Undergraduate Course 

Civil engineers are responsible for virtually all the great structures around us. The work they do makes our lives easier – from roads and airports to access to clean water and electricity. Our BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering is an excellent route into this diverse and well-rewarded profession.  

Part time: 5 years minimum. Direct entry into later stages of the course is available if you have relevant qualifications.

Day release: 2 years part-time day release. (Part-time mode only available for final year of the degree).

Top10for academic supportBSc (Hons) Civil Engineering and BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering - National Student Survey 2024
Top15for teachingBSc (Hons) Civil Engineering and BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering - National Student Survey 2024
96%of students were satisfied with the teaching on the courseBEng (Hons) Civil Engineering and BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering - National Student Survey 2024
95%of students were satisfied with academic support BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering and BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering - National Student Survey 2024
Top15for satisfaction with feedbackCivil Engineering - The Guardian University Guide 2025
Top15for teaching quality - Civil Engineering subject areaThe Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025
Top10for learning opportunitiesBSc (Hons) Civil Engineering and BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering - National Student Survey 2024
Top 10for satisfaction with teachingCivil Engineering - The Guardian University Guide 2025
A group of students preparing to analyse the water flow in Darley Abbey
Civil Engineering students on a trip to Darley Park to study the river topography and analyse river flow paths.

Built Environments - your questions answered

In the below video, Programme Leader for Civil Engineering, Derek Spalton, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Built Environments at the University of Derby. 

Derek Spalton, Programme Leader in Civil Engineering.

View Built Environments - your questions answered! video transcript

This course will develop your understanding of the process of civil engineering technical design and management.

Sought-after skills

The BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering features a compelling mix of lectures, real-life projects and site visits so you can develop all the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for. We will introduce you to key skills relating to structures, fluids, geology, soil mechanics, surveying and materials.

An example of the type of local project you will get to work on is the Down to Earth Derby's 'New Commons'. For the last several years we have been working with Down to Earth Derby, on nature-based regeneration and connecting communities with nature and growing food. A major project we are working on at the moment, with the Eden Project, is a community garden on part of Sturgess Fields, a site owned by the University between Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street sites. The plan is to create a New Commons that will be managed with the community. There are opportunities for you to work on this project, designing sustainable buildings and structures.

 

If you already have a relevant HND or equivalent qualifications, direct entry to later stages of the course may be available.

A bridge over a stream with autumn coloured leaves

Lucy's interest transforms to a positive future

Lucy Whitlock has been aiming high since her A-levels. With her interest in renewable energy and passion to become a Survey or Structural Engineer, she knew BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering at Derby was the perfect next step.

Read more of Lucy's storyRead more of Lucy's story

Strong professional credentials

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

Civil Engineering students on a visit to the Monsall Trail
Civil Engineering student on a visit to the Monsall Trail
Civil Engineering students on a visit to the Monsall Trail

Civil Engineering students on a recent trip to scan a tunnel on the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire. Photographs provided by Luke Brammer.

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

Build, Create, Innovate

Whether it's computing, photography, or engineering, our top-tier facilities — including a new suite of recording studios and a £12 million STEM Centre — provide the perfect setting to excel.

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What you will study

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, on and off campus laboratory and site work, plus visits to companies.

How you are assessed

You will be assessed through workshop laboratories, surveying field work, group work and individual assignments. Some traditional exams may be involved for design tests.

Civil Engineering students on a field trip at Mam Tor
Smiling female student on a field trip
Person offering support to a student Person offering support to a student with a laptop Student smiling with tutor Tutor smiling with student and laptop

Helping you reach your full potential

Our Personal Academic Tutoring programme supports your academic journey, helping you achieve your goals and unlock your potential.

Explore the programme

Who will teach you

Derek Spalton

Programme Leader

Awaiting staff photo

Derek Spalton

Derek was in the Civil Engineering Industry for over 20 years undertaking Design and Supervision of Highway and Drainage Projects in the UK. He has been at the University for 15 years and is the Academic Lead for the Civil Engineering ...

View full staff profile

Entry requirements

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112
A LevelBBC
T LevelMerit
BTECDMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

2025/26

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,535 per year

N/A

International

£16,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

Careers

As a BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering graduate, you will have not only the knowledge and skills to embark on your career but also the academic base for Incorporated Engineer status. 

An Incorporated Civil Engineer is a person with an accredited bachelor degree and professional experience who can maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology, and undertake engineering design, development, manufacture, construction and operation. The qualification is essential to become a practising engineer and to lead a team in a professional organisation.

You can also choose to continue your professional development and further study in the discipline of civil engineering by taking our MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management.

Civil Engineering student working in the fluids lab

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story.

We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

Career Support Image

96%
of UK graduates are in employment or further study.

Top 5
for employability.
Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.

87%
of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

 

 

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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Full-time

Part-time

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