Five reasons to study civil engineering at Surrey
What makes our civil engineering degrees different and what’s the secret behind our graduates’ success? Here we reveal five reasons why you should choose the University of Surrey for your civil engineering degree.
Students take part in practical experiences like the DAD (Design Assemble Dismantle) project.
1. Surrey civil engineers build a better world
You won’t just study the core topics you need to become a successful civil engineer at Surrey. We're home to internationally-leading research which is changing people's lives around the world, and this work informs our teaching. For example:
- Our research is contributing to international guidelines on water quality for the World Health Organisation
- Our Global Centre for Clean Air Research leads local and international initiatives on improving air quality in and around schools
- Our project on the conversion of waste water into nutrient-rich fertiliser won the UK-Philippines Newton Prize
- In 2021 we brought together international experts for the 7th International Conference on Spatial Structures
2. Fantastic work placement opportunities
Surrey won the award for 'Best University Placement Service' (over 750 placements) for the third year running in 2021. On our renowned Professional Training placement programme you can gain a year’s valuable work experience with a company such as:
- Atkins
- Bachy Soletanche
- Balfour Beatty
- Costain
- Hewson.
3. Great employment prospects
Our degrees open up a huge range of career opportunities with major engineering consultancies and contractors - one reason why Surrey was named 'University of the Year for Graduate Employment' in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
Recent graduates work for companies such as:
- Atkins
- GDC Partnership
- Lendlease Group
- Mott MacDonald
- Walker Construction
Our courses are fully accredited which means you'll be well on the way towards chartered status after studying at Surrey. (Our MEng courses fully meet the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer while our BEng courses require further study.)
Read about Surrey alumna Irosha Gunatunga's career at BAM Nuttall Ltd.
4. Practical learning experiences beyond the lecture theatre
There are plenty of chances to put the theory you’re learning to the test. In your first year, you’ll take part in the DAD project - which challenges students to design, assemble and dismantle a structure within a short time-frame – as well as going on a week-long geology field trip. We also organise trips to see projects such as the new M4 Smart Motorway.
Some students challenge themselves by entering prestigious industry-sponsored competitions. Read about student Alviya Isieva's success at the 2022 Women in Property Awards.
5. Unique Surrey/ICE scholarship scheme
Supported by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), our scholarship scheme is the only one of its kind in the UK. Under the scheme, you’ll be matched with a leading civil engineering company, and benefit from £1,950 a year (for 2022 entry) and salaried work throughout your course.
Learn more about our undergraduate courses in civil and environmental engineering.