Engineering (Civil), BEng

Engineering (Civil), BEng

Introduction

Civil Engineering is all about the environment and infrastructure that makes up the modern world. Civil Engineers design, build and maintain our roads, railways, airports, dams, industrial facilities, power stations, coastal protection and harbour works, hospitals, sports stadiums and much more.

If you are interested in making lasting, positive improvements to society, in sustainable design for the protection of the natural environment on land or at sea, in improving the quality of life for millions of people using novel building techniques and materials, then civil engineering is an excellent choice.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
BEng
Duration
48 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
UCAS Code
H200
Pathway Programme Available
Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Civil Engineers design, build and maintain (and decommission where appropriate) everything from transport infrastructure to power stations, from oil refineries to renewable energy schemes, hospitals, stadiums and much more. Civil Engineers also design water supply and effluent treatment systems and flood protection and environmental protection schemes and help keep our infrastructure working effectively by adapting to challenges like population growth or climate change.

At Aberdeen, you will be taught by leading Civil Engineering experts whose research covers areas such as environmental and industrial fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, structural mechanics and transport studies. Our teaching is supported by our excellent workshop and laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment, including some of Scotland’s very best hydraulic equipment.

The first two years of our engineering degrees cover general engineering, with elements of chemical, mechanical, petroleum and electrical/electronics, as well as civil. In the later years, you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin your third year.

Our 4-year Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programmes are accredited as fully meeting the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng). After the first two years, students on the four-year Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) have the opportunity to pursue the 5-year Masters of Engineering in their chosen discipline.

The School of Engineering has strong links with industry, including local, national and international organisations, who
support our teaching through guest lectures and seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.

What You'll Study

The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.

It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Principles of Electronics (EG1008)

15 Credit Points

The aim of the course is to introduce basic concepts of electrical & electronics within a context of general engineering. The topics covered are kept at an elementary level with the aim of providing the foundational material for subsequent courses at levels 1 and 2. The course adopts the philosophy of application oriented teaching. During each topic the students will be provided with examples of day-to-day devices. Topics covered include dc circuit analysis, electronic amplifiers, digital circuits, optoelectronics, and ac theory.

CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)

15 Credit Points

The course is designed to introduce the students to different methods of communication in the process of interchanging ideas and information. Oral presentation and writing of technical reports are introduced. The importing data from web-based and library-based sources will be integrated through information retrieval and investigative skills training. Professional ethics are covered on plagiarism, copyright and intellectual property. Engineering drawing skills and knowledge of relevant British and International Standards will be developed through intensive training in the use of computer aided design and modelling package, SolidWorks. Standard drawing formats including 3D depiction of stand alone parts and assemblies are covered.

Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)

15 Credit Points

Engineering design depends on materials being shaped, finished and joined together. Design requirements define the performance required of the materials. What do engineers need to know about materials to choose and use them successfully? They need a perspective of the world of materials. They need understanding of material properties. They need methods and tools to select the right material for the job. This course will help you develop knowledge and skills required for the successful selection and use of engineering materials.

Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)

15 Credit Points

The course presents fundamental mathematical ideas useful in the study of Engineering. A major focus of the course is on differential and integral calculus. Applications to Engineering problems involving rates of change and averaging processes are emphasized. Complex numbers are introduced and developed. The course provides the necessary mathematical background for other engineering courses in level 2.

Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)

15 Credit Points

Engineering Mechanics is concerned with the state of rest or motion of objects subject to the action of forces. The topic is divided into two parts: STATICS which considers the equilibrium of objects which are either at rest or move at a constant velocity, and DYNAMICS which deals with the motion and associated forces of accelerating bodies. The former is particularly applied to beams and truss structures. The latter includes a range of applications, such as car suspension systems, motion of a racing car, missiles, vibration isolation systems, and so on.

Optional Courses

Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 1 or 2.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (EG2004)

15 Credit Points

The fluid mechanics section of the course begins with the material properties of fluids. This is followed by studying fluid statics and principles of fluid motion. Bernoulli’s equation is used to explain the relationship between pressure and velocity. The final fluids section introduces the students to incompressible flow in pipelines.

The thermodynamics section presents: the gas laws, including Van Der Waals’ equation; the first law of thermodynamics with work done, heat supply, and the definitions of internal energy and enthalpy. The second law is introduced including entropy through the Carnot cycle.

Process Engineering (EG2011)

15 Credit Points

A general engineering course that provides insight into the two main conservation principles, mass and energy. Processes are usually described through block diagrams. This language, common to many disciplines in engineering, helps the engineer to look at their processes with an analytical view. Degree of freedom analysis is addressed, emphasising its importance to solve a set of linear equations that model fundamental balances of mass. Practical examples of Energy balances are displayed, bringing Thermodynamics to a practical level. Heat Transfer is introduced. Process control is introduced, explaining basic control techniques and concepts, i.e sensors, feedback, control loops and PID controllers.

Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Engineering Mathematics 1 in introducing all the mathematical objects and techniques needed by engineers. It has three parts:

  • Matrices: definitions, operations, inverse and determinant; application to systems of linear equations.
  • Ordinary differential equations: 1st order (linear and separable), 2nd order with constant coefficients, forced oscillations and resonance.
  • Functions of two variables: partial derivatives and extrema, the chain rule, the heat equation and the wave equation.
Solids and Structures (EA2502)

15 Credit Points

This course provides students with the opportunity to refresh and extend their knowledge to analyse the mechanical behaviour of engineering materials and structures. In particular, mechanical properties of materials, and 2D and 3D stresses and strains are examined, the effects of internal imperfections on the performance of materials under loading, brittle fracture, fatigue and non-destructive testing are discussed. The structural analysis of beams and columns, deflection and buckling, as well as design applications are also considered in the course.

Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)

15 Credit Points

A general engineering course that provides an insight into the principles of engineering design process, computer programming in MATLAB and its application in parametric study and basic design optimisation, environmental ethics and sustainability in the context of design, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Solidworks. The course also includes hands-on exercises on the manufacture of simple parts using a variety of machine tools and joining processes.

Electrical and Mechanical Systems (EG2503)

15 Credit Points

This course provides students with an integrated development of methods for modelling, analysing and designing systems comprising electrical and mechanical components. In doing so it intends to emphasise to the students the similarity in behaviour between electrical and mechanical systems. The course aims to give an introduction to both electrical machines, circuit and systems, transformers, and similar mechanical systems like gearbox, vibrating system and principles of dynamics, and thus provide the foundation material for several courses at level 3 .

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 1 or 2.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

Geotechnics 1 (EA3027)

15 Credit Points

This course is aimed principally at students interested in civil engineering and its focus is to familiarise students with the fundamental concepts involved in soil mechanics and engineering geology. The first course in the civil engineering programme includes the importance of soil mechanics in structural design. The main emphasis is on understanding the main principles of soil mechanics through the introduction of laboratory tests commonly used to obtain the engineering properties of different types of soil such as sand and clay. Discussion of the consequences of some soil failures (such as in the case of the Tower of Pisa) is also introduced.

Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)

15 Credit Points

Modern engineering analysis relies on a wide range of analytical mathematical methods and computational techniques in order to solve a wide range of problems. The aim of this course is to equip students with the necessary skills to quantitatively investigate engineering problems. Examples applying the methods taught to practical situations from across the full range of engineering disciplines will feature heavily in the course.

Stress Analysis A (EM3015)

15 Credit Points

One of the roles of an engineer is to ensure that engineering components perform in service as intended and do not fracture or break into pieces. However, we know that sometimes engineering components do fail in service. Course examines how we determine the magnitude of stresses and level of deformation in engineering components and how these are used to appropriately select the material and dimensions for such component in order to avoid failure. Focus is on using stress analysis to design against failure, and therefore enable students to acquire some of the fundamental knowledge and skills required for engineering design.

Fluid Mechanics (EM3019)

15 Credit Points

The course begins with dimensional analysis and the concept of dynamic similarity applied to fluid flow phenomena. This is followed by sections on the energy and momentum equations applied to a range of problems in civil, mechanical, chemical and petroleum engineering, including steady flow in pipes, design of pump-pipeline systems, cavitation, forces on bends, nozzles and solid bodies, turbomachinery and propeller theory. A section on unsteady flow applies inertia and water hammer theory to the calculation of pressure surge in pipes. The final section deals with flow through porous media such as flow through soils and rocks.

Mechanics of Structures (EA3518)

15 Credit Points

The major topic of this course is an introduction to modern methods of elastic structural analysis. In this topic, direct, energy and matrix methods are jointly used to solve, initially, problems of the deformation of simple beams. The theorem of virtual work is introduced in the context of beams and frameworks.

The rigid-plastic analysis of beams is then introduced along with the upper bound theorem and their importance to engineering design.

Design of Structural Elements (EA3519)

15 Credit Points

This course is an introduction to Structural Design using steel, concrete and composite steel/concrete.

The emphasis is on the design of individual components – the ‘Structural Elements’ – these being members in tension, compression, bending – in either steel or reinforced concrete – and in the bolted and welded connections between steel members.

There is an extensive laboratory exercise testing reinforced and un-reinforced concrete to destruction.

It should be noted that students are also required to do the separate course EA3720, half of which consists of a 9 week Steel Design exercise.

Structural Dynamics (EA3538)

10 Credit Points

This course introduces the theory of dynamics and the vibration of single and multi-degree of freedom systems.

Civil Engineering Design and Surveying (EA3720)

10 Credit Points

This course consists of two quite separate halves. The first is a 9 week Civil Engineering Design activity, which runs concurrently with the associated course EG3519 (Design of Structural Elements). Generally there will be two half days of timetabled sessions in each of those 9 weeks. The second half of the course is a one-week residential Field Surveying and Hydrology field trip, which usually takes place in the first week of the Easter break. There will be a charge to students to cover the specific transport, food and accommodation costs associated with that field trip.

Project and Safety Management (EG3599)

10 Credit Points

To course aims to provide students with an awareness of purpose, principals, fundamental concepts and strategies of safety and project management.

Year 4

There are three core courses of study in 4th year. Students then pick from two options when it comes to choosing choices.

Compulsory Courses

Geotechnics 2 (EA40JE)

10 Credit Points

It aims to equip students with the main concepts of foundation design where the concepts of pile foundations, retaining walls and slope stability are explored. The course gives a student adequate tools to understand the design approaches associated with different types of soil. Geotechnical standard code, Eurocode 7 is introduced and discussed. In addition principles of ground water flow and the main problems related to its sustainable management are discussed. This course aims for a student to reach an adequate level in soil mechanics and foundation engineering as the basis for the training of a professional civil or structural engineer.

Civil Engineering Hydraulics (EA40JF)

10 Credit Points

The course develops topics in hydraulics of interest to civil engineers. It demonstrates the link between well-developed theoretical studies and their practical application in river, environmental, offshore and coastal engineering. The course begins with water wave theory with particular application to coastal and offshore engineering. This is followed by consideration of boundary layer development over a flat plate and curved surfaces, leading to boundary layer separation and forces on immersed bodies. These topics are also part of the EM40JJ Fluid Dynamics course. The second part of the course is mainly concerned with the analysis of open channel and river flows and sediment transport. The mechanics of open channel flow are first addressed, mainly focussed on steady, rapidly and gradually varied flow problems applied to artificial and natural channels. This is followed by consideration of fundamental aspects of sediment transport, including threshold criteria and the calculation of bed load and suspended load transport.

Advanced Structural Design (EA40JG)

10 Credit Points

This course is a follow-on course to the Level 3 Course on Design of Structural Elements (EA3519) (and to some extent the Level 3 Civil Engineering Design (EA3720)). It covers four main areas:

a) Design of Industrial Buildings in Structural Steelwork

b) Design of steel-framed multi-storey buildings

c) Design of domestic buildings using masonry and timber

d) Design of pre-stressed concrete

Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)

15 Credit Points

This course is a concentrated design and reporting exercise which requires application of project management and team liaison skills in addition to technical design ability. Specific exercises will include interdisciplinary aspects and will relate to design requirements arising from the professional activities of the School of Engineering or its industrial contacts. Written and oral presentations form part of the course.

Optional Courses

Select one of the following options:

Option 1

  • BEng Individual Project (EG4014)
  • Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)
  • Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

NOTE: EG4014 will commence in 1st Half-Session and credits will be awarded at the 2nd Half-Session examination diet. It is an expectation that candidates allocate the equivalent of 15 credit points of effort to EG4013 during the 1st Half-Session and 15 credit points of effort during the 2nd Half-Session.

Option 2

  • Individual Project Abroad (BEng) (EG45PA)
  • Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)
  • Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice in the first-half session.

NOTE: Candidates undertaking EG 45PA Individual Project Abroad (BEng) will undertake EG4578 Group Design Project (BEng) remotely from their host institution.

For both options select one of the following courses:

  • Advanced Structural Analysis (EA4026)
  • Environmental Engineering (EA4027)
  • Dynamics 2 (EM40JP)
BEng Individual Project (EG4014)

30 Credit Points

To provide the student with the opportunity of pursuing a substantial and realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills. The project will usually be carried out at the University of Aberdeen but may be carried out at industry or other research location.

Advanced Structural Analysis (EA4026)

15 Credit Points

Course extends the basic stiffness method of analysis developed in the pre-requisite courses. Fundamental principles of the stiffness method of analysis, with automatic assembly of the stiffness matrix for rigid jointed plane frames and space structures, are presented in some detail. Elastic instability of frames, and the design of continuous steel beams and portal frames using plastic methods will be undertaken. Analysis of flat plates and slabs using yield line theory, and an introduction to shells also covered. The course concludes with a brief outline of the finite element method of analysis, with computer-based applications forming an important practical component.

Environmental Engineering (EA4027)

15 Credit Points

This course will deal with various aspects related to:

  • Surface Waters: sources of water pollution and their impact on aqueous environment and public health, water quality and water supply, wastewater treatments;
  • Soil and Groundwater: groundwater flow, groundwaters contamination, contaminants' subsurface transport mechanisms, sustainable land-groundwater management;
  • Solid Wastes: sources of solid wastes, characterisation and treatment of solid waste, integrated solid waste management;
  • Air Pollution and Control: air pollutants and sources, air pollution meteorology, pollutant dispersion in the air, air pollution control.
Dynamics 2 (EM40JP)

15 Credit Points

This course covers several advanced topics in the dynamics of structural and mechanical systems. The aims of the course are to develop analytical approaches to rigid body and flexible continuous systems with a view to the prediction and understanding of the behaviour of engineering components in a dynamic environment, to familiarise the students with the concept of nonlinearity and analyse and interpret the nonlinear dynamic behaviour of engineering systems and structures.

Individual Project Abroad (BEng) (EG45PA)

45 Credit Points

The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to carry out a project in an approved European institution by pursuing a substantial and realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Field Trips
  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lab Work
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Engineering (Civil)?

    • 1st in Scotland for General Engineering (Complete University Guide 2022)
    • Teaching is supported by an excellent workshop and laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Civil Engineering at Aberdeen has one of the best hydraulic laboratory facilities in Scotland associated with a high-level research profile.
    • The University of Aberdeen Engineering Society is a student-run group for both professional and social events. They welcome students from all disciplines and have a wide range of activities to suit your interests.
    • Our interdisciplinary approach means students gain experience in each engineering discipline, making them highly sought-after by employers. This flexibility also means you choose your specialisation once you have experienced all five disciplines.
    • According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, Aberdeen is one of 13 engineering hot spots in the UK with over 8,000 engineering businesses across the city and surrounding region. The School of Engineering has strong links with industry, who support our teaching through guest lectures and seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.
    • There are many student societies directly related to engineering, where you can meet fellow engineering students and develop your interests and new skills, including Chemical Engineering Society, Civil Engineering Society, Electrical & Electronic Engineering Society, Mechanical Engineering Society as well as other than comprise of students from various disciplines, such as the Aerospace Engineering Society, Energy Transition Society, TAU Racing Society and PrototAU.

    What Our Students Say

    Casimir de Bonneval

    Casimir de Bonneval

    Casimir de Bonneval

    If like me, you like big things - bridges, huge ships, the field of energy are going to need a lot of very competent engineers in the future and civil engineers are definitely going to be needed.

    Entry Requirements

    Qualifications

    The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


    General Entry Requirements

    2024 Entry

    SQA Highers

    Standard: ABBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
    Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

    Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
    Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.

    Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
    Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers will be required.

    * These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.

    More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

    A LEVELS

    Standard: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.

    Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.

    Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics)
    Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.

    More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

    International Baccalaureat

    Minimum of 32 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above).

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    Five subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

    FOR CHEMICAL & PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

    Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

    2025 Entry

    SQA Highers

    Standard: BBBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
    Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

    Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
    Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees. 

    Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
    Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.

    We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher. 

    * These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.

    Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

    More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

    A LEVELS

    Standard: BBC*. Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.

    Minimum: BCC* Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.

    • *NOTE: Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry.

    Adjusted: CCC (Good performance required in Mathematics)
    Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.

    More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

    International Baccalaureat

    Minimum of 32 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above).

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    Five subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

    FOR CHEMICAL & PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

    Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

    The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Engineering degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


    English Language Requirements

    To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

    IELTS Academic:

    OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

    TOEFL iBT:

    OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

    PTE Academic:

    OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

    Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

    OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

    Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

    International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements

    The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.

    Fee Information

    You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

    Fee information
    Fee category Cost
    RUK £9,250
    Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
    EU / International students £24,800
    Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
    Home Students £1,820
    Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

    Scholarships and Funding

    Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

    Additional Fees

    • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
    • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

    Funding Opportunities

    • We offer around 40 Entrance Scholarships of £1,000- £3,000 per annum, unless otherwise stated, to students with good academic potential while they study for an undergraduate degree at the University.
    • 2 Talisman-Sinopec (£2000), and 2 CNR International (£1000) Engineering Scholarships available for students starting an undergraduate Engineering degree in September.

    Our Funding Database

    View all funding options in our Funding Database.

    Careers

    Civil engineering graduates are sought after in a wide variety of industries and business sectors. Civil engineering graduates work in civil and structural companies, working on site, in design offices, project management, buildings and environmental engineering. Civil engineers function very well in both onshore civil engineering sectors as well as the offshore renewable and oil and gas energy sectors.

    Recent graduate job roles have included:

    • Graduate Civil and Structural Engineer
    • Graduate Design Coordinator
    • Structural Engineer
    • Bridge Engineer
    • Site Engineer
    • Graduate Transport Engineer

    Recent graduates work at companies such as:

    • Arch Henderson
    • Atkins
    • Fairhurst
    • Jacobs
    • Mott MacDonald
    • Network Rail
    • Skanska
    • Petrofac
    • Kier Group
    • VolkerStevin
    • Petrofac

    Career Opportunities

    • Assistant Structural Engineer
    • Graduate Civil Engineer
    • Graduate Riser Engineer
    • Graduate Structural Engineer
    • Offshore Structural Engineer
    • Trainee Field Engineer

    Accreditation

    Our Civil Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institute of Highways Engineers and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status.

    This degree holds accreditation from

    Engineering Work Experience

    The Engineering Work Experience course develops students’ work readiness. Hear what our students and partner organisations have to say about their experience.

    Focus on employability

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    100 Years of Engineering

    The School of Engineering is celebrating 100 years of engineering at the University of Aberdeen in 2023.

    What our Alumni Say

    Nathan Aracena

    Nathan Aracena

    Nathan Aracena

    Job Details
    Graduate Civil Engineer, Hinckley Point Nuclear Plant
    Graduated 2016

    As an engineer and as someone who likes to put 110% into everything I do, I saw civil engineering as a degree that would hugely challenge me - which it has!

    Our Experts

    Programme Coordinator
    Dr Ana Ivanovic
    Programme Manager
    Dr Paul Davidson

    Information About Staff Changes

    You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

    Features

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    Contact Details

    Address
    Student Recruitment & Admissions
    University of Aberdeen
    University Office
    Regent Walk
    Aberdeen
    AB24 3FX

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