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Civil and Environmental Engineering
MEng/BEng (Hons)

This hands-on Civil and Environmental Engineering degree is top in Scotland and the only Scottish BEng programme to offer a guaranteed 12-week work placement.

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time) BEng (Hons) | 5 years (full-time) MEng

Degree Classification

MEng/BEng (Hons)

UCAS Code

H3H3 BEng (Hons) | H2H2 MEng
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Why Study Abertay's MEng/BEng (Hons) in Civil and Environmental Engineering?

Our course is ranked 8th in the UK by the Guardian University guide 2019, and is the only Civil Engineering undergraduate degree in Scotland with a guaranteed work placement during Year 3.

By studying Civil and Environmental Engineering at Abertay, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a Chartered Civil Engineer. You’ll also help contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities, and societies by understanding interactions between buildings, infrastructure, and the environment.

This degree will give you a firm grounding across a wide range of civil and environmental engineering applications, with plenty of practical and hands-on experience gained through industry partners, including Transport Scotland, Balfour Beatty, Sweco, BAM, and BEAR Scotland.

As you progress, you’ll get a chance to work directly in the industry – an integrated part of your degree – and to take a deeper focus on specific areas that impact the built, human and natural environment.

Accreditation

The BEng (Hons) Civil and Environmental Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Council for fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, and partially meeting the educational base for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

This programme is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers.

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Accreditation

Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Accreditation

Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Accreditation

Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) Accreditation

Your Journey Starts Here

The 21st century engineer is in high demand. They play a key role in the sustainable development of the modern world. Today's civil engineer must be able to produce cost effective solutions to expensive and diverse problems, and in a safe, socially acceptable and environmentally responsible way. Ready? Dive right in. 

Group of Civil Engineering students working together

Entry Requirements

Please note: All applicants must have a pass in Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent.

Please visit our Entry from College pages for suitable College courses.

Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Higher BBBB Maths
A-Level CCC Maths
Irish Highers H3H3H3H3 Maths
International Baccalaureate 28 Points Maths at S5 or H4
BTEC Extended Diploma MMM Construction and the Built Environment (all pathways)
AHEAD Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme
Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Advanced Higher BBB Maths and Physics
A-Level BBB Maths and Physics
BTEC Extended Diploma DDD Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering)
HNC Our Entry from College pages list approved HNC courses

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.

We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.

If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either ...

  • been in care
  • participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West, or Aspire North
  • no family background of going to university
  • attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university

... we encourage you to submit an application.

Information for International Applicants

Please provide certified proof of your English language level. Our accredited International English Foundation Course can help. To further enhance your academic English, Intensive English for Academic Purposes can help you achieve your potential.

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English Language Requirements

Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.

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English Language Courses

Discover the range of English language courses on offer at Abertay University.

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Visa Information

Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.

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About Your Modules

The module information shown here describes the modules our students are taking this year. The modules do change over time to keep our programmes up-to-date and relevant. This means the exact modules you take could be different. If you receive an offer to study with us, you will receive a Programme Information document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme.

Please note: As well as Key Modules outlined below, you may also be required to choose Elective Modules. 

Key Modules (2017/18)

Engineering Science 1 (EEM100)

Provides students with basic mathematical skills for engineering and the fundamentals of structural analysis.

Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering (EEM104)

Provides a range of life-long civil engineering professional skills and an introduction to the diversity of civil engineer skills in the development, procurement and sustainable management of construction projects.

Introduction to Environmental Sciences (ENV101)

Provides students with an understanding of the key concepts and themes in biology, ecology, chemistry, and anthropomorphic factors, which are essential for a broad understanding of modern environmental science.

Engineering Science 2 (EEM102)

Provides students with mathematical skills for engineering and the fundamentals of structural analysis. Module contents include: differential calculus; integral calculus; axial force; stress due to bending; shear and torsion; elastic deformation of beams.

Landscape Processes and Surveying (EEM103)

An introduction to landscape processes and surveying. Provides a basic understanding of geology, hydrology and geomorphology and methods for assessing and understanding landscape forms. This equips students with surveying practice skills suitable for engineering and environmental projects.

Engineering Science 3 (EEM207)

An examination of the properties and application of a range of construction materials that provides students with an introductory understanding of highway design and Building Information Modelling.

Surveying and Construction (EEM201)

Provides students with an understanding of the practical application of civil and environmental engineering skills, techniques and knowledge. Module content includes: land surveying; construction practice; risk assessment; professional reporting; sustainability considerations.

Water Resources and Fluid Mechanics (EEM203)

An introduction to the fundamental principles of hydrology and hydrostatics. This module will enable students to apply these principles to model problems relevant to water resources and civil engineering. Module content includes: hydrology; water use and quality; water related disasters and sustainable water management; fluid properties, statics and dynamics.

Structural Engineering 1 (EEM206)

Provides an understanding of advanced structural analysis and structural design procedures.

Environmental Engineering (EEM208)

This module applies the principles of environmental engineering in the analysis and management of environmental pollution. Module content includes: water quality and treatment; groundwater quality and management; air quality and pollution management; environmental impact assessment.

How the Course Works

We’ll challenge you to ask important questions, such as:

  • What does it take to plan and build onshore and offshore wind turbines?
  • Can construction materials be reclaimed to develop new roads?
  • Are sustainable construction and low energy building challenges being met?
  • How can we work with nature to deliver more sustainable engineering solutions?

You’ll find all the answers on Scotland’s top Civil and Environmental Engineering programme.

This highly practical degree combines engineering principles with environmental science and management concepts. It equips you with the skills you need to lead the design and development of sustainable solutions to continually evolving civil and environmental engineering problems.

The programme will also develop key employment skills that are transferable amongst engineering disciplines, including:

  • Analytics and decision-making
  • Creative approach to problem-solving
  • Critical thinking and the ability to interpret data

This is enhanced with elective module choices in years 1 and 2. 

Please note: The Beng (Hons) is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

You can choose to take either the five-year Integrated Masters (MEng) or the four-year Bachelor’s (BEng Hons) degree on this course.

Learning and Assessment

We’re at the cutting edge of engineering – both theoretical and practical – and we offer a broad range of learning environments. This includes the traditional lecture and tutorial format, student-led learning, interactive class sessions, fieldtrips and site-visits, and a substantial element of lab and design work.

We encourage independent study, which means you take responsibility for your own learning.

A variety of methods are used to assess your study, enabling you to demonstrate progress in different ways.

Coursework typically includes design challenges, laboratory reports, essays and oral presentations. Formal exams include questions that require short answers, problem-solving and design.

Your placement will be assessed by industrial and academic supervisors, as well as by report and oral presentation.

In your final dissertation, you’re individually supported by one of our research-active members of staff.

Year 1 is approximately 30% exam and 70% coursework. Year 4 is approximately 70% exam and 30% coursework.

For more information on the course content, please download the Programme Information - MEng-BEng Civil and Environmental Engineering.‌

Work Placement

We're unique in that we offer a guaranteed, high-calibre work placement to all of our students in their third year of study. For 12 weeks you'll set up shop in an engineering practice as far as Inverness or Glasgow. Your placement will give insight into an engineering specialism, from onsite construction to design consultation. This often leads on to continued work placements and even a space on a graduate scheme upon graduation. 

Female engineering student

Constructionarium

You’ll also gain practical experience by attending Constructionarium - a week-long construction experience in year 2. This provides a hands-on construction experience for students, allowing you to construct scaled down versions of bridges, buildings, dams and civil engineering projects. 

 

Group working together in civil engineering workshop

20000

The annual shortfall of engineering graduates in the UK

#1

We're the TOP civil engineering degree in Scotland

£26K

Engineering graduate salaries are well above the all-subject average of £22k

Programme Fees for 2019

Scottish & EU students

£1,820

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

Additional Costs

You must provide your own safety boots. You’re required to make a contribution of £30 in year 1 to the cost of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. In year 2, you’ll contribute £100 towards the cost of Constructionarium. In year 3, all students participate in a placement, which may incur travel costs.

English, Welsh & Northern Irish Students

£9,250

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

Additional Costs

You must provide your own safety boots. You’re required to make a contribution of £30 in year 1 to the cost of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. In year 2, you’ll contribute £100 towards the cost of Constructionarium. In year 3, all students participate in a placement, which may incur travel costs.

International Students

£14,000

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

Additional Costs

You must provide your own safety boots. You’re required to make a contribution of £30 in year 1 to the cost of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. In year 2, you’ll contribute £100 towards the cost of Constructionarium. In year 3, all students participate in a placement, which may incur travel costs.

Scholarships

Rest of UK Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

International Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from international countries (outside of the EU) to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

In addition, we offer a range of corporate/philanthropic scholarships shown below, which are available to all students to support your studies with us. 

The Lothian Family

A £5,000 award for undergraduate students with financial or social difficulties which may prevent them from studying at Abertay.

The Robert Reid Bursary

Two £500 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

Choose Your Path

Around 70% of our students get involved with summer work placements in the engineering sector through connections they’ve made from either their work placements or from networking. In fact, 25% of students go on to full-time employment with their work placement provider. It’s a unique opportunity that leads to almost 100% employment after university.

Exciting opportunities exist for graduates from this programme, with employment prospects in:

  • Professional consulting engineers
  • Major civil and environmental engineering contractors
  • Specialist project management organisations
  • Local authorities (municipalities), public and private Utilities
  • Transportation organisations

 

Two males working together to structure a small model

Careers

Civil and environmental engineering offers the opportunity for a versatile career – and this degree will provide you with all the tools you need.

The programme will provide you with relevant and valuable work experience in a civil engineering / construction organisation, that furnishes you with the opportunity to practice skills, test careers and ensure your employability.

 

Female engineering student holding 2 circular objects

Industry Links

In addition, Abertay University also enjoys strong links with a number of industry partners, including:

  • Transport Scotland
  • Balfour Beatty
  • Sweco
  • BAM
  • BEAR Scotland
Abertay's Civil Engineering Workshop.

Unistats

Unistats collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Unistats dataset (formerly the Key Information Set (KIS)).

Civil Engineering Graduates

Find out what some of our Civil Engineering graduates are doing now

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Graham Lawson

Graeme is a Senior Engineer for housing developer, Persimmon Homes.

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Steven Traynor in a suit standing in front of Abertay University's Kydd building

Steven Traynor

Steven's team is responsible for delivering a Construction Framework worth almost £1bn.

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Programme Leader - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dr Cornelia Doerich-Stavridis

Dr Cornelia Doerich-Stavridis

School of Science, Engineering and Technology | Senior Lecturer

c.doerich@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8574

View profile

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