Civil and Environmental Engineering BEng
Year of entry 2025
2024 course information- UCAS code
- H296
- Start date
- September 2025
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- See below
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB including Mathematics.
Full entry requirements - Accredited
- Yes
- Contact
- ugcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
![Image of undergraduate civil engineering students in the lab](http://courses.leeds.ac.uk/images/resized/1600x520-0-0-1-80-_Course_header_image___800_x_260__3__1.jpg)
Civil and environmental engineers focus on buildings and infrastructure and the environment in which they are built and operated, continually finding new ways to ensure safety and sustainability of operations whilst also protecting the natural world. From safe drinking water and transport systems, to dealing with contaminated sites and minimising environmental impact, the work of civil and environmental engineers is varied and has a huge impact on our quality of life on a daily basis.
This JBM-accredited degree develops civil and environmental engineers who actively contribute to sustainable and economic growth whilst maintaining the highest ethical standards and delivering the infrastructure we all rely on in everyday life.
At Leeds, sustainable development is integrated into teaching and learning throughout the degree. You’ll focus on design and engineering projects which minimise society’s impact on the environment, reduce the temporary borrowing of finite materials and resources, while maximising societal benefit. You’ll also develop and fine-tune theoretical and practical abilities and learn to solve problems using analytical, technical and decision-making skills – all attributes sought after by employers in industry.
This is a practical course so you’ll also have access to excellent laboratory facilities and a design studio, as well as extensive library facilities and computing equipment, including industry-standard software such as Revit (Building Information Modelling), IES (dynamic thermal modelling) and Robot (structural analysis). Our impressive laboratory facilities include specialist facilities for structures, materials, public health engineering, building services and geotechnics – everything you need to get started on your career as a civil and environmental engineer.
Why study at Leeds:
- This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM).
- Work on your own construction design projects to solve real-world problems, putting into practice what you have learned, building scale physical models and developing graphical presentation and computer modelling skills using industry-standard software.
- Benefit from our globally-renowned research here at Leeds, which feeds directly into your course and shapes what you learn with the latest thinking in addressing societal, technical and environmental challenges with infrastructure around the world.
- Take part in valuable fieldwork opportunities to apply your knowledge and practical skills outside of the lab and classroom.
- Access specialist facilities including our new design studio, computing laboratories and extensive study spaces.
- Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our industrial placement opportunities.
- All degree courses within the School of Civil Engineering share a common first year, which gives you the flexibility to switch between these courses at the end of your first year.
- At the end of your first or second year, there’s the possibility of transferring to the four-year integrated Masters (MEng, BEng), subject to performance on the course.
- Our Civil Engineering Society (CivSoc) gives you the chance to meet like-minded people who share your passion for civil engineering with industrial networking events and site visits to build your experience and connections in the field, alongside exciting social events like paintballing and the annual CivSoc Ball.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
This course is professionally accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council. The JBM represents the five main professional bodies in the UK registering Civil Engineers, including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Permanent Way Institution (PWI), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), and The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).
This BEng degree is accredited as fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Course details
The course covers critically important developments in the profession, such as dealing with contaminated sites, minimising environmental impact and improving the environment. You’ll gain a firm grounding across the breadth of civil engineering, with a deeper focus as you progress on areas of civil engineering that impact both the human and natural world.
Every degree course within the School of Civil Engineering shares a common first year. You’ll complete six compulsory modules across the range of programmes offered, giving you a firm basis on which to specialise in later years, and the flexibility to switch between courses.
Ethics plays an integral role in the engineering practices of today, which is why you’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course. Covering a wide range of topics such as professionalism and codes of conduct, corporate social responsibility, engineering and responsibility, ethics in innovation and research ethics.
The ethics training will advance your critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills which are crucial to employers, but it will also help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your professional life in the engineering industry.
Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.
Course Structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.
Years 1 and 2
In the first two years, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental subjects that underpin civil engineering and the materials and methods available to civil engineers in different contexts. You’ll build skills in structural design and analysis as well as engineering mathematics and modelling techniques, learn about the properties of a wide range of materials and put your knowledge in the context of architectural theory and history.
In year 1, you’ll also take a weeklong in-depth field course where you’ll get to apply the surveying and team working skills you have developed earlier in the year. This is a great opportunity to use industry-standard equipment to undertake a range of site surveys.
You’ll also choose optional modules in year 2 to explore your interests and help you decide what you might choose to focus on in later years.
Year 1 compulsory modules
Architecture and Sustainability – 20 credits
This module will introduce you to the history, theories and cultural context of the built environment and architecture, and its impact on people, society and environment. There’s a focus on the sustainability and environmental impact of projects and infrastructure, especially in the context of climate change.
Surveying, Construction Technology and Management – 20 credits
This module will introduce you to construction processes and will highlight applicable codes of practice and industry standards. It introduces some aspects of management, particularly those associated with a construction project. There’s focus on surveying techniques including use of commonly used industry equipment and technologies along with how these can be used to produce survey plans and set out structures.
Structural Analysis and Design – 20 credits
In this module you’ll learn about the fundamental principles of structural analysis and design, which are used to determine and describe the behaviour of a variety of structural and architectural forms. On completion, you’ll have the basic skills in structural and stress analysis and design to study more advanced courses in years 2 and 3.
Materials, Water and Soils – 20 credits
Throughout this module, you’ll get to grips with understanding the fundamentals of the behaviour of water, soil, steel and other key materials, and understand the relevance of this in relation to design of structural elements. Additional topics covered include application of fundamental mechanics principles to fluids, design and analysis of simple hydraulic structures and the geological processes that result in the formation of engineering soils.
Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 1 – 20 credits
Over the course of this module, you’ll develop an understanding of the principles of general basic mathematical techniques relating to civil engineering. This will give you sufficient mathematical competence to manage the compulsory content of your degree.
Integrated Design Project 1 (including Design Studio 1) - 20 credits
On this module you’ll learn how to prepare and present building design projects in response to a brief. You’ll also learn about the constructional and structural systems, the environmental strategies, and the regulatory requirements that apply to a comprehensive design project.
Year 2 compulsory modules
Water Engineering and Geotechnics – 20 credits
This module builds on the knowledge you’ll gain in year 1, in reference to geotechnics and water engineering. You’ll address ultimate load problems, discuss the concepts of fluid friction in pipes and understand the demand and requirements for water.
Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 2 – 20 credits
Throughout the course of this module, you’ll build on mathematical techniques learnt in year 1 to further your understanding of how mathematical models can be applied to real-life civil engineering problems. You’ll develop confidence in your mathematical abilities so that when mathematics arises in the solution of an engineering problem, you’re able to understand, rather than merely accept – the results.
Integrated Design Project 2 – 20 credits
On completion of this module, you’ll have increased your knowledge and understanding of the engineering design process. You’ll attain an understanding of Building Information Modelling (CAD) and a practical ability to use this type of application software.
Structural Design and Materials 1 – 40 credits
This module covers the behaviour of structures and how their design is influenced by the characteristics of structural materials. You’ll gain understanding of cement, concrete, and steel, with a focus on their relevance to buildings and civil engineering structures, the elastic analysis of statically indeterminate structures, and the design of structures in steel and reinforced concrete. You’ll learn to determine force actions in structures and how to measure and compute the solutions to complex structural stress problems. In terms of design, you'll develop an understanding of limit states and an integral view of the design process informed not just by performance specifications but also by sustainability and durability. You’ll learn to design reinforced concrete elements (slabs, beams and columns) from first principles and structural steel elements for flexure, shear and axial loads.
Sustainable Engineering Solutions – 10 credits
On completion of this module, you should be able to identify how civil engineering projects impact on the local and global environment. You’ll understand the drivers for sustainability in a range of different global contexts and should be able to assess impacts at a project/system scale. You’ll understand a range of options that are available for engineers to reduce impact of a project and increase sustainability and have knowledge of tools and technologies to support sustainable solutions.
Optional modules
Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.
- Transport Planning and Modelling 1 – 10 credits
- Highway Engineering – 10 credits
- Building Physics 1: Fundamental Principles – 10 credits
- Data and Research Methods for Engineers – 10 credits
Year 3
You’ll have opportunities through design projects, core modules and your individual research project to develop your environmental engineering interests. You’ll be able to focus on topics such as public health engineering and environmental health engineering in developing countries. Other core modules will help you to enhance and refine your skills in structural design, as well as building your knowledge of key topics like water engineering and foundation engineering.
Compulsory modules
Water Engineering and Geotechnics 2 – 20 credits
You'll cover the principals for water engineering and geotechnics gained in years 1 and 2. You’ll develop the concepts of integrated river management and examine the use of numerical methods in open channel flow. In respect to geotechnics, this module will build on the understanding of soil to cover the range of foundations available for structures, including shallow foundations such as strip, pad and raft foundations, deep foundations such as caissons, shafts and piles; and composite foundations such as piled rafts. It will cover the approach to design, analysis and construction.
Structural Design and Materials 2 – 20 credits
This module builds on the knowledge acquired in the first two years to develop a more profound understanding of steel and concrete structures complemented by an introduction to more complex structural analysis methods (stiffness matrix method, plastic analysis, finite element analysis). You'll learn to design multi-storey buildings, considering advanced aspects such as progressive collapse, sway stability, bracing, and connections. In relation to concrete, this module covers the technological principles and the analysis of prestressed concrete elements, and you'll learn to design prestressed structural elements. You'll also gain an understanding of masonry and timber construction including the specification of alternative forms of masonry and different species of timber and forms of timber construction.
Integrated Design Project 3 – 40 credits
On completion of this module, you should be able to undertake a feasibility study of a civil engineering project considering various aspects, resulting in a recommended general scheme, followed by an element of detailed design, demonstrating that the proposal is practicable. This module includes further CAD-thread teaching, providing you with an understanding of software used in route alignments, and a practical ability to use this and other software in drawing production.
Individual Research Project 1 – 20 credits
This module requires you to choose one aspect of civil engineering and develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of it. This will include the underlying principles and an awareness of current and future developments within a chosen field of research. You’ll hone independent learning and research skills, critical analysis, self-direction and decision making.
Wastewater Engineering – 10 credits
The main objectives of this module are to understand the design and operational concepts behind wastewater treatment and the collection of sewage, and to understand the options available for the treatment and disposal of sewage sludge. You’ll learn how to apply mathematical and statistical methods, tools, and notions to the above, and develop the ability to analyse performance of different wastewater systems.
Environmental Health Engineering in Developing Countries – 10 credits
This module focuses on the practical application of civil engineering skills with regards to international development. You’ll assess the best options and outline design for low-cost housing development using a set of background data and contextual information, which will help you to develop both technical skills and report creation.
Project work
Civil engineers work on projects that combine skills and knowledge to deliver a solution to a client, so we place a strong emphasis on project work throughout the degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, design, project management, communication and teamwork.
One-year optional work placement
During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to undertake a one-year industrial work placement which will extend your degree by 12 months.
Learning and teaching
You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industry-sponsored fieldwork allow you to gain hands-on experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real-life work situations.
During your course, you’ll be involved in a range of interactive, team-based study, informed by sector-leading approaches. At every level of your programme, you’ll undertake an Integrated Design Project where you’ll bring together what you have learned across the programme to gain experience in finding design solutions to real-world problems. You’ll develop expertise in designing solutions that consider economic, environmental and a range of other societal and technical factors. These are often group and team projects where you'll work together successfully address the challenge.
All our courses are supported by blended learning technology, using online resources to help you develop your knowledge at your own pace. Our state-of-the-art lecture recording system ensures your lectures will be available for you to review at a convenient time. Our learning and teaching resources will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in an ideal position to compete in science and technology-related careers.
We organise industrial visits and offer additional seminars delivered by practising engineers, researchers and other professionals. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course. Each student will be allocated an industrial tutor who will provide opportunities to experience Civil Engineering working environments on and off site.
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you'll receive support from fellow students through our Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS) scheme. PASS mentors are students who are on your course but are in years 2 or 3. They’ll help you when you arrive at university and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your PASS mentors during your first week for a social activity
Taster lecture
Watch our taster lecture to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a range of approaches, including assessments that closely match the type of work and tasks you might undertake in a professional work environment. This will include assessment through project work and written examinations (both open and closed book), and through coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.
Assessments will support you in developing key transferable skills. Many of your submissions will be submitted digitally through our extensive virtual learning environment.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB with an A in Mathematics
Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.
Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ/IPQ/ASCC we may make an offer of ABB at A-Level (any required subjects such as Mathematics must still be at grade A).
All applicants must be studying Mathematics at level 3. For most students, this requirement is fulfilled by achieving the required grade in A-level Maths. Applicants for whom this requirement is to be fulfilled via qualifications other than A-levels (eg BTEC Maths and Additional/Further Maths modules) may be required to take a diagnostic Maths test in addition to their other level 3 maths studies. This is to ensure a suitable level of mathematical literacy.
GCSE: English Language at grade 4 or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction (including an appropriate number of Mathematics modules) and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.
BTEC
D*D*D with Distinctions in all Mathematics units including Maths and Further Maths (and/or other appropriate maths units) plus an interview and diagnostic Maths test. Some units may be optional on your BTEC but are required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 including D3 in Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate
16 points at higher level to include 6 points in HL Mathematics.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics, and AABBB at Higher level.
T-Levels
T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction at Distinction, with A level Mathematics at grade B or higher.
Other Qualifications
Engineering or Construction Diploma: A (plus A-level Mathematics at grade A or above). We will consider your application if you have AS level Mathematics.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB including Mathematics.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
Foundation years
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year.
We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.
You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.
On successful completion of your foundation year, you will be able to progress onto your chosen course.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: To be confirmed
International: £32,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Additional cost information
Standard travel and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for subsistence, incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing and footwear.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.
We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Admissions guidance
Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
What happens after you’ve applied
You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.
UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.
How long will it take to receive a decision
We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.
Offer holder events
If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.
International applicants
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.
We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Read about visas, immigration and other information here.
If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Civil Engineering Undergraduate Admissions
Email: ugcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
There are a variety of exciting career opportunities awaiting you when you graduate – from some of the largest construction organisations in the world to specialist building design consultancies and multi-disciplinary firms, as well as utility companies and government departments.
Civil and environmental engineering graduates are in great demand and University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research.
Typically, the majority of graduates each year secure professional or managerial positions and take their first steps in their career as structural, civil or building services engineers, design engineers, environmental engineers or project managers.
Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:
- Sustainability Engineer, ARUP
- Graduate Geotechnical Engineer, Atkins
- Research Specialist, Department for International Development (DFID)
- Graduate Civil Engineer, Environment Agency
- Environmental Scientist, Jacobs Engineering
- Technical Advisor, Marshalls Plc
- Senior Project Manager, Mott MacDonald
- Leadership Graduate Scheme, Severn Trent Plc
- Project Manager, Temporis Wind
- Project Engineer, Thames Water
- Senior Engineer, The Brunei Economic Development Board
- Senior Project Manager, Transport for London
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You'll be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability Team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
This BEng degree does not offer the option to study abroad. However, our Civil and Environmental Engineering MEng, BEng degree has this option.
Work placements
An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also improve your employability and help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market.
Benefits of a work placement year:
- 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
- Build industry contacts within your chosen field
- Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
- Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
- Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
- Improve your employability
If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
With the help and support of our dedicated Employability Team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.
Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:
- Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd
- Mott Macdonald
- Graham
- Farrans
- JN Bentley
- Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd
- Arup Group Limited
- J Murphy & Sons Limited
- Richter Global (Richter Associates (Northern)
- Balfour Beatty
Find out more about Industrial placements.
Student profile: Taimur Khan
The university is also known for its careers department, and it is one of the best in the country for its employability, so I knew I was on the right track!Find out more about Taimur Khan's time at Leeds