Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are responsible for virtually all the great structures around us. The work they do makes our lives easier – from roads and airports to access to clean water and electricity. Our BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering is an excellent route into this diverse and well-rewarded profession.  

• Develop the knowledge and skills employers are looking for in areas such as structures, fluids, geology, soil mechanics, surveying and materials
• Put theory into practice through real life projects, case studies, site visits and field trips
• Choose a course accredited by leading professional institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council, which means you can fully meet the academic requirement to register as an Incorporated Engineer
• Learn from experienced civil engineering practitioners who are highly skilled in the field
• Study in our fantastic facilities at the Markeaton Street site, where we have a superb new STEM Centre

Part time: 5 years minimum. Direct entry into later stages of the course is available if you have relevant qualifications.

Day release: 2 years part-time day release. (Part-time mode only available for final year of the degree).

Civil Engineering and Construction - your questions answered

Programme Leader for Civil Engineering, Derek Spalton, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Civil Engineering and Construction at the University of Derby. 

This course will develop your understanding of the process of civil engineering technical design and management.

Sought-after skills

The BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering features a compelling mix of lectures, real-life projects and site visits so you can develop all the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for. We will introduce you to key skills relating to structures, fluids, geology, soil mechanics, surveying and materials.

An example of the type of local project you will get to work on is the 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.

If you already have a relevant HND or equivalent qualifications, direct entry to later stages of the course may be available.

Going on placement and into graduate roles: Civil Engineering student stories

Joe, Cally and Jacob are three Civil Engineering students that secured placements at Dorset Council, Graham, and Via East Midlands. Here they share their experience of going from practical classes to industry placements - discover why they chose the course, how classroom learning connects to real-world problems, and what's next for them.

Strong professional credentials

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).

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 will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, on and off campus laboratory and site work, plus visits to companies.

How you are assessed

You will be assessed through workshop laboratories, surveying field work, group work and individual assignments. Some traditional exams may be involved for design tests.

As a BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering graduate, you will have not only the knowledge and skills to embark on your career but also the academic base for Incorporated Engineer status. 

An Incorporated Civil Engineer is a person with an accredited bachelor degree and professional experience who can maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology, and undertake engineering design, development, manufacture, construction and operation. The qualification is essential to become a practising engineer and to lead a team in a professional organisation.

You can also choose to continue your professional development and further study in the discipline of civil engineering by taking our MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management.

2026 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2026 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

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.

Course updates

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.

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.