Civil Engineering
Civil engineers are responsible for the design and implementation of a wide range of construction projects. The focus in these varies from consultation, advisory to contractor based work.
Projects vary from infrastructure and transport to domestic housing infrastructure, commercial and industrial structures to renewable energy, flood alleviation, provision of water and water treatment and environmental protection.
Civil engineers work on these projects in a number of capacities from design and consultation (everything from the initial design stage with an architect right through to planning permission) to contractor based site work (setting everything out on site, problem solving, troubleshooting and ground investigation). Some civil engineering also choose to specialise and act in advisory roles.
Meet our team
Do you have a question about our programmes?
Contact Deputy Head of School, Carrie Higgins
Email: Carrie.Higgins.ic@uhi.ac.uk
Telephone: 01463 273 000
Civil engineering programmes
Civil engineering programmes
Delivery of our courses focuses on the strengths of the region, working in remote and sensitive areas whilst creating a vision for the future. Students will gain contemporary vocational skills including study, research, analysis, planning and organisational skills. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and to develop the ability to be flexible and work with others using up to date technologies and software - making you work ready when you graduate.
Our courses benefit from strong industry links, giving you the skills and support required to succeed in the workplace. Regular site visits, guest presenters and live project work will also enhance your experience.
Attributes needed for a career in civil engineering:
- Problem solving;
- Critical thinking skills;
- Communication;
- Creativity;
- Numeracy/maths;
- Technical skills;
- Leadership skills;
- Management and commercial awareness;
- Environmental awareness;
- Attention to detail;
- Team work;
- Enthusiasm and commitment.
Full-time and part-time programmes:
- HNC Civil Engineering - SCQF Level 6
- BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering - SCQF Level 7-10
- MSc Civil Engineering - SCQF Level 11
Apprenticeships:
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering (For senior phase secondary school pupils)
- Modern Apprenticeshp in Civil Engineering - SCQF Level 7
Our Graduate Apprenticeships (GA) mean you can study right up to honours degree level, while working for an employer as a civil engineering apprentice. Employers with apprentices on our GAs include Allen Gordon, Balfour Beatty, D MacKay & Son, Global Infrastructure, John Gunn and Sons, Highland Council, Moray Council, Morgan Sindall, Morrison Construction, Mott MacDonald, Pat Munro and Springfield.
What employers say:
"Inverness College UHI civil engineering graduates are able to work straight away, they are work ready,"
- Morrison Construction, employer of foundation, modern and graduate apprenticeships
What our students say:
"The teaching at Inverness College UHI is of a high standard, the lecturers are very knowledgable about the subject. Being able to study part-time and work gives you an invaluable experience,"
- Alvin is a Level 10 graduate apprentice, who works for Cameron + Ross
"The class sizes are small so we get lots of help and support from our lecturers. Everyone is very welcoming and encouraging. I'm doing my degree, while working for Highland Council in its design office, and I feel my studies are giving me the knowledge I need to carry out my tasks in the office,"
- Emily is a 2nd year BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering student
"Gaining employment and stuyding on on the GA is the best thing I've ever done. As an apprentice every minute at work is relevant to my course, and every minute at university is relevant to my work,"
- Tommy is a Level 7 modern apprentice, who works for Morrison Construction
