Civil Engineering Heriot-Watt University

Overview

The Civil Engineering programme at Heriot-Watt University provides a robust foundation for students aspiring to become professional engineers in the global construction industry. This course integrates theoretical analysis with practical design applications to address the complex infrastructure challenges of modern society. Students benefit from a curriculum that evolves from fundamental material behaviours to advanced project management and structural design.

Why Civil Engineering at Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt University is a premier destination for engineering, ranked 1st in the UK for Building and within the top 150 globally for Civil and Structural Engineering. Students learn within the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, one of only four such hubs in the UK recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The curriculum is directly informed by world-leading research from the Institute of Sustainable Built Environment, ensuring that teaching remains at the forefront of digital innovation and sustainability.

The university offers a unique "Go Global" mobility programme, enabling students to transfer their studies seamlessly between campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia. This international perspective is complemented by facilities that support high-impact research, with 96% of the university's engineering research classified as world-leading. This environment fosters the development of both technical proficiency and the personal qualities required to excel in the dynamic built environment sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 25808 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build expertise progressively, with modules that may include:

• Mechanics
• Construction Technology
• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists
• Analysis of Determinate Structures
• Hydraulics and Hydrology
• Surveying and GIS
• Civil Engineering Materials
• Stress Analysis and Element Strength
• Geology and Soil Properties

Careers with Civil Engineering

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after, with 95% of alumni entering the workforce within 15 months of completing their studies. The average starting salary for graduates is approximately £32,000, reflecting the high demand for skilled engineering professionals. Students are prepared for diverse roles across the construction and infrastructure sectors, working for international consultancies, local authorities, and specialist engineering firms.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).