Why study Civil Engineering? 7 best careers in civil engineering

Civil engineers work on designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure around us, from roads and railways to buildings, bridges and more. If you’re looking for a career that utilises your STEM knowledge and problem-solving skills to help solve real-world engineering challenges, then this degree might be for you. Read on to learn more about the importance of civil engineering and the many career paths your studies could lead to. 

What is civil engineering? 

So, what is civil engineering? Civil engineers are responsible for designing and building the structures around us and ensuring they are efficient, sustainable and safe. As well as a need for technical and analytical skills, a civil engineer’s role also requires a level of creativity. When studying for this degree you will develop innovative thinking to come up with practical solutions and learn how to design aesthetically pleasing and functional structures. Communication skills are also important as civil engineers often work as part of a large team and liaise with architects, urban planners and other engineers. 

Why study Civil Engineering? 

There are many reasons to study Civil Engineering; here are the top six:  

Placement opportunities 

Practical application is a great way to embed knowledge and studying for a Civil Engineering degree at the University of Leeds will give you the chance to extend your degree by 12 months to take part in an industrial placement. You’ll gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in the field and improve your employability. 

Collaboration and teamwork

Civil Engineering is a great option for anyone who enjoys working in a team. As a civil engineer, you’ll collaborate with architects, environmental scientists, urban planners, and more, to develop your projects.

A varied field

A large plus with this degree course is the number of specialisations you can focus on in your career, from structural to environmental engineering and more. 

Problem-solving skills

This degree will equip you with advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are important for a career in civil engineering and life in general.

Variety of career opportunities

With a Civil Engineering degree in your pocket, you can go on to be involved in various projects, depending on your specialisation. It’s also a well-paid field, with UK salaries starting at £44,390 per year (Indeed 2024). 

It’s a developing industry

Civil engineers are constantly working on maintaining and improving the existing infrastructure and working out solutions to create more efficient and environmentally friendly systems, meaning there are always exciting developments within the industry. 

Is civil engineering a good career?

If you’re passionate about construction and design, then civil engineering is a great career option. The benefits of working in this industry include competitive salaries, strong job demand and diverse opportunities across different specialisations such as structural and transportation engineering. But aside from that, a career in civil engineering will also mean that you are enhancing the quality of people’s lives by developing better infrastructure, and you’ll be contributing to public safety and sustainability. Depending on the type of company you work for, you could also have the chance to travel globally to oversee various projects.

What do civil engineers do? 

Designing, planning, overseeing construction, and maintaining structures are all part of a civil engineer’s remit. They create blueprints for projects, check them against compliance regulations, oversee the construction to ensure projects are delivered to the required standards and on time, and ensure that structures are properly maintained. 

7 best careers in civil engineering 

Engineering manager

If you enjoy the thought of managing multiple engineering projects, then this is the career path for you. Engineering managers oversee projects and teams, ensuring there is clear communication between stakeholders, budgets are managed correctly and deadlines are met on time.

Structural engineer

In this role you would be working with the project team to ensure the structures match the required regulations and are safe.

Design engineer

A design engineer is responsible for developing designs for various engineering projects. Their tasks include generating design concepts, creating technical drawings using CAD (computer-aided design) software, and developing prototypes.

Marine engineer

As a marine engineer you would specialise in the design, construction and maintenance of ships, boats and other marine structures. You would develop vessel designs, ensuring compliance with health and safety rules.

Fire engineer

Fire engineers specialise in the effects of fire on buildings. They assess fire risks, design fire protection systems such as alarms, and ensure that structures comply with fire regulations.

Geotechnical engineer

These engineers focus on the behaviour of soil and rock to ensure the construction is safe. They assess the suitability of sites, taking into account factors relating to potential ground movement and conditions such as landslides, to ensure that the structure is built on steady ground.

Water resource engineer

As a water resource engineer, you would design and optimise systems for water supply, irrigation, flood control and wastewater management. These engineers liaise with urban planners and environmental scientists to balance our need for a water supply with the need to save water and protect the environment. 

Why study Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds? 

The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s most prestigious universities. It ranked 7th in the country for Civil Engineering, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.  

Aside from its academic credentials, it has a buzzing student campus, fantastic student accommodation both on campus and close to the university, and more than 300 student clubs and societies to help you find like-minded people and develop your interests outside of your course. 

Leeds International Study Centre for progression to the University of Leeds provides tailored programmes for international students, such as the International Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Computing, and the International Year One in Civil Engineering. Both programmes will give you the English language and academic skills needed to study as an undergraduate at the University of Leeds. If you complete the programme with the required progression grades, you can progress to your chosen degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds. 

Visit the Leeds International Study Centre for progression to the University of Leeds website for more information on entry, fees and visa requirements. 

FAQs

Why is a civil engineer important?

Civil engineers make a crucial contribution to society, as they design, build, and maintain the safety of the structures that support our daily lives and work towards ensuring those structures can withstand environmental challenges such as earthquakes.

What is the role of a civil engineer?

Civil engineers use their knowledge and problem-solving skills to plan, design and oversee construction projects for everything from airports and sewage systems to roads and bridges.  They must ensure that these structures are safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Can I study Civil Engineering in the UK?

Yes! There are many fantastic degree courses on offer, including those at the University of Leeds. The University is ranked 7th in the UK for Civil Engineering according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and Leeds International Study Centre offers an International Year One in Civil Engineering, after which you can progress to the second year of your degree at the University of Leeds.