Study Civil Engineering at University

Founded with strong industry links, our civil engineering courses are different in respect of our unique location, situated in a region which boasts a wide range of cutting-edge engineering and technological-advanced organisations.

You’ll be taught by research-informed teaching staff and will benefit from state-of- the-art laboratories and digital teaching and learning facilities, as well as the new £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre. You can practice in the broad area of civil engineering or specialise either as a structural engineer, environmental engineer, or geotechnical engineer.

You’ll be equipped with the principles and concepts of engineering, underpinned by a sound knowledge and understanding of scientific principles. As a civil engineer you will become part of a dynamic, fast growing industry with the potential to develop your career across the globe.

Get connected
Learn from leading industry professionals through optional placements, guest speakers, workshops and our annual careers event.
Beyond the theory
Design projects are used to bring all aspects of civil engineering together. You'll assess real-life scenarios, from reservoirs for water supply to the design of new motorway junctions and bridges.
Outstanding opportunities
Field trips and site visits help to bring the theory to life. Previous students have visited Tata Shapfell limestone works, the Low Level Waste Repository, the Heron Mill hydro project and Constructionarium.

Trip spotlight

Blencathra, Lake District

Our low carbon, funded three night residential field trip to Blencathra focussed on the local geology and environmental issues and how this influences the areas civil engineering.

Students had a go at practical hydrology and measuring urban traffic issues, working towards generating viable solutions.

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New tunnel portal showing gabion wall and masonry arch on a fully accessible trail created by re-purposing the old Keswick to Threlkeld railway.

Why study with us

Our Civil Engineering course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and also 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.
Access our materials laboratory testing the properties of materials used in civil engineering, as well as our fluid and thermodynamics laboratory, soils laboratory and computer-aided design (CAD) suites featuring the latest 3D design software.
Benefit from advanced facilities in our Engineering Innovation Centre – including a composites lab, additive manufacturing lab, rapid prototyping, high performance computing and more.

Sound interesting?

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The main benefit of the placement the course offers is being able to gain a practical understanding of your degree and apply knowledge to the projects you're working on.

sufyan in a hard hat and high visibility jacket

Sufyan Asghar

Undergraduate Engineer, Story Contracting

We were awarded Athena Swan Bronze status, in recognition of our direct support for women within the School, enabling women who study with us to transition successfully into industry. The Athena Swan project is a charter scheme, aiming to address issues around gender and diversity. Our Women’s Engineering Network - a friendly group of women students and staff - regularly meet to explore all aspects of engineering and to offer each other mutual support at university and beyond.

What can I do with a civil engineering degree?

After graduating, you'll be the new digital pioneers of civil engineering. You'll use modern methods of solving societal problems. You will have the skills to work in an eclectic, dynamic environment with many routes to gain employment. This could be within either the broad area of civil engineering or specialist disciplines.

Some of the careers you could have after completing a civil engineering degree are:

Design engineer
Consulting civil engineer
Estimator
Nuclear engineer
CAD technician
Contracting civil engineer
Site engineer
Building control surveyor
Structural engineer

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image overlay — Civil Engineering Laboratories

21024-civil-engineering — Civil Engineering Laboratories

21025-engineering — Fluid and Thermodynamics Laboratory

Take the next step

group of students walking outside once was lost in preston

Study a degree at UCLan

Interested in studying a degree with us? From exploring accommodation to visiting us at an Open Day, find out everything you need to know about life at UCLan.

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