Civil and Structural Engineering BEng

Course overview

The benefits of civil and structural engineering are all around us. Safe buildings and infrastructure not only protect us but also ensure that any adverse impact on the natural environment is minimised. Civil and structural engineers both play key roles in addressing global challenges in climate, sustainability and environment – which is why studying both disciplines gives you flexibility for your future career choice.

This JBM-accredited degree develops civil 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.

At Leeds, sustainable development is integrated into teaching and learning throughout the degree. You'll focus on design and engineering projects which minimise society’s impact on the environment, reduce the temporary borrowing of finite materials and resources, while maximising societal benefit. You’ll also develop and fine-tune theoretical and practical abilities and learn to solve problems using analytical, technical and decision-making skills – all attributes sought after by employers in industry.

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

Qualified civil and structural engineers are in demand across the construction sector. Exciting roles are also found working for consultancies, local authorities, government departments, utility companies and environmental organisations in the UK and internationally.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB with an A in 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) and International Project Qualification (IPQ): 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 ABB 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.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

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.

Civil and structural 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 2024, High Fliers Research.

Typically, the majority of graduates each year secure careers in the core contracting and consulting arms of the civil engineering industry. The technical, communication and management skills you'll develop are also in demand from other sectors such as international finance, investment banking and large-scale project management.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Assistant Civil Engineer, AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK
• Assistant Engineer, Balfour Beatty Construction
• Assistant Resident Engineer, Mott MacDonald
• Bridge Engineer, Jacobs
• Chartered Civil Engineer, WS Atkins & Partners Overseas
• Civil & Structural Design Engineer, KTP Consultants Pte Ltd
• Civil Engineer, Arup Group Ltd
• Civil Engineer, Atkins
• Civil Engineer, Transport for London
• Design Engineer, Kier
• Geotechnical Engineer, Offshore Wind Consultants
• Graduate Civil Engineer, Network Rail
• Graduate Civil Engineer, Sellafield Ltd
• Structural Engineer, Robert McAlpine
• Water Resources Engineer, Cardno Lawson Treloar

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.