The BEng Civil Engineering course covers broad-based civil engineering subjects to equip you with knowledge and skills to plan, design and implement major civil engineering projects.
There is a 36-week period of paid industrial training incorporated into this degree, which is obtained competitively. If you are successful in completing this period of employment, you will graduate with a 'Sandwich' degree which demonstrates to employers that you are ready to make an immediate contribution to their teams. This thin sandwich placement is undertaken out-with term time/on a part-time basis meaning it does not affect the duration of the degree. The practical nature of the civil engineering course also means that you will visit construction sites and spend time at the National Construction College as part of the degree.
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 and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation 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.
This scholarship scheme will see £2,000 being awarded annually to one student to support the student experience in the Honours year of undergraduate study.
Our Programme Leaders have recorded videos to help you discover all there is to know about our courses. From professional accreditation to programme modules and career opportunities, our Programme Leaders will help answer all your questions. You can view the video for this course by clicking the link below.
Civil Engineering Programme LeaderThere is a 36-week period of paid industrial training incorporated into the degree to develop your professional skills. Students are responsible for applying for civil engineering jobs. These are obtained competitively so they cannot be guaranteed, however we will assist you with the application process. You will visit construction sites and spend time at the National Construction College studying concrete construction, drainage, steel fixing and scaffolding.
UWS has over 100 years’ experience in training engineers. Many of our courses are professionally accredited and designed to anticipate industry demand. Their delivery is supported by excellent on-campus facilities. Our students graduate with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to succeed in engineering.
School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences
of BEng Civil Engineering graduates in work and/or study 6 months after graduating - HESA performance indicator 2016/17
in Scotland for Civil Engineering - Guardian University Guide 2020
As a UWS Civil Engineering graduate, you will have the skills to make useful contributions to any professional civil engineering & construction team from the moment you start your full-time career.
Regular guest lectures from industry professionals will provide you with insight to what working life as a civil engineer is really like.
This programme also offers an option of 36 weeks of industrial training to prepare you for employment in the civil engineering industry following graduation.
Surveying field trips and visits to the National Construction College allow you to gain practical experience civil engineering processes, such as concrete construction and steel fixing.
A number of UWS graduates have gone on to secure roles with leading international infrastructure group, Balfour Beatty. The company operates across the full infrastructure life cycle, combining world-class investments capability and leading construction and support services to deliver large, nationally critical complex infrastructure through to local and regional projects right at the heart of local communities. Watch three UWS Civil Engineering graduates, who are currently working at Balfour Beatty, give an insight into their careers.
The sandwich degree course meant I had the opportunity to undertake a 36-week work placement within my degree; I believe this work experience was essential in helping me find a job so quickly.
Katie Duff, BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering graduate
Graduate opportunities are available with excellent starting salaries. Major construction firms actively seek university graduates and you may gain employment with a major contracting or consulting engineering company.
UWS graduates have secured employment with companies including Network Rail, Amey, Balfour Beatty, CH2M, and the Royal Air Force in roles such as Graduate Civil Engineer or Graduate Structural Engineer.
This course partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the relevant engineering bodies. This course prepares you for further study on an accredited master's degree which will allow you to apply for Chartered Engineer status.
For a full list of accredited and approved further study options see the Joint Board of Moderators website.
Some graduates have progressed to doctoral research (PhD) programmes.
UWS Civil Engineering graduate, Katie Duff is used to working in all weather as she keeps an eye on the condition of the country’s railway bridges. Her work as an engineer stretches back to her days as a student at UWS when she spent her summer placement with Amey, a UK and international consulting and infrastructure support business, surveying railway bridges as part of a pilot project for Network Rail.
She actually received two job offers before graduating. One came from Amey and the other from AECOM, a US construction firm which had successfully pitched for the Network Rail infrastructure inspection and assessment project. She chose AECOM.
The course gave me a broad base of knowledge which I can apply in my job and which has allowed me to go on to study towards a master's degree before I apply for Chartership status with the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Katie Duff, BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering graduate
Katie praised the practical nature of the UWS course and reckons practical modules like those on surveying, are particularly useful as it's something she does every day.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Don’t worry if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience.
If you are applying with an EU or non-EU qualification, please check our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page which gives more information about country-specific entry requirements.
Advanced entry is possible to Years 2 and 3 of this course for suitably qualified applicants (see below).
* for more information on standard and minimum entry requirements, see the drop-down section below
* may also be considered for Year 3 entry
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more details).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For all our Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to, or require professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, applicants are required to have an IELTS or Occupational English Test (OET)*.
For such courses, the IELTS score is as follows:
* Note that the Occupational English Test (OET) will now be accepted in addition to IELTS as proof of a Nurse's English Language Competence (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2019).
For our BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally-recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council; applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme:
TOEFL IBT*: 78; no sub-test less than:
* Please note that TOEFL is still acceptable for admission to this programme for both home/EU and international students.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use TOEFL to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level courses. We therefore still accept TOEFL tests taken in the last two years for admission to this programme.
West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE) including acceptance of WAEC Scratchcard*
*UWS will accept a WAEC scratchcard confirming that an applicant has achieved C6 or above as evidence of meeting English language requirement from Nigeria if the student graduated within the last 5 years. After 5 years applicants would be required to provide the WAEC Certificate. WAEC Certificates should not be older than 10 years at the time of making the application.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
On our course pages, you will find details of our entry criteria listed as Standard Entry Requirements and Minimum Entry Requirements. These are the academic qualifications that, depending on your personal circumstances, you will be required to meet to allow your application to be considered for a place at UWS.
Competition for places on many of our courses can be very high and even if you meet the standard or minimum qualifications stated, there is no guarantee that your application will progress to the next stage of the admissions process. We review individual applications very closely and place great importance on your personal statement and academic reference as well as your academic qualifications before making selection decisions.
Our Standard Entry Requirements are the grades that you will need to achieve to allow you to be considered for entry to a specific programme of study.
Our Minimum Entry Requirements are applicable to those applicants who have not had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic ability at school or college and are known as ‘widening access’ applicants. We also sometimes refer to this type of applicant as receiving a ‘contextual’ offer. We may be able to provide you with a contextual offer if you fall into one of the categories below:
If you fall into any of the first four categories above, please mention this on your UCAS application. We will automatically apply category 5 if it applies to you.
If you have already achieved the required grades for either our standard or minimum entry criteria, we may be able to offer you an unconditional offer for some course areas. If you have not yet achieved these grades, we may be able to make you a conditional offer, which will rely on you achieving further qualifications before you can be accepted on to a programme of study.
Further details of our Admissions processes can be found as follows:
From February 2023, students from these areas will be attending UCAS events promoting study in September 2024. We are therefore highlighting the entry requirements for September 2024 entry to this programme below. Entry requirements for September 2024 for Scottish and international applicants will appear on this page soon.
Year 1 entry
A Levels: CCC (96 UCAS Tariff Points) including Maths and one Science
ILC: H3H3H3H4 including Maths and one Science
BTEC Level 4 HNC: Construction; Engineering Practice; Engineering: Building Services; Engineering Systems; Built Environment
Year 2 entry
A Levels: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff Points) including Maths and one Science
BTEC Level 4 HNC: Civil Engineering
BTEC Level 5 HND*: Civil Engineering
BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
*May also provide access to later years of the programme in certain circumstances.
Guest speakers from industry form part of the course to expand your understanding of the subject. Representatives from Arup regularly speak to students about the role of structural engineers and students recently attended a talk from Graham Construction about the opportunities open to graduates with them.
It is always possible to augment your studies and broaden your horizons by learning a new language and prepare for the best international opportunities. You can find out more on learning a language and studying abroad through on our study abroad at UWS webpage.
Studies include mathematics, structural mechanics and design, science, communication, drawing and computing skills and an introduction to the engineering industry.
Studies include sustainable construction, the properties and uses of civil engineering materials, design of structural elements, mathematics, applied geology, hydraulics, surveying and construction studies.
Studies include structural engineering, ground and water engineering, construction technology and project management. Team building skills are developed via an interdisciplinary group design project (InterAct) delivered by students from different universities in Glasgow.
Honours students can spend 36 weeks working in industry between Year 3 and Year 4.
Studies include structural engineering and design, ground & highway engineering, construction and management, advanced construction materials. An major individual project allows you to investigate a subject area of your choice.
The teaching and learning methods employed by staff in the delivery of the module portfolio covers a wide range of established and some novel approaches.
Much of this is left to the professionalism of the staff delivering the material with traditional lectures and tutorials still forming the basis for much of the teaching within civil engineering.
Extensive use is also made of laboratories, seminars, site experience group work, independent learning and demonstrations.
This course also gives you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover multiple languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.
£1,820 Cost of study per year (paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost of study per year (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£9,250 Cost of study per year (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£17,250 Cost per year of study
£305 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£1,550 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£1,550 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£2,880 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£1,820 Cost of study per year (paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost of study per year (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£9,250 Cost of study per year (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£18,000 Cost per year of study
£305 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£1,550 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£1,550 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£3,000 Cost per 20-credit module of study
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs like study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms.
Fortunately, there is a great deal of financial support available to help students meet the cost of their study. This ranges from:
The sections below provide details of additional costs that your course may involve along with any financial support that may be available.
You can also find additional information in our Undergraduate Money, Fees & Funding section.
Students on certain degrees will incur some additional costs not covered by their tuition fees. These could be for things like specialist equipment, study materials and textbooks, work placements, graduation, membership of relevant organisations or costs related to carrying out fieldwork.
For students on course with an element of fieldwork, there may also be extra costs for travel and accommodation.
Note: The library will hold some copies of the textbooks but not enough for every student. Students can purchase second hand copies when possible or use older versions if advised by the module coordinator. Students can also sell their copies after the course. This helps manage the cost.
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). However, you may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable but should not exceed £100.
Photocopying (Optional)
All modules are available on our VLE (Moodle) and therefore notes are available digitally. Some assessments require hardcopy submission and may incur small printing costs. It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£20 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Stationary costs (Optional)
Small costs associated with stationary requirements may be incurred throughout the year but these depend on personal needs and preferences. As a guide, it is estimated that you may spend c.£20 per session on stationary.
Technology & equipment (Optional)
Although not essential, it is recommended that you have access to your own mid- high-end tablet or laptop / desktop computer to help with learning and assessments. Costs are variable depending upon specifications, but may cost around £300 upwards. This should last for the duration of your studies.
It is recommended that you purchase a scientific calculator. These can be purchased for around £10-25 and should last for the duration of your studies.
Laboratory equipment (Optional)
Although not essential, it is recommended that you have warm, waterproof clothing for mandatory surveying laboratories. Costs will obviously vary, and can range from £50-200 depending upon preferences.
Travel Costs (Mandatory)
It is essential that you travel to / from external (but local) sites for surveying practical laboratories. Although costs can vary depending upon your starting location, these are not expected to exceed £20.
Technology & equipment (Optional)
Although not essential, it is recommended that you have access to your own mid- high-end tablet or laptop / desktop computer to help with learning and assessments. Costs are variable depending upon specifications, but may cost around £200 upwards. This should last for the duration of your studies.
It is recommended that you purchase a scientific calculator. These can be purchased for around £10-25 and should last for the duration of your studies.
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). However, you may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable but are not expected to exceed £20.
Photocopying (Optional)
All modules are available on our VLE (Moodle) and therefore notes are available digitally. Some assessments require hardcopy submission and may incur small printing costs. It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£20 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Stationary costs (Optional)
Small costs associated with stationary requirements may be incurred throughout the year but these depend on personal needs and preferences. As a guide, it is estimated that you may spend c.£20 per session on stationary.
Placement costs (Optional)
There is the opportunity for two 18 week periods of paid industrial training which are obtained competitively, so they cannot be guaranteed. These are between Year 2 and Year 3, and Year 3 and Year 4. Students can apply for placements in the construction industry, and travel and accommodation costs will depend on location and terms and conditions. Students can choose which placement jobs to apply for, and whether or not to accept any job (placement) offers. Students who successfully complete 36 weeks of industrial training can graduate with BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (Sandwich Award). Students who do not complete the industrial training can graduate with BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering.
Travel costs (Optional)
Travel costs for optional placement element are variable. Placements themselves may occur anywhere in Scotland or the UK. It's likely that you'll be travelling at peak times which can cost more.
Accommodation costs (Optional)
Depending upon the location of your placement, you may be required to stay in the local vicinity. You will be responsible for your own accommodation costs.
Technology & equipment (Optional)
Although not essential, it is recommended that you have access to your own mid- high-end tablet or laptop / desktop computer to help with learning and assessments. Costs are variable depending upon specifications, but may cost around £200 upwards. This should last for the duration of your studies.
It is recommended that you purchase a scientific calculator. These can be purchased for around £10-25 and should last for the duration of your studies.
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). However, you may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable but are not expected to exceed £40.
Photocopying (Optional)
All modules are available on our VLE (Moodle) and therefore notes are available digitally. Some assessments require hardcopy submission and may incur small printing costs. It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£20 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Stationary costs (Optional)
Small costs associated with stationary requirements may be incurred throughout the year but these depend on personal needs and preferences. As a guide, it is estimated that you may spend c.£20 per session on stationary.
Placement costs (Optional)
There is the opportunity for two 18 week periods of paid industrial training which are obtained competitively, so they cannot be guaranteed. These are between Year 2 and Year 3, and Year 3 and Year 4. Students can apply for placements in the construction industry, and travel and accommodation costs will depend on location and terms and conditions. Students can choose which placement jobs to apply for, and whether or not to accept any job (placement) offers. Students who successfully complete 36 weeks of industrial training can graduate with BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (Sandwich Award). Students who do not complete the industrial training can graduate with BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering.
Travel costs (Optional)
Travel costs for optional placement element are variable. Placements themselves may occur anywhere in Scotland or the UK. It's likely that you'll be travelling at peak times which can cost more.
Accommodation costs (Optional)
Depending upon the location of your placement, you may be required to stay in the local vicinity. You will be responsible for your own accommodation costs.
Graduation fees (Optional for those exiting with BEng award)
These fees are set annually by the University and are subject to review. For session 19/20 these were set at £10 Registration Fee. Academic dress and official photography (optional) for graduation ceremonies is hired and arranged respectively from external suppliers.
Travel Costs (Mandatory)
It is essential that you travel to / from external (but local) sites for surveying practical laboratories and inter-university competitions. Although costs can vary depending upon your starting location, these are not expected to exceed £60.
Technology & equipment (Optional)
Although not essential, it is recommended that you have access to your own mid- high-end tablet or laptop / desktop computer to help with learning and assessments. Costs are variable depending upon specifications, but may cost around £200 upwards.
It is recommended that you have access to a scientific calculator. These can be purchased for around £10-25, if you have not already purchased one.
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). However, you may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable.
Photocopying (Optional)
All modules are available on our VLE (Moodle) and therefore notes are available digitally. Some assessments require hardcopy submission and may incur small printing costs. It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£20 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Stationary costs (Optional)
Small costs associated with stationary requirements may be incurred throughout the year but these depend on personal needs and preferences. As a guide, it is estimated that you may spend c.£20 per session on stationary.
Dissertation (Mandatory)
Your final year dissertation is a core and mandatory piece of research undertaken in your final year of studies. Printing your dissertation (bound copies) will incur a cost. Depending upon the size of the dissertation and the content it can cost anything between £15-40.
Graduation fees (Mandatory)
These fees are set annually by the University and are subject to review. For session 19/20 these were set at £10 Registration Fee. Academic dress and official photography (optional) for graduation ceremonies is hired and arranged respectively from external suppliers.
Tuition fees are calculated based on where you are from and what you are studying. Some courses also involve additional costs, such as mandatory field trips, equipment or studying abroad.
Find out how much it will cost you to study at UWS as an undergraduate student.
Scottish students studying at undergraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish students studying at undergraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
EU students studying at undergraduate level of UWS may be eligible for SAAS funding, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
There are several scholarship and incentive schemes available to international students studying at undergraduate level at UWS, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
UWS administer a range of discretionary and childcare funds. These are designed to support students who are experiencing financial difficulty or struggling to meet the costs of childcare.
Becoming a student can have an impact on your entitlement to certain benefits. It may mean you are no longer eligible to claim a benefit you have been receiving, or your new income from student funding may affect the amount you are able to receive.
If there isn’t a statutory source of funding for you or your course, or you are in need of additional financial support, you may wish to consider more alternative sources of funding such as trust funds and scholarships.
At UWS, we believe financial restrictions should never be a barrier to your education.
The WEST (Widening Education and Supporting Talent) Scholarship Programme aims to remove the financial barriers that stop talented students from progressing throughout their degree to graduation.
Choosing to become a student can have a big impact on your budget and you may need to reassess your spending to account for a reduced income. We’ve put together some guidance to help you manage your money and make the right financial choices for you and your family.
This scholarship scheme will see £2,000 being awarded annually to one student to support the student experience in the Honours year of undergraduate study.
All UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The on-time application deadline for 2023/24 entry is 25 January 2023, 18:00 (UK time). For some courses it may still be possible to apply beyond this period, subject to suitable vacancies remaining. The final deadline for late applications via UCAS is 30 June 2023, 18:00 (UK time). Beyond this deadline, you may be able to apply via 'UCAS Clearing' if the course you are interested in has remaining places.
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Get in touch. We are here to help!
Going to university is about much more than getting a qualification, it’s also the chance to enjoy an exciting social life, gain some independence and make the most of the new opportunities available.
Discover More About UWSWe will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.