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International College

Study civil and structural engineering

Civil engineering is one of the oldest types of engineering. Specialist areas include structural, environmental and geotechnical engineering. 

What is civil engineering?

Civil engineering is the planning, construction and maintenance of public infrastructure. It is responsible for creating, protecting and improving the structures and systems we use every day. Civil engineers work with all aspects of the built environment, including roads, canals, buildings and railways. They solve global challenges such as flood prevention, traffic congestion and pollution control. 

Civil Engineering at the University of Sheffield

Sheffield’s award-winning Department of Civil and Structural Engineering is one of the best in the UK. Learning takes place in the £81m Diamond building, which has cutting-edge facilities and equipment.

Discover how civil and structural engineering impacts society

The Department’s expert staff have extensive industry experience and are leading researchers in their fields. They work with top consultants to deliver up-to-date programmes that meet industry needs. Teaching is based on the latest world-leading research and has a focus on sustainable solutions.

During your Civil Engineering degree, you’ll develop employability skills that make you stand out. The summer placement scheme helps you to gain work experience, and the Year in Industry programme leads to paid work with a civil engineering company. In 2016-17, 100% of students are in graduate-level jobs or further education within six months (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2016-17).

Civil Engineering degree options at the University of Sheffield

Civil and Structural Engineering rankings

World Top 50
for Civil and Structural Engineering
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020

Top 4 in the UK
for research excellence
Research Excellence Framework 2014

100% employability
Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016-17

Degree preparation at the International College

Prepare for your undergraduate or postgraduate degree with the University of Sheffield International College. Find out more about your pathway to studying civil engineering with the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering or Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering.

Entry requirements

International Foundation Year 

  • Three-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 with minimum 5.0 in writing (minimum of 4.0 in other skills)
  • Two-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.0 in all skills)

Pre-Masters

  • Three-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)
  • Two-term programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)

Why study civil engineering?

Civil engineering courses provide core skills in areas that include mathematics, design, hydraulics and mechanics. Once you have gained a civil engineering degree, you could specialise in a related area such as structural engineering.

A civil engineering degree can lead to an exciting career and a fulfilling future. Some of the benefits include:

Civil engineers can have a positive and lasting impact on people and the environment. They deal with global issues such as climate change, drought and urbanisation. They prevent flooding, strengthen buildings and control pollution. When you graduate, you could save lives and change the world.

As a civil engineer, you’ll be involved in every stage of a project, from planning and construction to maintenance. Your work could include diverse areas such as risk management, construction and human development. You’ll also be equipped with transferrable skills that you can use in many other professions.

Graduates with civil engineering degrees from leading universities like Sheffield are in demand. By 2020, UK civil engineering jobs are estimated to increase by 20% due to the needs of our growing population, ageing infrastructure and declining resourcing.

Civil engineering career prospects

When you graduate from Sheffield, you’ll have engineering expertise and transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of civil engineering careers and related professions.

Civil engineering careers include:

  • consulting civil engineer
  • contracting civil engineer
  • design engineer
  • nuclear engineer
  • site engineer
  • structural engineer
  • water engineer
  • building control surveyor
  • CAD technician.

Related careers include:

  • environmental consultant
  • building services engineer
  • engineering geologist
  • geotechnical engineer
  • patent attorney
  • quantity surveyor
  • urban designer.

Born in China. Made in Sheffield.

Sheffield student Siyue on her graduation day

The University of Sheffield International College is a really good place to study. I was lucky enough to meet a number of very qualified and super nice teachers who provided huge help and support with my progression to a civil engineering degree.

Siyue

International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering

BSc Civil Engineering