Civil Engineering Grad Dip

London, Bloomsbury

The Civil Engineering Graduate Diploma is a conversion programme enabling applicants with a degree in a related subject (for example mathematics, physics or geology) to take a qualifying year before moving on to a Civil or Structural Engineering MSc degree. By studying this programme, you have a unique opportunity to be awarded an accredited level 7 Civil Engineering MSc after just two years of study, opening up your career path to becoming a chartered civil engineer.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£12,900
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£34,400
Duration
1 academic year
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

The Civil Engineering Graduate Diploma enables applicants with a degree in a related subject (for example mathematics, physics or geology) to take a qualifying year before moving onto our Civil Engineering MSc programme. Hence opening the path to a career in civil engineering as a chartered engineer.
You will need to apply for the Graduate Diploma separately from the MSc programme – however please make sure you indicate which MSc programme you intend on pursuing. If you satisfy all admissions criteria for the Graduate Diploma you will proceed onto one of our MSc programmes for the following year.
Overseas students requiring a visa to study should note that the Graduate Diploma and the Civil Engineering MSc are treated as TWO separate programmes. You will only be able to obtain a one-year visa for the Graduate Diploma and then you will need to apply for a second visa if you are also provided with an offer for an MSc. You will almost certainly have to leave the UK between finishing the Graduate Diploma in June and commencing the MSc in September.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


The Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering is a tailored programme that lays a strong foundation in essential aspects like fluids, materials, soils, and structures crucial for a successful career as a Civil Engineer. The curriculum draws modules from our esteemed BEng/MEng Engineering (Civil) programmes' second and third years. Beyond structured learning, you'll engage in a paired civil engineering research project.

UCL's Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering is designed to provide an immersive and comprehensive educational journey. Integrating traditional lectures, collaborative group projects, and personalized research, students are enveloped in a multifaceted learning environment. This approach ensures a profound comprehension of civil engineering while facilitating specialization in critical domains such as structural dynamics, sustainable design, geotechnics, transport, and more. Going beyond technical prowess, the program nurtures an understanding of how engineering choices intersect with wider societal and environmental contexts, equipping graduates to forge sustainable solutions.

The programme's emphasis on transferable skills like effective communication, project management, and critical analysis prepares students for successful careers both in industry and research. The programme's distinct equilibrium between theoretical underpinnings and practical exposure equips graduates with the adaptability demanded by the ever-evolving engineering landscape. UCL’s Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering serves as a gateway for aspiring engineers to cultivate expertise, skills, and perspectives that foster enduring contributions in the realm of civil engineering and beyond.

Who this course is for

This programme is tailored for individuals who have completed a BEng degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, or a related field. It particularly attracts those aiming to bolster their qualifications with a comprehensive taught postgraduate degree. This step is instrumental in advancing towards full professional engineering recognition, both in the UK and internationally. If you seek to elevate your expertise and position yourself to become a qualified professional engineer, this programme aligns perfectly with your aspirations.

What this course will give you

Discover unparalleled educational opportunities at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering. Located in the vibrant hub of London, our esteemed multidisciplinary department boasts a rich history of excellence in teaching and research. 

This programme, a testament to our diverse expertise and industry ties, hones skills through collaborative teamwork experiences. Aspiring engineers benefit from a curriculum designed to propel them towards successful professional careers in civil engineering. Our flexible structure includes an array of optional modules, enabling students to tailor their learning journey to their passions and interests (subject to timetabling requirements). 

Immerse yourself in a world-class education, fostered by a department renowned for its energetic ambiance and commitment to innovation. Elevate your skills, seize the chance to network with industry leaders, and position yourself at the forefront of civil engineering's future. Choose UCL for a transformative experience that equips you for a fulfilling career while exploring the dynamic realm of civil engineering.

At the end of term 3, you will go on a one-week residential field course gaining practical skills in construction site management and safety. You will work alongside practising engineers to develop and use technical drawings to build scaled structures. These are built to the same standards and using the same methods that are applied on professional construction sites.

The foundation of your career

Upon completing our programme, graduates unlock a multitude of promising pathways. They seamlessly integrate into the workforce, finding placements in esteemed consultancies, construction giants, and influential government bodies. The programme lays a robust foundation for their journey towards becoming Chartered Engineers, a highly regarded professional achievement that solidifies their expertise. 

With a comprehensive skill set and in-depth knowledge, graduates are poised to excel across various sectors, spearheading projects, influencing decisions, and contributing to the advancement of the engineering landscape. This degree not only opens doors to an array of prestigious employment opportunities but also sets a well-defined trajectory for a fulfilling and impactful career.

Employability

UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering graduates excel in diverse roles, contributing to consultancies, construction firms, governmental and non-governmental bodies. Their comprehensive education equips them with problem-solving prowess, technical expertise, and a contextual outlook, ensuring impactful contributions in various sectors of the engineering industry. Students who complete both this pre-qualifying year and a Civil Engineering MSc or Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Management MSc, have excellent career prospects with leading civil and structural engineering companies.

Networking

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion for engineering excellence. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom. 

These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the civil engineering arena.

Accreditation

This pre-qualifying year is recognised by the JBM, and offers a unique opportunity to become a Chartered Engineer once you have completed an accredited MSc (i.e. UCL's Civil Engineering or Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management MScs). At the start of the programme your application will be sent to the JBM for assessment by the Individual Case Committee to ensure your academic background is suitable for Chartership.

Teaching and learning

Throughout the programme, a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies foster comprehensive skill development and intellectual growth. Graduates emerge with an array of capabilities:

Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: Engaging lectures, seminars, and tutorials ensure an in-depth grasp of Civil Engineering topics, extending to associated engineering and scientific domains. Graduates gain a profound understanding of the broader operational context of civil engineering, encompassing safety, environmental sustainability, social dynamics, and economic considerations.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: The curriculum emphasises hands-on experience, equipping students with skills vital for both individual and group projects. Design problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, IT proficiency, information retrieval, and self-directed learning are honed, preparing graduates to excel in the dynamic realm of civil engineering.

Intellectual, academic and research excellence: Graduates emerge equipped with a rich skill set applicable to diverse career paths. They grasp essential facts, theories, and principles underpinning civil engineering and its multidisciplinary intersections. Practical laboratory and workshop activities enhance their technical competence.

Practical and innovative aptitude: The programme hones the application of quantitative tools for problem analysis and solution development. Graduates showcase creativity and innovation in synthesising solutions and crafting designs. They learn to navigate the balance between the macroscopic perspective and intricate details, a skill essential for success in their professional journey.

These multifaceted teaching and learning methods imbue graduates with the prowess to thrive in research, industry, and various professional domains.

The programme adopts a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions, and enriching field trips. The culmination of the program is the research project, encompassing laboratory experiments, computational analyses, or field investigations, tailored to the project's specific requirements. Evaluation embraces multiple modalities, encompassing examinations, coursework evaluations, comprehensive project reports, and rigorous assessment of the research project, ensuring a holistic measurement of students' theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research capabilities.

Students engaging in the programme can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week. This allocation encompasses a mix of structured learning and teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Additionally, students are encouraged to dedicate time to self-directed study, a crucial aspect of their educational journey that complements formal instruction and enhances comprehension. This balanced approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the material and fosters the development of independent learning skills.

Modules

Structured for comprehensive learning, the programme offers a robust foundation by integrating core disciplines from our second and third-year undergraduate curriculum. Rooted in the second-year units, the curriculum encompasses pivotal domains including structures, soils, materials, and fluids. Building upon this foundation, advanced topics from third-year units encompass sophisticated structures, advanced materials, and a practical civil engineering module. This module underscores design principles, project management, and collaborative projects, aiming to bridge theoretical concepts from the core topics into real-world applications. At the programme's outset, each student is assigned a civil engineering research project, fostering collaborative learning as these projects are undertaken in pairs. The programme structure harmoniously blends fundamental and advanced concepts, ensuring a seamless transition from theory to practice and equipping students with a comprehensive skill set poised for impactful careers.

Optional modules



Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 120 credits. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a Grad Dip in Civil Engineering.

Fieldwork

The Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering programme offers an immersive six-day residential field course, featuring the construction of scaled-down versions of bridges and other structures. This collaborative model engages universities, contractors, and consultants to provide an unparalleled practical learning encounter, enabling students to acquire on-site experience. As a valuable hands-on opportunity, students actively participate in this course. A nominal contribution of approximately £150 is expected from students to help cover the associated field trip expenses. This initiative underscores the programme's commitment to supplementing theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, fostering a comprehensive understanding of civil engineering concepts.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £12,900
Tuition fees (2024/25) £34,400

Additional costs

Potential additional costs within the programme encompass various aspects. Expenses related to course materials, such as books, are contingent on the selected modules. Some modules may entail charges for field trips. In laboratory settings, specialised protective gear like lab coats and safety boots might be necessary, contributing to potential costs. Project-specific necessities can also incur additional expenses. 

While not an exhaustive list, it underscores the potential financial considerations. Material and project costs depend on individual choices. Moreover, short local visits, integral to the program, could involve public transport costs. Being cognizant of these potential costs aids in prudent financial planning throughout the programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Brown Family Bursary

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: £15,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

In addition to fulfilling the necessary academic prerequisites, the personal statement serves as a pivotal aspect of your application. It offers a platform to align your motivations for selecting this program with its offerings. When evaluating your application, we are interested in understanding:

  • Your rationale for pursuing graduate-level studies in Civil Engineering.
  • What specifically draws you to study this programme at UCL.
  • The unique aspects of this program that resonate with you.
  • How your personal, academic, and professional background aligns with the programme's challenging requirements.
  • Your envisioned professional trajectory upon attaining your degree.

While applications are accepted until the deadline, it is advisable to submit your application early due to the competitive nature of placements. The process typically takes around four weeks from submission to receiving an offer letter. For international applicants seeking visas, we recommend applying in advance to secure the necessary CAS number within the required timeframe. Your application journey is a significant step towards a rewarding educational experience at UCL.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.