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Engineering

Civil Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Civil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railways, airports, dams and buildings. They work on projects that are essential to everyday life, ensuring structures are safe, sustainable and efficient. Civil engineers use mathematics, science and technology to solve real-world problems and often work as part of a team alongside architects, surveyors and construction managers. Typical tasks include preparing blueprints, overseeing construction work, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This career offers the chance to make a real impact on society and often involves both office-based design work and on-site supervision.

Civil Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary Range

Civil engineers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £60,000 per year, depending on experience and level of responsibility.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 53,000 civil engineers employed across the UK, with demand especially strong in cities and major infrastructure projects.

Job Growth

The demand for civil engineers is expected to grow by around 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, due to ongoing infrastructure development and maintenance.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Structural Engineer

Specialises in designing and analysing buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure they are safe and able to withstand various forces.

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Geotechnical Engineer

Focuses on the behaviour of earth materials and is involved in projects such as foundations, tunnels, and retaining walls.

Transportation Engineer

Works on the planning, design, and maintenance of transport systems like roads, railways, and airports to ensure safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

Build a Strong Foundation

Achieve Strong GCSEs and A levels

Focus on subjects like Maths, Physics, and Design and Technology to prepare for further study.

Good grades in Maths and Science are essential, as they form the basis of most engineering courses. Aim for at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in Maths and Science. For A levels, Maths is required, and Physics is highly recommended. Design and Technology can also be useful.

Explore Work Experience Opportunities

Gain practical insight by arranging work experience with engineering firms or construction companies.

Many civil engineering firms offer short work experience placements for students. Contact local councils, engineering consulting firms, or construction companies to ask about placements. Even a few days of shadowing professionals can give you a valuable understanding of the industry and make your university or apprenticeship applications stand out.

Choose Your Training Route

Apply for a Civil Engineering Degree or Apprenticeship

Decide whether to go to university for a degree or start a higher or degree apprenticeship in civil engineering.

A typical university route is to study for a BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering, which lasts 3 to 4 years. Entry usually requires A levels (or equivalent) with Maths and sometimes Physics. Alternatively, you can apply for a civil engineering apprenticeship, which combines paid work with study, and leads to a qualification such as a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or a degree.

Get Involved in University Societies or Clubs

Join civil engineering or STEM societies to build your network and skills.

Many universities have civil engineering societies or clubs, which organise talks, site visits, and competitions. Getting involved helps you develop teamwork and leadership skills, and offers networking opportunities with professionals and fellow students. These experiences are valuable for your CV and personal development.

Kickstart Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Schemes or Entry-Level Jobs

Look for graduate civil engineer roles or trainee positions at engineering firms.

Many large engineering and construction companies offer structured graduate schemes, which provide training, mentoring, and the chance to work on real projects. You can also apply for entry-level jobs with smaller firms. Start applying in your final year of university or during your apprenticeship.

Work Towards Professional Registration

Aim to become professionally registered with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

After gaining work experience, you can apply to become an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) through the ICE. This involves completing a professional review and demonstrating your skills and experience. Becoming professionally registered shows employers and clients that you meet high standards and can lead to greater career opportunities.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Civil Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

The chosen career title is 'Civil engineer', which is identical to the initial job title. Both roles require similar qualifications, skills, and responsibilities related to designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:

  • transport engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • coastal and maritime engineering

You can search for accredited courses through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after university.

You can also do further study for a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering, if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.

Subjects include:

  • civil engineering
  • maths, physics or geography
  • construction and the built environment

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an engineering or construction company.

This takes around 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study on the job for a degree or apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. Employers may also look for 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can learn more about how to become a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

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