How to become Civil engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.
Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering like:
- transport engineering
- environmental engineering
- coastal and maritime engineering
Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help find work after university.
You can apply to do a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.
Subjects include:
- civil engineering
- maths, physics or geography
- construction and the built environment
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma
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Apprenticeship
You can do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This takes around 5 years to complete.
You might also start by doing an apprenticeship to qualify as a civil engineering technician, then go on to do the Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could work as a civil engineering technician and study part time for a degree or apprenticeship while you work.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about how to become a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).