Civil Engineering with Integrated Design

The BSc Civil Engineering with Integrated Design programme at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive undergraduate degree that combines core civil engineering principles with innovative design skills. This programme prepares students to become versatile engineers capable of tackling complex infrastructure challenges across the built environment. Throughout the course, students develop a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering fundamentals, which are essential for understanding the behavior of structures, materials, and systems. The curriculum emphasizes design thinking, project management, and sustainable practices, equipping graduates with the ability to conceive, plan, and execute civil engineering projects with an integrated approach.

Students engage in a wide range of modules covering structural analysis and design, geotechnics, transportation engineering, water resources, and environmental engineering. The integrated design component focuses on developing creative solutions by applying multidisciplinary knowledge, fostering innovation, and considering social, economic, and environmental impacts. Practical experience is integral to the programme, with laboratory work, design studios, and site visits providing opportunities for real-world learning. Collaborative projects enhance teamwork skills and mirror professional engineering environments.

The programme is accredited by relevant professional bodies, enabling graduates to pursue Chartered Engineer status upon completion. UCL's strong links with industry partners facilitate work placements, internships, and networking opportunities, helping students transition seamlessly into their careers. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to work in consultancy firms, construction companies, government agencies, and academia. They are prepared to address contemporary challenges such as urban development, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure, contributing to the advancement of society and the environment. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and technical excellence, the Civil Engineering with Integrated Design degree at UCL provides a rigorous and dynamic education for aspiring engineers.

The programme provides students with a strong academic background in a broad range of civil engineering topics and advanced skills in problem-solving necessary for a successful career in the sector. This route will also offer you the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in your chosen area of integrated design and provide a clear path to a professional career in civil engineering.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module, (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, one core module (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) is also offered.

Core modules

• Integrated Design Project

Optional modules

Students choose four from the following:

• Advanced Soil Mechanics
• Advanced Structures
• Anatomy of a Railway
• Applied Building Information Modelling
• Building Engineering Physics
• Coastal Engineering
• Data Analysis
• Engineering and International Development
• Environmental Modelling
• Environmental Systems
• GIS Principles and Technology
• Introduction to Seismic Design of Structures
• Natural and Environmental Disasters
• Principles and Practices of Surveying
• Roads and Underground Infrastructure
• Systems, Society and Sustainability
• Structural Dynamics
• Urban Flooding and Drainage
• Please note: combinations of different modules will be limited by timetable constraints.
• Please note: combinations of different modules will be limited by timetable constraints.

Please note: combinations of different modules will be determined by timetable constraints.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10–15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory classes and field trips. The design project includes collective and individual studio work, while the research project includes laboratory, computational or fieldwork depending on the nature of the project. Assessment is through examinations, coursework, project reports and the research project.

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering or a closely related subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria may be asked to provide a portfolio demonstrating existing engineering and design skills. For non-civil or structural engineering candidates we offer a Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering, recognised by our accrediting body (the Joint Board of Moderators), which can be used as a pre-qualifying year for the Civil Engineering MSc and its specialist routes.

The Civil Engineering with Integrated Design program at University College London offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on whether the student is classified as a UK, EU, or international student, with current figures reflecting the latest academic year data. For UK students, tuition fees are typically around £9,250 per year, while international students can expect to pay approximately £30,000 annually. Students are encouraged to explore various funding sources, including government loans, scholarships, bursaries, and sponsorship opportunities.

UCL provides a range of scholarships specifically targeting engineering students, such as the UCL Engineering International Scholarships and the UCL Global Scholarships, which can significantly reduce the financial burden for eligible applicants. Additionally, the university offers their own merit-based bursaries and discounts for undergraduate students demonstrating academic excellence or financial need. Students are advised to check the university's official website regularly for updates on available funding and application deadlines, as these can change annually.

External funding options also include national scholarship schemes like the Chevening Scholarship for outstanding international students, as well as private sector sponsorships from engineering firms and industry partners. Many students also take advantage of part-time work, internships, or placement programs integrated into the course structure to earn supplementary income during their studies. Loan repayment and financial planning support are available through UCL's student services, which provide advice on budgeting, managing student debt, and accessing government schemes such as the UK Student Loans Company.

The university emphasizes the importance of early application for funding programs to maximize the chances of securing financial support. International students should also consider exchange programs and potential government grants from their home country, which can complement UCL's offerings. Overall, the program's financing options are designed to make this rigorous and highly regarded engineering course accessible to a diverse student body, fostering academic excellence and professional readiness without undue financial strain.

The BSc Civil Engineering with Integrated Design program at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of civil engineering, combined with a strong focus on integrated design. This programme is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in engineering fundamentals, including structural analysis, geotechnics, transportation, water resources, and environmental engineering. Throughout the course, students gain practical skills through laboratory work, design projects, and industry placements, preparing them for professional careers in civil engineering and related fields.

The curriculum emphasizes the importance of sustainable development, innovative design, and problem-solving techniques vital for managing complex engineering challenges. Students are introduced to modern computational tools and software used in civil engineering project planning and analysis, ensuring they are well-versed in current industry standards and practices. The integrated design aspect of the program sustains an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration across various engineering disciplines to develop holistic solutions for real-world infrastructure problems.

In addition to technical expertise, the program promotes vital skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and project management. These skills are cultivated through group projects, presentations, and case studies that mirror industry environments. The program also leverages UCL’s strong links with industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, site visits, guest lectures, and networking events, which enhance employability upon graduation.

Students who complete this program are well-prepared to work on designing, constructing, and managing infrastructure projects that are safe, sustainable, and innovative. They are also equipped to pursue further study, such as master's degrees or research opportunities in civil and environmental engineering, urban planning, or related fields. The program aims to produce graduates who can contribute to society's infrastructure needs with a strong ethical and professional outlook.

The university's commitment to research-led teaching ensures that students have access to up-to-date knowledge and cutting-edge developments in civil engineering. The facilities at UCL include well-equipped laboratories, design studios, and computer suites, supporting hands-on learning experiences. The program typically spans three to four years, depending on the specific pathway taken, with the integrated design component woven throughout the entire course duration.

Graduates of this program often go on to work in consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, contributing to projects such as transportation networks, water supply systems, environmental protection initiatives, and urban development. Overall, the BSc Civil Engineering with Integrated Design at UCL combines academic rigor with practical application, fostering innovative thinking and technical competence necessary for advancing infrastructure and societal development worldwide.