment through career events, company visits, tailored advice on pathways, internships, and graduate jobs.
According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey (2021), the median salary for Civil Engineering graduates is around £29,600 within the first 15 months post-graduation.
The School of Engineering maintains strong partnerships with leading firms like Arup, AECOM, Atkins, Buro Happold, Mott McDonald, and Network Rail, boosting work experience and employment prospects.
The degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, fully meeting educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, providing long-term professional recognition.
Graduation outcomes demonstrate a high demand for graduates, many quickly progressing to senior engineering roles or chartership.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the BEng, students may choose to extend their qualification by pursuing integrated or standalone Master’s degrees (like the MEng Civil Engineering) to satisfy Chartered Engineer (CEng) status fully. Alternatively, civil engineering graduates can explore specialist postgraduate programs in areas such as structural engineering, environmental engineering, or sustainable infrastructure to deepen expertise and enhance career advancement.
This program not only equips students with technical skills but also embeds social responsibility and sustainability, preparing graduates for impactful, future-focused careers in civil engineering at one of the UK's top-ranked universities for this field
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