Civil Engineering (BEng)

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

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.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

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

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

Course leader

William Powrie is the course leader.

This course will put you on the path to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and is accredited by:

• Institution of Civil Engineers
• Institution of Structural Engineers
• Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
• Institute of Highway Engineers

You'll graduate from this course with the knowledge and skills for a successful career with civil engineering companies in the industry. You'll find excellent employment opportunities with:

• consultants
• contractors
• local authorities
• regulatory authorities

The transferable skills you'll develop are also valued by many other employers.

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies including: 

• Capita 
• YTL Construction 
• AECOM 
• ARUP 

Our graduates have gone on to work in roles such as:

• structural engineers
• transport planners
• coastal engineers
• design engineers
• flood risk officers
• quantity surveyor

First and second year students can apply to our Southampton University Corporate Civil Engineering Scholarship Scheme (SUCCESS). You'll benefit from summer work placements, an industrial mentor, a bursary, and potential, long-term employment on graduation.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. 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.

Work in industry

You can enhance your career prospects by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year in an engineering organisation.

You'll be able to apply the knowledge and skills you've developed during your degree and gain vital experience to help you become a professional civil engineer after graduation.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £21,580.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 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 Services Centre 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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: H200
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2023 entry

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