Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil and environmental engineering addresses the design, construction and management of the physical infrastructure on which modern societies depend, from roads, bridges and buildings to water supply systems, flood defences and the built environment more broadly. Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, concerned with solving problems of scale and permanence, while environmental engineering focuses on the impact of human activity on the natural environment and the engineering solutions needed to mitigate and reverse that impact. Together they address one of the defining challenges of our time: building and maintaining the infrastructure that societies need while protecting the environments on which life depends.
At Abertay University this four-year full-time programme is vocational in orientation, with industry work placements integrated into the course. You will study core civil engineering topics including structural analysis, geotechnics, hydraulics, transportation engineering and construction management, alongside environmental engineering principles that address water quality, sustainability and environmental impact assessment. The programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study in a different engineering context and broaden your professional horizons.
Abertay notes the significant shortage of civil engineers in Britain and Europe, making career prospects for graduates particularly strong.
The programme is designed to provide a pathway to chartered civil engineer status, and the combination of academic training and integrated industry experience gives graduates a strong foundation for professional development.
Graduates pursue careers in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, transportation, environmental consultancy, construction management and infrastructure development. Many work towards Chartered Engineer status with bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers. Postgraduate study in civil or environmental engineering or project management is also a natural continuation.