BEng Hons Environmental Engineering including an Industrial Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The BEng Hons Environmental Engineering including an Industrial Year at the University of Nottingham is designed for students passionate about creating sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. This program combines core engineering principles with hands-on industrial experience, preparing graduates for professional roles in environmental management, engineering consultancy, and sustainability projects.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1 : students establish a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and environmental science through modules such as Environmental Engineering Principles, Fluid Mechanics, and Environmental Chemistry. Emphasis is placed on understanding basic engineering processes, laboratory techniques, and introductory problem-solving skills.

Year 2 : builds on this knowledge with modules like Water and Wastewater Engineering, Thermodynamics, and Sustainable Energy Systems, integrating group projects and practical laboratory work to explore real-world environmental engineering challenges.

Year 3 : focuses on advanced topics such as Environmental Risk Assessment, Pollution Control, and Project Management, along with an industrial placement year where students gain hands-on experience in professional engineering settings.

Year 4 : students consolidate their learning with a major research or design project, applying engineering principles to complex environmental problems and developing professional-level technical and analytical skills.

Focus Areas: Environmental engineering, sustainable design, water and wastewater management, pollution control, environmental risk assessment, industrial experience.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop practical and analytical skills in environmental problem-solving, professional engineering design, industrial project management, and sustainable development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), supporting recognition in professional engineering careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Nottingham is highly regarded for engineering programs, with strong graduate employability and links to industry-leading companies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng Hons Environmental Engineering with an Industrial Year at the University of Nottingham is designed to equip students with both technical knowledge and practical experience in tackling environmental engineering challenges. Students gain hands-on skills in water, waste, and energy systems, while also benefiting from a full year in industry to apply their learning in a professional setting.

During the program, students develop practical skills through modern laboratories, specialized software, and real-world projects. The Industrial Year provides direct exposure to workplace environments, allowing students to understand project management, teamwork, and professional standards in environmental engineering. Key experiential opportunities include:

Field trips and site visits to water treatment plants, renewable energy facilities, and environmental monitoring sites.
Laboratory work in dedicated engineering labs, including soil, water, and air quality testing facilities.
Industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and environmental modeling tools for simulations and analysis.
Group projects and collaborative assignments that mirror real-world engineering challenges.
Industrial placement during the third year, providing hands-on experience with professional engineers and networking opportunities.
Access to university research institutes and libraries for in-depth project research.
Workshops and seminars led by industry experts to enhance practical understanding.

This combination of structured learning, digital tools, field exposure, and an industrial placement ensures graduates are not only technically capable but also workplace-ready.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BEng Hons Environmental Engineering with an Industrial Year at the University of Nottingham leave equipped with the practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional experience to excel in a wide range of environmental and engineering roles. They are prepared to tackle real-world challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and environmental management, bridging academic study with industry-ready expertise:

University Employability Services: Nottingham Careers and Employability Service offers tailored guidance, CV workshops, mock interviews, and networking opportunities to help students secure placements and graduate roles.
Employment stats & salary figures: Engineering graduates from Nottingham have strong employability, with many securing roles within six months; average starting salaries range from £27,000–£32,000 depending on sector.
University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like Arup, WSP, and local environmental consultancies provide students with industrial exposure, internships, and project-based experience.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by professional bodies such as the IET and IChemE, supporting recognition for Chartered Engineer status after further experience.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates move into roles such as Environmental Consultant, Water Resource Engineer, Waste Management Engineer, and Sustainability Officer, among others.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue advanced studies such as an MSc or MEng in Environmental or Civil Engineering, Sustainability, or specialized research programs, enhancing expertise and opening doors to senior technical or management positions in industry and academia.