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Civil Engineering

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Apply for this course

The deadline for UK students to apply for this course for entry in 2023 was 25 January 2023.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2023.

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There are twelve courses related to Civil Engineering that you might be interested in.

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Bachelor of Engineering

A Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in engineering.

Course overview

Civil engineers are responsible for the design, project management and construction of the physical infrastructure of our society. Our broad-based, vocational programme covers all the required bases of a civil engineer’s education, with an emphasis on applying your learning in context.

Introduction

You will be introduced to the essentials – everything from structural analysis and design, geomechanics and materials, to the digital built environment and its digitisation. You’ll also study relevant subjects such as maths, computer-aided drawing, and analysis and design.

Site visits are integral to the programme, as are various individual and group design exercises, which provide an opportunity for industrial feedback. Our teaching staff offer projects based on their research expertise.

Students are encouraged to gain relevant work experience to enhance their employability by applying for a summer internship or a year placement with an approved company/organisation.

Civil engineering graduates are in great demand and our programme aims to provide the educational base for graduates who demonstrate ingenuity whilst being practical, articulate, numerate, literate, imaginative, versatile, confident and inquisitive.

What you'll learn

  • All bases underpinning the field of Civil Engineering
  • Hands-on construction experience
  • How to undertake research
  • Adapting to a busy hands-on industry environment
  • Critical thinking
  • Teamwork
  • How to present and communicate clearly

Accreditation

These programmes are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, which represents the four major civil engineering institutions and accredits civil engineering programmes on behalf of the Engineering Council, which sets and maintains the standards for the engineering profession in the UK. The BEng degree is accredited as: (i) fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and (ii) 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 jbm.org.uk for further information and details of further learning programmes for CEng.

Accreditations in detail

Accreditations

These programmes are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, which represents the four major civil engineering institutions and accredits civil engineering programmes on behalf of the Engineering Council, which sets and maintains the standards for the engineering profession in the UK. The BEng degree is accredited as: (i) fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and (ii) 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 jbm.org.uk for further information and details of further learning programmes for CEng.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Year one includes an introduction to programming, and a year-long civil and architectural engineering project.

Compulsory modules

GEOMECHANICS 1 (CIVE120)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 2

The Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for the safe design of how a building or infrastructure asset interacts with the ground. This module introduces students to the role of the Geotechnical Engineer and the fundamental principles and concepts that form the basis of soil mechanics​

INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING (ENGG185)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

This module introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of elementary statistics and programming. It explains the purposes and advantages of analysing data collected specifically to solve problems in engineering, reviews available software tools and programming languages used to formulate and answer basic engineering questions. It draws on examples from applications across the range of School of Engineering program areas.​

ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS (MATH198)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: whole session

MATH198 is a Year 1 mathematics module for students of programmes taught in the School of Engineering, e.g. Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical or Industrial Design Engineering. It is designed to reinforce and build upon A-level mathematics, providing you with the strong background required in your engineering studies and preparing you for the Year 2 mathematics module MATH299 (Mathematics engineering II). In the first semester, the foundations are laid: differential calculus, vector algebra, integration and applications. Semester two covers complex numbers, differential equations, Laplace transformations and functions of two variables

SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES 1 (ENGG110)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

This module aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theory of how engineering structures work to sustain loads. It will also show how stress analysis leads to the design of safer structures. It will also provide students with the means to analyse and design basic structural elements as used in modern engineering structures.

INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURAL MATERIALS (ENGG108)

Credits: 7.5 / Semester: semester 1

​​​This module introduces students to important mechanical properties of metallic alloys, polymers, ceramics, construction materials and composites used in engineering industry. It also introduces the mechanical testing techniques used to measure such properties, the common mechanisms of materials and component failure in use, and some appreciation of materials processing. The laboratory sessions are designed to familiase students with engineering laboratory methods and procedures, as well as providing an experience of hands-on mechanical testing techniques.

Energy Science (ENGG116)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

To develop an understanding of the basic principles of fluid mechanics, the laws of thermodynamics, and an appreciation of how to solve simple engineering problems. To develop skills in performing and reporting simple experiments.

Digital Skills and Surveying (CIVE101)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

The primary aim is to introduce students to the ways that digital technology is used for surveying and recording and for design and documentation.
The secondary aim is to introduce students to the concept of Building Information Modelling (BIM) using industry standard software

CIVIL AND ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING PROJECTS (CIVE162)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

This module provides students with an introduction to projects within the built environment, the roles of professional engineers, the professions they will interact with, and the skills required by a professional engineer operating in the built environment 

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year in industry

Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.

  • Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
  • Experience and understand workplace culture and disciple
  • Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
  • Begin your professional network
  • Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.

If you'd like to undertake a year in industry, you can transfer to Civil Engineering with Year in Industry BEng (Hons) during your studies, subject to meeting the academic requirements of your course.

View Civil Engineering with Year in Industry BEng (Hons)

To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.

Study as part of XJTLU 2+2

Students studying Civil Engineering BEng at XJTLU can study this course at the University of Liverpool. Read more about Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) as part of the 2+2 programme.

The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.

  • Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
  • Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
  • Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
  • Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.

Read more about the 2+2 programme.

Study as a master's degree

This course is also available as a four year MEng programme.

View Civil Engineering MEng

Your experience

Your course will be delivered by the School of Engineering, which is home to world-class teaching and learning facilities, designed to provide for the distinctive way engineering students engage actively with their learning process. The school’s impressive specialist engineering research facilities also provide the setting for practical work and many student projects.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

In Year Two of the course we went to the constructionarium in Norfolk and built a scale model of the Millau viaduct. It was quite a big scale model - about 20 metres across – but those are the sort of things I like, instead of just sitting in a lecture doing sums. It’s a really well-respected University. It’s a really well-respected course. It gives you everything you need for the future.

, MEng Civil Engineering 2013

Careers and employability

We are committed to developing the modern professional engineers for the future, ensuring that learning environments reflect future working environments. The skills gained through studying a degree in Civil Engineering equip our graduates with the knowledge necessary to excel in an ever-changing industry.

4 in 5 of our engineering students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Many graduates have moved on to have careers with employers such as:

  • Airbus
  • BMI
  • British Airways
  • Highways Agency
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • National Nuclear Laboratory
  • Network Rail
  • Pilkington
  • Rolls Royce
  • Siemens.

Preparing you for future success

At Liverpool, our goal is to support you to build your intellectual, social, and cultural capital so that you graduate as a socially-conscious global citizen who is prepared for future success. We achieve this by:

  • Embedding employability within your , through the modules you take and the opportunities to gain real-world experience offered by many of our courses.
  • Providing you with opportunities to gain experience and develop connections with people and organisations, including student and graduate employers as well as our global alumni.
  • Providing you with the latest tools and skills to thrive in a competitive world, including access to Handshake, a platform which allows you to create your personalised job shortlist and apply with ease.
  • Supporting you through our peer-to-peer led Careers Studio, where our career coaches provide you with tailored advice and support.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, how to pay, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £25,750
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £12,875
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment, operating University facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes a lab coat, safety boots, and a residential construction course.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes a lab coat, safety boots, and a residential construction course.

Students should expect to cover the following costs:

Lab coats
Students are required to wear a lab coat for all Engineering laboratory sessions. Students may purchase a lab coat at the start of the year from the Student Support Office at a subsidised cost of £15.

Safety boots
Students will be required to wear safety shoes or boots (with both toe cap and midsole protection conforming to European safety legislation) for some activities. Boots must be provided by the students.

Other safety equipment.
All essential safety equipment, other than those listed above, is provided free of charge by the department.

The ‘Constructionarium’
During year two, you will have a week of residential, hands-on construction experience at ‘The Constructionarium’. There is an additional cost of up to £250 for the Constructionarium.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.

Scholarships and bursaries you can apply for from the United Kingdom

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

AAB including Mathematics.

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is ABB with A in the EPQ.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.

Available foundation years:

GCSE 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements

Mathematics.

For applicants from England: For science A levels that include the separately graded practical endorsement, a "Pass" is required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Acceptable at grade Distinction* alongside BB at A level including A Level Mathematics.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma

Distinction* Distinction* in relevant BTEC considered alongside A Level Mathematics grade B. Accepted BTECs include Aeronautical, Aerospace, Construction, Mechanical, Mechatronics and Engineering.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

D*DD in acceptable BTEC, plus B in A level Maths (not accepted without B in A level Maths)

International Baccalaureate

35 overall, including 5 at Higher Level Mathematics.

Irish Leaving Certificate H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H3, including H2 in Higher Maths. We also require a minimum of H6 in Higher English or O3 in Ordinary English
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

AAB including Maths

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Acceptable at grade B alongside AA in A Levels including A Level Mathematics.
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma D3 in Cambridge Pre U Principal Subject is accepted as equivalent to A-Level grade A M2 in Cambridge Pre U Principal Subject is accepted as equivalent to A-Level grade B Global Perspectives and Short Courses are not accepted.
Access Considered if taking a relevant subject. Check with Department or Admissions team.
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

8 December 2022: Module changes

Compulsory module list updated

Year 1 compulsory modules

ADDED:

ENGG116: Energy Science
CIVE101: Digital Skills and Surveying
CIVE162: CIVIL AND ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING PROJECTS

REMOVED:

CIVE161: CIVIL AND ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING PROJECT
CIVE172: DIGITALISATION OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
CIVE170: INTRODUCTION TO THE DIGITAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Year 3 compulsory modules

ADDED:

CIVE334: (Y3) STRUCTURAL STEELWORK, TIMBER AND MASONRY

REMOVED:

ENGG302: INTRODUCTION TO FINITE ELEMENTS

Year 3 optional module list updated – See course page