BEng Hons Civil Engineering

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Key facts

  • UCAS Code: H200
  • Accreditation: Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation & Institute of Highway Engineers
  • Study abroad: opportunity to study abroad in Year 3

  • Second-year entry: available for suitably-qualified students

Study with us

  • unique opportunities to participate in industry-led problem-based learning and mentoring
  • only Civil Engineering department in Scotland to hold an Athena Swan Silver award
  • professionally accredited courses and academic partnership with the Institution of Civil Engineers
  • groups design projects related to developed and emerging countries
  • student successes in national competitions

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the:

  • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
  • Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
  • Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)
  • Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)

on behalf of the Engineering Council as:

  • fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
  • partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng)

A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. See Joint Board of Moderators website for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.

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Why this course?

Civil engineering develops and improves facilities and services that society needs – from the supply of clean water and energy to the design and construction of roads, railways and stations.

Tall buildings such as the Shard in London or the new Queensferry Bridge across the Firth of Forth are exciting examples of civil engineering.

Graduates of our civil engineering degrees develop and renew towns and cities, and improve links with more remote communities.

Solving problems of air, land and water pollution and protecting society against natural disasters are also important aspects of civil engineering.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

Undergraduate courses in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering follow a common structure in Years 1 to 3. Five core threads run through the curriculum:

  • structural engineering
  • geotechnical engineering
  • water engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • transport & construction

In the later years of study, the course provides graduates with knowledge and skills in these five core areas.

Year 1

You'll study Foundations of civil engineering, including mathematics, engineering mechanics, civil engineering design, computing, professional skills and geology.

Year 2

The second year of study focuses on structural engineering, soil mechanics, hydraulics & hydrology, chemistry & materials and surveying.

Years 3 & 4

In the third and fourth years, you'll study structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, environmental engineering, transport planning and engineering, construction management and undertake a project dissertation. There is an increased emphasis on design and project work in the final two years of study.

Induction course and mentoring

We run an induction course for first-year students, designed to make them feel at home in the department. We also run a student mentoring system, whereby senior students mentor new students and senior students are, in turn, mentored by civil engineering graduates. These activities highlight our commitment to teamwork, which we believe is a core strength of our courses.

Work placement

Many companies offer summer placements for students at the end of Years 3 and 4. Some of these placements are tied to continuing sponsorship programmes.

The Department will help you develop knowledge of industry through its mentoring scheme and personal development planning.

Year 3 students have the opportunity to study within the EU as part of the Erasmus scheme or further afield on international exchange, usually in the second semester.

Student competitions

As part of the curriculum, Year 3 students will take part in the Engineers Without Borders Challenge.

In the past, our students have also participated in annual design competitions run by the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers along with competitions such as the BP Ultimate Field Trip Challenge. 

Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation logo
Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation logo
Institution of Civil Engineers logo
Institution of Civil Engineers logo
Institute of Highway Engineers logo
Institute of Highway Engineers logo
Institute of Structural Engineers logo
Institute of Structural Engineers logo

Assessment

We assess students individually and in groups, using a mix of methods ranging from class exams, coursework, laboratory reports and design submissions. Engineers are expected to be able to communicate well – orally, in writing and through drawing/sketching. Our assessment, therefore, seeks to test this range of skills.

Learning & teaching

Our learning and teaching aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to build a successful career as an engineer.

Our teaching methods include:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • student-led seminars
  • group projects
  • laboratory work
  • fieldwork

Our courses also benefit from specialist lectures, case studies and supervision, which is provided by representatives of our industrial partners. 

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Course content

Structural Mechanics & Materials 1

This class aims to provide a basic introduction to the mechanics of structures, engineering materials, and the basic principles of structural behaviour.

Civil Engineering Design Projects

To provide an introduction to the design process for civil and structural engineering projects including an introduction to engineering drawing and AutoCad. You'll apply previous skills and knowledge learned to design, construct and test a model of a bridge.

Basic Mechanics & Fluid Statics

The class introduces the essential principles of mechanics. It includes kinematics, dynamics and fluid statics. The aim is to lay the foundation for subsequent modules including hydraulics and water engineering.

Engineering Geology & Soil Mechanics

This class aims to introduce key aspects for engineering geology for civil engineering and basic concepts of soil mechanics.

Civil Engineering & the Environment

This class aims to introduce you to the structure, processes, technologies, practices and impacts of the construction industry and to the assessment and management of environmental risks.

Structural Mechanics & Materials 2

This class introduces you to advanced topics in structural engineering and limit state design.

Land Surveying & Mapping

This class provides a basic understanding of the concepts and application of land surveying for civil engineering purposes and the use of maps and plans in civil engineering.

Hydraulics & Hydrology

This class aims to develop understanding of applied hydraulics in civil engineering including simple examples of pipe and open channel flow and control structures and develop an understanding of the processes underlying catchment hydrology.

Soil Mechanics

This class aims to aims to give an introduction to the governing principles of geotechnical engineering, in particular stress and settlement analysis and groundwater flow.

Chemistry & Materials Science

This class aims to provide practical insights to fundamental chemistry and materials science and their roles in a wide range of civil and environmental engineering applications.

Structural Engineering 1

This class develops the theory and practice of analysis of statically indeterminate structures followed by an introduction to structural steelwork design, reinforced concrete design and the principles of structural timber design.

Geotechnical Engineering 1

This class aims to aims to give an introduction to the governing principles of geotechnical design at the ultimate limit state.

Water Engineering 1

This class aims to introduce common concepts, applications and design calculation methods used in water engineering and hydrology.

Construction Project Management

Provides an introduction to:

  • the principles of management within construction organisations
  • the principles of project management within the construction industry
  • financial monitoring & control of projects and businesses within the construction industry
  • economic principles underlying decision making by firms in the construction industry
  • construction innovation and competitiveness
  • personal & professional development

Environmental Engineering

This class aims to provide an introduction to environmental engineering including air, water, ground and subsurface systems as well as environmental impact assessment.

Engineering Mathematics

This class aims to aims to give an introduction to differential and integral calculus, differential equations and statistics and probability and develop applications relevant to civil and environmental engineering.

Transport Engineering

This class aims to introduce you to key principles, theory and techniques used in the analysis and design of transport systems.

Structural Engineering 2

This class aims to introduce you to the conceptual and detailed design of whole structures. You'll work in small groups to prepare the conceptual design of a multi storey building, followed by preparation of an individual coursework for the detailed design of typical elements including analysis and technical design.

Geotechnical Engineering 2

This class aims to cover the design of geotechnical structures from shallow foundations to slopes and retaining walls, based on Eurocode 7.

Water Engineering 2

This class aims to develop an understanding of a wide range of water engineering theory and processes including hydraulic structures, complex free surface flows, water treatment and wastewater treatment processes.

Prestressed Concrete, Stability & Steel Design

The overall aim of the class is to provide strong skills in the structural behaviour, analysis and design of civil engineering structures.

Project Planning

This class aims to provide you with experience of planning and managing small-scale projects.

Individual Project

This class aims to undertake an individual research investigation, including a literature study, critical assessments and original research work, which is presented in the form of a dissertation and poster.
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BEng Hons Civil Engineering entry requirements

Entry requirements for our BEng Hons Civil Engineering degree are as follows.

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

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Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

AAAB / AABBB

(Maths A OR Maths B & 1 Science at A or B)

Minimum entry requirements**:

BBBB

(Maths A OR Maths B & 1 Science at A or B)

A Levels

Year 1 entry: ABB-BBB
Year 2 entry: AAA-ABB

(Maths A OR Maths B & 1 Science at A or B)

International Baccalaureate

Year 1 entry: 34-32

(Maths HL5 & 1 science subject HL5)

Year 2 entry: 36-34

(Maths HL6 & 1 science subject HL6)

HNC/HND

Year 1 entry: HNC Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or Construction Engineering with A in Graded Unit and pass in Maths for Construction

Year 2 entry: HND, subjects as for HNC, with BA in Graded Units and pass in Maths for Construction

International students

View the entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.

Science subjects

Science subjects accepted are:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering Science
  • Human Biology
  • Physics
Additional information
  • deferred entry is accepted
  • SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted instead of Higher Mathematics
  • both IB Higher Level Mathematics pathways are accepted

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Athena Swan Gold award - Gender charter

We've been awarded the Athena Swan Gold Award for our commitment to improve equality, and being an inclusive and supportive place to work and study.

Contextual Admissions for Widening Access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background.

Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential, and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

University preparation programme for international students

We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. ​

Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

Stavros Boutsikos, Civil Engineering student
I came from Greece to study in Scotland and the University is preparing me for a career as a civil engineer by combining studies with work experience. The University Careers Service has helped me with my CV and provided information about job opportunities. As an international student a part-time job is a great way to socialise.
Stavros Boutsikos
Civil Engineering student
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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

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Scotland

£1,820

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,250

Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2024/25, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.

Republic of IrelandIf you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.
International

£26,700

Additional costs

Course materials & costs 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All students need this equipment to take part in field trips and site visits, some of which contribute to assessed work. 

  • approximate costs £40 to £50

Placements & field trips

  • optional - constructionarium £50
  • compulsory - outward bound no fee but charge for no show £300

International students: International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

How can I fund my studies?

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Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.

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Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

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International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

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Careers

Our graduates’ ability to fit quickly and productively into teams in industry makes them highly employable. Many graduates work not only in civil engineering and construction but also in areas such as oil and gas, renewable energy, business and accountancy.

Some of our graduates also continue into postgraduate research.

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Apply

Start date:

Civil Engineering (1 year entry)

Start date:

Civil Engineering (1 year entry)

Start date: Sep 2025

Civil Engineering (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

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Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde at this time.

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Contact us

Faculty of Engineering

Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5484

Email: eng-admissions@strath.ac.uk

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