The University of Surrey’s BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering program offers a practical, industry-focused education designed to prepare students for a successful career in civil engineering. It is well-suited to individuals passionate about creating and maintaining essential infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, and water systems, with strong emphasis on sustainable and innovative engineering solutions.
Curriculum structure
Year 1: In the first year, students establish a strong foundation in core engineering principles. Modules include Materials and Statics (ENG1101), Numerical and Statistical Methods (ENG2106), and Construction Materials (ENG2100). These courses introduce fundamental concepts essential for understanding the behavior of materials and structures.
Year 2: The second year delves deeper into specialized areas of civil engineering. Students engage in modules such as Integrated Design 2 (ENG2107), Engineering Surveying (ENG2103), and Health and Safety (ENG2105). These courses expand students' understanding of structural design, surveying techniques, and safety management in construction projects.
Year 3: In the third year, students focus on advanced topics and practical applications. Modules include Integrated Design 3 (ENG3138), Individual Project (ENG3135), and Construction Materials (ENG2100). This year emphasizes design projects and the integration of knowledge across various civil engineering domains.
Focus areas
Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water and environmental engineering, construction management, design and project integration.
Learning outcomes
Design, analyse and manage civil engineering projects; apply principles of sustainability and safety; communicate effectively with stakeholders; demonstrate problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
Fully accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), and Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES), meeting requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (employability rankings)
Ranked in the UK’s top 10 for Civil Engineering and within the top 100 globally (ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024), Surrey graduates benefit from strong employer connections and high employability rates, with 100% of civils grads in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2025).
This programme is designed to give you an exceptional hands-on education, blending strong theoretical knowledge with practical application from your very first week. You'll have access to our outstanding facilities in the School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, which includes our dedicated structures laboratory, hydraulics laboratory, and geotechnics research equipment that rivals professional industry standards.
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 LUSAS for finite element analysis, ensuring you're industry-ready upon graduation.
Surrey Design Projects: Each year features progressive design projects where you'll work in teams to solve complex civil engineering challenges, developing crucial project management and teamwork skills valued by employers.
Structures Laboratory: You'll conduct hands-on experiments in our dedicated structures lab, equipped with modern loading frames and testing equipment for analyzing structural behavior and material performance.
Hydraulics Laboratory: You'll use our hydraulics lab with its flow channels and wave generation equipment to model water behavior and environmental processes relevant to civil engineering projects.
Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory: You'll test soil properties and foundation behavior using our advanced geotechnical testing equipment, gaining practical insight into ground engineering principles.
Graduates of Surrey’s BEng Civil Engineering programme frequently move into roles such as Civil Engineer, Design Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Transport Engineer. Because your degree includes a Professional Training placement program, you’ll graduate not only academically skilled but also industry-ready, well-connected, and highly employable:
Career Services & Employability Support
Surrey’s award-winning Careers Service—voted Best University Careers/Employability Service in 2022—offers one-to-one coaching, CV and interview workshops, employer-led networking events, and ongoing placements support through the Professional Training team. International students also benefit from SurreyConnects, a tailored careers hub.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures
100% of civil engineering graduates are in employment or further study shortly after graduation.
Starting salaries average around £31,909. By 15 months post-graduation, median earnings are £31,000, rising to £34,000 after three years and £39,500 within five years—surpassing national averages.
University–Industry Partnerships
Surrey's Professional Training placement scheme connects students with industry-leading employers like Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Costain, Mott MacDonald, WSP, and Arup—often resulting in job offers before graduation.
Accreditation & Long-Term Professional Value
The BEng (Hons) is fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) under institutions like ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE, and PWI. It meets academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) (further accredited learning needed).
Graduation Outcomes & Recognition
Surrey ranks 2nd in the South East and 12th overall in the UK for producing graduates in high-skilled jobs. Over 94% of undergraduates are in work or further study within months of graduation, and 87% describe their roles as meaningful.
Further Academic Progression:
Upon completing your BEng, several strong pathways lie ahead:
Progress to MEng Civil Engineering at Surrey, completing your education for full Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.
Explore MSc or PhD programmes in areas like Sustainable Infrastructure, Transport Engineering, or Environmental Systems—backed by Surrey’s academic and research excellence.
Engage in professional development options that align with your growing expertise and ambition.
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