Civil with Environmental Engineering

A Brighton Civil with Environmental Engineering degree prepares you to design, plan and build infrastructure that supports communities while protecting the environment – from flood defences and water treatment systems to sustainable transport and renewable energy projects.

At Brighton you’ll become part of a welcoming, supportive community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course combines core civil engineering principles with environmental engineering expertise, giving you the confidence, knowledge and tools to deliver sustainable solutions for the built and natural environment.

Brighton graduates go on to work in civil and environmental engineering consultancies, construction firms, water companies and local or national government or progress to postgraduate study and chartered engineering pathways.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) – professional recognition for your degree.

• Fully meets the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

• Specialist environmental focus – learn to design sustainable infrastructure and manage environmental impacts.

• Industrial Advisory Board support – benefit from expert advice, networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings with professionals to help you plan your career and secure placements.

• Excellent career prospects – Brighton’s civil engineering courses are rank 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction and 12th for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026).

• Learn Building Information Modelling (BIM) – gain a professional advantage with digital design skills.

• Industry-focused learning – interdisciplinary projects, site visits and guest lectures from professionals.

• Hands-on learning from the start – work on real-world engineering problems and develop practical skills in specialist labs including concrete, hydraulics and soils.

• Industry-focused projects – take part in initiatives like the Engineering for People Design Challenge and industry-led modules delivered by partners such as Mott MacDonald.

• Expert teaching and industry links – learn from academics with consultancy experience and benefit from advice and networking through our Industrial Advisory Board.

• Placement opportunities – choose an optional paid placement year to gain valuable experience with leading employers such as Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke and South East Water.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Civil with Environmental Engineering
Less than an hour from central London, our Moulsecoomb campus puts you at the heart of a city powered by engineering, construction and infrastructure innovation. Brighton is home to thriving local industries, major civil engineering consultancies and active regional projects, all within easy reach of your lectures and labs.

You’ll study in a community that’s diverse, welcoming and well connected, with transport links that make site visits, employer events and placement opportunities part of everyday learning.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in civil engineering principles and their role in business, society and sustainability. You’ll learn essential skills in surveying, structural analysis, material science, soil mechanics and engineering geology, supported by practical labs and fieldwork. Mathematics and statistics for engineering problem-solving are introduced, alongside an understanding of professional practice, health and safety and environmental considerations. You’ll also take part in a group project linked to the Engineering for People Design Challenge, applying your learning to real-world scenarios and developing teamwork and communication skills.

Core modules
Land and Construction Surveying
Structural and Stress Analysis
Construction Materials
Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics
Mathematics for Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Practice

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of structural behaviour, concrete technology, soil mechanics and hydraulics, while developing advanced analytical and numerical modelling skills. Practical lab work and computational techniques help you apply theory to real-world engineering challenges. You can also explore environmental themes such as pollution control, climate change and sustainable resource management, alongside digital skills in GIS and remote sensing. This year strengthens your technical expertise and environmental awareness, preparing you for industry or an optional placement year.

Core modules
Structural Analysis
Concrete Technology and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Geotechnical Engineering 1
Hydraulics
Computational Mathematics

Options*
Earth Surface Processes
Environmental Pollution
Climate Change
GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice

Optional Placement Year
You can choose a salaried professional placement after your second year to gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering industry. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects, develop technical and professional skills and build valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge when starting your career.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll complete an in-depth individual research project and develop advanced expertise in civil and environmental engineering. You’ll study project management and explore specialist topics such as coastal and aquatic environments, sustainable construction, water and sanitation and environmental impact assessment.

Option modules allow you to focus on areas like climate resilience, geotechnical and structural design, hydrology and digital technologies for engineering. This year equips you with the technical, analytical and leadership skills needed for professional practice and progression toward chartered status.

Core modules
BEng Individual Project
Design of Steel Structures
Environmental Impact Assessment

Options*
Building Information Modelling
Geotechnical Engineering 2
Applied Hydraulics
Integrated Approach to Design of Structures
The Frozen Planet
Water, Sanitation and Health
Sustainable Construction
Hydrology and Pollutant Transport
Current Topics in Aquatic Environments

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.