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Overview

Look up at skyscrapers you’ve designed, drive on roads you’ve engineered and lead on global infrastructure projects.

Learn to design, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure that supports everything from buildings, transportation, and flood defences to providing safe drinking water and sanitation.

Study this accredited Civil Engineering degree in the city that gave the world Isambard Kingdom Brunel and step into a career that could shape the world.

BEng or MEng?

The 3-year Bachelor's degree (BEng) and 4-year integrated Master's degree (MEng) share many of the same modules in years 1–3.

When you finish the BEng course successfully, you'll meet the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. The MEng allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study and when you finish the MEng course successfully, you'll meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status (CEng).

Course highlights

Visit constructions sites across the city, such as the Southsea Coastal Scheme or construction sites within the University
Explore soil types and rock formations on visits to the Isle of Wight and take a field trip to the National Construction College
Enter a global design competition, run by Engineers Without Borders
Learn from industry specialists – recent guest speakers have come from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Atkins, Portsmouth Water, Mott MacDonald, Portsmouth City Council, Colas and WSP
Study practical diving and underwater engineering and infrastructure, due to our coastal location, and get a recognised PADI diving qualification

95%

of BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course

(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)

90%

of MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course

(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)

90%

overall student satisfaction for our MEng Civil Engineering course

NSS, 2022

Accreditation

BEng Civil Engineering

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as:

fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. See the JBM website for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.

MEng Civil Engineering

Entry requirements

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree entry requirements

Typical offers

A levels – ABB–BBC
UCAS points – 112-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including an A level in a numerical subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
T levels – Merit
BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
International Baccalaureate – 29–30

You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept

English language requirements

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Typical offers

A levels – ABB–BBC
UCAS points – 112-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including an A level in a numerical subject (calculate your UCAS points)
T-levels – Merit
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
International Baccalaureate – 29–30

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.

English language requirements

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.

MEng Civil Engineering Master's degree entry requirements

Typical offers

A levels – AAB–ABB
UCAS points – 128-136 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from Mathematics. (calculate your UCAS points)
T levels – Merit – Distinction
BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
International Baccalaureate – 30–31

You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept

English language requirements

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Typical offers

A levels – AAB–ABB
UCAS points – 128-136 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from Mathematics (calculate your UCAS points)
T-levels – Merit - Distinction
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
International Baccalaureate – 30–31

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.

English language requirements

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Alumni profile: Mimi Nwosu, civil engineer

Find out about Mimi's life and success after University

Mimi Nwosu graduated from Portsmouth with a degree in civil engineering. She's now a civil engineer, and has been called one of the top women in engineering in the UK.

Find out more about Mimi's experience of building Amazon's London HQ, her advocacy for civil engineers, and the ability to really see a structure.

My name is Mimi Nwosu and I'm a civil engineer.

Growing up, I always wanted a career that saved lives. However, at the time, I only knew of medicine and being a doctor, so I aimed towards that way. It was actually a friend who told me about civil engineering. I attended a lecture and I fell in love and I started studying civil engineering at the University of Portsmouth.

Our lecturers at university are very supportive. I didn't have the prerequisite grades to study civil engineering, so I didn't study A-level maths or physics. However, lecturers believed in me more than I actually believed in myself, which therefore spurred me on to be the best person I could be.

After my second year, I took a placement year in central London, where I worked on Amazon's HQ as an undergraduate engineer. I don't actually work too far from it now, so everytime I walk past it with my family and my friends, I can tell them I built this and tell them all the technical know how behind it.

With civil engineering, I feel like most people see buildings, see bridges, see tunnels, see roads, but they don't know the technical details. So having that speciality to be able to pass it on to somebody else and educate them really makes me proud.

Before I finished university, I went to the Careers and Employability service to help me with my CV, my cover letter and interview techniques in order for me to find graduate jobs. I attended loads of different workshops, spoke to the advisors who offered fantastic advice, and also sent me jobs to apply for, for top engineering firms. Before leaving university, I was actually offered five jobs.

In June, as part of International Women in Engineering Day, I was named as one of the top women in engineering in the UK. I'm really proud of that because I love my job so much. It's not just a job, it's a career for me as well and I really love advocating for women in engineering. It's a career for absolutely everybody and I'm so proud to be one of the faces of that.

I like to describe civil engineers as undercover superheroes. I've always wanted to contribute to people's lives, save lives and have an active impact on sustainability measures, the economy and actually do something that means something to me. Civil engineering just means a lot to me.

Since leaving the university, I still feel very much part of the community. At times, the lecturers have called me to come to speak to the first years students to talk about my career, my time at the university and my time studying civil engineering, which I think is really, really important. People need to see the link between the university and the industry. Without the University of Portsmouth, I just feel like I wouldn't be the passionate civil engineer that I am today.

Facilities

The Hydraulics Laboratory

This lab has a 7-metre long tilting channel for investigating open channel flow, a wave generator and mobile hydraulics benches – all the equipment you need to research and test your understanding of infrastructure.

Find out more

Welcome to the hydraulics lab.

This is a powerful piece of apparatus that can show you what happens really when flow, like in a river, passes over a weir. You can get the sense of typical flow patterns.

If we've got a given flow rate, what happens when an obstacle is placed in the flow and also what happens downstream of it. So we get a different sort of flow regime on one side compared to the other and you'll see this as it fills up, that we get a flow rate of something like 20,

The flow builds up on one side, passes over the weir and then reaches the other side like this. So it's the same flow rate, but you can see it's kind of smooth, and then it degenerates into a much rougher profile on the other side.

We call this subcritical and supercritical flow. Subcritical flow is just typically what we might find in a water treatment works during distribution of water around different parts of the works. The other side, this supercritical flow, we have to be quite careful because it can cause damage to the environment. It can cause what we call scour or erosion.

Weirs are really very important in civil engineering because what we're trying to do is to obtain a relationship between flow rate and water level. Pretty obviously really, the higher the water level is, the faster the flow rate.

There are some very precise mathematical equations that can relate that flow rate to the water level here.

Environmental Technology Laboratory

This lab hosts all the facilities you need to conduct simple water tests for biochemical oxygen demand to suspended solids, nutrient analysis, pH and conductivity.

Learn more

Environmental Technology Field Station

Conduct tests and analyse samples currently in the ecosystem in a fully-operational waterworks in nearby Petersfield complete with microbiology and environmental chemistry labs.

Explore Station

Concrete Laboratory

Design, mix and test different concrete mixes, and observe and record all stages of the concrete production process via a built in camera system and live stream in this lab.

Explore the lab

Structures Laboratory

The Structures Laboratory is where students and researchers investigate the strengths and weaknesses of building materials and how they're put together.

Student in overalls aligning drill head of machinery at Technology Facilities

Soil and ground facilities

The Geotechnics lab hosts fully automated testing equipment and kit for characterising fine and coarse grained soils.

Find out more

If you are thinking about the soil and the soil mechanic, the load of the house needs to transfer into the ground. So the structural element, which helps you to transfer the load of the structure into the ground, is a foundation.

We are going to teach you how you should design the foundation and everything, so you should know about the soil parameters.

In the first year of your study, I'm going to talk about the different types of soil, the soil classification, and also how we are going to take a sample from the site and doing some sieve analysis, classify the soil as a coarse material and defined soil. So this is the basic stuff that you need to know about the soil mechanics.

So when you are starting your second year of your study, you have a chance to do more experimental tests, doing some probability tests. You are going to do some odometer tests or the direct share to figure out what is the soil behaviour when you are checking the bearing capacity of the foundation, or what is this soil behaviour when you are loading or unloading.

When you are starting your third year of your study, you have a better idea about the soil mechanic, so you are going to do more traxial tests using the GDS test. And also we are going to teach you some numerical modelling because when you are graduating, you should have a nice CV.

As part of your final year, you have a chance to do some research work which will help you to become independent in the research. If you're thinking about the great material that we have, which is improving the tension of the soil, we can see that the soil particle is moving between the descript and this information is very important for the manufacture to find out what is the best shape of the descript or what is the best shape of this apparatus.

So this is a type of research that you are able and you have a chance to do, as a final project.

I hope I see all of you here in the future.

My favourite part of the course was acquiring knowledge from the module 'Behaviour of Structures' and applying it to the 'ENISE bridge challenge' that took place in France, where I designed a model bridge that would not fail in torsion when an external load is applied.

Eman El Briri, MEng Civil Engineering student

Careers and opportunities

All civil engineering roles are listed in the UK Government’s 'skills shortage list' and you can expect an average salary from £30,000 up to £70,000.

In fact, 95% of our BEng graduates and 90% of our MEng course graduates are in work or further study 15 months after they graduate and 100% of those MEng graduates are in highly skilled work – which means the skills you’ll learn on our course are in high demand. 80% of those graduates work as engineering professionals.

What’s more, 100% of our graduates find their work meaningful. So start making a difference, and be rewarded well for it.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have worked for companies such as:

Sir Robert McAlpine – a civil engineering company that’s contributed to the construction of the NHS Nightingale Hospitals and the expansion of the Royal Albert Hall
Skanska – a recent project, Haymarket Edinburgh, provides more than 380,000 sq. ft designed to benefit the local residential and business community
Multiplex Construction Europe – with offices in Australia, the Middle East, United Kingdom and Canada, this company has completed more than 1,000 projects globally
Balfour Beatty – a leading international infrastructure group developing projects from the UK to the United States and Hong Kong
Gallagher Group – a UK company delivering civil engineering contracts ranging in value from £100,000 to £15 million

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

What jobs can you do with a civil engineering degree?

Roles you could go into include:

materials engineer
geotechnical engineer
civil engineer
construction manager
transport planner
structural engineer

Placement year (optional)

Taking an optional placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. Our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements.

We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

See where a placement year with Civil Engineering can take you

Hear from some of our alumni who took a placement with Hampshire County Council and ended up with careers are graduation there.

As a council we decided to take on placement students and form a partnership with the University of Portsmouth with a view to building relationships with with undergraduates through our bursary program.
And then when they graduate potentially considering them for permanent employment with the County Council I decided to do a placement due to employers required in Real World experience and it's hard to go into a field without any background knowledge.
Good way to get early experience whilst you're still learning.
I felt that it would help with my study.
But also I could come to a workplace learn a lot from people and not have too much pressure on some of our undergraduates.
They've never had a real job.
They come in.
They're quite fresh to the working environment, but they quickly get to grips without we will make them feel relaxed.
We'll help them to establish themselves within the workplace.
One of the most important things that you can't be taught in class is the importance of good communication skills and good interpersonal skills.
I learned how to liaise with members of the public counselors other members of staff and the contractor as well.
So sort of really getting a broad range of that communication side of how we're skiing should work and how it should run.
Advice I'd give to students considering doing placements is absolutely go for it.
Like you will not regret it.
It is one of the best things you can possibly do to prefer yourself for a career and civil engineering afterwards.
Hampshire County Council actually offered me my current role as a drainage engineer.
I came back to Hampton County Council after my pleasure because they've offered me a role essentially.
It was amazing.
It was the most fun exciting year of my University degree.
I enjoyed my time here.
I thought like I was a good member of the team so that sort of made me want to come back and to try and Branch out into various other departments to see what else Hampshire has to offer.
I mean incredibly proud of how far we've come with our scholarship program, and I'm equally proud of the relationship that we built up with the University of Portsmouth.

Mimi stood in front of Portsmouth Guildhall

When I spoke to my [company] director, he was shocked at how much I already knew. I explained that this was because of my course and my placement. The University equipped me well for life outside university. I was actually offered five jobs before I left.

Mimi Nwosu, BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering graduate

See how Mimi became an award-winning graduate

Potential roles

Previous students have taken placement roles such as:

service auditor
trainee civil engineer
student site engineer

Potential destinations

They've completed placements at organisations including:

Osborne
Network Rail
Francis Jackson Homes
Wentworth House Partnership (Keltbray)
Cappagh
Dyer and Butler

Joshua's story

"I would definitely recommend Portsmouth..."

Joshua is going into his third year of study on our BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree, having just finished a placement year at Geoffrey Osborne, a UK contractor. Find out why he chose to study with us, and what's next for him after graduation.

My name is Josh Mason and I'm a third year civil engineer at the University of Portsmouth.
I chose University because I wanted something bigger than the campus university, something with a bit of life but I wanted something compact enough that it was going to become my new home.
I've just finished my placement year in between my second and third year. I've just finished with Jeffrey Osborne, they're a huge contractor in the UK, and I've actually been offered a graduate scheme and sponsorship out there so I've got that link into industry.
I would definitely recommend Portsmouth to anyone thinking about further education whether you're seventeen and you're scared about your undergrad or you're like me and you're about to start a master's next year.
I think it's a city that's easy to make friends in, and you become part of something bigger.

What you'll study on this BEng (Hons)/Meng Civil Engineering degree

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

Modules

Identify and apply key analytical principles of fluid mechanics
Apply the principles of fluid mechanics to a range of common engineering problems
Identify and propose solutions for closed conduit flow problems
Analyse the hydraulics of rotodynamic machines in association with their pipe systems
Perform flow analysis calculations relating to through open channels, control and gauging structures
Assess the impact of water engineering on the natural environment

Core modules

What you'll do

To take this option, you'll need to take Understanding Structures – Analysis and Design in year 1.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Apply the virtual work method to determine displacements in structures
Examine and evaluate buckling behaviour of structures
Investigate and evaluate the degree of static indeterminacy of structures
Analyse statically indeterminate structures using both flexibility and stiffness methods
Evaluate the collapse load for steel structures, and predict their collapse mechanisms

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Apply basic philosophies of structural engineering design
Employ appropriate Eurocodes for a range of common structural elements in steel and reinforced concrete
Design simple structural elements in steel and reinforced concrete and present calculations in an appropriate format
Analyse loading paths in buildings and formulate calculations of basic structural elements

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Analyse data using statistical software
Present your findings with appropriate graphical and statistical techniques
Perform risk calculations based on probability models of engineering and business scenarios
Explain basic economic principles and use common economic appraisal methods for construction projects
Develop cash flow streams for business within the construction industry

What you'll do

You'll work on a design project that considers social, economic and environmental issues and follow our Department of Employability's Graduate Employment Unit.

To choose this option, you need to have taken Professional Development 1 in your first year.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Apply the creative design process to a brief
Assess data required to undertake a design project
Reflect on the social, economic and environmental outcomes of your project
Articulate your design appropriately, using graphics, report writing and model making
Recognise what you want from a career, and the skills and knowledge you have to offer
Evaluate options and make an action plan to achieve your career goals in changing circumstances

What you'll do

You'll focus on structure-soil interaction, linking a fundamental understanding of geotechnical issues with its practical application.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Understand factors affecting the performance of construction materials
Recommend construction materials that are fit for purpose
Analyse and calculate the bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations
Measure the mechanical strength of natural ground, the undrained shear strength, stiffness and consolidation coefficients of soils in the lab
Describe the process of site investigation and compare different methods of sampling
Design a retaining wall and check its geotechnical stability

Optional modules

What you'll do

The nature and complexity of projects in the AEC industry makes the industry very fragmented, using specialisms such as mechanical, electrical, structural steel, networking and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning to successfully complete projects. You'll learn how to use BIM to address these problems, focusing on the 3D aspect of BIM modelling, and look at further dimensions of BIM including 4D, 5D, 6D and 7D - BIM.

What you'll learn

When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:

Evaluate the extent of fragmentation within the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) and its impact on successful project outcome
Evaluate the limitations of 2D CAD in the industry and the need to migrate to Building Information Modelling
Model and create information outputs of a construction project in a 3D BIM environment
Collaboratively work in multi-disciplinary teams to complete a construction project

What you'll do

To choose this option, you will have to make a medical declaration, pass a swimming test, and have a medical examination if necessary.

There is a fee for this unit.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate the operation and use of SCUBA diving equipment
Display proficiency in basic diving procedures
Plan, organise and conduct safe diving activities appropriate to the circumstances
Describe and explain the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation, risk assessment and project reporting needed for a diving project
Plan a scientific dive and produce a written project plan
Use and explain a range of scientific and technical diving techniques

What you'll do

You'll then learn how to apply your diving skills to the theory and practice of underwater engineering operations. To choose this option, you must have a basic diving qualification (e.g. PADI Open Water diving certificate or equivalent). You will also have to make a medical declaration, pass a swimming test, and have a medical examination if necessary.

There is a fee for this unit.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Plan and execute a dive to 30m depth
Navigate underwater using natural features and a magnetic compass
Plan, organise and conduct safe diving activities appropriate to the circumstances
Describe and explain the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation, risk assessment and project reporting required to conduct a diving project
Plan a scientific dive and produce a written project plan
Use and explain a range of scientific and technical diving techniques

What you'll do

You’ll examine construction requirements and potential in this growing area.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Illustrate the mechanisms of climate change and their relationship with energy use and policy
Analyse the thermodynamic cycles of energy generating technologies
Summarise the main features of conventional, emerging and renewable energy and energy recovery technologies
Appraise the construction issues associated with extraction, transportation and storage of energy resources and fuels and design appropriate features for such an installation
Calculate the energy use of buildings and assess the contribution of energy conservation technologies
Assess the influence of geological and geotechnical factors on the location of energy generation plants

What you'll do

You'll attend a one-week residential field course, working in groups, and will reflect on your activity on your return.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Apply practical engineering surveying techniques to collect field survey data
Assess the usability of engineering surveying equipment
Use independent methods to assess field survey data for integrity and consistency
Calculate the data for positioning engineering works, and construct physical controls in the field
Reflect on your performance as part of a team
Create computer-aided design (CAD) drawings to present your survey results appropriately

What you'll do

You'll experience work-related learning in Portsmouth Dockyard and Portsea to enhance your communication and partnership skills. You'll also evaluate best practice by comparing historic industrial structures and residential buildings with examples of refurbishment and re-use.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Compare and contrast cultural and environmental factors that enhance the value and influence the retention of heritage property by individuals and society
Evaluate the complex relationship between residential, commercial and museum needs when developing strategies and policies for heritage property management and development
Distinguish between various heritage conservation and planning strategies, such as World Heritage sites, listings and conservation areas, used by national and local governments
Analyse the key factors and evaluation techniques that must be included in a development plan for a heritage site, assessing their relevance and significance
Critically discuss literature on the cultural and environmental development of heritage interpretation and property management
Work as a member of a group to enable the researching, preparation and delivery of an oral presentation on the Portsea Heritage Project

What you'll do

You'll develop a fundamental understanding of project management processes. You'll also learn to apply basic principles and processes of project management.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Describe the principles of project management
Apply project management principles, including programming
Prepare a clear and well-presented project management report

What you'll do

The focus will enable you to make comparisons with markets in the UK. You'll also look at alternative models of construction and delivery, including the role that new funding and phasing methods may play.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Combine and apply international knowledge on property development
Analyse construction, property market behaviour and/or the built environment in the subject country
Compare, contrast and reflect on the roles and responsibilities of different international perspectives
Engage actively and effectively in teamwork activities

What you'll learn

The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.

Core modules - BEng (Hons) only

What you'll do

Your project will normally involve the identification and analysis of a problem, and will involve investigations into:

design
analytical parametric study
laboratory experiments
field-based activities
case studies
surveys
documentary or database research
critical analysis

You'll be expected to comply with health and safety requirements and ethics procedures while completing your project.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Solve significant engineering or surveying problems, critically assessing the validity and limitations of your solution
Critically analyse and compare relevant literature, data and experience
Develop and plan a programme of work for an in-depth investigation
Design appropriate data collection strategies
Apply sound engineering or surveying principles to solve technical problems

What you'll do

You'll progress from conceptual design to a detailed design phase incorporating sustainability, health and safety, cost considerations and appraisals of your design choices.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Assess problems of civil engineering design and evaluate options
Make decisions in open-ended situations, and develop and design schemes to meet a design brief
Present and articulate design solutions in written, drawn, and oral forms
Resolve issues related to working in small teams of your peers
Assess and incorporate constructability, health and safety, sustainability and environmental processes relevant to your design project
Carry out a costing and economic assessment of your design

What you'll do

You'll learn to validate your geotechnical hand calculations with industry-standard software and develop creative and economical solutions to live problems.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Evaluate failure mechanisms of soil slopes and compute slope stability analysis
Evaluate the problems related to geotechnical design and construction of piled foundations and retaining walls
Identify and propose remedial measures to slope and flexible retaining wall failure
Perform geotechnical design using established formulas and approaches to risk
Appraise the likely long-term performance of a range of construction materials.
Design and specify construction materials to meet stated service conditions

What you'll do

You'll look at technology and policy, managing demand for transport, improving usage of current transport infrastructure and methods of influencing transport trends.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Discuss the processes affecting the demand for transport
Predict traffic flows at junctions and on small networks
Design and model simple road traffic networks
Evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of new highway infrastructure
Assess and evaluate traffic management techniques

What you'll do

You'll study rainfall and its effect on available water, its collection and distribution, wastewater, and water conservation.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Predict river flow and water resource availability by applying standard models
Examine non-uniform flow in open channels
Apply standard lab tests to examine flow behaviour, analyse water quality, and appraise compliance of results with appropriate standards
Assess the treatment processes, technologies and strategies for drinking water
Examine major wastewater treatment technologies, their application, and design criteria

Optional Modules - BEng (Hons) only

What you'll learn

When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:

Propose a solution to a significant engineering problem, and assess its validity and limitations
Analyse and compare relevant literature, data and experience
Develop and plan a programme of work for an in-depth investigation
Apply sound engineering principles to solving technical problems

What you'll do

You'll study AUTOCAD software and career skills.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Identify your employability strengths and weaknesses, and take steps to remedy areas of weakness
Deliver strong presentations in a work-based interview
Assess your learning against engineering council attributes
Evaluate your opportunities for graduate level work in civil engineering
Produce AUTOCAD drawings with appropriate layout and detailing

Core modules – MEng only

What you'll do

This module will introduce you to the holistic design of structures including multi-storey and residential buildings, bridges, and iconic structures. You'll investigate worst case effects from Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS) loads using engineering and design codes to produce efficient and practical design solutions. You'll learn how individual structural components are analysed within a whole building design, from floors to connections, to foundations.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Develop creative solutions by conceptualising structures using sketches, drawings and emerging digital technologies
Analyse combinations of load cases and design structures to the Eurocodes, ULS and SLS
Clearly and effectively communicate a design of a whole structure
Critically evaluate the stability and robustness of structural forms
Develop a critical understanding of analysis, design and construction of various structural forms
Understand the principles of structural dynamics, and relevance to structural analysis and design

What you'll learn

When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:

Propose an investigation to solve a significant technical engineering problem and critically assess its validity and limitations
Critically analyse and compare relevant literature, data and experience
Develop and plan a programme of work for an in-depth investigation
Design appropriate data collection strategies
Apply sound engineering principles to solving technical problems and critically assess validity and limitations of the solutions

What you'll do

You'll study rainfall and its effect on available water, its collection and distribution, wastewater, and water conservation.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Predict river flow and water resource availability by applying standard models
Examine non-uniform flow in open channels
Apply standard lab tests to examine flow behaviour, analyse water quality, and appraise compliance of results with appropriate standards
Assess the treatment processes, technologies and strategies for drinking water
Examine major wastewater treatment technologies, their application, and design criteria

What you'll do

You'll look at technology and policy, managing demand for transport, improving usage of current transport infrastructure and methods of influencing transport trends.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Discuss the processes affecting the demand for transport
Predict traffic flows at junctions and on small networks
Design and model simple road traffic networks
Evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of new highway infrastructure
Assess and evaluate traffic management techniques

What you'll do

You'll learn to validate your geotechnical hand calculations with industry-standard software and develop creative and economical solutions to live problems.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Evaluate failure mechanisms of soil slopes and compute slope stability analysis
Evaluate the problems related to geotechnical design and construction of piled foundations and retaining walls
Identify and propose remedial measures to slope and flexible retaining wall failure
Perform geotechnical design using established formulas and approaches to risk
Appraise the likely long-term performance of a range of construction materials.
Design and specify construction materials to meet stated service conditions

Critically assess and use a wide range of project management tools, techniques and processes
Justify appropriate project management tools, techniques and/or processes to suit different project scenarios, and evaluate their effectiveness
Discuss the influence of project management in providing effective health and safety management in construction

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Apply now Book an Open Day Get a prospectus

The placement furthered my skills in problem-solving, communication, time management, teamwork and individual initiatives.

Thomas Glenn, Civil Engineering student

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Civil Engineering degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops for about 18 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2, 3 and 4, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. Optional field trips may involve evening and weekend teaching or events. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

lectures
workshops
seminars
group work

There's an emphasis on learning through field trips and lab work with many practical opportunities to put your knowledge into practice.

Interact with the 360 image below to see our civil engineering students using surveying equipment on a practical class in the centre of Northern Quarter campus.

How you're assessed

written exams
web assessments
essays and reports
project presentations
a dissertation

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Supporting your learning

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.

They can help you:

master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
solve computing problems relevant to your course
develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
understand and use assignment feedback

All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

academic writing
note taking
time management
critical thinking
presentation skills
referencing
working in groups
revision, memory and exam techniques

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (2023 start)

UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
International students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Tuition fees (2024 start)

UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
International students – £20,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Costs breakdown

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

We will provide you with hard hats and Hi-Vis vests. You will need to buy your own safety boots costing approximately £35.

If you go on the optional residential field trip in year 2, you’ll need to contribute around £230 to the cost.

If you do the optional Energy and Resources Infrastructure module, you'll need to contribute £100 to the cost of a field trip.

If you take either of the 2 optional Diving and Underwater Engineering modules in year 2, you’ll need to contribute to the cost.

This is approximately £858 for the Diving A module and approximately £768 for the Diving B module.

During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.

Tuition fees for that year are:

UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)

The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in September 2023, please apply through Clearing.

Got your results? Apply online now >

Alternatively, call our Clearing Hotline on +44 (0)23 9284 8074 or visit our Clearing Hub to chat with us online.

Our Clearing Hotline is open:

9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday
9am - 4pm Fridays
8am - 8pm Thursday 17 August (A Level/T level results day)
8am - 7pm Friday 18 August
10am - 3pm Saturday 19 August

Waiting for your results?

Visit our Clearing Hub for the latest information and to request a results day call back.

International students

We welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.

Applying for year 2, 3 or 4

If you've already completed part of this course with us or another university and would like to apply for the second, third or fourth year, use our online application form:

To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

the UCAS course code – H200 (BEng) or H202 (MEng)
our institution code – P80

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.

UCAS code

Mode of Study

Duration

Start date

Accredited

Civil Engineering BEng Hons / MEng

Overview

BEng or MEng?

Course highlights

Accreditation

BEng Civil Engineering

MEng Civil Engineering

Entry requirements

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree entry requirements

Typical offer (2023 start): ABB–BBC

Typical offers

English language requirements

Typical offer (2024 start): ABB–BBC

Typical offers

English language requirements

MEng Civil Engineering Master's degree entry requirements

Typical offer (2023 start): AAB–BBB

Typical offers

English language requirements

Typical offer (2024 start): AAB–ABB

Typical offers

English language requirements

Alumni profile: Mimi Nwosu, civil engineer

Find out about Mimi's life and success after University

Facilities

The Hydraulics Laboratory

Environmental Technology Laboratory

Environmental Technology Field Station

Concrete Laboratory

Structures Laboratory

Soil and ground facilities

Careers and opportunities

Graduate destinations

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

What jobs can you do with a civil engineering degree?

Placement year (optional)

See where a placement year with Civil Engineering can take you

Potential roles

Potential destinations

Joshua's story

What you'll study on this BEng (Hons)/Meng Civil Engineering degree

Modules

Core modules

Construction Management and Practice - 20 credits Study techniques and methods of construction, and the management of the construction process.

What you'll do

What you'll learn

Engineering Analysis - 20 credits Equip yourself with the mathematical tools to solve problems in civil engineering.

What you'll do

What you'll learn

Professional Development 1 - 20 credits Relate your studies to careers available in the civil engineering and construction professions.

What you'll do

What you'll learn

Soils and Materials 1 - 20 credits Test steel, concrete and other materials in the lab.

What you'll do

What you'll learn

Understanding Structures - Analysis and Design - 20 credits Bring together your understanding of structural analysis, materials, and design principles as you begin designing your own structures.

What you'll do

What you'll learn

Water and Environmental Engineering - 20 credits Learn to solve hydraulic problems in civil engineering.

What you'll do

What you'll learn

Core modules

Behaviour of Structures - 20 credits Develop your theoretical understanding of structural behaviour through qualitative appreciation, numerical analysis and laboratory-based physical modelling.

What you'll do

What you'll learn

Design of Structural Elements - 20 credits Study the European design code and apply it as you analyse and design structural elements in steel and reinforced concrete.

What you'll learn

Numerical Skills and Economics - 20 credits Practise data analysis skills, quantify probability and risk, and explore the economics of the construction industry.

What you'll learn

Professional Development 2 - 20 credits Add a practical basis to your first year career development study.

What you'll do

What you'll learn

Soils and Materials 2 - 20 credits Test construction materials and explore soil mechanics through the use of physical models and case studies.

What you'll do

What you'll learn