Civil and Environmental Engineering MEng, BEng

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; it also a huge impact on our quality of life on a daily basis.

World-class civil and environmental engineers require a deeper understanding of areas such as public health engineering (including water supply, wastewater treatment, waste disposal, recycling, contaminated land and pollution control), energy use in buildings and construction, and transport engineering and planning.

Studying civil engineering at Leeds will open up a whole world of opportunities for your career. You’ll develop and fine-tune theoretical and practical abilities and learn to solve problems using analytical, technical and decision-making skills.

Our degree programmes develop 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. That’s one of the reasons why our courses are accredited by several leading professional bodies and are shaped by our world-leading research.

This is a practical course, so you’ll also have access to excellent laboratory facilities, 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 chartered civil and environmental engineer.

Why study at Leeds:

• Graduate with an accredited civil engineering degree which meets the highest quality chartered engineer standards as set by the Engineering Council via the JBM, and from a university ranked in the top 5 in the UK for Civil Engineering, Guardian University Guide 2023, and 44th in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

• Work on your own construction design projects, putting into practice what you have learned in lectures, laboratory classes and tutorials; build scale physical models and develop graphical presentation and computer modelling skills using industry standard software.

• Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our paid industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.

• Experience teaching from a programme team with extensive industry experience, and led by Dr Costas Velis, Lecturer in Resource Efficiency Systems whose research spans many aspects of circular economy and resources recovery from waste, plastics pollution prevention, and recycling systems. 

• Take advantage of our world leading research here at Leeds, which helps to address societal, technical and environmental challenges with infrastructure around the world.

• Make the most of university partnerships which include long-standing collaborations with the Institute for Transport Studies, Robotics at Leeds and the Centre for Global Development and leadership roles in major initiatives including water@leeds, an interdisciplinary centre for water research, the Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration, the Centre for Infrastructure Materials, and the Neville Centre of Excellence in Cement and Concrete Engineering.

• Have the reassurance of being able to transfer between Civil Engineering and any other of the School’s programmes at the end of the first year, and most of the programmes at the end of the second year, if you wish.

• Our Civil Engineering Society (CivSoc) gives you the chance to meet like-minded people who share your passion for civil engineering. Not only will you be treated to industrial networking events and site visits to build your experience and connections in the field, but CivSoc also puts on exciting social events like paintballing, pub quizzes 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.

The MEng, BEng programme in Civil and Environmental Engineering is accredited as fully satisfying the academic requirements for progression to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

The BEng programme is accredited as satisfying fully the academic requirements for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and satisfying partially the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status (CEng). A course of accredited "Further Learning" will be required to complete the academic requirements for CEng.

Accreditation of our programmes of study is awarded by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM). The JBM represents The Institution of Structural Engineers, the Permanent Way Institution, Institute of Highway Engineers, The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institution of Civil Engineers. These 5 professional bodies act under licence from the UK regulator for engineering, the Engineering Council.

Our programmes are EUR-ACE labelled, which means they also meet the framework standards and guidelines of EUR-ACE and that the accreditation is recognised by the member states of the European Higher Education Area.

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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.

You can choose to study either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BEng).

Years one and two

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.

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 three

You’ll benefit from a greater variety of optional modules, allowing you to focus on topics such as building physics, transport, railway or public health engineering. Core modules will help you to enhance and refine your skills in structural analysis and design, as well as building your knowledge of key topics like water engineering and foundation engineering and allowing you to complete a substantial research project.

(Optional) One-year work placement or study abroad

You can choose to take up a one year industrial placement which will extend your degree by 12 months.

Alternatively, if you choose the four year MEng, BEng programme you can choose to take a year studying abroad. This will not extend your studies.

Year four (MEng)

If you choose the MEng and continue into Year 4, you’ll have greater freedom in your choice of modules. You could focus on water resource management or the role of civil engineering in responding to major emergencies like natural disasters. You’ll also work alongside your supervisor on an individual research project, allowing you to focus on an engineering problem in depth and apply the skills you’ve gained.

The in depth final-year research project will allow you work on a specific area of your choice, under the guidance of your supervisor, where you’ll contribute to the body of knowledge in your chosen field and have the opportunity to make a real impact.

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.

Engineering ethics

Ethics plays an integral role in the engineering practices of today, which is why you’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course. You’ll be taught by academics from the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre, as well as your lecturers, 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.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Civil and Environmental Engineering MEng, BEng in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Civil and Environmental Engineering BEng in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

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. For example, if you choose the construction site field course module), you’ll apply your knowledge to build replicas of iconic structures.

All our courses are supported by world-leading 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 will 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 two or three. 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

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Civil Engineering in the 21st Century

• Architectural history – Victorian architecture

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 will be assessed through both written examinations, held at the end of each year, and through coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including 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 AAB 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.

• 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*DD (RQF) 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.

  Please note - there may be different requirements for the older QCF BTEC's, please contact Admissions.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 5 points in HL Mathematics.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA 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 School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative 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 alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including Mathematics.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

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 a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on 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.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: £9,250

International: £27,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

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.

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 about additional costs.

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.

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 2021, 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 will 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.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad

On the four year MEng, BEng degree course, you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. The optional study abroad year does not extend your studies – you simply complete a year at one of the universities in our international partner programme.

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to travel further afield whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

Find out more about Study Abroad.

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

• All placements are salaried

• 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

You can choose to take up a one year industrial placement during your third year (BEng and MEng, BEng) which will extend your degree by 12 months. On successful completion, you will 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.