What is Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering?

Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering is a very diverse and broad discipline. It offers graduates the chance to work on projects that improve people’s lives. These include the design of better transport systems, looking after the environment, constructing new buildings and bridges and creating the infrastructure on which society depends. Civil engineers are responsible for running many of the world’s largest businesses and public agencies. The skills needed to be a good civil engineer are a logical and systematic approach, good problem-solving and creative abilities, backed up by a mathematical and scientific mind. In addition to these skills a civil engineer needs to be imaginative and inquisitive.

 

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are responsible for the planning, design, and operation of our cities and infrastructure. These include user-centred and integrated transport systems and renewable and sustainable energy systems, as well as a myriad of support systems located underground.

 

Structural Engineering

Structural engineering involves the design and construction of many types of structure, including buildings, bridges, stadiums, and wind turbines. Structural engineers ensure that a building is safe for the area in which it is built and for its intended purpose. It must also be attractive, economical and have a minimum impact on the environment.

 

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineers design the systems that provide us with clean water, manage our waste and deal with pollution in air, land or water. Environmental engineers also optimise our use of energy and natural resources, minimise industrial Impacts on people and nature, and ensure that development happens in a sustainable way

 

Graduate skills and career opportunities

Most civil engineering graduates start their careers with engineering consultants working in infrastructure and building design, energy, environmental protection and transport management such as Arup, Atkins, Jacobs and construction companies such as BAM, Sisk. Civil engineers are also often employed in financial services, management consultancy, law firms and in corporate business. The numerical and problem-solving skills and technical expertise of civil engineers are broad based and make them very attractive employees in many different industries.