Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Engineering: Civil, Construction and Surveying
- Undergraduate
- Degree Apprenticeship
The Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) degree course from ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ 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 programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.
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Gain the knowledge and skills needed to shape the world around you
Prepare for your future career in civil engineering
At our Penrhyn Road campus, 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
- surveying equipment, such as satellite global-positioning systems
- dedicated computer-aided design facilities, such as:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCAD
- finite element analysis
- computational fluid dynamics
- virtual instrumentation
You’ll combine engineering theory and the use of structural design software with real-world case studies. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through our specialist laboratory suites and on-site practical activities.
During my last few months at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, I have been accepted into a Civil Engineering role at Galliford Try. My time at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ has prepared me to work in the Civil Engineering industry, as over the course of my degree I have expanded my knowledge and gained insight into the infrastructure sector whilst developing the necessary skills that are deemed valuable to construction companies. Through many group project tasks during my studies, I have further developed team working skills, leadership, communication and time management skills, which employers favoured.
Facilities
Why choose this course
Civil Engineers have to keep pace with global developments to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. This course is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours Civil Engineers need to shape the world around them.
You'll learn to deploy digital technology to create virtual models of your engineering designs. In addition, you’ll explore how to mitigate the impact of climate change on infrastructure and society.
You will study engineering problem analysis, design, engineering practice, sustainability and climate emergencies, structural analysis and advanced modelling. As well as automation and digital technologies, advanced materials, energy use of new buildings and transport, hydraulics and geotechnical engineering.
You'll work in specialist laboratories, using concrete, hydraulics, materials, soils and structures. And you'll experience real-life scenarios through site visits and field trips. Practical work includes surveying, model-making, engineering drawing and digital technology.
Degree apprenticeship
Alternatively, if you have an employer sponsoring your studies, you can take this degree course combined with our apprenticeship programme. Typically, you'll spend one day a week at university rather than your place of employment. You will also take part in learning activities and training at your workplace.
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, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and The Permanent Way Institution 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.
Course content
On this course you will gain a good mix of theoretical, practical, academic, management and industrial-based skills.
Year 1
Year 1 introduces Navigate (a Future Skills module designed to assist students in making the transition to Higher Education, develop strong foundations of self-awareness, self-motivation and generate a sense of belonging to their course and ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ), sustainability, climate literacy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
It also develops your skills in engineering analytics and mathematics, structures, mechanics and materials, fluid mechanics and soil mechanics. There is an emphasis on practical work, including laboratories and model-making.
Core modules
15 credits
This module provides a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equips you with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. Topics covered include algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, and vectors. The context of the problems to be solved will include practical and real-life problems from a wide range of civil engineering examples to demonstrate the relevance of the various mathematical tools taught in the whole year.
15 credits
This module will explore the environmental, economic, and social problems that society faces and encourages students to find and create sustainable innovative solutions. Students will be introduced to the complex societal problems and current time challenges associated with social justice, cultural inequalities, ethics, and climate change emergencies.
The students will be immersed in a culture of education that provides knowledge, values, attitudes and skills and encourage them to think about possible solutions seeking to balance economic, environmental, and social objectives set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and the challenges in achieving those goals.
15 credits
This module develops students' understanding of the fundamentals of structural characteristic and mechanics properties of a broad range of engineering materials including common civil engineering materials. This module introduces the fundamental concepts and engineering mechanics of the materials.
This module also enables the student to appreciate essential fundamental materials properties required to undertake practical approach to the solution of basic real-life engineering problems.
This module also promotes effective group working and leadership skills and develops skills in management of engineering design and creative problem-solving which are key employability and graduate skills.
30 credits
This module covers the fundamentals of structural analysis along with an introduction to stress analysis and design. You will study the behaviour of statically determinate structures, their properties and the effect of different types of static loading. The theoretical principles will be verified by laboratory testing under the Mechanics of Materials module. An analysis of trusses and simple structural elements will be developed qualitatively and quantitatively using numerical skills that are necessary for a thorough understanding of the behaviour of structures and structural systems.
30 credits
This module introduces the fundamental properties of fluids and soils, covering the basic equations used in fluid mechanics and the essential aspects of soil mechanics. It also includes the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement utilised in science and engineering.
Where possible, lectures will relate academic work to the ‘real world' of civil engineering, through the introduction of case studies and research. Theoretical topics are supported by laboratory practicals that also provide instruction in safe laboratory working practices, analysis of test data and appropriate reporting.
15 credits
Students are introduced to their course learning aims and consider their anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. Students are guided to identify and take ownership of their personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes and their discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes.
Students are tutored in a range of learning to learn techniques, are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme enabling students to understand and begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.
Year 2
Year 2 includes Exploring (a Future Skills module that includes the development of team-working, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation skills and the ability to organise, strategies and prioritise).
You will learn digitisation in Civil Engineering Construction using REVIT and BIM related software, practical-focused studies covering specific civil engineering subjects such as structural analysis, construction materials, geotechnics, hydraulics and water engineering, engineering geodesy and geographic information system (GIS).
Core modules
15 credits
This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens the student's knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects.
15 credits
This module introduces the key principles of BIM, providing learners with an overview of the standards, management processes, legal implications, ethical context, collaborative working practices and software packages. It will also provide an understanding of digital technologies and construction-related information modelling in the built environment context.
Students will learn how digital construction has revolutionised the construction industry and how BIM and its closely related digital technologies are used as tools for the realisation of the construction industry 4.0. The module will address various aspects of digital design, construction, and operation and maintenance, including the knowledge and use of tools related to BIM, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and geographic information system.
15 credits
This module exposes you to the instrumentation and observation principles of modern engineering surveying and develops their theoretical understanding and relevant mathematical expertise as well as practical skills.
We will help you understand how engineering surveying can contribute to the successful design and completion of engineering projects through practical hands-on activities and in desktop calculation and software use. Basic operating principles of surveying equipment – focusing on the horizontal and vertical control using Theodolites, Levels and Total Stations – are covered in the module and supported by practical exercises.
During lectures, you will gain the required theoretical knowledge and concepts of surveying, as well as develop practical and mathematical surveying skills. Theoretical knowledge will then be enhanced by a range of fieldwork sessions using high-precision surveying instrumentation such as levels, theodolites, total stations and other geodesy equipment. We will take you from data collection, through to processing and analysis, to interpretation of results using appropriate computer software.
15 credits
This module considers natural river courses and the conveyance of water through pipelines, culverts and canals. Laboratory demonstrations and practical classes will enable you to experience key phenomena first hand. There may also be the opportunity for a field trip to further reinforce the learning of topics such as the basics of catchment characterisation and stream flow measurement. The module will introduce you to much of the work carried out by civil engineers employed in the water industry.
30 credits
The module looks at conventional methods of evaluating displacements and the study of statically indeterminate structures. The module continues with intermediate methods and techniques of structural design in steel, concrete, masonry and timber, and develops the student's ability to produce competent and professional structural calculations and detailed drawings. The module also includes the principles of conceptual design of structures.
30 credits
The geotechnics section of the module covers engineering geology, groundwater seepage; shear strength of soils, stresses in soils due to foundation loading, consolidation behaviour and settlement of soils. The materials section of the module develops understanding of properties of various engineering materials, enabling students to learn about material selection and application in construction, including sustainable practices used to reduce waste, promote recyclability, and assess impacts on the environment.
Year 3/4
Final year students will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the university and reflect on these interactions through Applied (a Future Skills module) where students will demonstrate the ability to apply their developing professional skills competencies in their chosen area and prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship.
The final year involves the in-depth study and application of core civil engineering disciplines: advanced structural modelling and design, geotechnical and environmental engineering, and infrastructure such as transportation and highways. You will carry out an individual project focused on research into a specialised subject and take part in a major integrated design project with fellow students.
Core modules
30 credits
The individual project is an opportunity to explore a subject of the student's 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 their degree. Additionally, this allows the students to develop and practice their research skills that will be invaluable for the future.
The students 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 students' ability to communicate clearly and succinctly orally, graphically and in writing. In undertaking the work, they 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 the student a series of workshops will be given along with individual one-to-one supervision to ensure that the student is supported throughout the process. Assessment is by submission of an initial formative research statement and summative assessments comprise an interim report and the completed project.
15 credits
This module has been designed to broaden the students' 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 environmental, economic, social and political factors.
The delivery of the module will be reinforced by a number of computer lab sessions on the subject of highway design and traffic management. The module will consider a broad range of infrastructure with a focus on transportation, traffic and highway design, with the view to opening up career path opportunities for graduates.
15 credits
You will demonstrate the ability to apply your professional skills in your chosen area, and gain a broad understanding of the business environment in which professional activities are undertaken. The module will develop the technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment, and prepare you for employment and entrepreneurship.
You will participate in ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ's Bright Ideas competition where you will work as a team to develop a business idea. To do this you will need to interact with relevant stakeholders outside the University.
You will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the University and reflect on these interactions. This may include participation in co-curricular events such as subject-specific and career development events, and networking opportunities offered by subject-specific professional bodies. You'll leverage interactions with professionals in the development of your final year research project, and reflect on the co-benefits of these interactions.
15 credits
Students will learn to produce competent and professional designs that will be utilised in a group project. This will stimulate students to develop an interest and awareness of the scope and nature of civil engineering within the design process and to encourage creativity, engineering judgement and technical report writing.
Development of team-working skills and independent study is an important part of the module.
This module intends to develop technical design skills, students' academic and communication skills, to increase awareness of the role of the civil engineer in planning, design and construction issues, to encourage students to utilise their membership of professional institutions, to appreciate effective team working and to enhance their employability.
30 credits
This module covers advanced methods and techniques for structural analysis and design of complex statically indeterminate structures in steel, concrete and timber, Upon the completion of this module students will be able to produce competent and professional structural designs including calculations and detailed drawings that will stimulate students' interest in structural engineering and encourage them to use their creativity and imagination to develop sustainable structural solutions.
This module intends to develop students' structural design technical skills, to increase their awareness of the role of structural engineers in solving design and construction problems, to encourage students to utilise their membership of professional institutions and to enhance their employability.
Optional modules
15 credits
This module covers the analysis of stability of slopes, shallow and deep foundations, earth pressures and retaining walls, and ground improvement. The module incorporates design of various geotechnical structures according to current European Codes of Practice and relevant British Standards. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret geotechnical data from site investigation, use Eurocode 7 procedures to design earth slopes, spread footings, piled foundations, and retaining walls.
15 credits
This optional module covers geotechnical engineering solutions to a variety of geomorphological hazards, including coastal erosion, mass movements (landslides, falls and flows), subsidence and sinkholes. Students will be skilled in interpreting site investigation data, using European Codes of Practice and relevant British Standards, to design shallow and deep foundations, earth pressures, retaining walls and coastal defences. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret geotechnical data from site investigation, use Eurocode 7 procedures to design spread footings, piled foundations, retaining walls and coastal defences (e.g., groynes and sea-walls).
The module will also provide the students with an understanding of a variety of challenges posed by geomorphological hazards, in particular those occurring along coastlines, which, as a result of sea-level rise and more frequent and intense weather events (e.g., heavy rainfall and storm surges) related to climate change, are at increased risk of disasters.
Students will consider the variety of geomorphological hazards, their processes, and the geological and geotechnical aspects underpinning these. Through tailored fieldwork, students will learn how to assess and quantify level of risk associated with a number of these hazards by identifying potential hazards by location, and considering and measuring likelihood of events occurring, possible impacts and vulnerable 'elements' and their value. Students will learn how to communicate this level of risk through risk mapping utilising GIS. Importantly, students will consider what mitigation is currently in place to lower the risk of hazards, and propose new engineering solutions to reduce the risk.
An appreciation of the wider topic of geomorphological hazards, risk and how we mitigate these is important in terms of understanding the significance of geotechnical engineers in providing soft and hard engineering solutions to mitigate risk, thereby helping communities to build resilience and adapt to a variety of environmental hazards, including climate change. Cost benefit analysis and sustainability are key to discussions surrounding mitigation.
15 credits
This optional module covers geotechnical engineering solutions to a variety of geophysical hazards, including earthquakes (shaking and liquefaction), volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and mass movements (landslides, falls and flows). Students will be skilled in interpreting site investigation data, using European Codes of Practice and relevant British Standards, to design shallow and deep foundations, earth pressures, retaining walls, earthquake-proof design of buildings and critical infrastructure, tsunami sea-walls and shelters, and engineering solutions to volcanic hazards.
Upon completion, students should be able to interpret geotechnical data from site investigation, use Eurocode 7 procedures to design spread footings, piled foundations, retaining walls and understand the variety of engineering solutions to geophysical hazards.
The module will also provide the students with an understanding of a variety of challenges posed by geophysical hazards and disasters. Students will consider the range of geophysical hazards, their processes, and the tectonic and geotechnical aspects underpinning these.
Through tailored fieldwork, students will learn how to assess and quantify level of risk associated with a number of primary and secondary hazards by identifying spatial distribution of hazards by location, and considering and measuring likelihood of events occurring, possible impacts and vulnerable 'elements' and their value. Students will learn how to communicate this level of risk through risk mapping utilising GIS. Importantly, students will consider what mitigation is currently in place to lower the risk of hazards and propose new engineering solutions to reduce the risk.
An appreciation of hte wider topic of geophysical hazards, risk and how we mitigate them is important in terms of our understanding the significance of geotechnical engineers in providing soft and hard engineering solutions to mitigate risk, thereby helping communities to build resilience to a variety of geophysical hazards. Cost benefit analysis and sustainability are key to discussions surrounding migration.
Foundation Year in Built Environment
Our Foundation Year in Built Environment is ideal if you would like to join one of our civil engineering, construction or surveying 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.
Future Skills and careers opportunities
Most graduates from this course go on to work in civil engineering and the construction industry or continue their studies to postgraduate level.
Examples of graduate jobs include:
- Civil engineer
- Design consultant
- Structural engineer
- Senior technician
- Project manager
- Coastal engineer
- Asset systems management technical specialist
- Engineer
Graduate employers include:
- Mott MacDonald
- Bam Nuttall
- Hampshire County Council
- Mace Ltd
- Kerr Group
- Belipan Building Construction
- Lanmor Consultants
- Waterman Transportation Developments
For further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng see . 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 for more information.
Embedded within the Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) course and throughout the whole Kingston experience is our Future Skills programme. The Future Skills programme was developed to respond to the ever-evolving demands from modern day employment.
It will help you obtain the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability, and learn how to apply these skills in different scenarios. You’ll also learn how to articulate to employers how being able to do so gives you the edge.
At ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. It may also include placements, project work, workshops, workshops in computer labs, and laboratory workshops.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 22% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 22% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 21% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 51%; practical 4%; exams 45%
- Year 2: Coursework 43%; exams 57%
- Year 3: Coursework 60%; practical 3% ; exams 37%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 60 students and lecture sizes are normally 60 to 105. However this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| £9,535* | |
| Foundation Year: | £9,535 |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £18,500 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £19,200 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £19,900 |
| Year 4 (2028/29): | £20,700 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed in our Fees and Funding section. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Courses involving placements or direct work with vulnerable groups may require a DBS check or other security checks.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes. ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.
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. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
My favourite part of the course has been the final year group project to design a sustainable hotel. This project allowed me to apply everything I had learned throughout my time at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, integrating various aspects of Civil Engineering. It was a challenging and rewarding experience that tested our knowledge and teamwork skills. Additionally, it provided a practical insight into how real-life projects operate, from planning and design to implementation. This hands-on project was invaluable in preparing me for a professional career in Civil Engineering.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
