If you are looking for the best civil engineering universities in the UK, this article contains everything you need to know. Also, we will be listing the 13 top civil engineering universities in the UK in 2023.
Generally, Civil Engineering is considered the most aged branch of engineering. This could be because the profession has been an aspect of human life since the beginning of human existence.
Basically, civil engineers shape the world we live in and in this article, we will be sharing all you need to know about this field. Also, we will be answering some possible questions you might have in mind about civil engineering.
Table of contents
- What is Civil Engineering?
- Why Study Civil Engineering?
- Is Civil Engineering Worth it in the UK?
- Why You Should Study Civil Engineering in the UK?
- Which Body Accredits Civil Engineering Degree Programs in The UK?
- What is the Cost of Studying Civil Engineering in the UK?
- What are Civil Engineers Paid in the UK?
- Which are the Best Civil Engineering Universities in the UK?
- Best Civil Engineering Universities in the UK
- 1. University of Cambridge
- 2. The University of Manchester
- 3. Imperial College London
- 4. The University of Southampton
- 5. University of Oxford
- 6. The University of Sheffield
- 7. University of Leeds
- 8. UCL
- 9. Cardiff University
- 10. The University of Edinburgh
- 11. University of Nottingham
- 12. University of Bristol
- 13. University of Glasgow
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Recommendations
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering is a professional engineering discipline that involves the application of programming, designing, creating, sustaining and operating infrastructures while preserving the public and environmental health, as well as enhancing and expanding existing disregarded and failed infrastructures.
This profession basically deals with designing and developing these infrastructures on large scales such as developing nationwide water supply networks and transport systems. Or, on a nominal scale, developing buildings and roads.
Certainly, degree in this field covers an abundance of scientific topics like hydraulics, mechanics, statistical analysis and materials science. However, these scientific topics get complemented with the development of computer-aided design skills.
Why Study Civil Engineering?
One main reason why you should consider studying civil engineering is that it is a rewarding, creative, and fun profession.
It’s no doubt anymore that this profession has been around longer than we can ever date. It has been here since human existence and it is going nowhere soon because the professionals in this field help shape the world we live in. They create, design and connect the world around us. Also, these professionals build, design and maintain the infrastructures like bridges, dams, tunnels, roads, buildings and many others.
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Is Civil Engineering Worth it in the UK?
Anywhere in the UK, civil engineers make high money, and as demand for building increases, pay for this sector are set to keep climbing. – Within the field of construction engineering, there are several prospects for professional advancement.
Why You Should Study Civil Engineering in the UK?
Are you wondering why you should study civil engineering in the UK? First, it should be because the UK is known all over the world as one of the most prominent destinations around the world known for learning and academia. A proof will be the number of top-ranking universities in it.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2021, almost one-fifth of the world’s top 50 universities are in the UK. Now, narrowing it down to civil engineering, you would find that two out of the top five universities in the world for civil and structural engineering are in the UK.
Also, UK is one of the safest destinations for study abroad. It is a lenient and multicultural country with people from nearly all the countries on earth. Also, the UK is the second most popular study destinations in the world with 458,520 international students choosing to study in the country in 2017/18 – this is according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
So, if you are choosing to study civil engineering in the UK, you are sure to be welcomed warmly and in addition, UK universities have state-of-the-art facilities to guarantee that students who are admitted for the civil engineering programs get a world-class education. Also, they ensure that students get adequate hands-on experience.
For civil engineers, their expertise is essential for a bearable and sustainable future in the UK and all over the world. Talking about the UK, the significance of civil engineers can not be overemphasized. A proof can be seen in the average salary for members of the Institution of Civil Engineers which is about £50,000.
To help you choose from the various civil engineering universities in the UK, we have made an extensive list of the top civil engineering universities in the UK.
Which Body Accredits Civil Engineering Degree Programs in The UK?
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is the authorised body in charge of the accreditation of civil engineering grams in the UK. Also, this body offers accreditation of universities and college courses delivered and awarded by providers outside the UK. This body’s accredited courses are recognised in many countries under the International Education Accords and Engineering Education Database. The great thing about this is that graduates seeking global careers benefit from this.
Also, the great thing about studying an accredited course is that you automatically meet almost all the educational requirements for registration with ICE as a member (MICE) and the Engineering Council (UK) as a Chartered Engineering (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and/or Engineering Technician (EngTech) – once you have successfully completed this course.
What is the Cost of Studying Civil Engineering in the UK?
Certainly, n universities in the UK, the tuition cost of studying civil engineering varies among the universities and degree programs. It could be as low as £9,000 for EU students or as high as £30,000 for international students.
What are Civil Engineers Paid in the UK?
Basically, in the UK, civil engineer salaries start from £23,500, rising to £26,500with two years experience. Also, for non-members of ICE, their salaries are usually £30,450.
However, the average salary for members of the ICE is around £50,000. And on the other hand, for ICe fellows, it is £81,447. All of these are as reported by the Institution of Civil Engineers Salary Survey in 2013.
Which are the Best Civil Engineering Universities in the UK?
Many schools in the UK provide students with the opportunities to pursue their civil engineering careers both at the undergraduate and postgraduate less. However, in this article, we will be listing 13 of them based on some factors. These factors refer to the number of accredited civil engineering programs the university offers at both aforementioned academic levels.
Also, another factor is the accreditation by the Institution of Civil Engineers or the Engineering Council.
Best Civil Engineering Universities in the UK
Here are our top picks on the 13 top civil engineering universities in the UK:
- University of Cambridge
- The University of Manchester
- Imperial College London
- The University of Southampton
- University of Oxford
- The University of Sheffield
- University of Leeds
- UCL
- Cardiff University
- The University of Edinburgh
- University of Nottingham
- University of Bristol
- University of Glasgow
1. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 as a collegiate research university in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It Is knows as the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Also, the university doubles as the fourth-oldest surviving university in the whole world.
The University is considered one of the most prominent universities in the UK and the world for outstanding academic achievements and world-class original research. Also, according to QS ranking, Times Higher Education, and Complete University Guide, the university recently ranked #1 in the best civil engineering universities in the UK.
It is also considered one of the best civil engineering universities in the world and it is primarily focused on producing graduates with an exceptional understanding of the theoretical principles of Civil Engineering, and also, essential knowledge of their engineering disciplines.
This university offers three civil engineering degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels with accreditations from the Institution of Civil Engineers.
2. The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester offers six civil engineering programs with accreditation from the Institution of Civil Engineers.
It is a public research university in Manchester, England, founded in 2004 by the unification of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and the Victoria University of Manchester. Currently, the university banks #3 in the best civil engineering universities by QS Ranking.
The Engineering department in the university which is made of mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering, endeavours to strengthen and enhance the standard of the Manchester engineering experience.
Also, the engineering department is comprised of outstanding facilities and an incredible depth of academic knowledge. All of these contributes to make the University of Manchester a perfect t place to begin your civil engineering journey as a student.
Here are the courses offered by the mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering department both at undergraduate and graduate levels:
- BEng in Civil EngineeringBEng (3 years)
- MEng in Civil and Structural Engineering (4 years)
- MEng in Civil Engineering (Enterprise)
- A in Civil EngineeringMEng (4 years)
- Civil Engineering with Industrial ExperienceMEng (5 years)
- PhD degree in Civil engineering
3. Imperial College London
The Imperial College London was established in 1845 to benefit society through excellence in engineering, science, business and medicine. In this university, the department of civil and environmental engineering is primarily focused on interactions and relations between the built environment and the natural world. Also, on recognising that civil and environmental engineering is essential to addressing the primary challenges the society is faced with.
The University has consistently ranked highly across quite a number of outstanding league tables. According to QS World University Rankings 2021, it ranks number 3in the best civil engineering universities in the world and two in the UK. Also, it ranks number one best civil engineering in the UK by the Education Guardian University Guide and third in the UK by the Sunday Times Good University Guide.
It has over 50 full-time academic staff, over 10 research and teaching fellows and over 30 research staff. Also, the university offers civil engineering programs to students of both undergraduate and graduate levels as well as some modules for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The University offers four civil engineering programs and it has an accreditation with the Institution of Civil Engineers.
4. The University of Southampton
This university is one of the best civil engineering universities in the UK. It is a research university in Southampton, England. According to QS World University Rankings 2021, the University of Southampton ranks #13 in the best civil engineering universities in the UK.
Students in this university get to gain broad knowledge and skills from this field from understanding hydraulics and soil mechanics to structural design and construction. Also, students are equipped with practical knowledge of the basic principles of civil engineering.
This university has accreditations from the Institution of Civil Engineers. Also, it offers three civil engineering degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These degrees include Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees in civil engineering.
Also, see: 5 Best Universities in New Zealand for International Students
5. University of Oxford
This university was established in 1096 as a collegiate research university in Oxford. It is presently considered to be one of the leading universities in the world. According to QS Ranking, it ranked #3 in the best civil engineering universities in the UK.
The University is known as the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Also, it doubles as the second oldest university in the world.
This University in the UK offers civil engineering programs to students both on the undergraduate and graduate levels. These include a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering, MSc by Research in Engineering Science, and DPhil in Engineering; part or full-time.
Also, he department of Engineering Science in this university offers an exceptional reputation for research and it offers this course as a unified discipline.
At the undergraduate level, students study the core topics in their first two years in the school before venturing and concentrating fully on the main program. The school offers three civil engineering programs and has its accreditation with the Institution of Civil Engineers.
6. The University of Sheffield
This university is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, founded in 1828. According to the Times University League Table, the university ranked #8 as the best civil engineering universities in the UK; 6th in the UK by QS World University and the 47th in the best civil engineering universities in the world.
This university has accreditation with the Engineering Council. Also, it offers eight civil engineering programs which include:
- BEng Civil Engineering
- BEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry
- MEng Civil Engineering
- MEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry
- Civil Engineering with a Modern Language – MEng
- MEng Civil and Structural Engineering
- MEng Civil and Structural Engineering with a Year in Industry
- PhD degree in Civil Engineering
7. University of Leeds
This university was founded in 1874 as a public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Being equipped with the state-, of-the-art facilities, the university offers top-quality civil engineering programs to both students from within and outside the UK.
According to QS Ranking, the university ranks #5 in the UK for Civil Engineering and #2 by Guardian University league tables 2021. It has a student to faculty ratio of 10.7. What this means is that students in this university have easy access to their professors.
The University has accreditation with the Engineering Council. Also, it offers five civil engineering programs and below are the available programs:
- Civil Engineering MEng, BEng
- Civil and Structural Engineering MEng, BEng
- MEng, BEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering with Project Management MEng, BEng
- Civil Engineering with Transport MEng, BEng
- PhD in Civil Engineering.
8. UCL
UCL was founded in 1826 and it has since become one of the top multidisciplinary universities in the world with over 11,000 staff and over 39,000 students from over 145 different countries in the world.
This University offers one of the best civil engineering programs in the UK. According to QS World University Rankings 2021, the university ranks #7 in the best civil engineering universities in the UK.
UCL civil, environmental and geomatics engineering (CEGE) carries out top-quality research projects. Also, it has world-leading research project groups and centres.
The University has accreditation with the Engineering Council. Also, it offers three civil engineering programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These include Bachelor, Masters, and PhD degrees in civil engineering.
9. Cardiff University
Cardiff University was founded in 1883 in Cardiff, Wales. It is a public research university offering one of the best civil engineering programs in the UK.
The civil and environmental engineering program in this university provides for its students a comprehensive understanding of civil engineering theory. Also, it provides practical applications through laboratory and research work, field courses and design classes. All of these with a specific emphasis on the environment.
The University has accreditation with Engineering Council. Also, it offers two civil engineering degree study programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These include Bachelors and Masters degrees in civil engineering.
10. The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is another one of the best civil engineering universities in the UK. It is the sixth English-speaking world’s oldest university. It was founded in 1582 in Scotland and it is current considered as one of the ancient universities in Scotland. Also, this University offers one of the best civil engineering programs in the UK.
The School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh offers three undergraduate degrees in civil and environmental engineering. They are the flagship civil engineering degree, and two socialist variants; structural and fore safety engineering and structural engineering with architecture – both of which are modified to recent industry needs. Also, it offers civil engineering degrees study options at graduate levels too.
It ranks #9 in the best civil engineering universities in the UK and according to QS World University Rankings 2021, it ranks #11. Also, this university has accreditation from Engineering Council.
11. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a public research university founded in 1881 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. The civil engineering courses offered in this university aims to prepare students for industry with all of their teachings and contents supervised by an Industrial Advisory Board (IAB).
According to QS World University Rankings 2021, this university ranks #9 in the best civil engineering universities in the UK.
The university has accreditation with Engineering Council. Also, it offers three civil engineering degree study programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These degrees include Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees in civil engineering.
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12. University of Bristol
This university is one of the best civil engineering universities in the UK. Also, is internationally famous for its quality education, exceptional teaching and research.
According to the Guardian University Guide League Table, the University of Bristol ranks #8 in the best civil engineering universities in the UK and #10 according to QS World University Rankings 2021.
The University of Bristol has accreditation from Engineering Council. Also, it offers three civil engineering degree options at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These degrees include Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees in civil engineering.
13. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is a public research university founded in 1451 by Papal Bull in Glasgow, Scotland. It is one of the four ancient universities in Scotland. Also, it doubles as the world’s English-speaking fourth oldest.
According to QS World University Rankings 2021, this university ranks #12 in the best civil engineering universities in the UK; #1 in Scotland; #2 in the UK and #6 by the Guardian University Guide League Table.
This university has accreditation with the Institution of Civil Engineers. Also, the university offers three civil engineering degree study elections. These degrees include Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees in civil engineering.
Conclusion
We hope we have been able to answer all your questions concerning studying civil engineering in the UK. Alsoo, iff you find this article helpful, do help us share it with your friends too. Thank you.
FAQs
Civil Engineering is a professional engineering discipline that involves the application of programming, designing, creating, sustaining and operating infrastructures while preserving the public and environmental health, as well as enhancing and expanding existing disregarded and failed infrastructures.
In universities in the UK, the tuition cost of studying civil engineering varies among the universities and degree programs. It could be as low as £9,000 for EU students or as high as £30,000 for international students.
University of Cambridge
The University of Manchester
Imperial College London
University of Southampton
University of Oxford
The University Sheffield
University of Leeds
UCL
Cardiff University
The University of Edinburgh
University of Nottingham
University of Bristol
The University of Glasgow
Basically, consulting civil engineer salaries usually start at around £23,500, rising to £26,500 with two years experience.
For non-members of ICE, salaries usually average around £30,450. However, the average basic salary for members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is almost £50,000.
