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CONTENTS
- What's civil engineering?
- Civil engineering requirements
- What subjects are needed to become a civil engineer?
- Best civil nngineering universities in the UK
- How to compare civil engineering degrees
- How to compare civil engineering degrees in Clearing
- What if you can’t find a civil engineering course in Clearing?
What's civil engineering?
Civil engineers build the physical world around us. They’re behind every road, railway, bridge, shopping centre, sports stadium and skyscraper. They’re involved in the planning, designing and development of our towns and cities, along with the transport networks that connect them.
Civil engineering requirements
The UCAS points to study civil engineering range from 96 (CCC at A-level; MMM at BTEC level) to 144 points (AAA at A-level; DDD at BTEC level).
| Type | Minimum Grades/Points Required (with Foundation Year) | Minimum Grades/Points Required | Maximum Grades/Points Required | Average Grades/Points Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCAS Points | 48 | 96 | 144 | 120 |
| A-levels | DD | CCC | AAA | BBB |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | PPP-MP | MMM | DDD | DMM-DDM |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 | 24 | 40 | 26 |
What subjects are needed to become a civil engineer?
A-level
Most universities ask that you've studied maths and physics. Some universities will ask for maths and any science, which can include physics, chemistry, engineering or design & technology. Top universities will require at least an A in maths and an A in physics. General studies is often not counted towards your points total.
BTECs
Most universities will ask for a BTEC qualification in maths or physics. Some will require your BTEC qualifications to be accompanied by either a maths or science A-level.
GCSEs
You'll need to have passed your GCSEs with at least a grade C/4 or higher. Two of these need to be English and maths. Some universities will want you to have a GCSE in chemistry or physics.
International Baccalaureate
Most unis will want you to have Higher Level maths and Higher Level physics. Top universities will ask for at least a grade 7 in maths and a grade 6 in physics.
Remember that unis will also look closely at your personal statement. You may even be asked to attend an interview. These are both great chances to impress the admissions tutors with your passion and knowledge for the subject and information about any relevant work experience you’ve undertaken.
Best civil engineering universities in the UK
Our sister site, the Complete University Guide, publishes university league tables every year ranking UK unis nationally and in 70+ subject areas. Check out the latest rankings to see the best UK unis for civil engineering.
Don’t be disheartened if your grades don’t meet the entry requirements for any of these universities. A university’s ranking won’t determine how much you’ll enjoy studying there. When comparing civil engineering courses remember to consider:
Module choices
Civil nngineering courses will cover similar topics, but the structure and assessment may differ. Make sure that the course you choose has modules that interest you. Look at the civil engineering course pages to learn about the modules on a course before applying.
Placement years
Placement years can give you excellent work experience and even lead to a job upon graduation. Keep an eye on what universities offer this option, where the placements would be and when.
MEng or BEng
A BEng is a bachelor’s degree, whereas an MEng is an integrated master’s degree. MEng courses have slightly higher entry requirements but provide you with a higher level of qualification. An MEng can enable you to acquire Chartered Engineer status, which can be more attractive to employers and lead to higher earnings. There are pros and cons for each option, so weigh them up before making your decision.
How to compare civil engineering degrees
You can use Whatuni’s Find a Course tool to compare civil engineering courses. Type ‘civil engineering’ in the search bar and you will see what degrees are available:
You can use the filters to personalise your search results. When you select a course, you’ll see the full course information, including course outline, module choices, entry requirements, fees and key course stats.
Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of courses, begin your research. Order each university’s prospectus to give you an overview of learning facilities, accommodation, social activities, support and much more.
Booking an open day will let you scope the campus, speak to current students and potential tutors. Open day events will give you an idea of what your student life may be like.
Reading student reviews will also offer an honest insight into what you can expect from student life. Simply enter the university and subject to see what students are saying.
How to compare civil engineering degrees in Clearing
You can search for civil engineering courses when Clearing opens in early July. Use Whatuni’s Clearing tool to search for and compare available courses.
Pre-register for Clearing in the meantime to stay up to date. You’ll have access to monthly Clearing content via newsletters, Whatuni’s Clearing Guide and be able to start saving and comparing any civil engineering courses that have places in Clearing.
What if you can’t find a civil engineering course in Clearing?
You'll still have several options to choose from:
- Study a civil engineering foundation year: Civil engineering foundation years are designed for students who lack the qualifications needed for direct entry onto a bachelor’s degree. Entry requirements are much lower but be aware of the extra cost and time the foundation year will add to your studies.
- Apply for a Clearing course in a similar subject: Architecture, architectural design or technology, quantity surveying, urban planning or urban engineering, and structural engineering all cover similar themes and can lead to careers in similar industries as civil engineering. You may even find a place on a joint honours degree, which combines civil engineering with one of these subjects.
- Apply for a civil engineering degree apprenticeship: A degree apprenticeship involves you working for an employer and then heading to university for one to two days/evenings per week to study. A growing number of universities now offer civil engineering degree apprenticeships, including the University of Salford, University of West London, University of Portsmouth and Nottingham Trent University. You can find opportunities on the government’s Find an Apprenticeship website.
- Apply for a civil engineering foundation degree: A civil engineering foundation degree is another option if you don’t meet the entry requirements for a civil engineering degree. Foundation degrees are a standalone level 5 qualification (FdEng or FdSc), equivalent to two years of a bachelor’s degree. The entry requirements are a lot lower than for a full degree and courses are designed to either prepare you for direct employment upon graduation or to do further study towards a full degree.
- Take a gap year and resit your exams: If none of these alternatives sound appealing, you may want to consider taking a gap year, resitting your exams and starting university next year. You could use your gap year to travel, get work experience and explore both your education and career options.
Header image: Photo by ThisIsEngineering RAEng on Unsplash
