Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines and one of the most visible, shaping the roads, bridges, tunnels, water systems and buildings that society depends on. It requires engineers who can think at scale, balancing structural demands, environmental constraints, public safety and cost across projects that may take years or decades to complete. The discipline blends applied mathematics and physics with materials science, geotechnics, hydraulics and project management, demanding both technical precision and an ability to work collaboratively across complex teams.

This four-year programme at London South Bank University is structured to include a foundation year, building the mathematical and scientific foundations you need before moving into core engineering content. It is designed for students who have the aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject but may not yet meet standard entry requirements. Throughout the programme you will gain understanding of structural analysis, fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, transportation engineering and construction technology.

A sandwich placement year provides structured work experience in a real engineering environment, where you will apply what you have learned and develop professional skills alongside practising engineers. The course is strongly oriented towards employability and professional formation within the civil engineering sector.

Civil engineering graduates are in sustained demand across both the public and private sectors. You might work for a major infrastructure contractor, a local authority highways department, an environmental consultancy or a specialist structural engineering firm. Project management, site engineering, design, sustainability consultancy and transport planning are all accessible career routes.

Professional chartership through bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers is a goal many graduates pursue, typically through a graduate training scheme that builds on the experience gained during the placement year. Postgraduate study in specialisms such as structural engineering, geotechnics or water engineering is also an option for those who wish to deepen their expertise.