BEng Civil Engineering (H205)
2027 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
If you have a passion for creative problem-solving, our BEng Civil Engineering degree can equip you to innovate in a way that tangibly improves the world around us.
From buildings and bridges to water, transport and renewable energy systems, you'll learn to design innovative, sustainable structures that address global environmental challenges, enabling human and ecological systems to flourish.
This course balances deep theoretical knowledge with practical application. At Bristol, you'll be taught by academics working at the leading edge of civil engineering research and practice. You'll also benefit from our world-class laboratory facilities, including one of the most advanced earthquake shaking tables in Europe.
In the first two years you'll build a strong foundation in:
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Structures
- Soil and fluid mechanics
- Coding
- Surveying
Design is central to the course. This is reflected in the projects and real-world challenges you'll face.
In the first year, you'll develop a sustainable solution to an open-ended problem, such as designing and making a model bridge.
Your second year includes designing with steel, concrete and timber, as well as geotechnical design and water engineering.
In your third year, you'll undertake a major, individual research project and continue to develop key practical and professional skills. These include:
- Project management
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics
- Risk analysis
We work closely with industry to ensure we equip you with the exceptional skills and experiences needed to become a future leader in civil engineering. Our graduates are highly sought after by top employers, including:
- Civil engineering consultancies
- Construction companies
- Utility companies
- The military
- Public transport providers
- Sustainable electricity generators
- Environmental managers
What you'll gain: skills and careers
Career paths
- Consulting Civil Engineer
- Site Engineer
- Structural/Geographical Engineer
- Environmental Consultant
- Project Manager
Skills taught
- Technical problem solving
- Programming and computational modelling
- Data analysis
- Engineering design and communication
- Leadership and project management
Graduate employers
- Balfour Beatty
- Adept Consulting Engineers
- Welsh Water
- Stantec
- EY
Course structure
Our three-year BEng Civil Engineering course is designed to build the understanding, insight and knowledge that prepares you for a successful career.
First-year students studying Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Design Engineering all begin their degrees by gaining a command of the key skills and fundamental principles that underpin modern engineering.
You'll undertake common units with your peers from other disciplines and tackle an interdisciplinary project together. These projects are rooted in real, global challenges inspired by Engineers Without Borders.
From day one, you'll collaborate closely with a wide circle of people. You'll encounter a range of perspectives, explore different ideas, and develop broad social circles and professional networks that encompass all our core engineering disciplines.
In today's industry, interdisciplinary working is the norm. Understanding how other disciplines think and work can give you an edge once you step into the workplace.
Starting your degree with a broad foundation of knowledge will expand your frame of reference. It'll enable you to be more creative as you progress through the course and become more specialist in later years of study. This skills-based approach will equip you with the technical abilities needed to succeed in your degree and your career.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
More about Access to HE entry requirements
Search international qualifications
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Civil Engineering can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2026 entry. The statement for 2027 entry will be available in summer 2026.