6 tips for getting into civil engineering

The work of civil engineers has a tangible impact on our lives as they design, build and shape the world around us. The demand for qualified engineers is high, so if this sounds like the career for you, discover how to break into the field

Attend a civil engineering open event

An open day is a great place to discover if a civil engineering career is for you. They are fun and usually free, and they provide insight into what the career involves.

Events such as these also enable you to:

• meet like-minded people
• connect with employers
• discuss your training and career options.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) runs events, and universities offer taster days to give potential students an idea of what studying for a civil engineering degree might be like.

You'll typically get to:

• speak to students studying the course you're interested in
• discover more about the modules and what they involve
• take a tour of the campus
• have a go at some hands-on activities.

Check with professional bodies and individual institutions to see what events they offer.

If you're not sure you wish to commit to this discipline, read general advice on how to become an engineer.

Explore civil engineering apprenticeships

If you want to become a civil engineer, your next step should be to find out how you'll get there.

You have a few options, but one thing is sure - you'll need relevant qualifications, and this usually means a degree. However, if university isn't for you, why not consider an apprenticeship?

As an apprentice, you'll earn while you learn. It takes longer to become qualified, but you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience and develop your skill set.

Civil engineering apprenticeships are available at various levels - you could start at the bottom (with a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship) and work your way up, or you could opt for a (Level 6 or 7) degree apprenticeship.

As a degree apprentice, you'll obtain either a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Master of Engineering (MEng) over an average of four to six years.

The following employers all offer civil engineering degree apprenticeships:

• Amey
• Balfour Beatty
• EDF Energy
• local councils
• McGee
• Mott Macdonald
• J Murphy & Sons
• Network Rail
• Kier

Get the lowdown on general engineering apprenticeships.

You can also weigh up the pros and cons of each option by considering should I go to university or do an apprenticeship?

Find the right degree

Studying for a civil or structural engineering degree is the academic and most popular route into the profession. Most institutions offer undergraduate degrees in civil and/or structural engineering.

According to ICE Recruit, the organisation's jobs board, the average salary for graduates or newly qualified civil engineers is £25,000 to £30,000. As you gain practical experience in the field, this can rise rapidly.

Explore what you can do with a civil engineering degree.

Use all the resources available when deciding which programme to study.

Look at university rankings to understand the broader context of the civil engineering department at your chosen institution, including:

• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Civil and Structural Engineering
• Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 ratings
• The Complete University Guide's University League Tables 2025 - Civil engineering.

However, don't check one league table and fixate on it, as the institution best suited to you might not top the rankings.

If you still wish to consider other engineering disciplines, view the full range of engineering courses.

You should also check for accreditation. Your Bachelors degree usually needs to be accredited by an industry organisation such as ICE to become a chartered civil engineer.

For example, the three-year full-time BEng Civil Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton is accredited by ICE, as well as:

• Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)
• Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
• Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Entry requirements for the course at Wolverhampton include:

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above (or functional skills qualifications).
• 96 UCAS Tariff points from A-levels (CCC/BCD), T Levels or an Access to HE Diploma.

Consider how UCAS Tariff points are calculated at how to apply for university.

To explore other approved ICE programmes, see ICE - Accredited course search.

You can also visit the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) to see if professional bodies recognise your planned civil engineering course. Industry professionals and other academics will have assessed and approved the department within the last five years.

Study for a Masters

Gaining a postgraduate qualification is essential if you're aiming for chartered status, and most civil engineers choose to study at Masters level.

An MEng can combine undergraduate and postgraduate study. For instance, the four-year MEng Civil Engineering at The University of Manchester is accredited by the JBM and fulfils the education requirements for achieving chartered engineer status.

Alternatively, you'll need to study a BEng and then progress onto a relevant Masters degree.

The one-year MSc Civil Engineering from University College London (UCL) is for graduates in this field and those who studied related subjects at the undergraduate level. For those who've completed a partial CEng-accredited undergraduate degree, the course meets the further learning requirements for CEng status.

Finally, conversion courses are available if you didn't graduate in civil engineering. The one-year MSc Civil Engineering at the University of Strathclyde offers a general option for those with a degree in the following subjects to convert to civil engineering:

• earth science
• environmental engineering
• maths
• mechanical engineering
• physics.

Consider which Masters degree is right for me?

Search for postgraduate courses in civil engineering.

Get some work experience

Some degrees provide a year in industry, which can help you to build contacts. However, if your programme doesn't offer this opportunity, you can arrange your own work experience. You can do this either during your degree or after graduation.

Civil engineering work experience and internships can help you to stand out from the crowd. Nothing will give you a better idea of what your career could look like than meeting and working alongside people already doing it.

Summer and year-in-industry placements are offered by a range of organisations, such as:

• Laing O'Rourke
• Network Rail
• Transport for London (TfL)

You might not be assigned the most exciting tasks, but you'll meet the people doing fast-paced jobs and be able to observe what they do.

If you're interested in a particular company but can't find any advertised work experience vacancies, make a speculative application to ask about their opportunities.

Join a professional body and become chartered

ICE has around 97,000 members and offers student and graduate membership to aspiring civil engineers.

Higher levels of membership include:

• Technician
• Member
• Fellow
• Associate.

Membership is free for students and apprentices. The benefits of joining a professional institution include:

• enhanced employment and career development prospects
• access to professional training and qualifications
• tailored support and networking events.

To join as a graduate in the UK, you'll pay £237.50 per year (2025).

Get the lowdown on the benefits of professional qualifications.

Attain ICE chartered engineer status

In such a competitive and demanding discipline, you may find that opportunities for career progression are limited if you don't gain chartered status.

ICE Recruit has revealed that chartered engineers can earn £70,000 to £90,000. Roles include leading on large infrastructure projects or taking up a consultancy position.

To achieve ICE chartered membership, you'll need to pass three stages:

• Study for an academic qualification - an MEng or a BEng plus a relevant postgraduate degree. Alternatively, you can complete a suitable employer-led learning programme, such as a degree apprenticeship.
• Develop practical skills through Initial Professional Development (IPD) - this stage involves gaining relevant work experience under supervision, preferably through an ICE-approved training scheme.
• Pass the ICE Professional Review - you'll submit a comprehensive report outlining your achievements as an engineer. You'll then be assessed on your performance by two experienced professionals.

Find out more

• Discover 5 other exciting careers in engineering.
• Read about engineering graduate schemes.
• Explore opportunities for women in engineering.