Civil Engineering

Course overview

Civil engineering is at the forefront of creating a more sustainable world. At Aston University, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to design and build the infrastructure of the future, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

This program is designed to provide a well-rounded education, focusing not only on technical skills but also on the interpersonal and ethical aspects of the profession. However, at Aston University, we don't just teach theory; we emphasise practical, real-world experience. Our partnerships with industry leaders mean you'll have the opportunity to work on live projects and gain hands-on experience from day one.

This practical approach ensures you graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career.

"My time at Aston University has been a great stepping stone between education and the engineering profession I wish to pursue; having access to such great lecturers who provide practical lessons on real-life equipment helps to bridge the gap between the theoretical and applied aspects of my course".

Timothy Nightingale

Civil Engineering

Current student

Why Civil Engineering at Aston University?

Excellent student experience

Civil Engineering was ranked 5th in the UK for student experience 2023 Sunday Times

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Thriving student life

Aston Students’ Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

BEng Civil Engineering

The BEng Civil Engineering degree at Aston University boasts an advanced curriculum, practical experiences, world-class faculty, and strong industry connections, this course will equip you with a wide range of valuable skills that are essential for a successful career in the civil engineering field.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by accredited academics, who have worked in the industry or involved in collaborative industry research, that will bring the subject to life. Use of world-class facilities to delve into practical lab sessions, including access to civil engineering labs with state of the art building and testing equipment. Safety is paramount in civil engineering, so we cover the course and exam fees for you to get an associated accreditation for health and safety training from CITB.

What you will provide
In the realm of civil engineering, creativity and innovation are highly valued. You'll be encouraged to think outside the box, come up with groundbreaking ideas, and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable. If you're an innovative thinker, with an analytical and technical mind, civil engineering is the ideal platform for you.

What skills we teach
This new course examines the societal, economic, and operational issues related to construction. You will master the core subjects at the heart of this degree – structures, materials, geotechnics, transport, infrastructure, engineering and construction management. Along with fundamental transferable skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and project management. These skills will equip you with key expertise and enhance your employability.

Placement year
A placement year is a fantastic opportunity and compulsory on the Aston University’s Civil Engineering course. Our award-winning careers and placement team and strong industry ties will provide you with exciting placement opportunities. Previous students have gained experience with leading companies, such as Mott McDonald, KPMG, and The Ministry of Transport.

Career prospects
On graduation, you could work for UK or global organisations such as building and project management consultancies. The transferable management and technical skills developed during your studies will also be attractive to other professions and there is potential for graduates to go into diverse fields such as finance, logistics and general management. Recent graduates from similar courses at Aston have joined companies including Alstom, BAM Construction, Mott McDonald and the Department for Transport.

How you will learn

Your learning will take place in our single-site campus in the heart of Birmingham. As well as traditional lectures and seminars, you will immerse yourself in team and individual project work, Problem-Based-Learning (PBL) sessions, civil engineering laboratory practicals, and site visits. Students take approximately four modules each term. Each Module will have at least two hours of lectures, two hours of laboratory practicals and two hours of Problem Solving Tutorial / lectorial classes and sessions.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in PAL sessions, learning from your peers who have been through the course content before you.

Extracurricular activities:

You can join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals in our Civil Engineering Society.
Let your creativity run wild in our Design Challenge, whilst you tackle real-world engineering problems and propose innovative solutions.
Join our Formula Student team where you will design, build, and race your very own formula-style car.

What you will learn

Part of the civil engineering and infrastructure department, this course examines the societal, economic and operational issues related to construction. You will gain a holistic knowledge of civil engineering practices and get to use advanced technologies and other tools, such as CAD and building information modelling (BIM).

First year

In your first year, you will build your fundamental knowledge of the sector and relevant disciplines. To introduce you to the world of civil engineering, topics covered will include construction, materials, mechanics and mathematical skills.

Second year

During your second year, you will build on your existing knowledge and advance your understanding of the civil engineering sector through more specialist modules, such as sustainable materials and design, fuid mechanics, geotechnics and transport infrastructure engineering.

Placement year

Mandatory placements will enrich your degree and knowledge. Past students have completed successful placements at renowned companies such as Turner and Townsend, Balfour Beatty, RG Constructions, and Atkins. The construction industry in the West Midlands is particularly buoyant, providing a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate placements. This immersive industry experience establishes connections and gains you a competitive edge for your career.

Final year

In your final year, you will be able to choose a specialism you are passionate about by selecting from a broad range of career-focused options. You will then consolidate all your learnings from the course and apply them to an in-depth research project, and a design project. Your choice of additional modules will enable you to specialise in either project management, transport infrastructure engineering, or sustainable infrastructure systems.

Civil Engineering Now and Then

Dr Haris Alexakis talks about changes in Civil Engineering

Find out more

Facilities

Complete your practical work in our brand new, state of art laboratory facilities in highway engineering, materials and structures, and the latest industry-standard engineering software packages.

Our modern campus is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, software, and equipment that mirror what you'll encounter in the industry. From the latest design and analysis software to cutting-edge testing facilities, you'll have access to the tools you need to excel in your studies.

Civil Engineering Facilities Tour

Course objectives

Provides a thorough grounding in the basic principles and associated practices required by the Built Environment professions with particular emphasis on relevant civil engineering skills.
Provides you with the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience through a sandwich year; and provides you with a working knowledge of the techniques and an understanding of the skills required by civil engineers within the built environment.
Produces graduates with the qualities and skills that are in demand by potential employers and who are able to make a valuable contribution to society consistent with the mission of the Institute of Civil Engineering

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Introduction to Civil Engineering	30
Construction Materials and Surveying	30
BIM for Construction	15
Civil Engineering Mathematics	15
Building and Design and Construction Technology	30
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Apply the principles of science and mathematics required for civil engineering
Explain the fundamental concepts, technology and principles of construction within a civil engineering context
Acquire data and apply analytical skills employing problem-solution methods applicable to the civil engineering profession
Explore the situational position of basic civil engineering tasks within an economic, social and environmental context
Demonstrate different forms of communication; practicing writing, verbal and graphical presentations
Demonstrate professional skills practised in the laboratory and design practice.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Structural Analysis and Numerical Modelling	30
Sustainable Materials and Design	30
Fluid Mechanics	15
Construction Contract Management and Administration 2	15
Geotechnics 1	15
Transport Infrastructure Engineering	15
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Apply mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations to engineering problems
Analyse key engineering processes and principles using modelling and analytical methods
Design components of a structure to relevant professional standards identified in construction
Recognise the impact of commercial, financial, economic, environmental and social choices affecting the selection of a project
Examine construction related materials and products employing engineering processes and related equipment
Structure and present ideas employing group focused creative problem solving approaches.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Identify the relevance of the programme's discipline-specific and generic content to the world of work.
Practice your team-working skills.
Develop Independent learning skills to facilitate professional development.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Independent Civil Engineering Project	30
Civil Engineering Design Project	30
Hydraulics	15
Geotechnics 2	15
Total	120

Choose two of the following optional modules*

Module Title	Credits
Civil Engineering Project Management	15
Sustainable Infrastructure Systems	15
Transport Planning for Sustainable Futures	115

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Select, manage and apply appropriate professional principles for civil engineering projects encompassing all stages of project life cycle
Demonstrate and apply the required Civil engineering technical knowledge to the appropriate standard
Design and deliver an individual Civil Engineering project
Demonstrate professional graduate employability skills.

Entry requirements

A Levels
BBC to include Maths at minimum Grade B (standard offer)
BCC to include Maths at minimum Grade B (with an EPQ or Core Maths at Grade B)
BCC to include Maths at minimum Grade B (contextual offer)
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma QCF or RCF in an engineering subject: DDM plus the following units at Distinction: - Mathematics for Engineering Technicians - Further Engineering Mathematics.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction, Planning and the Built Environment or Civil Engineering: DDM
BTEC Extended Diploma (any subject): DDM plus A level Maths at minimum Grade B
National Diploma and Diploma: DM plus A-level Maths at minimum Grade B
BTEC Diploma (QCF/RQF): DM plus A-level Maths at minimum Grade B
2 BTEC Extended National Certificate or 2 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma + 1 A-Level: DM +A-Level Maths Grade B
BTEC National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: M plus 2 A-level minimum Grade B including Maths
1 BTEC Foundation or BTEC 90 Credit Diploma + 2 A-Levels ar Grade B, including Maths A Level
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted

29 overall points with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level subjects, including Mathematics Higher Level at Grade 5

Completion of the Access Diploma in a Science or Technical subject with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 30 distinctions and 15 merits at Level 3 including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics.

The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction Grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction Grade D
Onsite Construction Grade D
Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D
Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control Grade D
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:

GCSE Maths Grade C/4 and English Grade C/4 and above.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,250
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£21,100
During placement year:	£2,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

The BEng Civil Engineering programme is structured with approximately 6-7 modules split over two terms. You will be assessed through a combination of exams, coursework, design projects, and laboratory reports. The majority of modules have a balance of 40 % coursework and 60% exam, however, several modules are assessed entirely on coursework.

The assessment methods will reflect the most effective and relevant way to review your performance for each module. Therefore, each module will be assessed in a variety of ways to reflect your knowledge from that module and how you would apply it in the real world.

Career prospects

Civil engineering is a diverse field, with opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, environmental engineering, and more. Whether you aspire to build iconic structures, improve transportation systems, or address environmental challenges, our program will empower you to make a real difference in the world.

Some of your future career opportunities include:

Contractors
Consultant Engineers
Local Authorities
Service Industries
Major Industrial Organisations
Government
Academic Institutions

Our world-class education, industry connections, and commitment to your success will ensure that you graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build your dream career.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study civil engineering at Aston University?

Civil engineers are in high demand as the construction industry continues to grow and thrive. This course will give you all the skills and experience you need to lead a successful and fulfilling career as a civil engineer.

You will learn the key techniques and skills you need to become a civil engineer including materials, transport and engineering. You’ll gain knowledge and experience based on real life examples and companies, giving you the skills you need to begin your career in this exciting area.

Why is the placement compulsory?

We think that the knowledge you gain through your studies are best applied to real life and the most effective way to do this is by working in a company. As well as the opportunity to apply the technical knowledge you’ve learned, you’ll also gain invaluable communication and team skills.

We have excellent links with industry and can help to arrange this placement for you.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham