Civil Engineering Design and Construction
Civil engineering design and construction is the branch of engineering that creates and maintains the built infrastructure on which societies depend, from roads, bridges, and railways to water supply systems, flood defences, ports, and major buildings. It is a discipline that demands both creative problem-solving and technical precision, combining the physics of materials and structures with the practical challenges of construction in complex environments, often to demanding deadlines, within strict budget constraints, and with the safety of workers and the public as a paramount concern. Civil engineers shape the physical world, and the infrastructure they design and build endures for generations.
At Nottingham Trent University, this four-year full-time degree combines design principles and engineering science with an emphasis on construction practice, giving you a programme that connects the theoretical foundations of civil engineering to the realities of bringing projects to life. You will develop knowledge of structural analysis, geotechnics, hydraulics, materials science, and project management, alongside skills in design using engineering software, the interpretation of construction drawings, and an understanding of the legal and contractual frameworks governing construction projects. The programme develops both technical competence and the professional skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that employers in the construction and civil engineering sectors look for in graduates.
Graduates of civil engineering design and construction programmes work for engineering consultancies, main contractors, specialist subcontractors, local authorities, government agencies, and utility companies. Roles include structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, site engineer, project manager, highways engineer, and sustainability consultant. The degree provides a strong foundation for professional development towards chartered engineer status with the Institution of Civil Engineers and other professional bodies.
Further study options include postgraduate degrees in structural engineering, geotechnics, water engineering, and project management.