How to become a 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:
- structural engineering
- environmental engineering
- coastal engineering
Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help find work after you finish your studies.
You can apply for a postgraduate master's award in civil engineering if you've got a related degree 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 can take a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) at college, which may help you to find work as a trainee engineer. You'll do further training on the job to qualify.
Subjects include:
- Level 4 HNC in Engineering
- Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma
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Apprenticeship
You could complete a civil engineer 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 start as a civil engineering technician and study part-time for a degree while you work.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers for professional development opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers.