Civil Engineering (Hons) Heriot-Watt University

Overview

The Civil Engineering (Hons) at Heriot-Watt University provides students with the technical expertise required to design and manage the infrastructure that supports modern society. This degree integrates core engineering principles with practical design applications to ensure graduates are ready for professional practice. Students explore the complex behaviours of materials and structural systems while developing the personal qualities needed for the dynamic built environment industry.

The curriculum is structured to build a strong foundation in engineering science during the initial years before moving into specialised areas of management and advanced design.

Why Civil Engineering (Hons) at Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt University is a global leader in the field, ranked 1st in the UK for Building and within the top 150 worldwide for Civil and Structural Engineering. Students benefit from an environment where 96% of engineering research is classed as world-leading, providing direct access to cutting-edge developments through the Institute of Sustainable Built Environment. The university is also home to a Royal Academy of Engineering Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design.

The programme offers exceptional global opportunities through the Go Global mobility scheme, allowing students to transfer their studies to campuses in Dubai or Malaysia. This international perspective is complemented by strong industry links and facilities that replicate professional environments. Students gain practical insights through site visits and construction-based experiences, ensuring they are career-ready upon graduation.

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

Modules may include:

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

Careers with Civil Engineering (Hons)

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after, with approximately 90% entering employment or further study shortly after completion. The degree provides the necessary educational base to pursue chartered engineer status, opening pathways into various sectors of the built environment. Students often secure roles as engineering professionals or technical specialists within global consultancies and construction firms.

Recent graduates have found success in diverse roles, including geotechnical engineering and offshore structural engineering. The average starting salary for alumni is approximately £32,000, reflecting the high demand for the technical skills developed at the university. Career destinations span across infrastructure planning, environmental management, and structural design, supported by the programme's strong emphasis on employability and professional development.