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Engineering

Civil Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Civil engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports everyday life, such as roads, bridges, railways, airports, and water supply systems. In the UK, civil engineers work for private companies, government agencies, and consultancy firms. Their tasks can include project planning, site investigations, creating detailed designs, managing construction, and ensuring safety standards are met. Civil engineering is a diverse field, offering opportunities to specialise in areas like structural, environmental, or transportation engineering. Strong problem-solving skills and an interest in maths and science are essential for this career.

Civil Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a civil engineer in the UK is between £28,000 and £55,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Number of Jobs

There are over 50,000 people employed as civil engineers in the UK, with a steady demand for new professionals each year.

Typical Working Hours

Civil engineers usually work around 37 to 40 hours per week, with some roles requiring additional hours to meet project deadlines.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Structural Engineer

Focuses on designing and analysing the strength and stability of buildings, bridges, and other structures.

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Transportation Engineer

Specialises in planning, designing, and maintaining roads, railways, airports, and public transport systems.

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Water Resources Engineer

Works on projects related to water supply, drainage, flood control, and the management of rivers and reservoirs.

Build a Strong Foundation in Maths and Science

Excel in Maths and Science Subjects

Focus on subjects such as Maths, Physics, and Chemistry at GCSE and A-level.

Achieving good grades in Maths and Physics is particularly important for aspiring civil engineers, as these subjects are essential for understanding engineering principles. Chemistry can also be useful, depending on the area of specialisation. Consider taking additional STEM subjects if available to strengthen your application for further studies.

Research Civil Engineering as a Career

Explore what civil engineers do and the different areas in which they work.

Look into the various branches of civil engineering, such as structural, environmental, transportation, and geotechnical engineering. Try to attend career events, speak with practising civil engineers, or join relevant clubs and societies at school. This will help you understand the day-to-day work and decide which area interests you most.

Pursue a Relevant Degree or Apprenticeship

Apply for a Civil Engineering Degree

Apply to universities offering accredited civil engineering courses.

Most civil engineers in the UK hold a bachelor's degree (BEng) or master's degree (MEng) in civil engineering, which are accredited by professional bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Check entry requirements for each course and apply through UCAS. Some universities offer sandwich courses with a year in industry for valuable work experience.

Consider a Civil Engineering Apprenticeship

Explore degree apprenticeships as an alternative route to becoming a civil engineer.

Degree apprenticeships combine paid work with part-time study and typically last four to six years. You will gain practical experience while earning your degree, and your employer will cover tuition fees. Apprenticeships are a great way to enter the profession without student debt and with valuable industry contacts.

Gain Professional Experience and Qualifications

Complete Work Placements or Internships

Get hands-on experience through placements, internships, or summer jobs.

Work experience is highly valued by employers and helps you develop practical skills, build a professional network, and gain insight into the daily work of a civil engineer. Most degree programmes include a placement year or offer support in finding summer internships. Seek opportunities with engineering consultancies, construction firms, or local councils.

Work Towards Professional Registration

Begin the process of becoming an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

After graduation, you can work towards professional registration with the ICE or a similar institution. This involves gaining relevant work experience, demonstrating competence, and completing a professional review. Chartered status (CEng) is highly respected and can lead to greater career opportunities and responsibility.

🎯 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 career title 'Civil engineer' most closely matches itself, as both refer to professionals involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, and water systems. They typically require similar qualifications and skills related to engineering principles, project management, and technical expertise in civil engineering.

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

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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.

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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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