What is civil engineering?
Civil engineering is a challenging profession concerned with the sustainable provision of the built environment. Civil engineers are involved in the design and construction of bridges, tall buildings and other structures, dams and reservoirs, water supply and sewage disposal systems, power stations, ports, offshore works and transport systems.
How will I study?
The Department occupies purpose-built offices and laboratories and has a range of teaching and learning facilities, including CAD and CAL studios. We use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, example classes, tutorials, laboratory work, field courses and various types of project work. You will have a personal tutor who can offer general guidance and support, and you will also benefit from links with practising civil engineers or other similar professionals. Our teaching aims to present fundamentals and their application within the context of engineering design and construction, with regard to economy, safety, quality, sustainability and the environment.
Professional recognition
To maintain our position as a leading centre for the teaching of civil engineering, our courses are continually reviewed and updated. The honours degrees are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institution of Highway Incorporated Engineers. Our courses are designed to meet the Engineering Council's UK-SPEC and accreditation by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Studying abroad and industry placements
Many students have the opportunity to take up to a year out to study abroad at our Malaysia Campus or universities in the Universitas 21 group, which includes the universities of Auckland (New Zealand), British Columbia (Canada), Hong Kong (China), Melbourne (Australia), Singapore and Tennessee (United States).
We also encourage our students to apply to take industrial placements during vacations and we run an industrial sponsorship scheme with about 10 firms participating. The scheme is open for first, second and, if doing an MEng, third year students. Placements with a successful outcome at the end are normally awarded with a sponsorship for the subsequent academic year.
Students are also able to spend a year working in industry and possibly qualify for an extra award of an industrial diploma.
Career prospects
Civil engineers are needed all over the world in design, construction and management positions. The MEng courses are designed to produce graduates with leadership potential, and provide the quickest route to Chartered Engineer status for engineers in the UK. The BEng courses can be used as a stepping stone to chartered status, and also lead to careers outside civil engineering.
Application and interview
Offers are usually made without interview. Students with non-standard entry requirements may be invited to an interview.
Open days
Applicants who are made an offer will be given the opportunity to visit the Department. For University–wide open days, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays