Undergraduate course

BEng (Hons)

Civil Engineering

From transport networks to housing developments, bridges to energy security; our hands-on degree will build the knowledge, practical experience and industry connections you need to make a real impact on the world around you.

Our typical offer

112 UCAS points

Secure your place this September

Already applied or yet to apply? Get guidance on the next steps you need to take to start a course in 2025.

Hands-on projects from day one

You’ll build valuable problem-solving and team-working skills before you know it, working on real-world engineering challenges that get you thinking, designing and constructing.

Industry-aligned teaching

You’ll join a course co-designed with industry partners ensuring that we deliver a course that is closely aligned with future industry needs, making your degree truly future-proof.

Stand-out work experience

Work as a paid student engineer in an optional placement, applying your knowledge in real-world settings and building helpful industry contacts to kickstart your career.
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
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About

Are you passionate about designing and building resilient bridges and buildings that transform people’s lives—now and for future generations? As a civil engineering student at the University of Plymouth, you’ll imagine, design, and create the structures and technical solutions that bring large-scale infrastructure projects to life. Be a civil engineer of the future, helping society make life-changing progress in areas such as shelter, clean water, transportation, energy security, and protection from natural hazards.


Dr Shanshan Cheng
Dr Shanshan Cheng
Lecturer in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering. Practical session where students learn how to cast and test concrete beams.

This course is for you if...

you're passionate about designing and constructing infrastructure that benefits society
Engineer in hard hat holding document in front of building
you aspire to address sustainable development challenges
Hand holding trees
you're eager to get hands-on experience from site visits and in the lab
Two engineers in hard hats holding a drawing
you aim to become a Chartered Civil Engineer with global opportunities
Ticklist depicting goal setting for graduates

Details

Year 1

Study the fundamental principles that underpin technical subjects which are studied throughout the course. You will develop your mathematical skills and study engineering materials, structural mechanics and fluid mechanics. You will learn about generic design and computer-aided design, and work in a team to undertake a real-world design challenge. Laboratory sessions will form an important part of your learning.
Engineering students listening to academic

Core modules

BPIE114
Stage 1 Civils Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

ENGR103
Engineering Science 20 credits

This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of fluid mechanics appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications; the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings, including both flow and non-flow processes, heat engines, and mechanisms of heat transfer; and the fundamental principles of electrical engineering.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

ENGR104
Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

ENGR105
Mechanics and Structures 20 credits

This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of engineering mechanics and structures appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. Deeper understanding of these scientific principles will be developed through practical applications using hand calculations and computer software tools as appropriate.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

ENGR106
Engineering Materials 20 credits

This module introduces students to a broad range of engineering materials appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. The module will consider the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties, presenting practical applications wherever appropriate. Students will also be introduced to standard material test methods.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

ENGR107
Engineering Design 20 credits

This module introduces students to engineering design practice appropriate to civil, marine and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students will develop sketching and technical drawing skills and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create digital models of technical systems. Working in a team, students will be tasked to create sustainable solutions to real-world technical design challenges.

70% Coursework

30% Tests

ENGR108
Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques 20 credits

The experimental basis of this module allows students develop their engineering science knowledge and practical skills using a student-centred, laboratory-based approach to learning. The module will help students develop good quality study skills, teamwork, and competency in technical communication.

70% Practicals

30% Coursework

Year 2

The second year introduces core civil engineering disciplines that comprise structural analysis and design, geotechnics and fluid dynamics. These subjects are explored in lectures, through practical activities, and field trips. You will develop essential and professional transferable skills and tools for the management of projects. At this point of the course, it is still possible to swap between our ‘civil’ and ‘civil and coastal’ engineering degrees.
Civil ENgineering students on a boat trip in Plymouth Sound.

Core modules

BPIE214
Stage 2 Civils Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

CIVL201
Civil Engineering Practice 20 credits

This module develops understanding of construction materials and site surveying through lectures and practical work. Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills for Civil Engineers are developed through practical laboratory work. The module provides the opportunity to engage in a range of laboratory work relating to structures, geotechnics and hydraulics.

50% Coursework

50% Tests

GEEN200
Geotechnical Engineering 1 20 credits

This module introduces Geology, and the properties/ behaviour of soil as relevant to Civil Engineering projects. The concepts of groundwater flow and consolidation are considered, with associated calculations. Methods of analysis for estimation of stability and deformation when the ground is loaded are also introduced.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

HYFM200
Hydraulic and Coastal Engineering 20 credits

This module develops hydraulic engineering concepts introduced in the first year, and introduces hydrodynamic concepts required for coastal engineering. Hydraulic engineering material includes predicting flow in pipes and open channels. Coastal engineering topics include study of waves and tides, and their application to coastal engineering. Learning is supported by laboratory work and a site visit.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MATH200
Engineering Analysis 20 credits

This module builds upon the stage one engineering mathematics module, by introducing students to more advanced mathematical ideas, statistical techniques and numerical methods. The methods and techniques studied are used to solve relevant civil engineering applications, with some emphasis on interpreting the results obtained. Industrially recognised software packages are also used where appropriate.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

STAD200
Structural Analysis and Design 1 20 credits

This module extends the theoretical base established by the Stage 1 Mechanics and Structures module. It is intended to combine the basic principles of analysis with design to develop an integrated approach to solving problems in Structural Engineering. The module is supported by the use of computer software and laboratory work.

70% Coursework

30% Tests

MGMT224
Construction Management 20 credits

In this module students will develop an understanding of responsible professional engineering practice, by critically analysing commercial and professional aspects of construction management and project planning systems.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

Optional placement year

By taking the opportunity to spend an optional year in paid employment whilst still a student civil engineer, you will obtain recordable professional experience, build a network of industry contacts and often obtain offers of summer work, sponsorship or employment on graduation. Our placements team will support you in finding a placement, and we have an extensive network of employers across all sectors.
Engineering students using equipment

Optional modules

BPIE340
Civil Engineering Related Placement (Generic) 0 credits

A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study. Help to prepare the student for the final stage and employment after graduation.

Final year

Deepen your understanding of the core technical subjects in civil engineering with a particular focus on designing infrastructure solutions. You will immerse yourself in the execution of your individual project throughout the year. This project will focus on a research question or a practical issue relevant to a civil engineering topic of your choosing under the supervision of an academic member of staff. This might involve the use of laboratory facilities, modelling and analysis software.
Students in the coast lab

Core modules

GEEN314
Geotechnical Engineering 2 20 credits

This module considers the application of Soil Mechanics to analysis and design of a range of common Civil Engineering structures. This includes shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and slope stability.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

HYFM300
Water Engineering 20 credits

This module develops hydraulic engineering concepts introduced in the first and second year, and combines them with elements of water engineering and management. The main areas covered are urban drainage, flood management, water resources, and river/channel engineering. Learning is supported by laboratory work and a field trip.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

STAD300
Structural Analysis and Design 2 20 credits

This module focuses on the analyses and design of whole structures, i.e. multi-storey buildings. It includes computer modelling and analysis, and methods of the validation of the obtained results using approximate analysis.

70% Coursework

30% Examinations

STAD315
Structural Engineering Design 20 credits

This module introduces students to standard industry design practices and builds on their previous knowledge by introducing them to bridges and complex low rise / multi storey building structures. The module provides students with the opportunity to develop their conceptual design skills and adopt a holistic approach to structure design by considering the "whole" as well as the individual elements.

50% Coursework

50% Tests

PRCE312
Individual Project 40 credits

The individual project allows the student to research an approved topic of interest related to civil or coastal engineering. Guided by an academic supervisor, the student independently conducts an investigation comprising theoretical development, experimental/computational and analytical work.

100% Coursework

 
 
 

Optional pathways

Our flexible courses offer the opportunity to add a specialism in coastal engineering, or choose an integrated masters (MEng) and enrich your undergraduate degree with an additional year at postgraduate level.

What’s the difference between BEng and MEng?

BEng (Hons)
  • A three year degree, with the potential for it to be four years with a placement year
  • Accredited by the professional engineering institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
MEng (Hons)
  • A four year integrated masters, with the potential for it to be five years with a placement year
  • Accredited by the professional engineering institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

High-spec industry facilities

You’ll become expert in using all the latest specialist equipment in our innovative laboratories, which at Plymouth, include water and coastal engineering facilities, so you graduate with sought-after knowledge and experience.

Get hands-on

Learn about hydraulic engineering concepts by getting hands-on building breakwaters in the COAST lab .

Testing to destruction

Breaking, twisting, and snapping metal in the STEAM Material Testing Lab . Conduct a range of tensile, impact, torsion and fatigue tests to determine the characteristics of different metals.

Heavy structures

Concrete practical in our purpose-built Heavy Structures and Geotechnics Lab , include mixing, casting and testing the materials. .

Thriving industry connections

We have a long history of working with industry experts to provide you with the connections and opportunities you’ll need to begin your career.
Our Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC) is a panel of esteemed practising engineers and one of the biggest in the UK.
Working in partnership with the IAC, we keep your curriculum up-to-date and ensure that you’re highly employable when you graduate.
People networking at an event
 
 
 

I hope my research will significantly contribute to advancing renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering socio-economic benefits on both local and global scales.

Nilesh Jeetah came top in the final of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Emerging Engineers Award 2023 for a research project which could have important implications for the future development of floating offshore wind energy.

Nilesh Jeetah
 
 
 

Research-informed teaching

Learn from professionals with industry and research expertise.
Benefit from our industry expertise and study a course that is influenced by our innovative research.
Our collaborative and interdisciplinary community of world-leading academics and researchers is focused upon the creation of knowledge and innovative solutions that have a positive impact upon society.
Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.
Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng Professor in Ocean Engineering


Professor in Ocean Engineering

Dr Shanshan Cheng Lecturer in Civil Engineering


Lecturer in Civil Engineering

Dr Edward Ellis Lecturer in Civil Engineering (Education)


Lecturer in Civil Engineering (Education)

Show all
 
 
 

Make friends and meet like-minded people

With a choice of two dedicated student societies for passionate engineers, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with a range of activities including site visits, guest lectures from industry experts, networking events, workshops, and hands-on projects.
These events not only complement your studies but also provide valuable insights into the civil engineering profession.
Civil Engineering Society (CivSoc)
Plymouth Engineering Society (EngSoc)
Plymouth Engineering Society
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city

Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options

Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
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Get involved with one of our many student groups

Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

The best and most exciting milestone in my career has been starting my role in the structural dynamics and numerical modelling field. I am able to apply my technical knowledge and utilise a variety of engineering skills, as well as work on exciting projects that involve energetic events.

After a year as an Associate Project Manager for the Ministry of Defence, Ajen Limbu transitioned into a role as a Structural Dynamics Engineer.
MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

Ajen Limbu, MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
We’re an employment-focused course: preparing you for your chosen career is our priority.
Developing the next generation of chartered civil engineers means providing you with opportunities to connect and engage with the industry, from site visits and guest speakers to work placements.
With many of our graduates employed in a professional or managerial role six months after graduation, the connections we provide are meaningful and will have a direct impact on your employability.
Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of roles and disciplines across both the public and private sectors in the UK and overseas.

Optional placement year: preparing you for the future

Preparing the next generation of civil engineers means offering opportunities to collaborate with industry connections through work placements and tackling real-world projects. The optional placement year offers you the chance to engage in hands-on learning, gaining practical experience so that you’ll be well-equipped to excel as a highly employable graduate.

The placement has definitely helped me define where I want to go – working in the transportation division and on world-class bridge design projects.

After her industrial placement with AECOM designing an underground station, Harriette Scowen was offered sponsorship and a full-time graduate position.

When I got my placement, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I started doing hydraulic modelling and water infrastructure, it was really great! I feel like I’ve grown so much in the last year and I’ve been offered a job for when I graduate.

Alex Phillips
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

The Tamar Engineering Project

The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

Secure your place this September

Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Check what you need to do
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Entry requirements

Our typical offer
112 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A levels
112 points to include grade C in A level mathematics and all applicants must be studying a second relevant subject. Relevant subjects include applied ICT, applied science, applied science (DA), biology, chemistry, computing/computer science, DT (product design resistant materials), DT (systems and control tech) DT product design (textiles tech), electronics, engineering, environmental science, geography, geology, further maths/use of, statistics, music technology, physics, technology and design.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
To include all mathematics units with Distinction. Level 3 Engineering Principles (Mandatory Module), Level 3 Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems (Mandatory Module) and Level 3 Further Engineering Mathematics (Optional Module).
Or, where A or AS level mathematics has been achieved: DMM to include all mathematics units with Merit. (Core Maths not accepted).
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

International Baccalaureate
28 to 32 points overall to include 4 in Higher Level Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Higher Level subject.

Irish Leaving Certificate
112 points, including H4 in Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Higher Level subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.

SQA Advanced Higher
112 points, including grade C in Advanced Higher Maths and all applicants must be studying a second relevant Advanced Higher subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.

All Access courses
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction, including 12 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics and 12 Level 3 credits at Merit in a second relevant subject.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
H200
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com

    • Other routes into this course

    The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

    BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Foundation Year

    Don't have the traditional entry requirements to start a degree? Get a solid grounding in the disciplines underpinning civil engineering through an additional foundation year.

     

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
    Our typical offer
    112 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    H200
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth

    Other routes to this course

    If you do not have the required qualifications for this course, you may be able to gain them through the University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) .
     
     
     

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    *These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.