Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
Why choose this course?
You will study civil engineering subjects, such as structures, hydraulics, geotechnics, construction materials, mathematics and surveying. You'll also study the design and construction of sustainable infrastructures, focusing on water engineering, transport, highway and the energy sector.
You'll work in specialist laboratories, including concrete, hydraulics, materials, soils and structures, and experience real-life scenarios through site visits and field trips.
Practical work includes surveying, model-making, engineering drawing and computer-aided design. You'll also gain skills in project and business management.
Please note: this course was previously known as Civil and Infrastructure Engineering BEng (Hons).
| Qualification | Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEng (Hons) | 3 years full time | H210 | 2023 2024 |
| BEng (Hons) | 4 years full time including sandwich year | H211 | 2023 2024 |
| BEng (Hons) | 4 years full time including foundation year | H218 | 2023 2024 |
| BEng (Hons) | 4 years part time (Only available to applicants who are already working in the industry whom will be considered for direct entry into Year 2 of the course) | Apply direct to the University | 2023 2024 |
| Degree Apprenticeship | 5 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2023 2024 |
Please note this course was previously known as Civil Engineering BEng (Hons).
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- On this degree, you'll develop skills to help you towards becoming a chartered engineer.
- This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A program of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.
Professional Accreditation
BEng (Hons) Accredited CEng (Partial)
This degree is accredited 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 as for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Candidates must hold a masters or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.
Download the engineering degree accreditation leaflet (PDF) to find out more about the benefits of studying a degree accredited by the Engineering Council.
Please check the Engineering Council website for more information.
What you will study
On this course, you will gain a good mix of theoretical, practical, academic, management and industrial-based skills.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3/4
Part-time route (non-degree apprenticeship)
Year 1 develops your skills in engineering science, mathematics, computing, engineering drawing (including AutoCAD), fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, structures, materials and sustainable construction and design. There is an emphasis on practical work, including surveying, model-making and computer-aided design packages.
Core modules
Sustainable Construction and Design
30 credits
This module introduces the concept of sustainability and its impact upon civil engineering and construction. The module incorporates a consideration of the stages of design including demolition, possible reuse, recycling, sustainable materials, techniques and design and construction methods. In addition, the module introduces the basic principles of land surveying in an engineering design context and provides practical knowledge on using surveying instruments along with computer aided design (CAD).
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of a range of sustainability agenda and possible solutions when dealing with associated engineering design problems;
- define sustainable construction principles;
- recommend a range of sustainable materials, sustainable techniques and technologies;
- describe the engineering design process from conception to completion through design ideas in writing, AutoCAD engineering drawings and oral presentations;
- describe principles of land surveying in the context of engineering design project and demonstrate competence in operating basic surveying instruments; and
- appreciate the professional roles in teamwork within an engineering design project, as well as the interpersonal skills required to work effectively.
Engineering Mechanics, Structures & Materials
30 credits
The module introduces you to the fundamentals of structural analysis (statics and dynamics) and the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of engineering materials. The mechanics part provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies whilst stationary and in motion. Bodies such as trusses in equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters such as force, moment, stress, strain, etc. are defined and calculated. The analysis of structural components will be developed with theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary in the design of real world structures. This section also introduces the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications. Material test methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various engineering materials. A selection of materials for engineering applications, such as metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratories.
Engineering Mathematics and Computing Applications
30 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equip you with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. The module also introduces the use of computing methods in engineering. The mathematics part comprises algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations and vectors. The computing part covers the use of software for problem solving, visualisation and data representation. The emphasis is on using mathematical and computational tools to solve engineering problems.
Fluid Mechanics and Engineering Science
30 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and engineering science. Taught to mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering students, it will use this broad audience to enhance a collaborative learning environment. The fluid mechanics section will cover the fundamental properties of fluids and the main basic conservation equations used and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement. The engineering science section will consider subject areas relevant to each discipline. For mechanical and aerospace engineering students it will introduce thermodynamics and electrical engineering and for civil engineering students it will consider soil mechanics. The thermodynamics topic covers the key concepts of system, work, heat and the main thermodynamics laws with special reference to their engineering applications. The electrical engineering section covers the basic concepts and electrical quantities such as charge, current, resistance, voltage, power and energy before looking at fundamental electrical components and how they can be incorporated into both AC and DC circuits. The soil mechanics topic will introduce the fundamental properties of soils and their essential aspects.
Year 2 comprises practical-focused studies covering specific civil engineering subjects such as hydraulics, geotechnics, structures, construction materials and site surveying. You will also gain a thorough grounding in project and business management. There are two residential field courses, in engineering surveying and geotechnical engineering.
Core modules
Geotechnical Engineering 1 and Hydraulics
30 credits
This is a core module for level 5 Civil Engineering students that builds upon the level 4 Module EG4013, developing the analysis and engineering design in hydraulics and geotechnics. The hydraulics section considers natural river courses and the conveyance of water through pipelines, culverts and canals. The geotechnics section concentrates on engineering geology, emphasising the influence of subsurface conditions on civil engineering design and construction; also covered are principles of effective stress and shear strength as well as their use in design. The analysis of groundwater seepage and the dewatering of below-ground works are linked to other aspects of civil engineering hydraulics. The module is primarily delivered through a programme of interactive sessions supported by an extensive laboratory programme.
Engineering Surveying
30 credits
This is a core module for Civil Engineering students at Level 5. Surveying is a fundamental skill expected of any civil engineer and this module builds on the surveying introduced at Level 4 in EG4010. This module exposes you to the instrumentation and observation principles of modern engineering surveying, and develops your theoretical understanding and relevant mathematical expertise as well as your practical skills. The operating principles of surveying equipment (including GNSS/GPS), are all covered in the programme and supported by practical exercises. Further sessions explore a range of mathematically more advanced themes such as error analysis and geometric designs (e.g. road curves and earthworks) that forms some basis for aspects of the Level 6 module CE6012.
Structural Engineering 1 and Construction Materials
30 credits
This is a core module for level 5 Civil Engineering students. The module expands on the methodologies and techniques given in EG4011 for structural design at a fundamental level in steel, concrete, masonry and timber, and develops your ability to produce competent and professional structural designs. The consideration of a variety of construction materials, including sustainability issues, will help you to develop your knowledge and understanding of material behaviour, an essential component of civil engineering projects. The module will include the design of civil engineering structures from a conceptual viewpoint laying the foundations for the level 6 module CE6013.
Engineering Project Management
30 credits
The module includes principles and commercial practices for the management of engineering projects and related wider business operations. The nature of project engineering and business management is considered in the context of quality, time, risk and sustainability aspects. The module is contextualised for mechanical and automotive professionals to promote and broaden knowledge of how companies and organisations work in the project and business environment. This module continues effective team working as well as developing interpersonal skills.
Your final year will broaden your understanding of core civil engineering disciplines (structures, hydraulics and geotechnics) with building and environmental engineering, and includes a field trip devoted to coastal engineering. You will also study the development, design and construction of sustainable infrastructure, focusing on water engineering, transport, highway and the energy sector. You will carry out an individual project and take part in a major group design exercise with fellow students.
Core modules
Structural Engineering 2 and Geotechnical Engineering 2
30 credits
This is a core module for level 6 Civil Engineering students. The module covers methodologies and techniques for the structural analysis and design of steel, concrete and timber structures at an advanced level, as well as geotechnical design of a wide range of foundations, building upon knowledge gained at Level 5. Upon the completion of this module you will be able to produce competent and professional structural and geotechnical designs. This will stimulate you to develop an interest and awareness of the scope and nature of structural and geotechnical engineering within the design process and to encourage creativity. Development of team working skills and independent study is an important part of the module. This module intends: to develop structural and geotechnical design technical skills, to increase awareness of the role of the structural and geotechnical engineers in solving design and construction problems, to encourage you to utilise your membership of professional institutions and to enhance your employability.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment
30 credits
This is a core module for the final year BEng and BSc Civil Engineering courses. The module has been formulated to broaden your perspective on the infrastructure that underpins a developed society and the role of the civil engineer in its design, construction, maintenance and management. The requirement for sustainable solutions will be emphasised throughout the module, considering the influencing environmental, economic, social and political factors. A global perspective will be introduced by considering case studies throughout the world and discussing the different factors that influence the infrastructure. Graduate employment opportunities will be outlined in the various sectors, reinforced by guest lectures from expert practitioners/researchers and relevant site visits. The module will consider the broad range of infrastructure with a focus on transportation and water, opening up career path opportunities for graduates.
Individual Project
30 credits
The individual project is an opportunity to explore a subject of your own choice and to initiate, design and execute a small scale research project under supervision. The work in the project will draw upon material from all modules previously or currently taught and provide a culmination to your degree. Additionally, this allows you to develop and practice your research skills that will be invaluable for the future. You are encouraged to work independently, study a topic in depth, review previous work, collect, and interpret and analyse information. This is also intended to develop your ability to communicate clearly and succinctly orally, graphically and in writing. In undertaking the work you should demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing literature and in using one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions. To support you a series of workshops will be given along with individual one-to-one supervision to ensure that you are supported throughout the process. Assessment is by submission of an initial formative research statement and summative assessments comprise an interim report, an oral presentation and the completed project.
This module completes the undergraduate personal tutor scheme (PTS). The scheme assists you in your transition to level 6, supporting you in the achievement of your full academic potential. Furthermore the PTS encourages you to be proactive in planning your professional career and/or postgraduate study.
Business Management and Group Project
30 credits
This module gives you an opportunity to work as a member of a design team on an Aerospace/Mechanical/Civil design project. It also further develops your broader understanding of the business context of engineering activities. It will develop a set of skills and techniques which will prepare you for employment.
Entry requirements
Read our entry requirements for part-time students. To apply to study this course part time, please contact our admissions administrator.
Attendance
You will attend one day per week for all lectures in a module including tutorials and laboratories. Also, you will need to take into account the attendance for the three field trips.
- Geotechnical field trip in Year 1.
- Engineering surveying field trip in Year 2.
- Geotechnical and hydraulics field trip in Year 3.
Exams are normally take place in May.
E-learning
Our web-based system called Canvas hosts all lecture material, notes, and assignments etc. for your subjects, allowing you to supplement your learning at the University with private study time at home or at the office.
Tuition fees
Read our guidance on fees for part-time students.
Extended degree with a Foundation year
Our Engineering Foundation with pathways in Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical Engineering is ideal if you would like to join one of our engineering honours degrees but need a preparatory period of study. It provides an alternative entry route if you do not meet our standard entry requirements but have the ability to succeed at degree-level study. Once you have completed this course, you can join a BEng (Hons) / MEng (Hons) engineering degree of your choice, dependent on satisfactory grades.
Find out more about the engineering foundation year >
Construction Engineering Management BSc
Our Construction Engineering Management BSc would be ideal if you do not meet our standard entry requirements for the BEng and wish to graduate as a civil engineer. This BSc is also accredited 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 as: fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
Find out more about Construction Engineering Management BSc >
Future Skills
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Degree apprenticeship
Kingston University is an active member of the Civil Engineering Design Degree Apprenticeship Group led and managed by Technical Apprenticeship Consortium. Currently this consortium includes a group of large multi-national consulting companies as well as contractors and local governmental bodies with a number of regional educational providers.
The prime function of this Consortium is to define a partnership model through which employers and universities can deliver successful apprenticeship degree programme which integrates Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).
Kingston University had a progression rate of 94% for the 2018/19 academic year.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratory sessions, field courses, design classes, workshop sessions and site visits.
Assessment comprises exams and coursework (e.g. reports, computer and numerical exercises, laboratories and essays).
Who teaches this course?
The course is taught by the Department of Civil Engineering, Construction and Surveying. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practise and research at the cutting edge of their discipline.
Our programmes have been designed with your aspirations, needs and abilities in mind, and are aimed at developing your specialist skills, deepening your understanding and offering new insights and perspectives to equip you for a professional career ahead.
Academic staff in the department are bonded in an interdisciplinary team of civil and structural engineers, material scientists, geologists, hydrologists, construction managers, building and quantity surveyors with professional practice and applied research backgrounds. Many of us are nationally and internationally recognised leaders in our areas of specialism and we are frequently invited to undertake high-profile external research and consultancy work.
Having developed our courses with the working world in mind, we offer hands-on student experiences such as testing in our exemplary laboratory facilities in structures, materials, concrete, geotechnics and hydraulics that are used for teaching and research. Knowledge is also gained from field trips for both undergraduates and postgraduates; site visits and industrial placements; employability support via our strong partnerships with industry, professional institutions and learned societies.
Our teaching is engaging and practice-focused and supported by site visits and invited guest lecturers by our industrial liaisons and strong alumni network. Our approach to assessment is project-driven and seeks to equip students with a range of competencies and transferrable skills thus boosting their employability prospects.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
- extensive materials and structures facility for concrete, masonry, steel and timber;
- geotechnical and hydraulics testing facilities; and
- surveying equipment, such as satellite global-positioning systems.
Dedicated computer-aided design facilities include:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad;
- finite element analysis
- computational fluid dynamics; and
- virtual instrumentation.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
After you graduate
Careers and progression
Most graduates work in civil engineering and the construction industry or continue their studies to postgraduate level.
What our students say
Civil Engineering students, Anya and Kievan talk about their experience studying at Kingston University:
What our graduates say
Work placement year
How you can work in industry during your course
Placements:
- provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career;
- improve your chances of graduating with a higher grade degree;
- enhance your CV;
- lead to a graduate job;
- enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid); and
- help you to select your final-year project.
"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.
"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.
- 81% placement students and 34% non-placement students got a first or 2.1 (Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics, 2008).
- 100% of placement students during 2008 recommend doing a placement (Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics, 2008).
- Many employers offer a graduate job to their successful placement students.
There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (eg a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.
For further information please contact the placements team by telephone 020 8417 2969 or email secplace@kingston.ac.uk.
Examples of placements
Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:
| Construction-based placement employers | Construction-based placement roles |
|---|---|
| RG Group Multiplex Costain Willmott Dixon Fluor |
Assistant site manager Assistant trades package manager Assistant logistics manager Health and safety officer Construction engineer |
| Science-based placement employers | Science-based placement roles |
| Reckitt and Benckiser GSK Drug Control Centre Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd Various local and international hospitals |
Bioanalytical sciences Lab assistant Pharmacy assistant Sports coach |
| Engineering-based placement employers | Engineering-based placement roles |
| Airbus BAM Nuttall Nissan Bosch Wozair |
Analysis of aircraft structure Construction resources specialist Site engineer assistant |
| Computing and IS-based placement employers | Computing and IS-based placement roles |
| Disney Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe IBM McKinsey Intel |
Database co-ordinator Software developer Website developer App developer |
| Mathematics-based placement employers | Mathematics-based placement roles |
| Lloyds Banking Group AXA Allianz PAU Education, Spain |
Analyst Investment solutions Research analyst Accounts assistant |
Work placement case study
Kurtis Napp, infrastructure and sustainability intern, Transport for London
- Name: Kurtis Napp
- Placement role: Infrastructure and sustainability intern
- Placement company: Transport for London
- Year: 2014/15
Why did you decide to do an industrial placement as part of your degree?
Placement helps you to gain experience in your degree discipline and is a good way to gauge how much you enjoy practising the work that you study. It also allows you to find useful contacts in your field of study and more importantly outside as well.
What does your placement role involve?
The department I am in monitors the energy usage of the head office buildings according to the DEFRA principle utilities of CO2 (electricity and gas) usage, water consumption and recycling. I help to provide the reports and updates that inform the company of its performance, any suggestions I have can be put forward in my team meetings to the head of Infrastructure and Sustainability.
How is your typical day – any specific projects were you involved with?
My typical day involves checking emails in the morning, then acting on them in terms of priority, any projects I am involved in (usually head office building maintenance projects) writing the risk assessments and method t=statements for any new projects.
I also check the statistical performance of the maintenance contractors concerning their planned preventative measures which has service level agreements that are specified within their contract with TfL.
What key elements of your job will involve what you had learned from your course?
Being able to compare a measured energy variable to its accepted baseline performance then changing the parameters that affect this energy variable to receive an improved (sustainable) state.
Additional to this the sustainability approach put forward by BREEAM in the ISO: 50001 which promotes the use of energy management systems for the design and maintenance of buildings is a vital part of designing and should be used in from the feasibility stage of material selection to the final handover stage.
From your experience working at your placement employer is there anything that you will utilise when you go back to your study (if this is applicable)?
The emailing structure and meeting presentations are an important part of communicating in the corporate world, therefore I will definitely be using these skills post-industrial placement.
How do you feel that your placement has benefited your course?
I feel that I have gained a better understanding of material selection and focusing on using best practice as a bare minimum to improve on the design of buildings.
Are there any other benefits of doing a placement?
Knowing how to operate within a workplace is the first step into understanding how the world works. I have received training on all sorts of comprehensive courses that improve the nature of one's professional skills; nevertheless being in a team relies purely on your ability to get along with people and to be able to communicate accurately while leaving scope for suggestions and feedback.
What job will you be seeking when you graduate?
I would like to work as a civil engineer for a company like Transport for London as they have many training opportunities for graduate engineers as well as opportunities to develop different but much needed people skills.
What advice would you give to the students who are thinking of applying for placement?
If you want to learn how to operate in your field of work and attempt to further your ability to communicate with others of a different academic background, then a placement is a brilliant way to learn this.
Changes from 1 August 2022
Up until 31 July 2022, this course was taught in the Faculty of Science Engineering and Computing. For students enrolling from September 2022, the course will be delivered by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and the Environment. There will be no impact on the teaching or the award of the degree.
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
