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You could be building around the world with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Warwick – a course which invites you to investigate building issues at home in the UK, or in far away places that need your help, such as Uganda.

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Civil Engineering is key to solving many of the problems facing the world, from lack of clean water to energy efficiency. Here, Dr Tony Price, an Associate Dean at the University of Warwick's School of Engineering, speaks to MICHELLE MANNING-WAREHAM.
 
What can an undergraduate expect if they choose to study for a civil engineering degree?
 
Accredited Civil Engineering degrees are required to meet a suite of core skills and knowledge set out by the Joint Board of Moderators who represent the professional institutions. Core subjects include structural design, geotechnical engineering and materials, plus a selection from subjects such as water engineering, construction management, surveying, transport infrastructure, environmental engineering and public health, amongst others. Students will further develop their practical, social and communication skills through projects, lab [studies] and team working. Throughout the course students will detect strands developing in design, sustainability and health and safety - all key areas of concern for practicing civil engineers. Most courses offer at least one field course. At Warwick we have field courses on site investigation in Wales, landslide and hazard management on the Isle of Wight and a one-month African field course in Uganda working on appropriate technology projects.
 
A civil engineering degree at Warwick seems like quite a broad area. What avenues can students explore?
 
The Warwick civil engineering degrees are offered in a unified school of engineering, and as such deliver a broad foundation in engineering before specialisation. The early years offer core topics in technological science, mathematics, design, materials, business and management, with optional modules from modern foreign languages, through the aesthetics of design, to forensic engineering. In Years 3 and 4 students can specialise in structural design and analysis, geotechnical engineering, fluids and construction management. We offer electives in business management, sustainability and fluid dynamics. We also offer five-year MEng degrees with a year in industry or in research.
 
What are the employment-prospects like for those who have attained a civil engineering degree?
 
Excellent. In recent years the demand for graduates in civil engineering has outstripped supply and this has increased starting salaries. Graduates are recruited to work in a broad range of roles within the industry and without.
 
How has the course changed in line with the laws introduced by the government in an effort to curb carbon emissions? (For instance, does the new code for sustainable homes make a difference to the course?)
 
Issues of sustainability now permeate the profession and undergraduate courses. As an example, a recent design project required teams of students to design an energy neutral academic building for the University's WISER (Warwick Institute for Sustainable Energy and Resources) group. All our engineering students compute their carbon footprint in Year 2 and, as indicated above, Warwick offers an elective in sustainability.
 
What industry placements are available to civil engineering students?
 
Many students take advantage of summer placements with companies. We also offer the opportunity to take a year-long placement in industry and students will take advice through the department, careers advisors and our industrial mentors scheme.
 
Are members of the industry used for other purposes in the course?
 
The School of Engineering benefits from two Royal Academy of Engineering visiting professors, both practicing Civil or Structural Engineers. One in particular is involved in the civil engineering group projects in year 4, bringing a wealth of practical industrial experience to inform student design choices. Throughout the course, industrial speakers will participate in delivering undergraduate modules. Our Industrial Mentors Scheme also links students with practicing civil and structural engineers drawn from around the region. Many of the mentors have also contributed to the Industrial Advisory Panel that advises us on course content, industrial developments, etc.
 
The University of Warwick also has an international exchange programme. What options abroad does the university offer its civil engineering undergraduates?
 
Students may replace Year 3 of the MEng with an equivalent year of study at a partner institution abroad or take an extra year of study abroad as an intercalated year option (extending the length of the degree to five-years).
 
What is the programme’s ultimate aim for its graduates?
 
To produce motivated, self-learners with knowledge and understanding of professional engineering based around five themes: science; analysis; design; manufacture/construction; business. For graduates entering other sectors, we aim to develop ability in analysis, creation and innovation, linked to an understanding of industry and commerce, providing a good basis for career development. The courses also aim to develop a range of key skills relevant to professional engineering and to other occupations.
 
What sort of character traits are you looking for in prospective students?
 
Prospective students must be mathematically capable and have enquiring minds. They will be able to work in teams and have IT and communication skills.
 
What do you think of the building industry today and what do your graduates have to be prepared for?
 
Construction is a challenging, but rewarding, career where health and safety and environmental issues play an increasing role. The profession is key to solving many of the problems that face the world from lack of clean water to energy efficient structures.

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