Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BEng (Hons)
Civil Engineering
Construct your future in civil engineering. Studying this course will build the academic knowledge and practical experience you’ll need to join the profession.
Course Overview
-
3O74 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
What is civil engineering?
Civil engineering is behind how our modern towns and cities work. Civil engineers design, construct, maintain, upgrade, rehabilitate and repair major infrastructures used by humans while protecting the natural environment.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Study an advanced technical programme that will ensure you have the skills to contribute effectively in a wide range of industry environments
- Be taught by staff with a broad range of industry experience in subjects including structural engineering, water engineering, geotechnical engineering, project management and highways engineering
- Study contemporary research and engineering solutions to meet global challenges, such as the climate change emergency
- Take part in practical work and laboratory study using industry standard IT software
- Secure work placements during the summer, and plan an optional paid placement year in industry, with the help of your course team
- Be supported in recording your initial professional development for membership of the accrediting institutions, find out more in the accreditation section below
BEng (Hons) Accredited CEng (Partial)
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 as:
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 as:
- Fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- Partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng)
A programme of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. Visit the JBM website for further information and details of further learning programmes for CEng.
You could study this course over four years and complete an integrated masters.
Move towards being a Chartered Engineer
Start on the path to becoming a Chartered Engineer. This degree will give you an in-demand qualification in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subject. You’ll be ready to go straight into the profession as a graduate civil engineer.
Hands-on learning
You’ll understand how civil engineering works and know how to use your knowledge to solve structural problems. As well as honing your technical expertise, you’ll develop a flair for communication, problem solving and project management. We’ll prepare you to play a leading role in industry by nurturing your ability to manage and work in team environments.
Specialist facilities
Our modern, well-equipped laboratories will give you the chance to get hands-on with industry standard tools and testing. We'll show you how to examine the strength of materials for structures and understand the latest geotechnical and structural analysis software packages.
Professional guidance
Personal development sessions will help you broaden your industry knowledge. The sessions are generally provided by leading professionals and will help you choose the area of civil engineering to enter on graduation.
Industry links
The civil engineering industry plays a key role in designing infrastructure that can help tackle the climate change emergency. We offer strong links with the profession, thanks to our teaching team which includes Chartered Engineers who have extensive experience across different areas of engineering. Guest lectures and talks on engineering projects will provide you with opportunities to network with professional engineers and understand how to apply your learning. Accrediting body Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) was formed more than 200 years ago and is one of the world’s most respected professional engineering associations. Visit the ICE website to find out more about the exciting opportunities a career in civil engineering could bring. You can also discover what civil engineering is and why you should become an engineer.
Why study Civil Engineering at Leeds Beckett University...
- 100% of students on BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*
- Fantastic placements and sandwich year opportunities
- Industry standard specialist facilities and local and regional site visits
- Connect with professionals - through networking events, guest lectures and an experienced expert course team
*National Student Survey 2023
Civil Engineering at Leeds Beckett Course Director Tom Craven and student Jenny talk through what it's like to study Civil Engineering at Leeds Beckett. Hear about the facilities, course content and what careers the courses can lead to.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
120
points required
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
120
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 120 points required.
(Minimum 80 from two A Levels, or equivalent, in Mathematics and Science with at least 40 from Mathematics. If you are studying Biology, Chemistry or Physics to meet this requirement you must also achieve a 'Pass' in the practical assessment, where that practical assessment is separated (from 2017)).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language Grade 4 or above and GCSE Maths Grade 6 or above (Grade C (English) and Grade B (Maths) for those sitting their GCSE before from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSE Grade 4 English Language. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 3 are accepted in place of GCSE Grade 6 Maths.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points to include 15 merits in science and 15 merits in maths.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core in a relevant subject.Scottish Awards
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above to include at least 80 points from maths and science subjects.Irish Leaving Certificate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above to include at least 80 points from maths and science subjects.International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above to include at least 80 points from maths and science subjects.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Level 5 Entry
Level 5 Entry: Applicants should have a HND in a civil engineering discipline, with a minimum of 60% overall at the second year of study.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above to include at least 80 points from maths and science subjects.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Level 5 Entry
Level 5 Entry: Applicants should have a HND in a civil engineering discipline, with a minimum of 60% overall at the second year of study.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload is indicative and may be subject to change.
What you'll learn
An insight into the techniques of observation and calculations using computing technology to collect, manipulate and display geospatial data.
Take a look at the behaviour of structures - forces, stresses, strain, tension, compression and bending - and recognise the role of materials testing.
Extend your study of the behaviour of structures. You'll explore more advanced examples of loading calculations, Mohr’s circles of stress and strain, torsion, buckling, pre-stressing, strain energy and virtual work, and further soil mechanics. We'll use simple models to illustrate structural effects and discuss case studies. You'll also be encouraged to examine real structures and analyse their structural behaviour.
Discover the mathematical techniques and analytical processes essential in providing solutions to building services engineering problems.
Develop your knowledge of civil engineering procedures in the professional and legal working environment.
Enhance your understanding of the properties of materials in both the design and construction phases of any civil engineering project.
What you'll learn
Build on the knowledge of construction materials you gained in the Engineering Materials Science module. You'll further investigate the chemistry-material relationship. This module will cover topics including properties of materials and their use and deterioration in service, with an emphasis on concrete including its design and use on site and the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. Above all, we will place emphasis on sustainability, i.e. high performance low carbon concrete. You'll also examine mechanisms of corrosion and prevention of corrosion, as well as physical metallurgy and polymers and their application in civil engineering. This module will also explore mechanical behaviour, e.g. molecular weight and the difference between for example LDPE and UHMWPE.
Build your understanding of the commercial and contractual procedures involved in delivering civil engineering projects, such as preparing detailed risk assessments and recognising different contract types.
Many civil engineering problems require an understanding of the behaviour of fluids. This module will introduce you to the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics. It will develop your knowledge of these principles to analyse and solve basic civil engineering problems including: buoyancy; the laws of continuity, energy and momentum; Ideal and real fluids; flow in pipes.
An introduction to the factors which influence the sustainability of materials within construction, helping you to appreciate the rationale behind different approaches to structural design.
Combined with design, the analysis of structural elements and systems is one of the main themes of civil engineering courses. This module will consolidate and extend your understanding of the concepts of structural analysis techniques and their application to a variety of statically determinate and statically indeterminate beam and frame structures. You'll develop an understanding of the load-displacement behaviour of a range of structural configurations. You'll also gain an appreciation of the relationship between structural analysis and the design of basic structural elements and systems.
This module will introduce you to structural geology and the classification/identification of minerals and rocks for engineering applications. It will develop your knowledge of soil mechanics from first principles in respect to permeability and shear strength. The module will develop your fundamental knowledge of shallow and pile foundation design and settlement calculations in respect to theory and application.
Further develop your understanding and knowledge of the analytical techniques studied in previous modules. You'll apply these techniques in providing solutions to engineering problems and effectively communicate the results.
What you'll learn
Develop your appreciation of site investigation techniques, particularly in relation to the interpretation of geotechnical data. The analysis of this data is presented by practical laboratory experiments. You'll also study theory and design applications related to seepage pressure/water flow, effective stress parameters, slope stability, foundation bearing capacity/settlement and retaining walls. This module will cover both hand calculations and computer methods (including finite element/difference packages).
Consider a range of civil engineering infrastructure such as waste and clean water engineering, bridges, tunnels, power generation, highways and environmental considerations etc. You'll identify the design requirements for each and consider typical solutions. You'll be able to describe conceptual design considerations for different elements of infrastructure.
Complete an in-depth study of a topic relevant to civil engineering projects. This will typically involve pursuing knowledge through a laboratory based study, through field data gathering and analysis, thorough development and testing of computer tools for civil engineering problem analysis or through in-depth design analysis. The project you undertake will be technically based and will develop your self-direction, decision making and understanding of a specific area of civil engineering. You'll present the final output in a traditional dissertation format.
Advance your knowledge of the principles and applications of structural analysis and design. Indeterminate structural forms are considered with particular emphasis being placed on limit state concepts and related design applications. You'll study both stiffness and flexibility methods of analysis, and you'll appreciate the role of industry standard software to complement ‘manual’ analysis computations. Analytical methods and related design principles are studied and you'll be encouraged to critically evaluate alternative design solutions. You'll produce code compliant structural solutions to a professional standard in response to industry standard case studies.
Build upon the mathematical and management skills you established in your first and second years of study. You'll focus on mathematical methods that support decision making in a civil engineering context. We'll use operational research, financial appraisal and traditional mathematical techniques to examine engineering scenarios. You'll learn to justify management decisions on the basis of logic, quantitative simulations and objective analysis.
Many civil engineering problems require an understanding of the behaviour of fluids. This module will underpin and extend the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics that you studied in your second year. You'll develop those principles to analyse and solve hydraulics and water engineering problems.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Student Membership of Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- Some protective equipment for working in the construction materials laboratory and for site visits
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Protective footwear for site visits and working in the construction materials laboratory
- Year 3 site visit in Leeds forms part of the core Hydraulics & Water Engineering module; costs are dependent on details and location but you will need to pay local transport costs for local trips and sustenance if required
Optional Costs
- Additional software to support your studies
- Field trips/site visits; costs are dependent on details and location but you will need to pay local transport costs for local trips and sustenance if required
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Student Membership of Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- Some protective equipment for working in the construction materials laboratory and for site visits
Essential Costs
- Protective footwear for site visits and working in the construction materials laboratory
- Year 3 site visit in Leeds forms part of the core Hydraulics & Water Engineering module; costs are dependent on details and location but you will need to pay local transport costs for local trips and sustenance if required
Optional Costs
- Additional software to support your studies
- Field trips/site visits; costs are dependent on details and location but you will need to pay local transport costs for local trips and sustenance if required
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
100%
of students on BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
Our courses create professionals who have built a broad-based knowledge of core civil engineering topics, learning from specialist lecturers who have worked in their respective fields. Becoming a civil engineer right now represents a fantastic opportunity to become involved in several upcoming high-profile infrastructure projects proposed in the UK, as well as opportunities to work on a multitude of prestigious projects worldwide.
Tom Craven
Course Director
I did my degree part-time and there have been so many aspects that I have been able to relate directly to my role. It’s meant that I have been able to understand the concepts but also to put what I’m learning into practice.
Marie-Claire Spicer
ICE Trainee Engineer, Leeds City Council
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
What is civil engineering? Find out what a career in civil engineering involves and the opportunities it could lead to.
Career Prospects
Civil engineers are in high demand. This course covers the major civil engineering disciplines that will enable you to work in design, construction or project management. Working in civil engineering is a rewarding, innovative profession and engineers increasingly work with a variety of people across teams with global career opportunities. You’ll also develop a range of practical skills through IT software applications, laboratory investigations, surveying exercises and project work to help increase your employability.
You could progress to a postgraduate course before gaining hands-on experience and pursuing chartered engineer status. You might decide to do a master’s degree part-time while gaining experience working in the field. Alternatively, you may prefer to do a full year in industry and then return to study.
Read more about your options in our How to become a civil engineer blog.
Student Experience Hear from graduate, Marie-Claire, and student, Daniel, about what they most enjoyed about studying Civil Engineering, and the skills and opportunities the course has given them.
School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Industry Careers Fair 2022 - overview Sam Zulu explains what the Industry Careers Fair is all about and how it benefits both students and employers.
Dr Ash Ahmed
Reader / School Of Built Environment, Engineering And Computing
Leading several undergraduate and postgraduate modules in the field of civil engineering materials science to primarily civil engineering students and also to construction, surveyors and architects.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
