Program Overview

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Civil Engineering - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Civil Engineering at Ulster - Design and Build your future and the world around you.

Summary

Civil Engineering has a multi-level career structure comprising Chartered, Incorporated and Technician Engineers and Civil Engineering Surveyors. The BSc Honours programme satisfies the most appropriate training for the Incorporated Engineer and follows the guidelines of the Engineering Council for the education and placement training of Incorporated Engineers. It also satisfies the academic base for membership of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. The programme provides a high level of technical design proficiency and a sound knowledge of civil engineering and construction infrastructure. Candidates from the course are highly sought after in industry and the course normally scores 100% is the National Student Survey. The course was accredited by the JBM in 2022 and was also revalidated at by the University to align course to current learning and teaching strategies

Award

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

School

Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment

Campus

Belfast campus

UCAS code

H202

Start date

September 2026

Duration

4 years (including compulsory placement year)

Attendance

Course duration is full time, four years (including compulsory placement year). You are expected to attend lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and seminars. These timetabled classes add up to around 18 to 24 hours per week. Independent study is essential to reinforce face to face sessions with tutors. It is recommended that this time should be greater than the hours spent in face to face sessions with tutors. Development of your independent study culminates with a project in final year and allows you to demonstrate the skills you have attained throughout your degree.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course has a modular structure with different subjects studied and assessed in each semester.

Modules Studied

• Year 1: Materials, Mathematics – BSc, Sustainable Construction and Traffic Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Digital Construction and Communication & Surveying.
• Year 2: Mathematics for Technology, Geology & Soil Mechanics, Engineer and the Environment, Public Health Engineering, Computer Applications, , Production Management in Construction & Safety in Design
• Year 3: Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP).
• Year 4: Engineering GIS, Foundation Engineering, Civil Engineering Design & Cost Studies, BSc Structural Analysis, Project Literature Review and Methodology, BSc Structural Design, Construction Project Administration, Project Empirical Data collection and Analysis & (Environmental Engineering 4 or Highways and Transportation Engineering)

Teaching is mainly through lectures and tutorials but also involves laboratory sessions, site visits and case studies. The programme is designed to allow students to become independent learners and cultivate a professional attitude to their studies.

Assessment is by formal examinations and coursework. Coursework includes reports, essays, class tests, presentations appropriate to the module.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

BCC including

• A-Level Essential: B and C in two from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Geography, Applied Science or DA Science, Life and Health Science (single or double award), Technology (including Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Environmental Technology, Environmental Science and Digital Technology).

As long as the two-subject requirement is met, applicants can satisfy the requirement for one of the A level grades (or equivalent) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.

Applied General Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction or Civil Engineering.
Award profile of DDM to include a Merit in Further Mathematics or Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment and a Merit in Structural Mechanics or Public Health Engineering.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering.
Award profile of DDM to include a Merit in Further Mathematics for Construction and a Merit in Principles and Applications of Structural Mechanics or Public Health Engineering.

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering.
Award profile of DMM to include a Merit in Further Mathematics for Construction and a Merit in Principles and Applications of Structural Mechanics or Public Health Engineering.

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
Award profile of DDM to include a Merit in Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and a Merit in Mechanical Technologyor Mechanical Principles.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering.
Award profile of DDM to include a Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and a Merit in Further Engineering Mathematicsor Principles and Applications of Fluid Mechanics.

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering.
Award profile of DMM to include a Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and a Merit in Further Engineering Mathematicsor Principles and Applications of Fluid Mechanics.

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction or Civil Engineering.
Award profile of DM to include a Merit in Mathematics or Further Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment and a Merit in Structural Mechanics or Public Health Engineeringplus A Level Grade C.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Civil Engineering.
Award profile of DM to include a Merit in Further Mathematics for Construction and a Merit in Principles and Applications of Structural Mechanicsor Public Health Engineering plus A Level Grade C.

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Civil Engineering.
Award profile of DM to include a Merit in Further Mathematics for Construction and a Merit in Principles and Applications of Structural Mechanicsor Public Health Engineering plus A Level Grade C.

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
Award profile of DM to include a Merit in Mathematics or Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and a Merit in Mechanical Technology or Mechanical Principles plus A Level Grade C.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering
Award profile of DM to include a Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and a Merit in Further Engineering Mathematicsor Principles and Applications of Fluid Mechanics plus A Level Grade C.

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering.
Award profile of DM to include a Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and a Merit in Further Engineering Mathematicsor Principles and Applications of Fluid Mechanics plus A Level Grade C.

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction or Civil Engineering.
Award profile of M to include a Merit in Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be from the listed A level subjects.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Construction or Civil Engineering.
Award profile of M to include a Merit in Further Mathematics for Construction plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be from the Listed A level subjects.
(This qualification will only be accepted as meeting the subject requirement if the Merit in the required unit is taken as a standalone unit or accompanied by two A levels both of which must be from the listed A level subjects).

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Construction or Civil Engineering.
Award profile of M to include a Merit in Further Mathematics for Construction plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be from the Listed A level subjects.
(This qualification will only be accepted as meeting the subject requirement if the Merit in the required unit is taken as a standalone unit or accompanied by two A levels both of which must be from the listed A level subjects).

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
Award profile of M to include a Merit in Mathematics in for Engineering Technicians plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be from the listed A level subjects.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
Award profile of M to include a Merit in Calculus to solve Engineering Problems plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be from the Listed A level subjects.
(This qualification will only be accepted as meeting the subject requirement if the Merit in the required unit is taken as a standalone unit or accompanied by two A levels both of which must be from the listed A level subjects).

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
Award profile of M to include a Merit in Calculus to solve Engineering Problems plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be from the Listed A level subjects.
(This qualification will only be accepted as meeting the subject requirement if the Merit in the required unit is taken as a standalone unit or accompanied by two A levels both of which must be from the listed A level subjects).

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level. This course also requires you to achieve H3 in two subjects from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Technology, Design and Communication Graphics, Construction, Engineering or Geography. If Mathematics is not passed at H3, you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level in addition to two of the subjects above.

Scottish Highers

Grades BCCCC to include two subjects from Physics, Mathematics, Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Engineering or ICT.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades CDD to include 2 subjects from Physics, Mathematics, Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Engineering or ICT.

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 24 points (12 at higher level) to include minimum grade 4 in HL Maths and Grade 4 in one other HL science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Access Course (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course) in a Science, Technology or Engineering subject area with an overall mark of 60% to include 60% in each of the level 3 modules and to include 65% in NICATS level 2 Maths module for Year 1 entry.

Overall profile of 12 Distinctions, 30 Merits and 3 Pass (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course).

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Grade B, C, 5 in Mathematics.
If A Level Physics is not being offered then GCSE Double Award Science at grades BB, CC, 55 or 2 GCSEs at grade B, C 5 from GCSE Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths, Geography or Technology is required.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Design Consultants
• Building Contractors
• Government

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Civil Engineer
• Maritime Engineer
• Structural Engineer

Career options

Graduates of the programme will typically take up opportunities with civil engineering contractors, consulting engineering practices, surveying practices and government departments. The additional accreditation by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors significantly broadens the career base.

Work placement / study abroad

On the course the placement is mandatory (Year 3) and is a key part of the educational journey for our students. The year of industrial experience can be local to Northern Ireland, UK based and overseas. This year allows student to take the materials gleaned in Years 1 & 2 and to apply them in practise either in design or construction roles. Experience has shown that there is a strong correlation between placement and graduate opportunities.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

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 for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). See for further information.

Fees and funding

2026/27 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

There are 2 prizes in Year 4, the Institute of Structiral Engineers Proficiency in Structural Subjects & the newly introduced Fitzpatrick Memorial Prize for best final year thesis.

The course is currently getting approval from the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) and upon completion of this process a new prize will be introduced from Surveying proficiency. This should be in place for the academic year 2025 / 26, the negotiations are currently underway. The CICES has approved the course for another 4 years as of 16th December 2024

Additional mandatory costs

Protective Footwear

During your time at Ulster, field trips and laboratory work must be completed and you are required to have a set of safety shoes (Steel toe capped boots or shoes). As part of the Ulster risk management strategy you are required to have this Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the above named activities, failure to have these items will result in exclusion from field trips and laboratory work. Investing in such PPE will benefit you during your studies, placement and when you graduate.

Survey Camp

Survey camp is now held on the old Jordanstown campus. This survey camp is scheduled in semester 2, generally in week 12, the exact details will be confirmed by the Module Coordinator. You will be required to either travel to survey camp for the duration of the surveying exercise . As part of the survey camp it is expected that you wear appropriate footwear and wet weather clothing is required.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.