Civil Engineering

The BSc Civil Engineering programme at Queen's University Belfast offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to prepare them for a successful career in the civil engineering industry. This degree provides a strong foundation in the principles of engineering, physics, mathematics, and material science, combined with practical skills and industry-focused modules. Throughout the course, students will explore essential topics such as structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources management, and environmental engineering. The programme emphasizes the development of problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, and sustainable practices, reflecting the evolving demands of modern civil engineering projects.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, design studios, and fieldwork experiences that enable hands-on learning and real-world application of theoretical concepts. The curriculum is designed to meet accreditation standards from professional bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), ensuring graduates are well-prepared for Chartered Engineer status and industry recognition. Alongside technical competence, the programme nurtures critical thinking, project management, and ethical responsibility, equipping students to address complex challenges in infrastructure development, urban planning, and environmental protection.

Queen’s University Belfast maintains strong industry links through partnerships with engineering firms, government agencies, and research institutions, providing students with viable internship and employment opportunities. The programme also encourages international exposure, enabling students to understand global engineering practices. By the end of the degree, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to design, analyze, and manage civil engineering projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably. With a focus on innovation and lifelong learning, the BSc Civil Engineering programme prepares students for a dynamic career path in engineering consultancy, construction management, transportation, environmental services, and beyond.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

This degree programme contains elements of both a theoretical and practical nature and is designed to provide students with a good basis for a professional career. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of theory through design, laboratory and field courses. The programme contains an element of modular choice, but students are required to take modules on all aspects of engineering practice.

Stage 1

Students study the fundamentals of civil engineering theory and practice. This forms the transition from the basic mathematics and sciences studied at secondary level to engineering applications. In addition, they develop their communication skills and understanding of health and safety issues, risk management and professional skills.

Stage 2

This is a very important year of study, when the major knowledge of civil engineering subjects and their application within design are developed. The application of communications in a professional context is further developed. Students on the sandwich degrees will take an Industrial Placement Year between Stages 2 and 3, and this experience can count towards the award of a City & Guilds Senior Award.

Stages 3/4

In Stage 3, the understanding of theory developed in the previous years is applied in a professional context. Students can choose to develop their knowledge in specialist subjects by choice of modules, and are introduced to management and economics subjects within the civil engineering profession. All students undertake a major individual research project. BEng students graduate at the end of this year.

The MEng is an integrated Masters programme, so Stage 4 is set at M-level. In this year students develop knowledge of building construction and business management. In addition, they work in teams on large integrated designs and also broaden their knowledge by choice of modules. They are required to take a core civil engineering subject to advanced level. In this year students may opt to study an additional language.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

MEng

• A-level AAB including Mathematics and a Science subject (Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Design/Technology, Geography or ICT).
  Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
• BTEC Extended Diploma A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements).

Option to Transfer

Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

Funding

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Civil Engineering significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. The following is a list of the major career sectors (and some starting salaries) that have attracted our graduates in recent years:

• Management Consultancy - £25-30,000
• Accountancy: £15, 000

• Fast Stream Civil Service - £23,500
• Varied graduate programmes (Times Top 100 Graduate Recruiters/AGR, Association of Graduate Recruiters UK)

Accreditation

BEng (Hons) Accredited CEng (Partial) - accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and 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.

MEng Accredited CEng (Full) - accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).