An engineering student pressing a lever on a machine
BEng (Hons) Placement year available

Civil Engineering

Specialise in the design and analysis of built environment projects, focusing on infrastructure.

Dr Maryam Imani working with equipment in the engineering lab Find out more about our Civil Engineering courses

Studying Civil Engineering at ARU

Specialise in the design and analysis of built environment projects, with our BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree in Chelmsford.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Why Civil Engineering at ARU?

  • You'll be immersed in an integrated learning environment designed to foster environmentally sustainable approaches.
  • We intertwine in-class engineering theory, in-lab hands-on experience, and on-site practical construction activities throughout our course.
  • Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
  • Our course is developed by a dynamic collaboration of staff, students, and leading regional companies, meaning students on this course have maximum opportunity to gain critical skills for employment.

With challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity, engineers have an important part to play in designing, planning and future-proofing our built environment.

By studying BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering at ARU, you’ll focus on the design and analysis of infrastructure.

From day one of this civil engineering degree, you will be working on real built environment projects. Our course is project-based, meaning you’ll be getting hands-on experience – and learning to think and work like an engineer.

Course options

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Key facts

  • STUDY OPTIONS 3 years
  • START DATES September
  • LOCATION Chelmsford
  • ENTRY UCAS code: H202
  • FEES
    • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
    • £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Looking for different course options?
TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

3 years

In your first year you’ll get a thorough grounding in civil engineering, and work on practical projects from day one.

We start with the feasibility stage of a built environment project: producing topographical surveys, investigating materials, and designing a structure. You can get inspiration from real-life projects as we visit construction sites and hear from guest speakers. We also have a focus on mathematics for engineering.

Alongside this, you’ll develop skills in basic structural calculations, 2D drafting techniques and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

With an eye on your future, we’ll look at the jobs available in engineering, design and construction, and consider how engineers can work safely, ethically, and sustainably.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Core modules

  • Feasibility and Flood Hydrology Project (30 credits)
  • Introduction to Engineering (15 credits)
  • Applied Engineering Mathematics (15 credits)
  • Structural Mechanics (15 credits)
  • Building Information Modelling for Civil Engineering (15 credits)
  • Materials, Design and Construction Project (30 credits)
  • Into ARU
Module details

Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Student experience

See how our Civil Engineering students put their ideas into practice.

Get hands-on experience - explore how our students discover the link between their design and the construction process within civil engineering.

Facilities

You’ll use our specialist engineering facilities in Chelmsford, which include labs for geotechnics, hydraulics, structures, engineering materials and concrete testing.

As well as getting hands-on experience in our labs, there’s the chance to join two week-long construction projects, carry out land surveys, use computer-aided design and specialist software, and make site visits.

You could also join our student-led Engineering Society.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Accreditation

Accredited by the JBM This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Logos for: CIHT, ICE, Institute of Highway Engineers, The Institution of Structural Engineers, and Permanent Way Institution

Lecturers

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Careers

Civil engineers tend to specialise in two areas – design and production. The chances are that as a BEng (Hons) student your interests will lie in design, but our course will prepare you for both.

Design civil engineers work mainly in offices, looking at the need for projects and how a particular project can be achieved.

Production civil engineers work and plan on-site, check the quality of work, and oversee schedules and budgets.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies, we offer a range of postgraduate degrees including our MSc Construction and Civil Engineering Management, which will prepare you for CEng (Chartered Engineer) status. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

A student working in the Engineering workshop

Ujjwal

"Gain knowledge that you can deliver in your practical job."

Ujjwal

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

Engineering at ARU (360 video)

Apply for Civil Engineering

UK students

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International students

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Placement year available

You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.

Your guide to placements