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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 our daily lives, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, and water supply systems. They work on projects from the initial design stage through to construction and maintenance, ensuring that structures are safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. Civil engineers may specialise in areas such as structural, environmental, or transportation engineering. The job involves working both in offices and on construction sites, and often requires teamwork with architects, surveyors, and other professionals. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential, as is knowledge of mathematics and science.

Civil Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average starting salary for a civil engineer in the UK is around £28,000, with experienced engineers earning up to £60,000 or more.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 55,000 civil engineers employed in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Job Growth

The demand for civil engineers is expected to grow by around 5 percent over the next decade, driven by investment in infrastructure and construction projects.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Structural Engineer

Designs and analyses buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure they are safe and strong.

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Transport Engineer

Plans and develops transport systems such as roads, railways, and cycle lanes to improve travel and safety.

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Water Resources Engineer

Works on projects involving water supply, flood control, and drainage systems to help manage water in towns and cities.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Achieve Strong GCSEs and A levels

Take GCSEs in subjects such as maths and science, then pursue A levels in maths and physics.

Strong results in maths and science are essential for university entry. Physics is particularly important as it underpins much of the engineering knowledge you’ll need. You may also consider a BTEC in engineering as an alternative route.

Pursue a Civil Engineering Degree

Apply for an accredited civil engineering degree at a university.

Look for courses accredited by professional bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). A degree usually takes 3 to 4 years full time. Alternatively, degree apprenticeships allow you to work while you study.

Consider Postgraduate Studies (Optional)

Some civil engineers choose to study for a master’s degree or further qualifications.

A master’s degree can provide more specialised knowledge and may be required for some roles, especially those involving research or teaching. It can also help with progression to chartered status later.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake Work Experience or Internships

Seek placements with engineering firms during holidays or as part of your course.

Work experience helps you develop practical skills and understand the work environment. Many universities include a placement year as part of their course, which can improve job prospects after graduation.

Apply for Graduate Roles

Look for graduate civil engineering schemes with reputable companies.

Graduate schemes provide structured training and the chance to work on real projects. Large employers often recruit through these schemes, which typically last 1 to 2 years and lead to further professional development.

Develop Professional Status

Achieve Incorporated or Chartered Status

Work towards becoming an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Becoming professionally registered demonstrates your competence and commitment. You’ll need a combination of academic qualifications and relevant work experience, and you’ll build a portfolio to show your skills. Chartered status is highly respected in the industry and can lead to senior roles.

Continue Professional Development

Keep your skills up to date through ongoing learning and training.

Civil engineering is always evolving, so continuing professional development (CPD) is vital. Attend workshops, seminars, and courses to stay current with new technologies and regulations.

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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.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

The 'Civil engineer' career directly matches the original job title, as it involves designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Both titles require similar technical qualifications, knowledge of engineering principles, and experience in planning and project management within the civil engineering field.

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

More Information

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.

More Information

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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