Civil Engineering - BEng (Hons), MEng (Hons)

2025/26 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, Master of Engineering with Honours

Faculty:

Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

School:

Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment

Campus:

Belfast campus

UCAS code:

H200
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20

Start date:

September 2025

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.

That is why on each of our courses within the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in the Built Environment.

Read the course details below to find out more.

With this degree you could become:

  • Civil Engineer
  • Graduate Civil Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Transport (NI)
  • Transport Engineer

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • AMEY Consulting
  • Arup Consulting Engineers
  • Graham Construction
  • RPS Group
  • Atkins Realis
  • Government bodies

Overview

Innovate and engineer your environment.

Summary

The course in Civil Engineering is designed to allow graduates to work in both consultancy or contracting within industry. It includes elements of Structural design, Highway design and Water and Wastewater design.

You will be involved in all aspects of planning and design, construction and operation and maintenance of the various types of Civil Engineering projects such as reservoirs, pipelines, and water/wastewater treatment plants related to the water and wastewater element of the course; roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, ports and airports related to the highways elements of the course and large multi-storey structures, sports stadia, commercial and industrial buildings, power stations related to the structures elements of the course.

The new Belfast campus has brand new laboratories which you will use for modules in years 1 and 2 and potentially for your project work in final year.

On the Jordanstown campus, the University has the second biggest fire lab in the UK and the biggest in a University setting. Research from this laboratory has formulated the Eurocodes for castellated beams. Lecturers from this area teach some of the structures elements of the course.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

About

The course is designed and structured to provide you with the opportunity to study the scientific, technical and managerial aspects of civil engineering to an appropriate level. It contains all the elements required for employment in any of the strands of Civil Engineering: Structures, Highways or Water and Wastewater. The skills of self-motivation, original thought, problem solving and decision making, which are so essential to the professional engineer, are encouraged and developed by a programme of project work and design which is undertaken either individually or in small groups.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Attendance

Classes are timetabled over 5 days and you are expected to attend all timetabled activities. These include lectures, tutorials, flipped classrooms, debates, computer laboratories, course specific laboratories, presentations, site visits, field trips, seminars, guest and evening lectures.

Start dates

  • September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

In Years 1 and 2 the emphasis is based upon knowledge acquisition and understanding using formal lectures, tutorials, laboratories and coursework. These will provide all the necessary background to function as a Civil Engineer. As you progress through these first two years, a more student centred teaching strategy is employed to encourage you to focus on self learning through individual reading, research, laboratory experimentation and design. There are a mixture of individual and groupwork so that personal and inter-personal skills are developed.

The class contact time allocated to each module of study is indicated on each Module Booklet. The class contact time is divided between lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory work and practical work according to the specific module and module assessment method.

Assessment is designed to incorporate diagnostic, formative and summative approaches. A wide range of assessment methods are used at different levels of the course linking teaching and learning strategies. The assessment methods include examination, coursework, essay, individual project and group project, case studies, site visit, seminar presentations, engineering laboratory report, computer simulation exercise, portfolio, problem solving, poster, class test, peer assessment, oral test, multiple choice questions, literature reviews, design and dissertation.

All University courses are designed on the assumption that you will study an average of 10 hours for each credit point. The independent study time should be time you spend in reading round the subject, carrying out preparatory work, preparing assignments, and preparing for examinations.

There is a split between coursework and examinations. For most module assessments it is 50% Coursework 50% examination. Several modules such as design and computer applications such as CAD are assessed as 100% coursework.

Attendance and Independent Study

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

  • Attendance and Independent Study

    As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

    Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.

    The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

    Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

    Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

  • Assessment

    Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes.  You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.

    Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

    Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.

  • Calculation of the Final Award

    The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

    Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

    All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.

    In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

    Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.

Belfast campus

Accommodation

High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.

Find out more - information about accommodation (Opens in a new window)  


Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing (Opens in a new window)  

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Materials

Year: 1

An understanding of fundamental behaviour of materials used in civil engineering is essential for their correct specification, design and construction. This module introduces structure and properties of commonly used construction materials and examines their uses and limitations. It also investigates the basic properties and classification of soils. Practical classes help to underpin main principles covered in lectures.

Mathematics - BEng

Year: 1

This module covers those mathematics topics which graduates in the engineering discipline will require for professional practice. For certain engineering courses this module also provides a platform for the further study of mathematics.

The module starts with refresher topics, includes basic algebra, mathematical functions, polynomial equations, logarithms and exponentials, trigonometry, complex numbers, matrices and determinants, vectors, differentiation and integration, and finishes with subject of sequences and series.

Sustainable Construction and Traffic Engineering

Year: 1

This module introduces the construction profession and the construction process in its widest form, examining the interaction between design, construction methods/materials, the programming of work and health and safety issues.

Learning will be supplemented by the use of site visits, in order to examine real situations, and MSProject, a computer software package widely used in industry.

Practical sessions will allow students to be introduced to traffic engineering and carry out assessment of junctions and a carpark.

The module is examined both by continuous assessment and examination.

Engineering Mechanics

Year: 1

Civil, Safety, and Energy engineering design and construction activities require knowledge of the forces due to the statical and dynamical behaviour of water and the statical behaviour of structures. Methods of determining forces arising from analyses using simple hydrostatics and hydrodynamics are given and applied to practical hydraulics problems. Common analysis methods for simple structures are introduced. Practical classes illustrate the use of these analysis methods at laboratory scale.

Digital Construction and Communication

Year: 1

The modern day built environment professional is required to communicate effectively utilising electronic tools with the rest of the project team. This has been mandated by the UK Cabinet Office Construction Strategy, by European Commission procurement regulations and is being followed across the world. This module develops an understanding of the key drivers and barriers to fully implementing Level 2 BIM and points towards the development of level 3 BIM working in the near future. The module develops the foundational skills for internationally recognised BIM Level 2 for the contemporary and future built environment professionals.

Surveying

Year: 1

Proper design, location, positioning and delineation of infrastructure assets are essential to the Built Environment. This module is designed to facilitate learners in developing a working knowledge of the spatial principles and practices that are essential to the civil engineering, and construction sectors. Necessary skills are obtainable only through practice in application of precise measuring and observation equipment. This module offers significant opportunity to acquire and develop such skills and associated computational and digital methods.

Year two

Mathematics for Engineers

Year: 2

This level 5 mathematics module is for engineering students on Built Environment programmes. It covers a variety of mathematical methods appropriate for the solution of problems in engineering. Emphasis is placed on applications in engineering contexts and problem solving tools, rather than on a rigorous exposition of their theoretical basis.

Safety in Design

Year: 2

An understanding of health and safety in civil engineering is essential to prepare students for both a design office or construction site environment. This module will develop strategies for risk identification and management and emphasise the responsibility on individuals for health, safety and environment issues for their design and workplace.

Geotechnics 2

Year: 2

This module seeks an appreciation of the origin and form of the landscape and its influence on construction, knowledge of raw materials used in construction and an awareness of the geological and environmental considerations influencing engineering practice. The basic concepts of ground engineering are introduced. The fundamental behaviour of soils and the measurement of soil properties are studied together with the techniques and limitations of sub-soil behaviour.

Structures 2

Year: 2

This module develops an understanding of the principles of structural analysis and stress/strain analysis. Deformation analysis and the analysis of statically indeterminate structures by flexibility, stiffness and plastic methods are included. Two and three dimensional stress and strain transformations and interactions are examined and elastic failure theories introduced. Axial buckling is investigated and torsional buckling introduced.

Water Resources 2

Year: 2

The module builds upon previous knowledge of fluid mechanics to prepare students to participate in the design of hydraulic and public engineering projects. Experience is also given in experimental work and report writing.

Structural Engineering Design 2

Year: 2

This module considers durability, deformation characteristics, design and quality control of structural materials; philosophy and concepts of key design codes of practice; design methodology and procedures for reinforced concrete, structural steel, timber and brickwork elements, use of proprietary design and detailing computer packages for reinforced concrete and structural steel.

Year three

Professional Practice - Civil Engineering

Year: 3

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal, interpersonal, and professional skills. The placement should support significantly the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey and professional development.

International Academic Studies in Architecture and the Built Environment

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline in Architecture and the Built Environment whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Year four

Water Resources Engineering 4

Year: 4

The module builds upon previous knowledge of hydraulics, river and water engineering to prepare students to participate in the design of hydraulic, river, hydrological and water engineering projects. Experience is also given in the development of computer methods in and report writing.

Construction Management

Year: 4

The construction industry, including the organisations and the people they employ, is always under pressure to improve its performance with respect to cost, time and quality. The module is a response to these demands, in that it examines current practice and possible areas for change in the management of process and people in design and construction. The module draws together the processes of tendering for construction and decision making within teams in construction/design operations, in the context of relevant contractual arrangements and the people/organisations concerned. The management simulation provides an opportunity for teams to choose suitable strategies for improved performance relating to procurement practice and risk. Practical applications and case studies are employed to bring reality to the classroom.

Soil Mechanics 4

Year: 4

Ground engineering and the installation and construction of foundations and earth retaining structures, is imperative for all civil and structural engineers. This module is the basis for the development of such expertise.

Structural analysis and design 4

Year: 4

This module seeks to prepare students for the structural design of a whole project and to introduce them to the stages involved with producing a structural design. Design is presented as following a rational methodology. The module stresses the benefits of the use of sketches in structural analysis and design and further investigates applications of equilibrium, compatibility, and material response relationships.

Civil Engineering Design

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module builds upon previous knowledge of water, highway and infrastructure engineering to prepare students to participate in the design of a broad range of civil engineering projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles and application of sustainable development and requires each student to apply innovation and creativity in a systems approach.

Environmental Engineering 4

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module builds upon previous knowledge of environmental and civil engineering studies and prepares students to participate in the design of a broad range of engineering projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles, appreciation and application of Sustainable Development and requires the student to seek optimum solutions in several environmental challenges, across the themes of waste management, water and wastewater engineering, environmental conservation and climate change.

Project Empirical Data collection and Analysis

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module requires students to undertake the data gathering, analysis and conclusions for an independent, in-depth study articulated in CIV530. The need to demonstrate rigour in relation to this project and demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluation and appraisal skills in the gathered data. Students are
expected to demonstrate an applied understanding of the theories and practices behind the analysed data and link their conclusions back to identify how this filled the previously identified knowledge gaps.

Project Literature Review and Methodology

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module provides opportunity for intensive student directed study of an individual specialised aspect of civil engineering. It also develops competence in self management as well as written and oral communication skills.

Dissertation Literature Review and Methodology

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module provides opportunity for intensive student directed study of an individual specialised aspect of civil engineering. It also develops competence in self management as well as written and oral communication skills.

Dissertation Empirical Data collection and Analysis

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module requires students to undertake the data gathering, analysis and conclusions for an independent, in-depth study articulated in CIV701. The need to demonstrate rigour in relation to this project and demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluation and appraisal skills in the gathered data. Students are
expected to demonstrate an applied understanding of the theories and practices behind the analysed data and link their conclusions back to identify how this filled the previously identified knowledge gaps.

Highways and Transportation Engineering

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module sets out the procedures and techniques required for the design, implementation and management of transport systems. The student will assimilate knowledge of the policies, regulations and environmental aspects of transportation.

Year five

Project Management

Year: 5

The module is designed to provide a postgraduate multi disciplinary learning experience on the subject of Project Management. It introduces the concepts of Project Management, examines the recognised practices and accepted principles involved in the project management function, and combines these with an understanding of the increasingly demanding multi-dimensional aspects of the discipline. It provides an overall project orientated management framework (theoretical tempered with world best practice) with local, national and international dimensions within which you can develop your knowledge / understanding and key professional competencies.

Integrated Design studies A

Year: 5

The module builds upon previous knowledge of civil and infrastructure engineering, building services engineering and broader transport and energy issues to prepare students to participate in the design of a broad range of built environment projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles engineering understanding and detailed problem-solving tasks.
There will also be some application of sustainable development within the modules. The modules is designed to allow students to apply innovation and creativity in a systematic approach to this problem solving and development of concept design.

Structural Design for Infrastructure

Year: 5

This module provides students with the opportunity to further their knowledge, understanding and appraisal of the specialist nature of civil engineering structures with a particular emphasis on infrastructure projects. Several techniques are used in design studies of bridge and culvert structures, earth retaining, water retaining and other geotechnical solutions. Specialist geotechnical design methods are introduced for the solution of a range of geotechnical problems.

Infrastructure Design Studies

Year: 5

The module builds upon previous conceptual design experiences, and on the themes offered in the Masters technical modules, and requires a detailed design folio to cover infrastructural aspects of a large project. The connections between the themes will be captured through appraisal of health and safety, investigation of costs and specification, leading to design and detailing of the project. The module is firmly grounded in the principles and application of sustainable development and requires each student to apply innovation and creativity in a systematic approach.

Sustainable Development

Year: 5

This module strengthens student awareness and knowledge of sustainable development and how it can be delivered and measured. It explores a range of economic, environmental and social challenges to determine how the built environment can best respond. It provides an appreciation of the policy and actions needed to deliver a smarter and more resilient built environment.

Advanced Materials, Structures and Geotechnics

Year: 5

This module is optional

Knowledge of structural analysis and design is extended and soil structure interaction explored within a challenging case study. Complex geotechnical issues are investigated. Advanced materials are presented to inform and assist the design process.

Numerical Modelling

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module addresses the fundamental principles of the finite element method and sets out techniques of the applications for engineering structures.

Waste Systems

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module addresses prudent resource management and low energy usage wastewater treatment systems. The waste issues cover the fields of municipal, hazardous, commercial, construction and industrial sectors, including yields, collection, treatment and disposal of by-products. Wastewater treatment impact on the environment requires energy efficient and appropriate treatment, and is dealt with through secondary and tertiary processes, as well as their effective management due to potential pollution from sewage discharges.

Utilities and Water Engineering

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module describes and develops a broad range of water engineering and utilities services covering legislation, construction, remediation and decommissioning. Hydraulic analysis and performance of key elements of water supply and distribution systems will be given detailed attention; this will all be set in the context of water supply resilience.

Structural Fire Engineering

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module considers durability, building code requirements, structural fire testing, material properties at elevated temperatures, thermally induced structural behaviour, in the context of structural design against fire.

Highway Asset Management

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module introduces the professional skills necessary to design, appraise and maintain a safe sustainable highway, applying a range of technical and managerial systems.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

BBB

A Level Essential:

- Mathematics Required

and

- Onefrom Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography and Engineering, Applied Science or Double Award Science, Life and Health Science (Single or Double Award), Technology (including Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Environmental Technology, Environmental Science and Digital Technology). If A Level Physics is not offered please refer to the GCSE entry requirements below.

Applicants can satisfy the requirement for one of the A level grades (or equivalent) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.

Applied General Qualifications

Overall BTEC award profile D,M,M with 9 Distinctions to include Further Mathematics and Structural Mechanics and Merit in Public Health Engineering if Construction Diploma. Must also have GCSE grade B or above in Mathematics.

Irish Leaving Certificate

120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level. This course also requires you to achieve H3 in Mathematics and H3 in one other science subject from Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Construction, Engineering or Geography.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBCC to include Mathematics and two other technological/scientific subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Geography, Construction,Technology and Technical drawing/graphics at grade C or above.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCC to include Mathematics and two other technological/scientific subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Geography, Construction,Technology and Technical drawing/graphics at grade C or above.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum Minimum 26 points (13 at higher level).

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Successful completion of Access Course in Science and Technology with overall average of 70% for year 1 entry only.

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Grade B/6 or above in Maths.
If A Level Physics is not being offered then GCSE Double Award Science at grades C*C*/55 OR GCSE Physics, Chemistry or Further Maths Grade C*/5 or above is required.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Additional Entry Requirements

Applicants who have successfully completed studies equivalent in content and level to the Year 1 modules are considered for direct entry into Year 2.

Exemptions and transferability

Applicants who have successfully completed studies equivalent in content and level to the Year 1 modules are considered for direct entry into Year 2.

There is a combined entry to the MEng/BEng courses. To progress onto the MEng, students must achieve an average mark across their 2nd year modules of 60% or higher.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • AMEY Consulting
  • Arup Consulting Engineers
  • Graham Construction
  • RPS Group
  • Atkins Realis
  • Government bodies

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Civil Engineer
  • Graduate Civil Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Transport (NI)
  • Transport Engineer

Career options

On graduation you will be well equipped to embark on a career in any branch of the civil engineering profession or, subject to performance, to undertake postgraduate studies or research in related areas.

Work placement / study abroad

This industrial placement year is an integral part of your course. You spend this period in the design office of a consulting engineering practice, or in a government department specialising in public works, or on-site with a contractor.

The period of industrial training gives you an insight into current working practices, sets the context for your final year studies and places you in a very advantageous position when seeking full-time employment on graduation. Satisfactory completion leads to the subsidiary award of the Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) upon graduation, or Diploma in Professional Practice (International) if you have your placement abroad.

Professional recognition

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering. 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 a Chartered Engineer (CEng). See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering. 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 www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2025

Fees and funding

2025/26 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Concrete Society (NI Region) Prize

Construction Employers' Federation Ltd. Prizes (2 awards) - Best performance in placement

Institution of Civil Engineers’ Prize - Final Year Students - Overall performance in final and penultimate years of course. Based on Classification mark

Institution of Structural Engineers NI Prize- Final-year students - Best performance in Structural subjects

May Rae Memorial Prize - All final year students - Best presentation of final-year project in Civil Engineering

The Northern Ireland Geotechnical Society - Final Year students - Best result in Soil Mechanics 4 module

The Quigg Golden Prize - Final Year students - Best result in Construction Management module

Additional mandatory costs

Safety boots must be purchased for use on site visits and in laboratory classes

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

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

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


For more information visit

Disclaimer

  1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate, but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
  2. Although the University at all times endeavours to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses, change the campus at which they are provided and introduce new courses if such action is considered necessary by the University (acting reasonably). Not all such circumstances are entirely foreseeable but changes may be required if matters such as the following arise: industrial action interferes with the University’s ability to teach the course as planned, lack of demand makes a course economically unviable for the University, departure of key staff renders the University unable to deliver the course, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding specifically provided for the course or other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
  3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
  4. Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and take the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected. 5. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally.  Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17:  Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.