Skip to Content
BEng|Undergraduate

Civil Engineering

Entry year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry requirements
ABB
Duration
3 years (Full-time)
UCAS code
H200

Civil Engineering at Queen’s concerns the planning, design, sustainability and management of our society’s infrastructure. It is a broad discipline taught by staff engaged in high quality industry-linked research rooted in environmental impact considerations. Fields of study include structures, foundations, water engineering and project management. You’ll be tackling some of the biggest challenges of the modern world, such as achieving sustainable living in an increasingly urbanised society. As the demands on resources like water, energy and land increase, there is a strong need for qualified Civil Engineers with the relevant technical skills but who also possess an ethical awareness of the social and environmental context of their work.

You can tailor your studies according to your skills and interest after a common first year with our three complementary pathway programmes:
• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering with Architecture
• Environmental and Civil Engineering.

The programme produces engineering graduates equipped for professional roles in industry, the professions and public service. It meets the requirements of the Engineering Council's UK-SPEC for BEng degrees and the QAA Engineering Benchmark Statement as part of the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status.

Civil Engineering also ranks Joint 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2021).

Civil Engineering highlights

Professional Accreditations

Civil Engineering at Queens is an Academic Partner of the Institution of Civil Engineers and we have one of the highest graduate employment rates in the Russell Group of Universities.
www.ice.org.uk

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of 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). Candidates must hold a masters or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration. See https://www.jbm.org.uk/ for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.
www.jbm.org.uk

Industry Links

Our strong links with employers gives you access to a range of opportunities, for example the opportunity for sponsorship through the national QUEST Scholarship Scheme. We also have an extensive Civil Engineering Advisory Panel, which includes members from the major employers.

Career Development

All of our Civil Engineering degrees come with the option of a placement year in industry. You can spend up to 12 months getting hands on experience of a real engineering environment with a relevant company. Students have gained work placements with organisations such as Arup, AECOM, Design ID, WYG, Mott MacDonald, Jacobs, Keystone, McLaughlin & Harvey, Farrans, Graham and BSG Civil Engineering.

Our graduates can not only choose from a range of rewarding and challenging careers in civil engineering, but are also sought after in accountancy, commerce, education and research.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Queen’s is a leader in civil engineering research, and our exceptional teaching is informed by the latest research into global challenges like environmentally sustainable urban development and prosperity, and technological innovation. You’ll learn from staff and guest lecturers who are engaged in international, award winning research and practice.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/Disciplines/civil-and-structural-engineering/

Student Experience

Our pathway options offer you the flexibility to choose the right direction for your future career and include Civil/Environmental/Structural Engineering with a Year in Industry, which incorporates a placement year with a top employer. There are further opportunities to work or study abroad through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE).

Course Structure

Introduction

This degree is designed to provide students with a good basis for a professional career as a chartered Civil Engineer. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of theory through design and laboratory work. The degrees contain an element of choice, but all students are required to take courses which will equip them with the technical, management and professional skills needed for a career in civil engineering.

Stage 1

Students study the fundamentals of civil engineering theory and practice. This forms the transition from the basic mathematics and sciences studied at secondary level to engineering applications.

Stage 1 courses provide a foundation in engineering mathematics, construction materials, fluids mechanics, structural behaviour, surveying, and engineering design.

Stage 2

This is a very important year of study, when the major knowledge of civil engineering subjects and their application within design are developed.

Students following the sandwich degree will take an Industrial Placement Year between Stages 2 and 3 for both BEng and MEng students, or between Stages 3 and 4 for MEng students.

Stage 2 courses develop students’ understanding of the core areas of geotechnics, structures, mathematics, and design. There are options to specialise in either civil engineering by taking hydraulics and infrastructure or structural engineering by taking courses related to architecture and urban planning.

Stage 3

Theory is applied in a professional context in Stage 3. Students are introduced to management and economics within the civil engineering profession.

All students undertake a major individual research project.

Stage 3 courses extend students’ understanding of the core areas of geotechnics, structures, construction management and design. There are options to specialise in either civil engineering by taking hydraulics or structural engineering by taking courses related to architectural design.

People teaching you

Head of Civil Engineering

Natural and Built Environment

Contact Teaching Hours

Medium Group Teaching

0 (hours maximum)
typically 5 hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week.

Personal Study

0 (hours maximum)
typically 15 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities etc.

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

0 (hours maximum)
typically 5 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week.

Large Group Teaching

0 (hours maximum)
typically 15 hours of lectures.

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

In Civil Engineering we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  • E-Learning technologies

    Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use specialist IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.

  • Lectures

    Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

  • Personal Tutor

    Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Stage 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

  • Practicals

    Where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. You will be expected to attend a number of practicals per week depending on your year of study. These are designed to reinforce the core subjects you are studying.

  • Self-directed study

    This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

  • Seminars/tutorials

    Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

  • Supervised projects

    In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you on at least 2 occasions during the write up stage.

  • Work placements

    Students may opt to undertake a vacation work-placement after Stage 2. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity and is accredited by the University.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each course. Some courses are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each course is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, course co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
  • Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
  • Placement employer comments or references.
  • Online or emailed comment
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
  • Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
  • Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
  • Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
  • Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

PREV
Overview

NEXT
Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Mathematics 1 (20 credits)
    Hydraulics 1 (20 credits)
  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Hydraulics 2 (20 credits)
    Geotechnics 2 (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

    Geotechnics 3 (20 credits)
    Project 3 (20 credits)
    Hydraulics 3 (20 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Structures 3 (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

A level requirements

ABB including Mathematics and at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Digital Technology, Environmental Technology, Geography, ICT (not Applied ICT), Physics, Software Systems Development, Technology and Design or Double Award Life & Health Sciences.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements)

Access/Foundation Course

Successful completion of Access Course with 80% in each module.

Must be a relevant Access Course including two modules in Mathematics (Level 3) and two modules in Physics and/or Chemistry (Level 3).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements)

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

(QCF) BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3), ) with overall grades D*DD. Distinctions will be required in four specified units (40 credits), including Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mathematics for Technicians.

Or

(RQF) BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades D*DD. Distinctions will be required in four specified units, including Engineering Principles and Further Engineering Mathematics.

Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma must be relevant

Applicants offering a high standard in a relevant BTEC Higher National Diploma or HETAC Ordinary Degree may be considered for entry to Stage 2.

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade C/4 in GCSE Physics or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/44.

Option to transfer

Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

How we choose our students

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Natural and Built Environment. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by an Admissions Manager/Officer from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

Applicants for the BEng Honours in Civil Engineering must be able to satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirement; in addition, it should be noted that performance at GCSE is important. For last year's entry, applicants for this BEng programme must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics. Applicants not offering Physics at A-level require GCSE Physics at grade C/4 or Double Award Science at grades CC/44 or above. Selectors will also check that any specific subject and grade requirements in terms of A-level can be fulfilled (see Entry Requirements).

Offers are normally made on the basis of 3 A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS are also considered. Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

The offer for repeat candidates is set in terms of 3 A-levels and the same as for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not normally considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Applicants offering two A-levels including Mathematics plus a relevant Science (see entry requirements) and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account. For last year's entry, applicants for this BEng programme must have had, 5 C/Merits grades including Mathematics. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied (see Entry Requirements).

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as Edexcel BTEC Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma (see entry requirements), Higher National Certificates or Diplomas in a relevant subject, will also be considered.

The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates taking a BTEC Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma and must include both GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 and GCSE Physics grade C/4 or Double Award Science at grades CC/44 or better. A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma is required for entry to this degree (see entry requirements).

Applicants offering a Higher National Certificate (HNC) will require an appropriate GCSE profile, which must include grade C/4 or better in GCSE Mathematics. A relevant HNC in Engineering is required, including Analytical/Mathematical units. Where offers are made for Stage 1 entry, these currently are normally conditional on successful completion of this HNC with 8 Merits, including Merits in three specified units eg Applied Mathematics for Construction and the Built Environment, Applied Mathematics for Complex Engineering Problems and Structural Analysis and Design.

For those offering a Higher National Diploma (HND), some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile, but this must include grade C or better in GCSE Mathematics. To be eligible for an offer, the grades obtained in the first year of the HND must allow the overall offer to be achievable. A relevant HND in Engineering is required for admission to this degree and offers for Stage 1 entry currently are normally conditional on successful completion of this HND with 9 Merits and 7 Passes overall, with Merits required in Applied Mathematics for Construction and the Built Environment, Applied Mathematics for Complex Engineering Problems and Structural Analysis and Design. Applicants with sufficiently high grades in the first year of a relevant HND in Engineering may be considered for entry to Stage 2 and, where offers are made, these currently are normally conditional on successful completion of this HND with 12 Merits and 4 Passes overall, with Merits required in Applied Mathematics for Construction and the Built Environment, Applied Mathematics for Complex Engineering Problems, Structural Analysis and Design, Science and Materials for Construction and the Built Environment and Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics/Hydraulic Principles.

Applicants offering a suitable Access/Certificate in Foundation Studies course will be considered individually on their own merits. The Access course should have substantial Mathematics and Science (i.e. Physics and/or Chemistry) content at level 3. Where offers were made last year, these were conditional on successful completion of this Access course with 80% in each module.

Applicants offering a combination of Scottish Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers, the International Baccalaureate or Irish Leaving Certificate, will also be considered.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tiebreak situation in August.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to an Open Day, which is usually held during the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice; the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk) giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

PREV
Modules

NEXT
Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

On graduating with an Honours degree, students are able to choose from a range of rewarding and challenging careers in Civil Engineering and are also sought after in accountancy, commerce, education and research. The majority of graduates take up posts associated with design and construction. Some embark on management, accountancy and finance careers, while others go into teaching and research. Employment in consulting engineers' offices and in the public sector will centre on feasibility, planning and detailed design. Alternatively, work with a contracting company will provide extensive experience on site where management skills are important in addition to technical knowledge. Our engineering graduates are also to be found in many other areas of employment where the skills and discipline of evaluating facts, decision making and management have provided them with the basis for rewarding and interesting careers.

Studying for a civil engineering degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Civil Engineering.

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Civil Engineering significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors.

Employment Links

We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of local, national and international employers including, some of who provide sponsorship through the national QUEST Scholarship Scheme. Queen’s is among the top universities in the number of scholarships gained. In addition, we have a Civil Engineering Advisory Panel including members from the major employer sectors. This panel forms the benchmark for the UK Civil Engineering Accrediting body, the Joint Board of Moderators.

Placement Employers
Many of our students have also gained international work placement through organisations such as the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £25,300
International £25,300

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

Students are required to buy safety boots, basic boots start at £10.

There is a residential field trip at the end of year 1 which is a compulsory part of the Surveying Module, costs are currently £220.

Year 2 students are also required to buy a copy of the Extracts from the Structural Eurocodes costing £40 - £45.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

PREV
Careers

NEXT
Apply

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

  1. Applying through UCAS
    Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
  2. Applying direct
    The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
  3. Applying through agents and partners
    The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus