How to become a civil engineer

What qualifications do you need to be a civil engineer, a role that is fundamental to the construction industry? In this article we provide clarity on the routes that you can take into civil engineering, the different types of civil engineering there are and the kinds of skills that are useful to have if you want to become a civil engineer.

What is civil engineering?

Civil engineering is the design and development of everything that’s built around us, including key infrastructure such as roads, railways, hospitals, water and power supply and much more.

Civil engineers are the scientific minds behind the way our towns and cities work. Combining their practical and theoretical knowledge of engineering, they are heavily involved in the planning, management, budgeting and analysis of projects, big and small.

Civil engineers can choose to specialise in a particular area, such as buildings, coastal and marine, highways and transportation, rail or waste management.

Civil engineering is a highly rewarding and varied profession, ranging from theoretical planning to hands-on practical aspects of projects – civil engineers can feel great pride looking at skyscrapers and bridges, saying ‘I built that’.

The 5 main types of civil engineering

H3: Infrastructure

Infrastructure engineers design and build those vital elements of a country’s infrastructure: the roads, railways and bridges that ensure people and goods get to where they need to be each day, and the utilities (electrical systems, water supplies) that enable modern society to function effectively and productively.

H3: Structural

Structural engineers make sure a variety of buildings and structures are safe, sustainable and cost-effective. They use their maths and physics knowledge to calculate a building’s load bearing, and if it is constructed in the most optimum way for its function. Structural engineers will be responsible for selecting construction materials and many aspects of project design.

H3: Environmental

Environmental engineers explore the environmental impact of a building or project or work on public utilities like water supplies and waste control. Environmental engineers are tasked with improving the sustainability of construction projects, reducing water, noise and air pollution and conserving natural resources.

H3: Geotechnical

Geotechnical engineers specialise in the way a structure will interact with, impact or be impacted by the type of ground it is built on. They will test the sub-surface of the ground and check for anything that may affect the stability of a construction project. Roads, bridges, houses and other projects need to be built on soil that contains the right materials.

H3: Transport

Transport engineers plan, design and manage the construction of transportation systems, from roads and railways to airports and cycle paths. They ensure that the way we get from A to B is not only fast and efficient but environmentally friendly too.

What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer?

There are several qualification and training routes to become a civil engineer. You could achieve the required qualifications by completing a college or university course, or you could apply for a civil engineering apprenticeship. Alternatively, if you already have relevant work experience you could apply directly to an employer, or if you have useful transferable skills, these could be used to gain work experience in the field.

University

Studying civil engineering at university is seen as a much-respected pathway to qualifying as a civil engineer, but there are differences in the entrance criteria and the length of courses between England, Wales and Scotland.

Vocational qualifications/college

You can take a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) at college, which may help you find a job as a trainee civil engineer. You will do further training on the job to fully qualify.

Many colleges and some universities offer:

• Level 4 HNC in civil engineering
• Level 5 HND in construction and the built environment
• Foundation degrees (level 5) in civil engineering.

You can study full-time or part-time. After completing a HND or foundation degree you can go straight into a job, but there are often opportunities to take a one or two-year top-up degree to become professionally qualified. You could do this independently or supported by your employer.

For a HNC, HND or foundation degree you’ll usually need one of the following:

• A BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering)
• 1 – 2 A levels (or equivalent) including maths.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships allow you to work and be paid while qualifying – they are a great way to hone technical skills, build industry knowledge and gain practical experience.

Here are some options for those interested in an apprenticeship in civil engineering:

Level 3 apprenticeship

Level 3 apprenticeships are equivalent to A levels, so you will typically need 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English, maths and Science to be eligible.

You will usually spend one day a week at college and the rest with your employer.

The Level 3 Railway Engineering Design Technician and Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician apprenticeships are both excellent options for starting your career in civil engineering, allowing you to start work as a civil engineering technician.

Find out more about what a civil engineering apprenticeship involves.

Higher and degree apprenticeships

A higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship involves working while studying for a level 4-6 qualification, usually a HNC, HND, foundation or bachelor’s degree. They typically take 5 years to complete. To be eligible, you should already have a level 3 apprenticeship, relevant BTEC or A levels.

The Level 4 (HNC) Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and Level 6 Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship are two good examples of higher apprenticeships.

What skills do civil engineers need?

In addition to civil engineering qualifications, it is useful for aspiring civil engineers to have the following skills and knowledge:

• Knowledge of engineering, science and technology
• Knowledge of building and construction
• Design skills and creativity
• An interest in sustainability
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Critical thinking and reasoning skills
• IT and CAD skills
• Ability to work to deadlines and within budgets
• Negotiating, supervisory and leadership skills
• Ability to manage complex projects

Becoming professionally qualified

If you’re training or learning to become a civil engineer, you’ll want to be professionally qualified. There are three types of professional qualification:

• Engineering technician (EngTech)
• Incorporated engineer (IEng)
• Chartered engineer (CEng).

Civil engineers gain professional qualifications from the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), and it shows you meet certain industry standards, boosts your career and salary prospects, and increases your chances of finding work abroad as it’s internationally recognised.

If you have a level 3 qualification you are eligible to achieve the EngTech qualification, becoming a professional engineering technician. 

Undergraduates with an accredited engineering degree are eligible to start the process to become incorporated engineers, and graduates with an accredited master’s degree can work towards chartered status.

There are other ways to become professionally qualified – head over to ICE to find out more.

Tips on becoming a civil engineer

Do your research

As you can see from the above, there are lots of routes into civil engineering. Consider which would be best for you – are you naturally academic? A degree may be best. Lacking qualifications? Research your options at college. Prefer hands-on learning? Take a look at an apprenticeship.

Join the Institution of Civil Engineers

If you’re a student or an apprentice, it’s free to become a member. Membership will grant you access to professional training and qualification opportunities and is great for networking.

Attend a civil engineering open event

It allows you to meet like-minded people, ask experts any questions you may have and provide insight into what a civil engineering career is really like.

Get some work experience

Whether this is helping a family member or friend out on site, or undertaking a year-long work placement, work experience is the perfect way to build your skills and gain industry contacts.