Civil engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Engineering consultant

Civil engineers design and manage construction projects such as buildings, bridges, transport links and sports stadiums.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

Meet Kawsar

Kawsar is a civil engineering apprentice at Transport for London.

He works with a mentor on construction sites as part of his apprenticeship.

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study part time for a degree or apprenticeship while you work.

More Information

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).

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of building and construction
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a civil engineer, you could:

• work closely with clients to understand what they need
• map and analyse data using mathematical modelling methods
• create design plans and models with computer software
• assess the risks and environmental impact of projects
• monitor progress at each construction stage
• lead a team of engineers, co-ordinate work and manage a budget

Working environment

You could work on a construction site or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

It's important to continue your professional development while working as a civil engineer. 

For example, you could look to get incorporated or chartered engineer status. This would allow you to get positions with more responsibility, such as senior management roles on large scale projects.

With experience, you could also:

• specialise in a particular engineering field
• work in research
• become an engineering consultant
• work with international development organisations or disaster relief agencies

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Civil Engineering Degree Level Apprenticeship

• Wage: £20,700 a year Annually
• Location: Trafalgar Place, Brighton

Civil Engineering Degree Level Apprenticeship

• Wage: £20,700 a year Annually
• Location: 8-10 Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Civil Engineering

• Provider: NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
• Start date: 15 September 2025
• Location: Durham

HNC Civil Engineering

• Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
• Start date: 01 September 2025
• Location: Maidstone

Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Not what you're looking for?

Related careers

• Civil engineering technician
• Hydrologist
• Land surveyor
• Construction manager
• Structural engineer

Skills assessment

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