Built Environments - your questions answered
In the below video, Programme Leader for Civil Engineering, Derek Spalton, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Built Environments at the University of Derby.
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering at Derby
This course will enhance your skills in advanced areas of civil engineering theory, particularly structures and infrastructure design. You'll develop a thorough understanding of the process of civil engineering technical design and management. You'll also be introduced to key design skills in structures, fluids, geology, soil mechanics, surveying and materials.
Photos above are of a group of Civil Engineering students on a trip to Darley Park to study the river topography and analyse river flow paths.
Enhance your skills
The industry year placement will take place between the second and final year of your degree and there are a large number of SMEs, large, national and international companies who are looking for placement students each year. There is a plethora of support available for students who are looking to enhance their employability whilst studying including internships, placements and graduate roles.
You can also get involved with local projects, for example Down to Earth Derby's 'New Commons'. For the last several years we have been working with Down to Earth Derby, on nature-based regeneration and connecting communities with nature and growing food. A major project we are working on at the moment, with the Eden Project, is a community garden on part of Sturgess Fields, a site owned by the University between Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street sites. The plan is to create a New Commons that will be managed with the community. There are opportunities for you to work on this project, designing sustainable buildings and structures.
Strong professional credentials
BEng (Hons) Accredited CEng (Partial), 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 partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Civil Engineering students on a recent trip to scan a tunnel on the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire. Photographs provided by Luke Brammer.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
You'll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, on and off site laboratory and site work, and visits to companies.
How you'll be assessed
You'll be assessed through workshop laboratories, surveying field work, group work and individual assignments. Some traditional exams maybe involved for design tests.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
2024 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.
Requirement | What we're looking for | UCAS points | 120-128 |
A Level | ABB-BBB (At least a grade C in Maths or Physics) |
T Level | Merit in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction |
BTEC | DDM. BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Engineering or Physics, including a minimum of a Merit in the Maths unit |
GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 21, Merit: 24, Pass: 0. Must include passes in compulsory Level 3 subjects |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
When you graduate, you'll have lots of career opportunities in civil engineering in fields such as design, maintenance, asset management and construction. You could work in private companies which specialise in contracting or consulting, for local authorities, water companies, Network Rail or the Highways Agency, for example. Or you may choose to continue your studies by taking a postgraduate course, such as our MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management degree.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Compulsory placement year
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
- Use of resources
- All necessary PPE, including safety boots
- Any module assessed field work
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- Books, approx. £200
- Additional field trips, approx. £100
- Site visits, approx. £50
Optional costs not included in your fees
- Travelling expenses for placement visit interviews
- Travel to work experience/placements - cost is dependent on your placement venue of choice
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.