Environmental and Civil Engineering

Environmental and Civil Engineering at Queen's University Belfast offers a comprehensive and innovative undergraduate programme designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to address the critical challenges facing modern society related to infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and resource management. This multidisciplinary course combines core principles of civil engineering, such as structural analysis, geotechnics, transportation, and water resources, with environmental topics including pollution control, waste management, environmental systems, and sustainable development. The programme emphasizes a hands-on learning approach, incorporating laboratory work, design projects, and field studies to ensure graduates are well-prepared for professional practice in diverse settings.

Students will explore the design, construction, and maintenance of safe and sustainable infrastructure, understanding the impact of civil engineering projects on the environment and society. The curriculum integrates modern technologies and digital tools used in planning, analysis, and management, such as computer-aided design (CAD), geographic information systems (GIS), and Building Information Modelling (BIM). The programme also highlights the importance of environmental legislation, ethics, and societal considerations in engineering decision-making, fostering responsible professional conduct.

Throughout their studies, students will have opportunities for industry placements, collaborative projects with local and international organizations, and engagement with real-world case studies. The programme is delivered by experienced academic staff who are actively involved in research and consultancy, ensuring the curriculum remains current and relevant.

Graduates of the Environmental and Civil Engineering programme gain the skills necessary to pursue careers in construction, environmental consultancy, urban planning, water and waste management, and infrastructure development. They are also well-positioned to continue with postgraduate studies or to contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable development. Queen’s University Belfast’s strong links with industry, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant learning community, make it an ideal place for aspiring environmental and civil engineers to begin their professional journey.

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 application of theory to the practical situation through design, laboratory and field courses. The degrees contain an element of modular choice, but all students are required to take modules which will equip them with the management and professional skills needed for a career in environmental and civil engineering.

Stage 1

In 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

Stage 2 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 following the sandwich degree will take an Industrial Placement Year between Stages 2 and 3. This experience can count towards 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. They are introduced to water treatment and management and economics 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 environmental 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 relevant 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 Civil Engineering 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

MEng Accredited CEng (Full): this degree is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).