Course summary
A Brighton Civil with Structural Engineering degree prepares you to design, plan and build the vital infrastructure that keeps communities connected and safe — from bridges and towers to transport networks and water systems. At Brighton you’ll become part of a welcoming, supportive community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course combines core civil engineering principles with specialist structural engineering expertise, giving you the confidence, knowledge and tools to succeed in designing safe, sustainable and innovative structures. Brighton graduates go on to work in civil and structural engineering consultancies, construction firms, infrastructure agencies and government bodies or progress to postgraduate study and chartered engineering pathways. Top reasons to choose this course
- Fully meets the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Specialist structural focus – learn advanced design techniques for steel, concrete and composite structures.
- Industrial Advisory Board support – benefit from expert advice, networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings with professionals to help you plan your career and secure placements.
- Excellent career prospects – Brighton’s civil engineering courses are rank 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction and 12th for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026).
- Learn Building Information Modelling (BIM) – gain a professional advantage with digital design skills.
- Industry-focused learning – interdisciplinary projects, site visits and guest lectures from professionals.
- Hands-on learning from the start – work on real-world engineering problems and develop practical skills in specialist labs including concrete, hydraulics and soils.
- Industry-focused projects – take part in initiatives like the Engineering for People Design Challenge and industry-led modules delivered by partners such as Mott MacDonald.
- Expert teaching and industry links – learn from academics with consultancy experience and benefit from advice and networking through our Industrial Advisory Board.
- Placement opportunities – choose an optional paid placement year to gain valuable experience with leading employers such as Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke and South East Water.
Modules
Year 1 In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in civil engineering principles and their role in business, society and sustainability. You’ll learn essential skills in surveying, structural analysis, material science, soil mechanics and engineering geology, supported by practical labs and fieldwork. Mathematics and statistics for engineering problem-solving are introduced, alongside an understanding of professional practice, health and safety and environmental considerations. You’ll also take part in a group project linked to the Engineering for People Design Challenge, applying your learning to real-world scenarios and developing teamwork and communication skills. Core modules Land and Construction Surveying Structural and Stress Analysis Construction Materials Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics Mathematics for Civil Engineering Civil Engineering Practice Year 2 In your second year, you’ll focus on specialist structural engineering topics and start using digital technologies widely adopted in the industry. You’ll develop computer programming and 2D/3D modelling skills to support advanced design work, while deepening your understanding of hydraulics, soil mechanics and reinforced concrete structures. Practical learning is central; you’ll work on a group project to design, build and test a small-scale structure, applying theory to real-world challenges and strengthening your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Core modules Building Information Modelling Structural Analysis Concrete Technology and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures Geotechnical Engineering 1 Road infrastructure Engineering Computational Mechanics Optional placement year You can choose a salaried professional placement after your second year to gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering industry. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects, develop technical and professional skills and build valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge when starting your career. Final year Your final year consolidates your expertise in structural engineering and prepares you for professional practice. You’ll explore advanced techniques such as pre-stressed concrete design, which is essential for modern bridges and high-rise buildings, and deepen your understanding of structural dynamics and steel design. You’ll also take part in a multidisciplinary group project, working from a complex client brief to design a complete structure that meets industry standards. Alongside this, you’ll complete an individual research project, applying your technical knowledge to a specialist area of interest. Core modules Pre-stressed Concrete Dynamics of Structures Design of Steel Structures Design of Structures Individual Project
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- H220
- Institution code:
- B72
- Campus name:
- Brighton
- Campus code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 - 104 points
A level - BBB - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 points
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5. in each element, or equivalent English Language qualification. |
Review our English Language requirements
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17250 | Year 1 |
| International | £17250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Brighton
Mithras House
Lewes Road
Brighton
BN2 4AT
