4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The Civil and Environmental Engineering (Industrial) BEng at the University of Leeds is a vibrant, four-year degree designed for students passionate about building sustainable infrastructure and tackling environmental challenges. This program uniquely combines academic learning with a year-long industrial placement, giving you hands-on experience and a strong foundation for a professional engineering career.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you will build a solid foundation in core engineering principles. You’ll explore subjects such as Engineering Mathematics, Materials Science, and Surveying and Geotechnics. Practical sessions and introductory design projects help you develop essential problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Year 2
The second year moves into more specialized topics like Structural Analysis and Design, Water and Wastewater Engineering, and Environmental Engineering Principles. You’ll engage in laboratory work and collaborative projects that allow you to apply theory to real-world challenges.
Year 3
Year three is all about gaining real-world experience through a paid industrial placement. This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge in professional settings, understand workplace dynamics, and build connections that will enhance your employability after graduation.
Year 4
The final year focuses on advanced and specialized areas such as Advanced Structural Engineering, Sustainable Infrastructure Systems, and Engineering Project Management. You’ll complete an individual research project and take part in integrated design projects, preparing you for professional practice and future leadership in engineering.
Focus Areas : Sustainable Infrastructure, Environmental Protection, Structural Integrity, Water and Wastewater Management, Civil Engineering Design, Professional Practice, Industrial Experience
Learning Outcomes : Analytical Problem-Solving Skills, Technical Proficiency in Engineering Tools, Understanding of Sustainable Practices, Ability to Work Collaboratively in Teams, Effective Communication Skills, Project Management Capabilities, Preparedness for Professional Accreditation
Professional Alignment : This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council, meaning it meets the standards required for Chartered Engineer status. This alignment connects students to major professional bodies in the UK, including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).
Reputation : The University of Leeds is recognized among the top UK universities for Civil Engineering, reflecting the program’s quality in teaching, research, and graduate employability. Its strong reputation ensures that graduates are well-regarded by employers both nationally and internationally.
The Civil and Environmental Engineering (Industrial) BEng at the University of Leeds places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. From the very first year, students get the chance to apply what they learn in lectures to real-world problems, using modern labs, design studios, and industry-standard tools. The program’s year-long industrial placement offers an invaluable opportunity to work in a professional engineering environment, helping students gain both experience and confidence before graduation.
By combining classroom knowledge, lab work, and professional experience, students are fully prepared to take on the challenges of a career in civil and environmental engineering.
Key Experiential Learning Opportunities:
Specialized Laboratories and Design Studios: Students can work in labs dedicated to structures, materials, geotechnics, and public health engineering. Design studios and computing labs are equipped with professional software such as Revit for Building Information Modelling, IES for dynamic thermal modelling, and Robot for structural analysis.
Integrated Design Projects (IDPs): Throughout the degree, students collaborate on design projects that simulate real engineering challenges. These projects encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and direct engagement with industry practices.
Industrial Placement Year: The paid placement gives students hands-on experience with leading engineering companies, helping them build professional networks and develop practical skills that employers value.
Fieldwork Opportunities: Students take part in field trips and site visits, allowing them to see engineering in action and understand how classroom learning translates to real-world situations.
Computing and Library Resources: Extensive libraries and state-of-the-art computing facilities support research, project work, and independent learning throughout the course.
These experiences ensure that by the time students graduate, they are not only technically skilled but also confident and workplace-ready, giving them a strong advantage as they enter the engineering profession.
Graduates from the Civil and Environmental Engineering (Industrial) BEng at the University of Leeds leave ready to make an impact in the engineering world. With strong technical knowledge, hands-on experience from industrial placements, and a focus on sustainability, alumni often step into roles such as Structural Engineer, Environmental Consultant, Project Manager, or Design Engineer. These positions are available across construction firms, environmental consultancies, utility companies, and government agencies.
Building on this strong foundation, students also benefit from:
University Career Support: Leeds provides dedicated services through initiatives like Leeds for Life, offering one-on-one career advice, workshops, and networking opportunities with industry professionals to help students land the right roles.
Graduate Success: Many graduates quickly move into graduate-level positions; recent surveys show nearly all UK-based civil engineering alumni secure relevant employment within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Industry Connections: The program works closely with leading firms such as Mott Macdonald, JN Bentley, and Balfour Beatty, giving students hands-on experience, mentorship, and valuable professional contacts.
Professional Accreditation: The BEng is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), helping graduates meet the requirements for becoming an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and moving toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Career Outcomes: Alumni pursue careers in structural and civil engineering, environmental consulting, project management, design engineering, and other related fields, both in the UK and internationally.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng, graduates can continue their studies with advanced degrees like an MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering, an MSc in Structural Engineering, or even a PhD in Civil Engineering. These options allow students to specialize further, pursue research, and enhance their professional prospects.
This combination of practical experience, professional support, and future-focused opportunities ensures graduates are not just job-ready—they’re set to thrive in their chosen careers.
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