Skip to content

15-18s - Studying at school or college

Your study options if you want to become a civil engineer

With your GCSEs (or equivalent) under your belt you can carry on studying in sixth form/college, start an apprenticeship, or a vocational course.

Stay on at school or college and do:

  • A-levels. The usual route to secure a place at university and progress to Chartered Engineer after graduation. Subjects should include maths. Physics is also a good idea and is required by some universities
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment – Civil Engineering. This may lead to professional qualification as an Engineering Technician or Incorporated Engineer
  • An apprenticeship where you work and study part-time which again can lead to gaining Engineering Technician or Incorporated Engineer status

Stay on at school or college and do:

  • Highers and maybe Advanced Highers. The usual route to secure a place at university and progress to Chartered Engineer after graduation. Subjects should include maths. Physics is also a good idea and is required by some universities
  • Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering (Scotland). This may lead to professional qualification as an Engineering Technician or Incorporated Engineer
  • A Modern Apprenticeship where you work while studying part-time for an SVQ. Again this can lead to qualification as an Engineering Technician or Incorporated Engineer

Stay on at school or college and do:

  • Academic (e.g. baccalaureate diplomas) and vocational or technical education choices are available in most countries. Talk to a teacher or careers advisor to decide which option is best for you and what subjects you need to study
  • Usually maths and physics are required to gain access to higher education civil engineering courses
  • It’s a good idea to research which colleges and universities in your country teach civil engineering and check their entry requirements. If you’re thinking about studying civil engineering at university in the UK you might find the UCAS website useful

ICE QUEST scholarships and awards

ICE's QUEST scheme offers scholarships and awards for students, graduates and professionally qualified members at any level.

Read more

Qualifications and subjects for civil engineers

Maths

Engineers use Maths to understand the theory of engineering and to analyse materials and structures.

Physics

Studying physics helps you understand concepts such as energy, forces and motion, which are key to solving problems engineers face on a daily basis.

Geography and geology

Understanding the physical world – like the behaviour of rivers, tides and currents in the sea, and the strengths of different rocks and soils – is important in civil engineering.

Information and communications technology

Computer programmes and digital applications are integral to the civil engineering process. These skills are much in demand.

Languages

Civil engineering is an international profession and languages help you to work and live abroad.

Art and Design

Engineers are creative problem solvers and help design the built environment.

Apprenticeships in the UK

As an apprentice you 'earn while you learn'. Apprenticeships combine part-time study (usually at a local college or university) with a job. You can build up technical skills and industry knowledge and your employer pays for your courses.

With government encouragement big engineering employers have significantly boosted the number of apprenticeships available. They run from 2 years for Level 3 apprenticeships (equivalent to the A-levels) or 5 years for degree level apprenticeships.

At the end of your apprenticeship you should be in a full-time, permanent job, have an industry recognised qualification and no student fee debt.

You can approach engineering companies direct for apprenticeship opportunities. Or, go to the 'Find out more about apprenticeships' section below.

England and Wales

Level 3 apprenticeships develop your academic knowledge and give you on-the-job experience. Study for BTEC Level 3 (classroom-based learning) and be able to get an NVQ or ICE's own Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians (based on what you learn at work).

Beyond level 3 you could progress to a higher or degree apprenticeship which normally includes an HND, HNC, foundation degree or bachelor's degree.

Apprenticeships to look at include:

  • The Railway Engineering Design Technician Apprenticeship
  • The Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
  • The Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship
  • The Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
  • The Civil Engineer Site Manager Degree Apprenticeship

For these apprenticeships, ICE will carry out the End-Point Assessment in combination with the appropriate professional review. This enables apprentices to gain professionally qualified membership of ICE and registration with the Engineering Council as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) at the end of their course.

Scotland

Choose between a Foundation, Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship depending on whether you wish to study in school or in work. Modern Apprenticeships can be used to progress onto degree level Graduate Apprenticeships.

Northern Ireland

ICE is co-ordinating a consortium of civil engineering employers under the Work+ Civil Engineering Apprenticeships scheme, which offers apprenticeships that can lead to EngTech, IEng or CEng.

Visit Work+

Find out more about apprenticeships

Vocational qualifications in the UK

Vocational courses have been developed by industry bodies and employers to provide the skills most needed by the civil engineering industry. Level 3 is equivalent to A-levels. Assessment is usually modular and project-based with less emphasis on formal exams.

They are available at further education colleges, universities or private training providers.

If you later apply to university some may view them less favourably than a selection of A-levels.

Vocational qualification examples include BTECs, NVQs, SVQs (in Scotland), and City & Guilds. The 3 most relevant qualifications in civil engineering are:

  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment – Civil Engineering
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment – Civil Engineering
  • Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering (Scotland)

These are equivalent to A-levels and meet university entrance requirements for a BEng or MEng or a foundation degree, HNC or HND.

Civil engineering careers Q&A with Jack and Sam

Why civil engineering? Find out from civil engineering student Sam Whelan in this interview by vlogger and YouTube star Jack Edwards.

These uni friends got together during the Covid-19 lockdown to talk careers, motivations and rollercoasters.

This content is sponsored by the Institution of Civil Engineers. Views expressed are the opinions of Jack and Sam.

I love civil engineering

It’s because of civil engineers we can do the basic things like have a shower in the morning and get to school or work. ICE member Joanna Anderson tells us more.

I love my job - Katy Toms

ICE member Katy Toms tells us what she loves about her job.