Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines, responsible for designing and building the infrastructure that makes modern civilisation possible: roads, bridges, railways, tunnels, dams, ports, water treatment systems, coastal defences, and the foundations and frames of buildings. Civil engineers work at a scale that shapes entire cities and landscapes, and the profession is central to addressing the infrastructure challenges of the twenty-first century, including flood resilience, sustainable transport, and the built environment's contribution to net zero.

At the University of Brighton, this four-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year in professional practice and a work placement component, giving you substantial time working with civil engineering firms or infrastructure organisations alongside your academic studies. You will develop structural analysis, geotechnics, hydraulics, materials science, and project management skills, alongside the computational and design methods used in modern engineering practice. Brighton's South East location gives students access to significant infrastructure projects, and the university's engineering department has strong industry connections that support placement opportunities.

Civil engineering graduates are consistently in demand across construction, infrastructure, and consultancy. Roles in structural engineering, transportation, water management, geotechnical engineering, and project management are among the most common career destinations. The Institution of Civil Engineers accredits programmes that meet its educational requirements, and many graduates work towards Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status as their careers develop.

Further study in a specialist area of civil engineering, or in project and construction management, is open to graduates who wish to deepen their expertise or accelerate their route to professional qualification.