• Undergraduate

Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London?
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Our Civil Engineering courses are ranked #1 in London for modern universities* - Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Why study this course?

Civil engineers design, build, supervise and maintain infrastructure projects and systems including buildings, roads, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, waterways, drinking water supply and sewage systems.

On our civil engineering degree, you will gain the key analytical, technical and practical skills required to design complex civil engineering structures, effectively manage/lead construction projects and communicate effectively with other areas of expertise to successfully accomplish large projects.

The expertise of our academic staff, industry partners, and relevant professional bodies will feed directly into your degree training.

You will study a broad discipline in civil engineering that qualifies you to work professionally, provide a better life for many people and protect the natural environment.

All this is achieved through your abilities, skills and knowledge to conceive, design, build and maintain the infrastructure that our towns and cities rely on.

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the:

This degree partially meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To qualify for CEng registration, you must possess a master's or doctorate accreditation as part of your further learning, meeting the accredited qualifications required for CEng. 

This course is also accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental (CIWEM) and successful completion partially satisfies the academic requirements for chartered status through this professional body.

Two civil engineers at a construction site

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Civil Engineering with us?

Why study Civil Engineering with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The best thing about this course is that we are very close as students and to the teachers.It's a very friendly relationship we have and it's easy to get along with everyone. The University lectures are very good because the classes are small and the workshops are very efficient as well, you get one-to-one time with the teachers to make sure you understand everything.

Florencia Barrios
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Top Modern University Civil Engineering
There are seven labs and studios in the School
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

This civil engineering bachelor's degree will equip you with core engineering skills and knowledge covering global challenges, such as sustainability, risk assessment and environmental protection while helping you to learn cutting-edge technologies and methods for planning, designing, and constructing more efficiently in civil engineering.

You will be taught by industry experts who are active practitioners at the forefront of research as well as gaining valuable technical knowledge, transferable skills and practical experience through site visits, fieldwork, guest lecturers and industry-based individual projects and project dissertations.

You will study the key civil engineering disciplines including:

  • structure
  • geotechnics
  • materials
  • hydraulics
  • transportation and highway engineering
  • construction management.

As a civil engineering undergraduate, this degree is designed to help you find the career that is right for you. You will have the chance to specialise in areas that interest you and be able to work in various environments such as design offices, construction sites and project supervision and management.

You can see the list of the modules delivered in civil engineering. All modules except the project dissertation are core (compulsory) with 20 credits. The project dissertation which will take two semesters is 40 credits. Most of the modules such as Construction Materials, Land Surveying 1 & 2, Fluid Mechanics, Soil Mechanics and Geology, Hydraulics and Geotechnical Design have either fieldwork, practical experiments or lab works.

Civil engineering has excellent facilities and laboratories. You will have access to dedicated computing labs and other civil engineering labs including a geotechnics lab, concrete lab, hydraulics lab and non-destructive testing centre, as well as a range of digital resources and computer modelling tools.

You will also have the chance to gain vital experience during a work-based learning project during industrial placement. Hands-on experience is a key element of this course, giving you confidence and the real-world expertise that employers value.

Finally, you will be taught by industry experts who are active practitioners at the forefront of research.

Placement*

Course leader for BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with placement pathway: Dr Livia Lantini

You can also take this course with a 40-week full-time placement after your second year (Level 5) and before level 6. This is an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the workplace and have the chance to expand your network. You will be assessed with a work-in-progress report and return to study when the placement is over.

*As we are in unprecedented and unpredictable times, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in securing a placement in the UK in the future.

If you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.

The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.

Compulsory modules

  • Civil Engineering Construction

    The module aims to give you a clear appreciation of the physical reality of civil and environmental engineering, so that your designs and proposals can be constructed as efficiently and safely as possible.

  • Construction Materials

    This module will give you an overview of the principal materials used by the construction industry. By studying various materials' engineering performance characteristics, their impact on users and their sustainability factors, you will learn how the most appropriate materials are chosen.

  • Land Surveying for Civil Engineers

    In this module, you will gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills through hands-on land surveying exercises. The curriculum focuses on mastering key surveying techniques, using essential equipment such as level and theodolite instruments. Regular practice will help you develop core competencies, preparing you for real-world surveying challenges.

  • Mathematics for Civil Engineers 1

    On this module, you will study the mathematical background needed for undergraduate engineering studies. Topics include integration, separation of variables to solve first order differential equations, applications of calculus in areas such as maxima and minima, velocity and acceleration, centroids, volumes and solids of revolution, root mean square and average values. 

    An introduction to statistics and probability will cover studies of measures of central tendency, mean, median and mode, measures of dispersion (standard deviation and variance), variables and graphs, elementary probability theory, binomial and normal distribution, elementary sampling theory and curve fitting.

  • Structural Mechanics

    This module covers a core subject of civil and structural engineering courses. It will help you to understand the fundamental principles that determine how structures are analysed. You will learn to analyse the forces and stresses that normally act on the parts of structures.

  • CAD for Civil Engineering

    On this module, you will gain the practical experience and skills for drawing of civil engineering maps by using sketches and the most relevant computer software tool known as CAD. This will enable you to produce executive plans used for various sections of construction such as structure and architecture.

  • Land Surveying for Civil Engineering 2

    On this module, you will gain more advanced theoretical and practical skills to improve your technical knowledge and understanding about the use of spatial information in design and construction projects. It would enable you to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to use surveying equipment used for setting-out on a construction project through theodolite and total station.

  • Mathematics for Civil Engineers 2

    On this module you will study the mathematical background needed for undergraduate engineering studies. Topics include integration, separation of variables to solve first order differential equations, applications of calculus in areas such as maxima and minima, velocity and acceleration, centroids, volumes and solids of revolution, root mean square and average values. 

    An introduction to statistics and probability will cover studies of measures of central tendency, mean, median and mode, measures of dispersion (standard deviation and variance), variables and graphs, elementary probability theory, binomial and normal distribution, elementary sampling theory and curve fitting.

Compulsory modules

  • Fluid Mechanics

    On this module, you will gain the understanding of fluid in the civil engineering structures such as pipelines, reservoirs, rivers and channels. This module will improve your technical knowledge and analytical skills to calculate forces and pressures in hydraulic structures based on a few well-known relations such as Archimedes Principle and energy equations.

    You will be able to calculate hydrostatic forces on hydraulic structures such as weirs, dams and calculate pressure and velocity of venturi meter and orifice.

     

  • Concrete Design

    This module enables you to:

    1. understand and analyse how structures behave under load and why they fail
    2. apply design standards and codes to reinforced concrete
    3. make judgements on the choice of materials and their engineering properties as well as the effect of environmental conditions.

  • Advanced Engineering Mathematics

    On this module, you will extend your knowledge of the fundamental mathematical methods used in engineering. The module includes study of Laplace transforms, Fourier analysis, ordinary differential equations, introduction to partial differential equations, and complex variables. In addition, the module will develop your skills in expressing problems in mathematical language, using mathematical techniques to find solutions to problems and communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly.

  • Structural Design

    This module enables you to enhance your knowledge of structural analysis and structural design to:

    1. determine loads and material properties on structural elements
    2. apply hand calculation methods for the analysis and distribution of loads
    3. apply the code requirement for design of structural elements and
    4. develop skills in modelling engineering problems.

     

  • Project Management

    On this module you will examine one of the drivers of organisational change: the introduction and successful completion of the right business projects. You will study contemporary issues relating to initiating, planning, managing, and completing projects. You'll also develop a business case for a project and use this to produce a project management plan.

  • Soil Mechanics and Geology

    On this module your learning will focus on the significance and influence of geological history on the formation and behaviour of soils. It should also enhance your understanding of the engineering properties and behaviour of soil as an engineering material.

The modules below are subject to approval. 

Compulsory modules

  • Project Dissertation (Civil Engineering)

    On this module, you will gain the experience of undertaking an independent research work in a civil engineering field.

    This in turn will enable you to in-depth investigate a subject you have interest. The module also provides you with an opportunity to expand their intellectual and technical skills.

    You will be supervised by a member of staff in Civil Engineering course to develop and synthesise research ideas and conceptual designs in civil engineering projects and understand the philosophy of sustainable design and construction in civil engineering.

  • Integrated Group Design

  • Geotechnical Design

    This module will teach you how to analyse the variables involved in designing soil structures. You will also learn how to evaluate the interaction of soils with structures placed in or on soils. Furthermore, you will be introduced to the use of Eurocode 7 for basic geotechnical design.

  • Transport Infrastructure Engineering

    This module will help you to develop a fundamental knowledge and understanding of infrastructure engineering design. It will cover the main instances of highways design in terms of geometric features, road materials and pavements. You will also explore railway and airport engineering design elements.

  • Hydraulics

    The aim of this module is to develop your technical knowledge and understanding of the concepts of hydraulics and provide you with an overview of the analytical skills needed to design open channels flow and hydraulic structures. You also learn concepts and applications of engineering hydrology and hydrological processes in civil engineering projects.

    Flood control and management strategies in catchment areas are delivered and various SuDS techniques and their design to mitigate flood volume and improve water quality of runoff are analysed.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

120 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:     

  • A Levels at grade B, B and B, or above, in Maths and/or Physics, or equivalent   
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Distinction, Merit   
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

 This course particularly welcomes applicants with:

  • a Progression or Advanced Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
  • a National Certificate or Diploma in Construction, Civil Engineering or Engineering  

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 - 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for computing and engineering students are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Funding your studies
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Kourosh Behzadian

Professor Kourosh Behzadian

I am a Professor of Smart Infrastructure in the School of Computing and Engineering and an expert in hydro-systems engineering, management and operations. I have worked on research projects in the UK, Europe, America and the Middle East. I have (co)authored over 80 peer-reviewed journal papers, conference papers and technical reports, and I am the editor of the Journal of Cogent Environmental Science.

I am a Professor of Smart Infrastructure in the School of Computing and Engineering and an expert in hydro-systems engineering, management and operations. I have worked on research projects in the UK, Europe, America and the Middle East. I have (co)authored over 80 peer-reviewed journal papers, conference papers and technical reports, and I am the editor of the Journal of Cogent Environmental Science.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Two Engineers in hi-vis jackets looking at in turbines

Once you graduate you could work as a:

  • structural engineer
  • water resources engineer 
  • transportation engineer
  • materials engineer
  • construction engineer
  • environmental engineer
  • geotechnical engineer

Completing the course means you will also qualify for graduate ICE grade membership, giving you the support you need to begin your working life.

Alternatively, you may choose to explore a related area of study. Please see our postgraduate courses.

View our postgraduate courses page 
How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Research grants

Atiyeh Ardakanian profile pic

Grant from COST

Atiyeh Ardakanian recently secured a highly sought-after grant from COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), an EU funding organisation for research and innovation networks.  

This grant funds one of eight short-term scientific missions (STSMs) in support of the work of NexusNet – an international network of researchers collaborating with universities, research institutions, policymakers and the business sector to consider the links between water, energy and food in the quest for a low-carbon economy throughout Europe and beyond.

“My STSM is about developing the actor network in terms of who is doing what and where,” Atiyeh says. “Water, food and energy are interconnected, and my mission is about looking at the available resources as a whole to support and enhance the successful implementation of NEXUS research in policies and sustainable development strategies.” 

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.