About this course

Whether you are interested in designing roads, airports, bridges, stadia, hospitals, power stations, harbours or water supply systems, a degree in Civil Engineering will teach you the latest construction technologies and design methods. There has never been a greater need for well qualified Civil Engineers: towns and coasts in need of flood defences; people and freight in need of safe and efficient transport systems; ever more urgent challenges in environmental conservation, sustainable design and infrastructure maintenance.

Introduction

Our emphasis is on active learning, supported by traditional lectures and tutorials, as well as the opportunities to be involved in research-led teaching, conducted in collaboration with industry, government, research laboratories and academics around the world.

The programme gives you the opportunity to undertake an individual research project in year three. Teaching staff offer projects based on their research expertise.

In year four, you will undertake a multidisciplinary group design project that brings together students specialising in various aspects of civil engineering, to work as a team to produce a portfolio. Students on the Civil and Structural Engineering programme will be acting as structural engineers for the project. Recent projects have included a ferry terminal scheme and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

This programme also has a year abroad option, an incredible opportunity to spend an academic year at one of our partner universities. On the 4-year integrated masters programme, you can go abroad either between Year 2 and 3 (apply in Year 2) OR Year 3 and 4 (apply in Year 3).
This programme also has a year abroad option, an incredible opportunity to spend an academic year at one of our partner universities.

What you'll learn

• The key aspects underpinning the field of Civil Engineering
• Leading and working in teams
• How to undertake research
• Adapting to a busy hands-on industry environment
• Critical thinking
• Teamwork
• How to present and communicate clearly

Accreditation

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, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Accreditation in detail

JBM

These programmes are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, which represents five major civil engineering institutions and accredits civil engineering programmes on behalf of the Engineering Council, which sets and maintains the standards for the engineering profession in the UK. The MEng degree is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). The BEng degree is accredited as: (i) fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and (ii) 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. See jbm.org.uk for further information and details of further learning programmes for CEng.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
GEOMECHANICS 1 (CIVE120)	7.5
ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS (MATH198)	22.5
SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES 1 (ENGG110)	15
ENERGY SCIENCE (ENGG116)	15
CIVIL AND ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING PROJECTS (CIVE162)	30
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS (MATS105)	15
DIGITAL ENGINEERING (CIVE125)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year two

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
GEOMECHANICS 2 (CIVE220)	15
GROUP DESIGN PROJECT (CIVE263)	15
HYDRAULICS (CIVE210)	15
STRUCTURAL ELEMENT DESIGN (CIVE241)	15
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT (CIVE261)	15
PROGRAMMING FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS (CIVE286)	7.5
ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS II (CIVE299)	7.5
STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR (CIVE203)	15
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING AND MODELLING (CIVE212)	7.5
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 1 (CIVE204)	7.5

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year three

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
INDIVIDUAL PROJECT (ENGG341)	30
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING (CIVE320)	15
STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS (ENGG301)	7.5
EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING (CIVE342)	7.5
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT (CIVE350)	15
OLD STRUCTURES OF STEEL, TIMBER AND MASONRY (CIVE334)	15
INTRODUCTION TO FINITE ELEMENTS (ENGG302)	7.5
STRUCTURAL PLANNING (CIVE340)	15
UNCERTAINTY, RELIABILITY AND RISK 1 (ENGG304)	7.5

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year four

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
ADVANCED GEOMECHANICS (CIVE420)	15
CAPSTONE: MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROJECT (CIVE462)	30
MATERIALS FOR DURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION (CIVE401)	15
STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS (CIVE405)	15
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT (CIVE450)	15
RISK AND UNCERTAINTY: PROBABILITY THEORY (ENGG404)	7.5
STRUCTURAL OPTIMISATION (ENGG414)	7.5
TECHNOLOGY 3.1: INTEGRATED TECHNICAL PROJECT DESIGN (ARCH361)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

Our degree programmes encompass the development of a holistic, systems approach to engineering. Technical knowledge and skills are complemented by a sound appreciation of the life-cycle processes involved in engineering and an awareness of the ethical, safety, environmental, economic, and social considerations involved in practicing as a professional engineer.

You will be taught through a combination of face-to-face teaching in group lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, and seminars. Our programmes include a substantial practical component, with an increasing emphasis on project work as you progress through to the final year. You will be supported throughout by an individual academic adviser.

How you're assessed

Assessment takes many forms, each appropriate to the learning outcomes of the particular module studied. The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination. Depending on the modules taken, you may encounter project work, presentations (individual and/or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching
Active learning
Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

Learn Chinese
Study in a bustling world heritage city
Improve employment prospects
Study Chinese culture
30 minutes from Shanghai
Learn new skills

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
USA

More about taking a year abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
Study abroad without adding an extra year
Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

Hong Kong
Japan
South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

A dedicated languages degree
A language as a joint or major/minor degree
Language modules (selected degrees)
Language classes alongside your studies

Your experience

Explore where you'll study

Engineering lab equipment. — Picture by Gareth Jones

Meet Ben, Max and Jesse from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Frances shares her experience of studying Civil Engineering

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

An exicting place for postgraduate study

Teaching includes visits to construction sites and companies implementing sustainability agendas
State-of-the-art facilities will be used for research-led teaching or final year projects
A dedicated postgraduate office and personal tutors assist our postgraduate students during their MSc programme and facilitate the journey to your graduation.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Match with an ambassador

Careers and employability

Our degrees provide pathways into rewarding careers and our graduates have found employment in a wide range of international industries and organisations. As well as achieving a degree qualification, you will graduate as an industry-ready engineer who has both practical experience and highly desirable skills in the engineering industry.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for companies in the following industries:

Engineering and Infrastructure: ABB Ltd, Arup, Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Bentley, Corus, Halcrow, Laing O’Rourke, Mott Macdonald, Mouchel, Ramboll, Royal Haskoning, Siemens, Tarmac.
Aerospace and Aviation: Airbus, British Airways, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce.
Construction and Project Management: Costain, Metronet Rail.
Defence and Military: BAE Systems, British Army, RAF (Royal Air Force), Royal Navy.
Energy and Utilities: BMI, National Grid Transco, National Nuclear Laboratory, United Utilities.
Government organizations: Government organisations (not specifically listed), Highways Agency, Network Rail.
Glass and Materials: Pilkington.
Technology and Research: QinetiQ.

employment

4 in 5 of our engineering students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)

The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes a lab coat, safety boots, and a residential construction course.

Students should expect to cover the following costs:

Lab coats
Students are required to wear a lab coat for all Engineering laboratory sessions. Students may purchase a lab coat at the start of the year from the Student Support Office at a subsidised cost of £15.

Safety boots
Students will be required to wear safety shoes or boots (with both toe cap and midsole protection conforming to European safety legislation) for some activities. Boots must be provided by the students.

Other safety equipment.
All essential safety equipment, other than those listed above, is provided free of charge by the department.

The ‘Constructionarium’
During year two, you will have a week of residential, hands-on construction experience at ‘The Constructionarium’. There is an additional cost of up to £250 for the Constructionarium.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification	Details
A levels	AAB including Mathematics. Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is ABB with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.
T levels	T levels are not currently accepted.
GCSE	4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements	Mathematics. For applicants from England: For science A levels that include the separately graded practical endorsement, a "Pass" is required.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate	Acceptable at grade Distinction* alongside BB at A level including A Level Mathematics.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma	Distinction* Distinction* in relevant BTEC considered alongside A Level Mathematics grade B. Accepted BTECs include Aeronautical, Aerospace, Construction, Mechanical, Mechatronics and Engineering.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	D*DD in acceptable BTEC, plus B in A level Maths (not accepted without B in A level Maths)
International Baccalaureate	35 overall, including 5 at Higher Level Mathematics.
Irish Leaving Certificate	H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H3, including H2 in Higher Maths. We also require a minimum of H6 in Higher English or O3 in Ordinary English
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	AAB including Maths
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	Acceptable at grade B alongside AA in A Levels including A Level Mathematics.
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma	D3 in Cambridge Pre U Principal Subject is accepted as equivalent to A-Level grade A M2 in Cambridge Pre U Principal Subject is accepted as equivalent to A-Level grade B Global Perspectives and Short Courses are not accepted.
Access	Considered if taking a relevant subject. Check with Department or Admissions team.
International qualifications	If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT	78 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
TOEFL Paper	Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
Duolingo English Test	115 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100
Pearson PTE Academic	59 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic	65 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500	Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990	Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511	0510: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade C overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991	0993: Grade 5 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 5 overall.
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced	169 overall, with no paper below 162
LanguageCert	Grade 4 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score	Pre-sessional English course length	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5	6 weeks	On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0	10 weeks	On campus and online options available
5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0	12 weeks	On campus and online options available
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5	20 weeks	On campus
4.5 overall, with no component below 4.5	30 weeks	On campus
4.0 overall, with no component below 4.0	40 weeks	On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
Applications from mature students are welcome.

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Chat with us Send us a message Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927

Last updated 16 December 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions