Studying Civil Engineering - frequently asked questions

 

The application process

How do I apply?

If you are applying to more than one degree programme and/or University in the UK you must apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Visit the UCAS website for further details.

If you are interested in applying solely to Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham then you may be able to apply to us using a ‘Direct Entry’ form. If you think this might apply to you then please contact us for further information.

Where can I find more information about a career as a civil engineer?

To learn more about the opportunities in civil engineering visit the website of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Here you will find some answers to questions you might have such as: What's it about? What exactly would you do as a civil engineer? Is the work well paid? How you can contribute to building a better world? How to take the first steps towards becoming a civil engineer?

Visiting the University

When can I visit the University?

When you apply through UCAS to Civil Engineering at Birmingham, we may invite you to the University for an ‘Offer-Holder Visit Day’, during which you will attend talks on our degree programmes and experience life as a student of the Department of Civil Engineering. There will also be an opportunity to see the campus and engineering facilities.

You can also book a guided tour of the University campus through the University Student Recruitment team.

Entry qualification


Are my A Levels suitable for a Civil Engineering degree?

We require 3 A-Levels for entry to all Civil Engineering degree programmes. You must be studying Maths at A-Level and we will accept any two additional A-Levels except General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Our standard offer for the MEng is AAA and for the BEng is AAB at A Level. If you are not doing A Level Maths then you can start in our Engineering Foundation Year.

Do you require A-Level Maths?

We require all students entering the first year of a civil engineering degree programme to have A-Level maths, or the equivalent level of mathematics in other qualifications.

Do you require A-Level Physics?

We do not require Physics at A-level for entry to our civil engineering degree programmes, although it is always an advantage when studying engineering.

Will you accept a BTEC National Diploma (in Civil Engineering) for entry to first year?

Yes. See the entry requirements tab on the course information page for further information.

Will you accept a BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC) (in Civil Engineering) for entry to first year?

We do accept applications from students taking the above, although each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Will you accept a BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC) (in Civil Engineering) for direct entry to second year?

No.

Do you accept ACCESS courses?

We do accept applications from students taking suitable Access to ENGINEERING, although each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Also see the entry requirements for our Engineering Foundation Year.

Do you accept UK International Foundation courses?

We do accept applications from students taking suitable International Foundation Courses.

What is the difference between MEng and BEng Civil Engineering degrees?

BEng degrees are 3 years in length and MEng degrees are 4 years in length. At Birmingham, the first two years of the BEng and MEng degrees are identical so you only have to make the decision at the end of your second year. However, to be offered the chance to do a MEng degree you must have achieved a suitable level of academic attainment.

BEng is great if you decide upon a specialism for your Masters, e.g. Structural Engineering or Geotechnics. This gives you the choice for where you might like to take your further learning. Many students choose BEng also because they wish to work in an industry where Chartered Engineer status is less important for their career prospects.

MEng is usually chosen by students who wish to go on to graduate recruitment schemes, and provides an integrated Masters-level education for immediate recognition by the relevant Engineering institutions.

How do I become a chartered civil engineer and should I do the BEng or MEng?

To become a Chartered Engineer you will need to demonstrate that you have the appropriate competence and commitment of an engineering professional. There are 3 steps in this process:

  • Getting the appropriate experience and training after completing your degree

  • The Professional Review

  • Academic qualifications

Further details can be found on the Engineering Council UK website.

Our BEng degrees give you the education needed for the alternative Incorporated Engineer professional status. For Chartered Engineer status, a minimum of Masters-level education (or 4 years’ worth) is usually needed.

Scholarships and industrial sponsorship

Do you offer scholarships?

The Department does offer scholarships to both UK and overseas students. 

Do you offer industrial sponsorship?

The Department of Civil Engineering has an Industrial Sponsorship scheme called RESPECT where some companies also offer sponsorship.

We have a large group of active industrial members who are keen to employ students for summer and industrial year placements, some of which also offer sponsorship. The Department also encourages application to the ICE QUEST scheme in advance of coming to university.

Gap years

I want to take a gap year before starting university; do I still apply to universities now?

Yes, you apply through the UCAS system now but tick the box for ‘deferred entry’.

We are very supportive of people taking gap years and will be happy to receive your deferred application.

Can you give me some information on spending a Year in Industry during my gap year?

There are many Civil Engineering companies that have gap year schemes, most of which can be accessed through the 'Year in Industry' organisation, which will help you to organise a placement during your Gap Year. Visit the Year in Industry website for further information.

International study

Can I study abroad during my Civil Engineering degree?

Yes you can if you choose our MEng Degree ‘Civil Engineering (International Study)’ – UCAS code H203. As part of this degree you will spend your third year abroad studying Civil Engineering at another English speaking university, in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, The United States, Canada.

If you are fluent in a language other than English, there is also the option to spend your third year studying Civil Engineering at a non-English speaking university. Below is a selection of the universities with which we have exchanged engineering students:

  • Melbourne, Brisbane and New South Wales (Australia),
  • Waterloo and Toronto (Canada),
  • North-Western University, Massachusetts and Illinois Urbana Champaign (USA),
  • INSA Lyon, Toulouse and Nancy (France),
  • Pontificia Comillas Madrid (Spain),
  • Hanover (Germany),
  • Lyngby (Denmark – where many lectures are in English).

The University of Birmingham is also a member of the ‘Universitas 21’ network of prestigious universities and our students can in principle select any of the overseas universities within this group. These include:

  • McGill and British Columbia (Canada),
  • Hong Kong,
  • Melbourne and Queensland (Australia),
  • Auckland (New Zealand).

To qualify for the ‘study abroad’ option you must achieve an average mark of 60% or more in your first year of study. You can find detailed information on the outgoing students page.

Foundation year

General foundation year enquiries

The engineering foundation year is a multidisciplinary year for students who want to do engineering but do not have the appropriate subjects to gain direct entry to an engineering course. Most often, the candidates do not have A-level maths. Learn more about our Foundation Year programme.