BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Engineering
Attendance
Full-time, 3 years
Full-time, 4 years
Full-time, 5 years
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
This course will give you a solid grounding in the design, construction and management of civil engineering work.
We have great links with industry and high levels of graduate employment. You’ll enjoy regular visits to iconic construction sites in London as well as professionally monitored field study courses and projects.
Entry level is 96 UCAS points, and you don’t need A2 maths. You’ll take a top-up module in your first year that will underpin and extend your GCSE maths knowledge.
You can also gain advanced entry on to the final year of this BSc course by completing our two-year Foundation degree in civil engineering.
This makes our course ideal for students who, while not necessarily ‘maths geniuses’, nevertheless have good basic skills in that area and aspirations to develop a career in management or a range of technical fields.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out morePlacement
Optional placement year available
3rd
Our Civil Engineering courses are ranked third in London (Guardian University Guide league table 2018).
Industry links
We have excellent connections with industry giants, and we’re accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) and the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE).
Weekly visits
We're one of only a few universities in the country who offer a programme of weekly construction site visits to major civil engineering and construction projects in London.
Adrian Pettigrew
Civil Engineering, BSc (Hons)
Studying BSc Civil Engineering at UEL was the best decision I’ve ever made. The subject can be very challenging but the incredibly diverse nature of the University means that you can network successfully to find students with a similar level of knowledge and experience to yourself.
This – in conjunction with experienced, dedicated staff – means that the course is in no way intimidating.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
You don't need to pay this up front.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
Maintenance Loan
Part-time students can access maintenance loans from Student Finance England.
From academic year 2018/19, part-time students can access maintenance loans from Student Finance England.
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation.
Part-time students need to study their courses at a rate of at least
25% of an equivalent full-time course in each academic year.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance
We appreciate that finance is one of the key considerations when you are applying to university. That's why alongside your Government loan, you can apply for scholarships to help towards your finances. We have invested over £2 million worth of scholarships to financially assist new students, starting in September 2019. If you are awarded a scholarship you don't need to pay it back.
All students will receive:
Ebooks
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Price per 30 credit module.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money. Please make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
- September 2021
-
Degree
96
New UCAS Points
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
Overall IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more here.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
This course will prepare you for a range of technical and professional careers within civil engineering. We’ve developed it carefully through regular consultation with industry experts.
At the core of your degree, throughout which you’ll combine academic and practical learning, is a thorough grounding in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings, roads, bridges, canals.
We’ll also give you a firm grounding in structural engineering – the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads.
Other areas you’ll study include geotechnical engineering, the behaviour and stability of materials such as soil and rock, and water engineering, which involves coastal engineering, treating and distributing water as well as managing waste water and sewage disposal.
What you'll study and when
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
- Mental Wealth: Professional Life
- Introduction to Computing
- Mathematical Applications
- Analytical Mathematics
- Engineering Sciences
- Physical science
- Mental Wealth: Professional Life 1
- Engineering Materials
- Analytical Skills in Built Environment
- The Built Environment
- Engineering Mechanics
- Land and Construction Surveying
- Mental Wealth: Professional Life 2
- 3D Data Modelling and Analysis
- Structural Analysis and Element Design
- Ground Engineering
- Engineering Surveying
- Advanced Sustainable Technology (optional)
- Tendering, Estimating and Cost Control (optional)
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three.
- Mental Wealth: Professional Life 3
- Capstone Project
- Advanced Construction Technology and Innovation (optional)
- Geotechnical Engineering (optional)
- Transport Infrastructure Engineering (optional)
- Project Management studies (optional)
How you'll be assessed
We'll assess you through coursework, group and individual presentations, time-controlled assessments and exams. The balance between exams and coursework is approximately 30 per cent exams, 10 per cent presentations and 60 per cent coursework.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL’s assessment and feedback policy.
Course specification Foundation Year SpecificationHow you'll learn
You’ll study similar sub-disciplines of civil engineering to those covered in the BEng course, but with a different, more pragmatic approach. There’ll be a mixture of theoretical and practical work, with access to fully equipped civil engineering laboratories such as concrete and soil labs.
Collaborative or group projects are a key part of the course – as they are in the profession. In your final year, you’ll produce an individual piece of research.
Our staff bring a huge amount of research expertise to bear on their teaching, so you can be sure that what you study reflects the most up-to-date thinking and practice. Alongside strong academic credentials, many have extensive industrial experience as practising civil engineers.
Each term, we’re visited by around 20 local industry professionals – known as the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) – to update us on changing recruitment requirements for graduates and to advise on coursework, projects and field trips etc.
Current members of the IAB include Atkins, Thames Water, Watermans, Hardman Structural Engineers, Morrish & Partners, SRK Consulting and the London Borough of Newham.
Every year, our civil engineering and construction management students visit the Constructionarium at the National CITB Training Centre in Norfolk. There you’ll work as a team with a sponsoring contractor and design engineer, building scaled-down versions of famous bridges or buildings to gain hands on experience of what you have studied in the class.
Our Docklands campus is ideally placed for studying iconic projects in the capital, such as the Tate Modern Phase 2 Extension, the Canary Wharf Crossrail station and the reconfiguration of the Olympic Stadium.
Guided independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
Academic support
Students are supported with any
academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders,
former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with
certain skills such as academic writing, maths or IT, our Skillzone and English
for Academic Purposes we offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one
appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive
advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university
from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands
and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL
provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific
learning difficulties (SPDs).
Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this
course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching – 300
hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching – 300
hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching – 300
hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
The size of classes can vary depending
on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large
groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars
and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the
beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
Who will teach on this course
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Your future career
With a degree in civil engineering from UEL, you’ll be well placed to secure a stimulating and rewarding career.
The high quality of our teaching on the course is widely recognised, and the constant input from industry professionals ensures your studies will be highly relevant to employers once you graduate.
You might decide to specialise as a structural engineer, a hydraulic engineer, highway engineer or a geotechnical engineer. Your decision may be prompted by how your career develops in your first job and you start on the process known as Initial Professional Development, which takes between three and five years.
Some of our recent graduates have gone on to land jobs at the Highways Agency, Network Rail, Thames Water, Hardman Structural Engineers, Morrish & Partners, SRK Consulting, Kier Group and in local authorities.
Others have chosen to work in other professional areas such as finance, education, marketing and housing.
Around 20 per cent of our students are from overseas, with many returning to work for local authorities or government departments.
If you decide to continue your studies, you’ll have the option of taking a one-year MSc course in Civil Engineering to pursue Chartered Engineer status.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.
