You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:

• transport engineering
• environmental engineering
• coastal and maritime engineering

You can search for accredited courses through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after university.

You can also do further study for a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering, if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.

Subjects include:

• civil engineering
• maths, physics or geography
• construction and the built environment

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You can apply to do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an engineering or construction company.

This takes around 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study on the job for a degree or apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. Employers may also look for 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications.

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of building and construction
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a civil engineer, you could:

• work closely with clients to understand what they need
• map and analyse data using mathematical modelling methods
• create design plans and models with computer software
• assess the risks and environmental impact of projects
• monitor progress at each construction stage
• lead a team of engineers, co-ordinate work and manage a budget

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a civil engineer to be a green job, you could:

• use sustainable materials like recycled concrete or bamboo
• design with energy efficiency in mind, like using natural light
• minimise waste by re-using or recycling materials

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office or on a construction site.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.