Civil engineering explained

Civil engineering is a vast and diverse profession. It can take you on many paths. Read on below to find out why it could be the perfect career for you.

What is civil engineering?

Civil engineering centres around the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, from bridges to flood defences, wind turbines to tunnels, and more.

Civil engineers are creative problem solvers. They work in harmony with the natural environment to keep towns and cities running and to build a more sustainable world.

Civil engineers work closely with infrastructure engineers.

What is infrastructure?

Infrastructure is made up of systems that provide communities with modern and inclusive places that people are proud to live, work and play in.

It includes things like transport links, access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications, and safe streets and buildings.

Click through below to discover more about the things that infrastructure and civil engineers help bring to life.

Types of civil engineering

Buildings

Some of your favourite structures were built by civil engineers - think skyscrapers, sports stadiums, art venues, museums and more!

Energy

Energy powers our day-to-day and civil engineers are at the forefront of making sure our energy uses less carbon by pioneering renewable sources.

Geotechnical

Civil engineers must understand the ground they're building on. For example, building a structure on a floodplain or in an area at risk of earthquakes can pose very different challenges that civil engineers will need to solve.

Transport

Transport links are vital to a connected community, providing access to people's workplaces, homes and leisure spaces. These include roads, cycle paths, railways, bridges, and tunnels.

Urban planning

From making sure our buildings are safe to ensuring that waste is managed in a sustainable way, civil engineers are key to ensuring our towns and cities work for people and the planet.

Water

Civil engineers help guarantee access to clean water. They also keep us safe from flooding and coastal erosion - making our communities more resilient to climate change.

Why become a civil or infrastructure engineer?

If you're a great problem solver, civil or infrastructure engineering could be the career for you.

Engineers are tackling some of the biggest challenges that society faces today, such as the climate crisis. They're looking at new ways to reduce waste, cut carbon and make the world safer and more inclusive.

You don't have to be a maths genius either!

How can I become a civil engineer?

If you want to be a civil engineer, have the right academic subjects and attitude you can start making your career choices right here.

Age 11-15

Studying at school

See what subjects you need to study to become a civil engineer

Age 15-18

Studying at school or college

See your study options if you want to become a civil engineer

Age 18+

Studying or working

Your choice: apprenticeship, degree or vocational course

Changing career to civil engineering

Career changers bring valuable skills and experience into the industry and can help fill some of the skills gaps

Meet engineers working in infrastructure

Civil and infrastructure engineers come from all different backgrounds but they all spend years training, learning and getting qualifications. Why not hear what engineers have to say about their work?

Meet the engineers

Looking for personalised career help and advice?

If you're thinking of a career in civil and infrastructure engineering, we have courses and training personalised to your location, as well as membership advice.

Careers & Learning