Civil and Environmental Engineering MEng, BEng

Program Overview

Students develop proficiency in design, analysis, and problem-solving, preparing them for high-demand careers in the industry. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, industry collaborations, and a focus on minimizing environmental impact.

Program Outline

Civil and Environmental Engineering MEng, BEng | University of Leeds

Degree Overview:

This JBM-accredited degree develops civil and environmental engineers who actively contribute to sustainable and economic growth whilst maintaining the highest ethical standards and delivering the infrastructure we all rely on in everyday life. At Leeds, sustainable development is integrated into teaching and learning throughout your degree. You’ll also develop and fine-tune theoretical and practical abilities and learn to solve problems using analytical, technical and decision-making skills – all attributes sought after by employers in industry.

Objectives:

• Develop civil and environmental engineers who contribute to sustainable and economic growth.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge to design and engineer projects that minimize environmental impact.
• Foster the development of analytical, technical, and decision-making skills.
• Prepare students for careers in the civil and environmental engineering industry.

Outline:

Year 1 Compulsory Modules:

• Architecture and Sustainability: Introduces the history, theories, and cultural context of the built environment and architecture, focusing on sustainability and environmental impact, especially in the context of climate change.
• Surveying, Construction Technology and Management: Covers construction processes, applicable codes of practice, industry standards, and surveying techniques, including the use of industry equipment and technologies.
• Structural Analysis and Design: Teaches the fundamental principles of structural analysis and design, providing basic skills in structural and stress analysis and design.
• Materials, Water and Soils: Focuses on the behavior of water, soil, steel, and other key materials, and their relevance to structural element design.
Covers fluid mechanics, hydraulic structures, and geological processes related to engineering soils.
• Integrated Design Project 1 (including Design Studio 1): Teaches how to prepare and present building design projects, covering constructional and structural systems, environmental strategies, and regulatory requirements.

Year 2 Compulsory Modules:

• Water Engineering and Geotechnics: Builds on year 1 knowledge, addressing ultimate load problems, fluid friction in pipes, water demand and requirements, and the range of foundations available for structures.
• Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 2: Builds on year 1 mathematical techniques, applying them to real-life civil engineering problems.
• Structural Design and Materials 1: Covers the behavior of structures and the influence of structural materials, focusing on cement, concrete, steel, and their relevance to buildings and civil engineering structures.
Includes elastic analysis of statically indeterminate structures, design of structures in steel and reinforced concrete, and limit states design.

Year 2 Optional Modules (selection below indicative of typical options):

• Transport Planning and Modelling 1
• Architectural History and Theory 2
• Highway Engineering
• Building Physics 1: Fundamental Principles

Year 3 Compulsory Modules:

• Water Engineering and Geotechnics 2: Covers integrated river management, numerical methods in open channel flow, and the design, analysis, and construction of various foundation types.
• Structural Design and Materials 2: Builds on previous knowledge, covering advanced structural analysis methods, design of multi-storey buildings, prestressed concrete elements, and masonry and timber construction.
• Integrated Design Project 3: Undertakes a feasibility study of a civil engineering project, resulting in a recommended general scheme and detailed design.
Includes further CAD-thread teaching.
• Individual Research Project 1: Develops a deeper knowledge and understanding of a chosen aspect of civil engineering, honing independent learning and research skills.
• Environmental Health Engineering in Developing Countries: Focuses on the practical application of civil engineering skills in international development, assessing options and outlining design for low-cost housing development.

Year 4 Compulsory Modules:

• Individual Research Project 2: Develops a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a chosen aspect of civil engineering, culminating in a dissertation.
• Integrated Design Project 4: Tackles a design task specific to a chosen sub-discipline, generating an innovative design to address a complex engineering problem.

Year 4 Optional Modules (selection below indicative of typical options):

• Solid waste management
• Advanced Steel and Composite Design
• Water Resource Management
• Water Supply
• Groundwater Pollution and Contaminated Land
• Engineering in Emergencies – MEng
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Advanced Structural Analysis
• Circular Economy and Resource Recovery from Waste

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a range of approaches, including:

• Project work
• Written examinations (open and closed book)
• Coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations, and posters
Assessments are designed to develop key transferable skills and closely match the type of work and tasks students might undertake in a professional work environment.

Teaching:

• Integrated style of learning and teaching: Combines laboratory classes, project work, and industry-sponsored fieldwork to provide hands-on experience.
• Interactive, team-based study: Encourages collaboration and problem-solving.
• Integrated Design Projects: Allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
• Blended learning technology: Utilizes online resources for self-paced learning.
• State-of-the-art lecture recording system: Provides access to lectures for review.
• Industrial visits and seminars: Offer insights from practicing engineers, researchers, and other professionals.
• Close industry links: Provide direct contact with potential employers.
• Industrial tutors: Offer opportunities to experience Civil Engineering working environments.
• Personal tutors: Provide guidance throughout studies.
• Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS): Offers support from senior students.

Careers:

• High demand for graduates: Civil and environmental engineering graduates are in high demand.
• Variety of career opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in structural, civil, or building services engineering, design engineering, environmental engineering, or project management.
• Examples of recent graduate roles: Sustainability Engineer, Graduate Geotechnical Engineer, Research Specialist, Graduate Civil Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Technical Advisor, Senior Project Manager, Leadership Graduate Scheme, Project Manager, Project Engineer, Senior Engineer, Senior Project Manager.
• Careers support: The University provides employability support, including specialist advice, work experience opportunities, internships, industrial placements, and graduate positions.
• Access to the University's Careers Centre: One of the largest in the country.

Other:

• Accreditation: The course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council, meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
It is also EUR-ACE labelled, recognized by the member states of the European Higher Education Area.
• Ethics: Ethics plays an integral role in the course, covering topics such as professionalism, codes of conduct, corporate social responsibility, engineering and responsibility, ethics in innovation, and research ethics.
• Fieldwork: Students participate in fieldwork opportunities to apply their knowledge and practical skills outside of the lab and classroom.
• Facilities: Students have access to excellent laboratory facilities, a design studio, extensive library facilities, and computing equipment, including industry-standard software.
• Study Abroad: Students can choose to spend a year studying abroad at one of the University's international partner universities.
• Work Placements: Students can undertake a one-year industrial work placement, extending their degree by 12 months.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law. Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages. Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26 Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024. Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. Read more about paying fees and charges. Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs associated with compulsory field trips are usually covered by the university. However, you’ll be expected to pay for incidental or personal expenses. We are planning to introduce a new Constructionarium field trip component to one of our compulsory modules in year 3. We'll update this page as soon as the costs have been confirmed. Scholarships and financial support There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.