About this course

Civil engineering is essential to the the sustainable future development of society. It explores everything from the engineering of buildings and road planning, to water supply and coastal defence. This BEng Civil Engineering course provides a solid grounding in civil engineering design and application. You'll develop the skills necessary to design and build creative solutions in the built environment, infrastructure and cities.

On this course you’ll learn essential principles, such as:

mechanics
structures
materials
thermofluids
geotechnics
hydraulics
structural design

You’ll also study construction management and the real-world applications of civil engineering. This covers topics such as risk management and health and safety.

You'll have the opportunity to:

apply analytical techniques and problem-solving skills to engineering problems
develop technical design skills, such as sketching, computer-aided design (CAD) and model-making
develop surveying, construction practice and computer programming skills
take part in the Constructionarium challenge, where you'll get practical construction experience and build scaled-down versions of famous structures
learn about the latest industry developments as they happen
apply to our SUCCESS scholarship scheme, with opportunities for work placements and an annual bursary

This programme incorporates hands-on experience in our modern facilities. This includes our £48m National Infrastructure Laboratory and our:

testing and structures research lab
geotechnics lab
large structures testing lab
hydraulic flumes
Jaguar Land Rover driving simulator
dedicated student design studios and workshops

Design is integral to our courses. You'll take part in laboratory sessions and design projects throughout your degree to put your knowledge into practice. These are often based on the requirements of a real site and a real client, with the opportunity to showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show.

Visit our Design Show blog to see examples of our students’ design work.

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.

Apply using:

Course name: Civil Engineering with Industrial Placement Year
UCAS code: H20P

You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

Follow our students on Instagram

Get a student's perspective on our Civil Engineering undergraduate degrees by following our student Instagram page.

Accreditations

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Candidates must hold a masters or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration.

Learn more about accreditation and Further Learning programmes for CEng on the Joint Board of Moderators website.

This course is accredited by:

Course locations

This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA including mathematics

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme as follows:
ABB including mathematics (minimum grade B)

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

BTEC contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
are a mature student with relevant experience or study

You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.

Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.

Foundation programmes for international students

A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.

Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

You'll learn the fundamentals of civil engineering across all 3 years of the course. You'll also take design modules, where you'll apply your engineering knowledge.

You do not need to select your modules when you apply. We can help you customise your course.

Year 1 overview

The first year provides a solid grounding in the fundamental engineering science, as well as the basis of civil engineering.

Core modules cover:

mathematics
mechanics, structures and materials
design and computing
thermofluids

We'll introduce key design skills, such as sketching model-making and computing, through workshops and a design and manufacture project. These will also help you develop skills like:

observation
critical thinking
team work
communication

At the end of the year you'll take part in the Constructionarium, a week-long activity in Norfolk.

Year 2 overview

You'll further develop your core design and civil engineering skills.

You’ll study the Liveable Cities module, exploring the liveability in a city, with specific sessions including urban design, waste management, transport, energy, as well as site visits.

A group design project will build on your design skills from year 1 and learning from Liveable Cities. You’ll design a significant physical engineering change to a city, for instance a bridge or flooding scheme, and develop the deployment plan.

You'll also study topics that include:

maths and statistics
structural analysis and design
materials
soil mechanics
hydraulics

Year 3 overview

We introduce highway and traffic engineering in your final year, and you'll explore structural stability and geotechnics in more depth. You can also choose from specialist modules including urban design, environmental hydraulics, railway engineering and human factors in engineering.

You’ll apply your knowledge to the design and solution of practical problems. You’ll take part in a group design project and attend guest lectures from industry.

An individual research project allows you to explore your own areas of interest.

Recent student projects have included:

exploring how engineering can interface with artificial intelligence to improve the operation of the things we construct
a project that directly contributed to the upgrade of a municipal wastewater treatment plant, the student was recognised as one of the co-authors in a research paper
a mathematical model to test recommendations put forward by lifeguards of how best to escape rip currents. The student was named as the first author when his work was published in a leading journal
the development of an algorithm to accelerate simulations of beach evolution and erosion due to storms. This work has led to an ongoing collaboration with MIT

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

40%

Scheduled learning & teaching

60%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
design and problem-solving exercises
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

53%

Written exam

17%

Coursework

30%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Joel Smethurst is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Commercial awareness
Self-management
Confidence
Communication
Teamwork
Problem solving
Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Information and Communication,

Education,

Finance and Insurance,

Public Administration and Defence,

Scientific and Technical,

Manufacturing,

Transport.

Careers directly related to this course:

Consulting civil engineer
Contracting civil engineer
Structural engineer
Water engineer
Geotechnical engineer
Highways engineer
University lecturer
Coastal engineer
Flood risk officer
Environmental engineer

Wider career opportunities:

Building services engineer
Construction manager
Fire risk assessor
Sustainability consultant
Building control surveyor
CAD technician
Design engineer
Estimator
Nuclear engineer
Site engineer

Example job titles of Southampton BEng Civil Engineering graduates*:

Civil engineer
Structural engineer
Site engineer
Software engineer
Transport planner
Tunnel engineer
Flight Engineer
Highways engineer
Project manager
Traffic engineer

Job prospects for BEng Civil Engineering graduates

£28k

Average professional salary

68%

In a skilled profession or further study

78%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £31,000.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: H200
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Civil Engineering (BEng) is a course in the Civil engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

MEng