Introduction
Civil Engineering is all about the environment and infrastructure that makes up the modern world. Civil Engineers design, build and maintain our roads, railways, airports, dams, industrial facilities, power stations, coastal protection and harbour works, hospitals, sports stadiums and much more.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BEng
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
If you are interested in making lasting, positive improvements to society, in sustainable design for the protection of the natural environment on land or at sea, in improving the quality of life for millions of people using novel building techniques and materials, then civil engineering is an excellent choice.
Civil Engineers design, build and maintain (and decommission where appropriate) everything from transport infrastructure to power stations, from oil refineries to renewable energy schemes, hospitals, stadiums and much more. Civil Engineers also design water supply and effluent treatment systems and flood protection and environmental protection schemes and help keep our infrastructure working effectively by adapting to challenges like population growth or climate change.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Fundamentals of Engineering Materials 1 (EG15H1)
-
7.5 Credit Points
Engineering design depends on materials being shaped, finished and joined together. Design requirements define the performance required of the materials. What do engineers need to know about materials to choose and use them successfully? They need a perspective of the world of materials. They need understanding of material properties. They need methods and tools to select the right material for the job. This course will help you develop knowledge and skills required for the successful selection and use of engineering materials.
- Fundamentals of Engineering Materials 2 (EG15H2)
-
7.5 Credit Points
To develop basic understanding of the properties of materials, their origins and importance to engineering design.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
First Half-Session:
- EG20H1: Engineering Design and Computing
- EG20H2: Thermodynamics
- EG20H7: Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineers 1
Second Half-Session:
- EG25H4: Engineering Analysis and Numerical Methods
- EG25H8: Electrical and Mechanical Systems
- EG25H9: Geotechnics 1A
- Engineering Design and Computing (EG20H1)
-
7.5 Credit Points
1. To provide students with basic knowledge and understanding of engineering design processes from market research to product identification and manufacture, including the environmental, sustainability and management issues associated with the design
2. To provide students with hands-on experience of workshop practice and application of IT and computing (MATLAB) to design and product optimisation.
- Thermodynamics (EG20H2)
-
7.5 Credit Points
To introduce the fundamentals of thermodynamics and their application to a range of engineering problems.
- Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineers 1 (EG20H7)
-
7.5 Credit Points
To present basic principles of fluid mechanics and apply them to the analysis of a range of practical fluid mechanics problems from across the engineering disciplines.
- Year 3
-
Compulsory Courses
First Half-Session:
- EG30H2: FE Methods
- EG30H3: Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineers 2
- EG30H5: Plastic Analysis
Second Half-Session:
- EG35H1: Geotechnics 1B
- EG35H4: Structural Dynamics
- EG35H6: Project and Safety Management
- Fe Methods (EG30H2)
-
7.5 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to teach the theory of finite elements and develop its application in engineering structures.
- Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineers 2 (EG30H3)
-
7.5 Credit Points
To present basic principles of fluid mechanics and apply them to the analysis of a range of practical fluid mechanics problems from across the engineering disciplines.
- Structural Dynamics (EG35H4)
-
7.5 Credit Points
To introduce the theory of dynamics and the vibration of single and multi-degree of freedom systems.
- Year 4
-
Compulsory Courses
- BEng Individual Project (EG4014)
-
30 Credit Points
To provide the student with the opportunity of pursuing a substantial and realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills. The project will usually be carried out at the University of Aberdeen but may be carried out at industry or other research location.
- Geotechnics 2 (EA40JE)
-
10 Credit Points
It aims to equip students with the main concepts of foundation design where the concepts of pile foundations, retaining walls and slope stability are explored. The course gives a student adequate tools to understand the design approaches associated with different types of soil. Geotechnical standard code, Eurocode 7 is introduced and discussed. In addition principles of ground water flow and the main problems related to its sustainable management are discussed. This course aims for a student to reach an adequate level in soil mechanics and foundation engineering as the basis for the training of a professional civil or structural engineer.
- Civil Engineering Hydraulics (EA40JF)
-
10 Credit Points
The course develops topics in hydraulics of interest to civil engineers. It demonstrates the link between well-developed theoretical studies and their practical application in river, environmental, offshore and coastal engineering. The course begins with water wave theory with particular application to coastal and offshore engineering. This is followed by consideration of boundary layer development over a flat plate and curved surfaces, leading to boundary layer separation and forces on immersed bodies. These topics are also part of the EM40JJ Fluid Dynamics course. The second part of the course is mainly concerned with the analysis of open channel and river flows and sediment transport. The mechanics of open channel flow are first addressed, mainly focussed on steady, rapidly and gradually varied flow problems applied to artificial and natural channels. This is followed by consideration of fundamental aspects of sediment transport, including threshold criteria and the calculation of bed load and suspended load transport.
- Advanced Structural Design (EA40JG)
-
10 Credit Points
This course is a follow-on course to the Level 3 Course on Design of Structural Elements (EA3519) (and to some extent the Level 3 Civil Engineering Design (EA3720)). It covers four main areas:
a) Design of Industrial Buildings in Structural Steelwork
b) Design of steel-framed multi-storey buildings
c) Design of domestic buildings using masonry and timber
d) Design of pre-stressed concrete
- Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is a concentrated design and reporting exercise which requires application of project management and team liaison skills in addition to technical design ability. Specific exercises will include interdisciplinary aspects and will relate to design requirements arising from the professional activities of the School of Engineering or its industrial contacts. Written and oral presentations form part of the course.
Optional Courses
Plus one course from the following two:
- EA4026: Advanced Structural Analysis or
- EA4027: Environmental Engineering
Plus 30 credits from courses of choice at Levels 3 and 4
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Engineering (Civil Engineering)?
Why Civil Engineering
- Civil engineering at Aberdeen focuses on making lasting, positive improvements to society through the use of novel techniques and materials to design and build sustainable infrastructure.
- Our teaching is supported by our excellent workshop and laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment, including some of Scotland’s very best hydraulic equipment.
- The University of Aberdeen Engineering Society is a student-run group for both professional and social events. They welcome students from all disciplines and have a wide range of activities to suit your interests.
- Our interdisciplinary approach means students gain experience in each engineering discipline, making them highly sought-after by employers. This flexibility also means you choose your specialisation once you have experienced all five disciplines.
- The School of Engineering has strong links with industry, including local, national and international organisations, who support our teaching through guest lectures and seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.
Why Engineering
- The first two years you study general engineering, with elements of Chemical, Civil, Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical and Petroleum. This means you have vital knowledge of all areas, making you far more adaptable later in your career.
- The School of Engineering is strongly interdisciplinary with staff and students working together across Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.
- At the heart of each of our disciplines lies a passion for using creativity to design solutions to the complex technological, economic, environmental, and medical challenges we face today.
- Our programmes are delivered by leading researchers in their fields and students are encouraged to follow their own curiosity in their final-year research projects.
- We place a strong emphasis on employability. We offer a work placement course in the second year and have regular industry engagement events throughout our students' time here.
- Accreditation by the relevant professional engineering institutions provides the first steps to becoming a chartered engineer. UG Engineers intending to follow an engineering career should consider student membership of the relevant institution.
- We have a number of student-run Societies, including our Engineering Society. These are great social groups to get involved with and deliver a number of benefits and opportunities for industry engagement.
- Other exciting student societies include the Aerospace Engineering Society, Energy Transition Society, TAU Racing Society and PrototAU.
- Our teaching and research is supported by world-class facilities and lab such as satellite communications, computer-aided design, electrical machines, materials testing, laser welding, hydraulics, fluids, concrete, large structures and geotechnics.
- Aberdeen is a hot spot for engineering with over 8,000 engineering businesses across the city and surrounding region. The School of Engineering has strong links with industry, who support our teaching through guest lectures and placements.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: ABBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers will be required.* These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.
Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.
Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics)
Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureat
Minimum of 32 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above).
Irish Leaving Certificate
Five subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.
FOR CHEMICAL & PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers will be required.* These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC*. Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.
Minimum: BCC* Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.
- *NOTE: Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry.
Adjusted: CCC (Good performance required in Mathematics)
Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureat
Minimum of 32 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above).
Irish Leaving Certificate
Five subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.
FOR CHEMICAL & PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Engineering degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fees and Funding
Please refer to our Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX