Casimir de Bonneval
Civil Engineering, MEng
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.
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.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MEng
- Duration
- 60 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- H205
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.
At Aberdeen, you will be taught by leading Civil Engineering experts whose research covers areas such as environmental and industrial fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, structural mechanics and transport studies. 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 first two years of our engineering degrees cover general engineering, with elements of chemical, mechanical, petroleum and electrical/electronics, as well as civil. In the later years, you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin your third year.
Our 4-year Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programmes are accredited as fully meeting the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng). After the first two years, students on the four-year Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) have the opportunity to pursue the 5-year Masters of Engineering in their chosen discipline.
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.
What You'll Study
The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.
It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Principles of Electronics (EG1008)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of the course is to introduce basic concepts of electrical & electronics within a context of general engineering. The topics covered are kept at an elementary level with the aim of providing the foundational material for subsequent courses at levels 1 and 2. The course adopts the philosophy of application oriented teaching. During each topic the students will be provided with examples of day-to-day devices. Topics covered include dc circuit analysis, electronic amplifiers, digital circuits, optoelectronics, and ac theory.
- CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)
-
15 Credit Points
The course is designed to introduce the students to different methods of communication in the process of interchanging ideas and information. Oral presentation and writing of technical reports are introduced. The importing data from web-based and library-based sources will be integrated through information retrieval and investigative skills training. Professional ethics are covered on plagiarism, copyright and intellectual property. Engineering drawing skills and knowledge of relevant British and International Standards will be developed through intensive training in the use of computer aided design and modelling package, SolidWorks. Standard drawing formats including 3D depiction of stand alone parts and assemblies are covered.
- Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)
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15 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.
- Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)
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15 Credit Points
The course presents fundamental mathematical ideas useful in the study of Engineering. A major focus of the course is on differential and integral calculus. Applications to Engineering problems involving rates of change and averaging processes are emphasized. Complex numbers are introduced and developed. The course provides the necessary mathematical background for other engineering courses in level 2.
- Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)
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15 Credit Points
Engineering Mechanics is concerned with the state of rest or motion of objects subject to the action of forces. The topic is divided into two parts: STATICS which considers the equilibrium of objects which are either at rest or move at a constant velocity, and DYNAMICS which deals with the motion and associated forces of accelerating bodies. The former is particularly applied to beams and truss structures. The latter includes a range of applications, such as car suspension systems, motion of a racing car, missiles, vibration isolation systems, and so on.
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 1 or 2.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (EG2004)
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15 Credit Points
The fluid mechanics section of the course begins with the material properties of fluids. This is followed by studying fluid statics and principles of fluid motion. Bernoulli’s equation is used to explain the relationship between pressure and velocity. The final fluids section introduces the students to incompressible flow in pipelines.
The thermodynamics section presents: the gas laws, including Van Der Waals’ equation; the first law of thermodynamics with work done, heat supply, and the definitions of internal energy and enthalpy. The second law is introduced including entropy through the Carnot cycle.
- Process Engineering (EG2011)
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15 Credit Points
A general engineering course that provides insight into the two main conservation principles, mass and energy. Processes are usually described through block diagrams. This language, common to many disciplines in engineering, helps the engineer to look at their processes with an analytical view. Degree of freedom analysis is addressed, emphasising its importance to solve a set of linear equations that model fundamental balances of mass. Practical examples of Energy balances are displayed, bringing Thermodynamics to a practical level. Heat Transfer is introduced. Process control is introduced, explaining basic control techniques and concepts, i.e sensors, feedback, control loops and PID controllers.
- Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)
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15 Credit Points
This course follows Engineering Mathematics 1 in introducing all the mathematical objects and techniques needed by engineers. It has three parts:
- Matrices: definitions, operations, inverse and determinant; application to systems of linear equations.
- Ordinary differential equations: 1st order (linear and separable), 2nd order with constant coefficients, forced oscillations and resonance.
- Functions of two variables: partial derivatives and extrema, the chain rule, the heat equation and the wave equation.
- Solids and Structures (EA2502)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides students with the opportunity to refresh and extend their knowledge to analyse the mechanical behaviour of engineering materials and structures. In particular, mechanical properties of materials, and 2D and 3D stresses and strains are examined, the effects of internal imperfections on the performance of materials under loading, brittle fracture, fatigue and non-destructive testing are discussed. The structural analysis of beams and columns, deflection and buckling, as well as design applications are also considered in the course.
- Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)
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15 Credit Points
A general engineering course that provides an insight into the principles of engineering design process, computer programming in MATLAB and its application in parametric study and basic design optimisation, environmental ethics and sustainability in the context of design, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Solidworks. The course also includes hands-on exercises on the manufacture of simple parts using a variety of machine tools and joining processes.
- Electrical and Mechanical Systems (EG2503)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides students with an integrated development of methods for modelling, analysing and designing systems comprising electrical and mechanical components. In doing so it intends to emphasise to the students the similarity in behaviour between electrical and mechanical systems. The course aims to give an introduction to both electrical machines, circuit and systems, transformers, and similar mechanical systems like gearbox, vibrating system and principles of dynamics, and thus provide the foundation material for several courses at level 3 .
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 1 or 2.
- Year 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- Geotechnics 1 (EA3027)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is aimed principally at students interested in civil engineering and its focus is to familiarise students with the fundamental concepts involved in soil mechanics and engineering geology. The first course in the civil engineering programme includes the importance of soil mechanics in structural design. The main emphasis is on understanding the main principles of soil mechanics through the introduction of laboratory tests commonly used to obtain the engineering properties of different types of soil such as sand and clay. Discussion of the consequences of some soil failures (such as in the case of the Tower of Pisa) is also introduced.
- Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)
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15 Credit Points
Modern engineering analysis relies on a wide range of analytical mathematical methods and computational techniques in order to solve a wide range of problems. The aim of this course is to equip students with the necessary skills to quantitatively investigate engineering problems. Examples applying the methods taught to practical situations from across the full range of engineering disciplines will feature heavily in the course.
- Stress Analysis A (EM3015)
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15 Credit Points
One of the roles of an engineer is to ensure that engineering components perform in service as intended and do not fracture or break into pieces. However, we know that sometimes engineering components do fail in service. Course examines how we determine the magnitude of stresses and level of deformation in engineering components and how these are used to appropriately select the material and dimensions for such component in order to avoid failure. Focus is on using stress analysis to design against failure, and therefore enable students to acquire some of the fundamental knowledge and skills required for engineering design.
- Fluid Mechanics (EM3019)
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15 Credit Points
The course begins with dimensional analysis and the concept of dynamic similarity applied to fluid flow phenomena. This is followed by sections on the energy and momentum equations applied to a range of problems in civil, mechanical, chemical and petroleum engineering, including steady flow in pipes, design of pump-pipeline systems, cavitation, forces on bends, nozzles and solid bodies, turbomachinery and propeller theory. A section on unsteady flow applies inertia and water hammer theory to the calculation of pressure surge in pipes. The final section deals with flow through porous media such as flow through soils and rocks.
- Mechanics of Structures (EA3518)
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15 Credit Points
The major topic of this course is an introduction to modern methods of elastic structural analysis. In this topic, direct, energy and matrix methods are jointly used to solve, initially, problems of the deformation of simple beams. The theorem of virtual work is introduced in the context of beams and frameworks.
The rigid-plastic analysis of beams is then introduced along with the upper bound theorem and their importance to engineering design.
- Design of Structural Elements (EA3519)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introduction to Structural Design using steel, concrete and composite steel/concrete.
The emphasis is on the design of individual components – the ‘Structural Elements’ – these being members in tension, compression, bending – in either steel or reinforced concrete – and in the bolted and welded connections between steel members.
There is an extensive laboratory exercise testing reinforced and un-reinforced concrete to destruction.
It should be noted that students are also required to do the separate course EA3720, half of which consists of a 9 week Steel Design exercise.
- Structural Dynamics (EA3538)
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10 Credit Points
This course introduces the theory of dynamics and the vibration of single and multi-degree of freedom systems.
- Civil Engineering Design and Surveying (EA3720)
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10 Credit Points
This course consists of two quite separate halves. The first is a 9 week Civil Engineering Design activity, which runs concurrently with the associated course EG3519 (Design of Structural Elements). Generally there will be two half days of timetabled sessions in each of those 9 weeks. The second half of the course is a one-week residential Field Surveying and Hydrology field trip, which usually takes place in the first week of the Easter break. There will be a charge to students to cover the specific transport, food and accommodation costs associated with that field trip.
- Project and Safety Management (EG3599)
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10 Credit Points
To course aims to provide students with an awareness of purpose, principals, fundamental concepts and strategies of safety and project management.
- Year 4
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Compulsory Courses
There are four core courses of study in 4th year. Students then pick from two options when it comes to choosing choices.
- Geotechnics 2 (EA40JE)
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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)
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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)
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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
Optional Courses
Select one of the following options:
- MEng Individual Project (EG4013) AND 30 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 3 and 4.
- Individual Project Abroad (MEng) (EG4513) AND 15 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 3 and 4.
For BOTH options:
Select one of the following:
- Advanced Structural Analysis (EA4026)
- Environmental Engineering (EA4027)
- Dynamics (EM40JP)
- MEng Individual Project (EG4013)
-
45 Credit Points
To provide the student with the opportunity of pursuing a substantial and realistic research project 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.
- Individual Project Abroad (MEng) (EG4513)
-
60 Credit Points
The course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to carry out a project in an approved European institution by 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.
- Advanced Structural Analysis (EA4026)
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15 Credit Points
Course extends the basic stiffness method of analysis developed in the pre-requisite courses. Fundamental principles of the stiffness method of analysis, with automatic assembly of the stiffness matrix for rigid jointed plane frames and space structures, are presented in some detail. Elastic instability of frames, and the design of continuous steel beams and portal frames using plastic methods will be undertaken. Analysis of flat plates and slabs using yield line theory, and an introduction to shells also covered. The course concludes with a brief outline of the finite element method of analysis, with computer-based applications forming an important practical component.
- Environmental Engineering (EA4027)
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15 Credit Points
This course will deal with various aspects related to:
- Surface Waters: sources of water pollution and their impact on aqueous environment and public health, water quality and water supply, wastewater treatments;
- Soil and Groundwater: groundwater flow, groundwaters contamination, contaminants' subsurface transport mechanisms, sustainable land-groundwater management;
- Solid Wastes: sources of solid wastes, characterisation and treatment of solid waste, integrated solid waste management;
- Air Pollution and Control: air pollutants and sources, air pollution meteorology, pollutant dispersion in the air, air pollution control.
- Dynamics 2 (EM40JP)
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15 Credit Points
This course covers several advanced topics in the dynamics of structural and mechanical systems. The aims of the course are to develop analytical approaches to rigid body and flexible continuous systems with a view to the prediction and understanding of the behaviour of engineering components in a dynamic environment, to familiarise the students with the concept of nonlinearity and analyse and interpret the nonlinear dynamic behaviour of engineering systems and structures.
- Year 5
-
Compulsory Courses
- Numerical Simulation of Waves (EG501S)
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15 Credit Points
Wave equations describe transient phenomena commonly encountered in all areas of engineering. This course covers: (i) elastic waves, such as response of offshore structures to wind or wave loading, earthquakes; (ii) acoustic waves such as water hammer in pipelines, micro-pressure waves in railway tunnels; (iii) electromagnetic waves, such as signals in transmission lines, transient states in DC cables. These phenomena in real world engineering applications are simulated using several numerical methods. Students develop their own simulation codes using Matlab or any other programming language, and run a series of simulations for the problem of their choice.
- The Engineer in Society (EG501W)
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15 Credit Points
Students will examine the societal grand challenges of water, food, medicine and energy (electricity and heat) to thread together the themes of environment, sustainability and ethics.
The course also aims to provide graduates with a versatile framework for evaluating and developing business models which should prove invaluable for both potential entrepreneurs and future senior executives.
- Structural Vibrations (EG50T9)
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15 Credit Points
The need for understanding dynamics in modern structural engineering arises from the fact that structures are often subjected to dynamic loads such as waves, wind, earthquake, blast and impacts. The structural engineer must therefore be able to understand and quantify dynamic loads and their effects. This course reviews the fundamentals of structural dynamics and explains more advanced concepts and methods (including analytical and numerical), as well as their applications to practical design and analysis problems. The theoretical concepts are illustrated by worked examples and numerous tutorial problems and assignments will enable students to gain confidence in their use.
- MEng Group Design (EG5565)
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30 Credit Points
Real-life contemporary engineering projects and challenges invariably require inputs from, and collaboration amongst, multiple disciplines. Furthermore, legal and economic aspects, as well as safety, team work and project management must also be successfully navigated through. This course enables students to immerse themselves in a realistic, multidisciplinary, multifaceted and complex team design project that will draw on their previous specialist learning and also enable gaining and practicing new skills of direct relevance to their professional career.
Optional Courses
Select one of the following for the First half-session:
- Offshore Structural Design (EA50JG)
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V)
Plus select two of the following for the Second half-session:
- Marine and Wind Energy (EG552U)
- Mathematical Optimisation (EG551T)
- Pipelines and Soil Mechanics (EG55F2)
- Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics (EG55F9)
- Engineering Risk and Reliability (EG55P6)
- Land Remediation (SS5508)
- Offshore Structural Design (EA50JG)
-
15 Credit Points
This course follows on from the Level 3 Design of Structural Elements course and the Level 4 Advanced Structural Design course, extending the earlier concepts into areas relevant to Offshore Structural Design. The course aim is to introduce the student to some specialised fields of conceptual structural engineering design in an offshore context, and to develop confidence in these areas. The course divides into current main topics of offshore structures and involves hand calculations with the aid of spreadsheets and advanced computational modelling for accurate loading, analysis and design.
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V)
-
15 Credit Points
The course aims to provide understanding of main principles and techniques underpinning computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combining numerical methods with practical experience using appropriate software. The course develops a foundation for understanding, developing and analysing successful simulations of fluid flows applicable to a broad range of applications.
- Marine and Wind Energy (EG552U)
-
15 Credit Points
To provide an understanding of the physical principles, technologies and systems associated with renewable energy generation from wind and marine sources. To provide an understanding of the position of these sources of energy in the current and future global energy requirements and the technical challenges in meeting the future energy demand
- Mathematical Optimisation (EG551T)
-
15 Credit Points
Ever wondered how Excel is able to draw an optimal line through a set of points? This course looks at how typical engineering problems that cannot be described mathematically (or are difficult to do so) can be solved so that the optimal solution is found. The course contains a range of examples to show how the techniques are applied to real world problems in different engineering disciplines. The course will show how to develop computational algorithms from scratch, with a fundamental understanding of how the algorithms function, both mathematically and then in real time on a computer.
- Pipelines and Soil Mechanics (EG55F2)
-
15 Credit Points
Offshore production of oil and gas requires transportation of the oil and gas from where it is produced to shipping vessels, storage tanks or refinery. The transportation is done using pipelines which are installed on the seabed. This course examines the engineering and scientific concepts that underpin the selection of the material and size of such pipelines as well as safe installation and operation. The environmental impact and the role played by the seabed profile are also discussed. Contribution from industry-based practicing engineers is used to inform students of current practices and technologies in subsea pipelines.
- Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics (EG55F9)
-
15 Credit Points
The course provides students with detailed knowledge of risers systems design considerations. Typical riser systems including flexible, steel catenary, hybrid and top tensioned riser systems are covered. The ocean environmental hydrodynamics and interactions between vessel, mooring and riser systems are also considered.
- Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis (EG55P6)
-
15 Credit Points
The world is full of uncertainties and there is a level of risk in every human activity, including engineering. Many industries require an engineer to manage significant risks and design for high reliability, such as oil and gas, subsea, nuclear, aviation and large civil projects (e.g. bridges and dams). To meet these engineering challenges and make rational decisions in the presence of uncertainty, this course will introduce students to methods and tools used by engineers to analysis risk and reliability.
- Land Remediation (SS5508)
-
15 Credit Points
This highly interactive course explores the principles and practice of contaminated land assessment and remediation. It provides broad knowledge of underlying science, as well as practical skills related to the assessment of contamination sources, pathways and risks to human health. While the lectures introduce theoretical background and gradually build the expertise, the practical have been based on various assessment tools and develop practical knowledge and quantitative skills. The learning activities replicate tasks that one would encounter in environmental consultancy and provide valuable transferrable skills.
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
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
- Workshops
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 learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Civil Engineering?
- 1st in Scotland for General Engineering (Complete University Guide 2022)
- Teaching is supported by an excellent workshop and laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Civil Engineering at Aberdeen has one of the best hydraulic laboratory facilities in Scotland associated with a high-level research profile.
- 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.
- According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, Aberdeen is one of 13 engineering hot spots in the UK 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 seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.
- There are many student societies directly related to engineering, where you can meet fellow engineering students and develop your interests and new skills, including Chemical Engineering Society, Civil Engineering Society, Electrical & Electronic Engineering Society, Mechanical Engineering Society as well as other than comprise of students from various disciplines, such as the Aerospace Engineering Society, Energy Transition Society, TAU Racing Society and PrototAU.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipWhat Our Students Say
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: AABB (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.A Levels
Standard: ABB (AB 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 a conditional offer of admission.International Baccalaureate:
Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.
* FOR CHEMICAL OR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: Please note: For entry to Chemical or 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: AABB (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.A Levels
Standard: ABB (AB 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 a conditional offer of admission.International Baccalaureate:
Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.
* FOR CHEMICAL OR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: Please note: For entry to Chemical or 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.
Fee Information
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
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.
Funding Opportunities
- We offer around 40 Entrance Scholarships of £1,000- £3,000 per annum, unless otherwise stated, to students with good academic potential while they study for an undergraduate degree at the University.
- 2 Talisman-Sinopec (£2000), and 2 CNR International (£1000) Engineering Scholarships available for students starting an undergraduate Engineering degree in September.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
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.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Civil engineering graduates are sought after in a wide variety of industries and business sectors. Civil engineering graduates work in civil and structural companies, working on site, in design offices, project management, buildings and environmental engineering. Civil engineers function very well in both onshore civil engineering sectors as well as the offshore renewable and oil and gas energy sectors.
Recent graduate job roles have included:
- Graduate Civil and Structural Engineer
- Graduate Design Coordinator
- Structural Engineer
- Bridge Engineer
- Site Engineer
- Graduate Transport Engineer
Recent graduates work at companies such as:
- Arch Henderson
- Atkins
- Fairhurst
- Jacobs
- Mott MacDonald
- Network Rail
- Skanska
- Petrofac
- Kier Group
- VolkerStevin
- Petrofac
Career Opportunities
- Assistant Structural Engineer
- Graduate Civil Engineer
- Graduate Riser Engineer
- Graduate Structural Engineer
- Offshore Structural Engineer
- Trainee Field Engineer
Accreditation
Our Civil Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institute of Highways Engineers and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status.
This degree holds accreditation from
What our Alumni Say
Nathan Aracena
Our Experts
Our courses in civil engineering are taught by experts in their field. Your teachers will include, among others:
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Ana Ivanovic
- Programme Manager
- Dr Paul Davidson
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.
Features
Institution of Civil Engineers
Joining ICE as a student member helps you to build your future in civil engineering. It's FREE and you get lots of great benefits like career advice, resources to help you learn about the industry, and the chance to meet other civil engineers.
Find out more
Student Societies
The University is home to a broad range of student societies including professional teams, extra-curricular and subject-focused organisations and purely recreational groups based on a shared interest.
Find out more
Kindrogan 3rd year field-trip
A one-week residential Field Surveying and Hydrology field trip, which usually takes place in the first week of the Easter break.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX