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Civil Engineering

BE (NFQ Level 8)
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Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Civil Engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment. It includes the design of bridges, buildings, roads and dams, and works relating to management of our water resources. The work of civil engineers is evident all around us and their contribution to society is impactful. This work incorporates environmental protection, structural design, large-scale construction projects, ensuring the provision of safe drinking water, designing and implementing strategies for treating wastewater and pollutants, development of transport infrastructure, flood prevention, sustainability and the design of foundations for different ground conditions.

About This Course

Civil Engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment.

It includes the design of bridges, buildings, roads and dams, and works relating to management of our water resources. The work of civil engineers is evident all around us and their contribution to society is impactful. This work incorporates environmental protection, structural design, large-scale construction projects, ensuring the provision of safe drinking water, designing and implementing strategies for treating wastewater and pollutants, development of transport infrastructure, flood prevention, sustainability and the design of foundations for different ground conditions.

Skills for meeting these requirements are developed in UCD Civil Engineering, in core areas of structural design, water and environmental engineering, transport engineering and geotechnical (soil and foundation) engineering.

First Year

Engineering students follow a common first year. Modules include: Calculus • Chemistry • Creativity in Design • Electrical/ Electronic Engineering • Energy Engineering • Engineering Computing • Linear Algebra Mathematics • Mechanics • Physics

Second to Fifth Year

Core modules may include: Theory, Design & Analysis of Structures • Hydraulic Engineering • Treatment Processes for Water & Wastewater • Geotechnics • Construction Materials & Practice • Transportation Engineering • Highway Engineering • Environmental Engineering • Hydraulics • Geology • Mechanics of Solids • Computer Applications • Design and Communications • Statistics & Probability • Professional Engineering studies

A student’s week involves attending lectures, tutorials, participating in laboratory classes and undertaking project and design exercises, both individually and in teams. Coursework is continually assessed but modules also include end-of-trimester written examinations.

Progression Requirement

At the end of year 3, students can choose either to pursue a 4-year BE or 5-year integrated ME degree pathway, subject to meeting GPA requirements.

Professional Work Experience

Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated into the 4th year of the integrated ME in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering programme. Eight-month internships (the majority of which are paid) have included the following employers: AECOM, Arup, Clandillon Civil Consulting, ESB, MJH Structural Engineers, Walls Construction, Roughan & O’Donovan, RPS and Sisk.

Students have the opportunity in their third year to spend either one or two trimesters studying abroad in a partner University. There are options to study in countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Singapore.

Graduates can find employment in:

  • Environmental industries
  • Transportation engineering
  • Structural engineering
  • Water resource and hydraulic engineering
  •  Management and project management
  • Financial services
  • Research

Graduates can apply for taught and research Masters degrees in UCD including Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, Water, Waste & Environmental Engineering and Engineering with Business. Graduates can also apply for positions in PhD research programmes.

UCD Engineering and Architecture College Office

Tel: +353 1 716 1916
e. katie.oneill@ucd.ie


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEM10030 Chemistry for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEN10040 Intro. to Eng. Computing Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN10040 Creativity in Design Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 EEEN10010 Electronic and Electrical Engineering I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10250 Introduction to Calculus for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10150 Physics for Engineers I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10260 Linear Algebra for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MEEN10030 Mechanics for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MEEN10050 Energy Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10160 Physics for Engineers II Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 CHEN10010 Chemical Engineering Process Principles Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 COMP10060 Computer Science for Engineers I Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 CVEN10060 The Engineering and Architecture of Structures 1 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 EEEN10050 Introduction to Biomedical Eng Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 BSEN10010 Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 BSEN10020 How Sustainable is My Food? Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 CVEN10050 Challenges in Civil Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 DSCY10060 Energy, Climate Change & Policy Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 DSCY10070 Materials in Society Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 EEEN10020 Robotics Design Project Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN20030 Environmental Engineering Fundamentals Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN20080 Construction Materials Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN20110 Geotechnics 1 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN20130 Hydraulics I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MATH20290 Multivariable Calculus for Eng Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN20010 Mechanics of Solids Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN20070 Computer Applications in Civil Engineering Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN20120 Construction Practice Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CVEN20140 Design and Communications Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 STAT20060 Statistics & Probability Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
ARCT20040 History & Theory of the Designed Environment III - Survey Course 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CHEN20050 Bioprocess Engineering Principles Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
COMP20080 Computer Science for Engineers II Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CVEN20040 The Engineering & Architecture of Structures 2 Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
MEEN20030 Applied Dynamics I Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ACM30030 Multivariable Calculus Eng II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CVEN30020 Analysis of Structures 1 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CVEN30040 Design of Structures 1 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CVEN30090 Professional Engineering for Civil and Structural Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CVEN30390 Group Design Project 1 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CVEN30010 Geotechnics 2 Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CVEN30060 Hydraulics II Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CVEN30170 Analysis of Structures 2 Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CVEN30400 Group Design Project 2 Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 GEOL30070 Geology for Civil Engineers Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 3 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
 ARCT30030 History & Theory of the Designed Environment IV - Architecture, Urban and Landscape Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 3 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
 BSEN30240 Waste Management Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 3 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
 MEEN30130 Energy Systems in Buildings I Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In Stage 3 Civil Engineering, students may select two Elective Modules. These electives can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select other modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. Students should select their Elective/Additional Options from each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
 MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CVEN40690 Civil Engineering Systems Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CVEN40720 Geotechnics 3 Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CVEN40760 Case Studies Autumn  10
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CVEN40780 Design of Structures 2 Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CVEN40830 Applied Hydrology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CVEN40190 Engineering Report Spring  10
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CVEN40710 Highway Engineering Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 MEEN40430 Professional Engineering (Management) Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Students must select 2 Spring Trimester Option Modules from the following list.
 CVEN40050 Design of Structures 3 Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Students must select 2 Spring Trimester Option Modules from the following list.
 CVEN40060 Transport Modelling Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Students must select 2 Spring Trimester Option Modules from the following list.
 CVEN40070 Water & Wastewater Treatment Processes Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Students must select 2 Spring Trimester Option Modules from the following list.
 CVEN40080 Hydraulic Engineering Design Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Students must select 2 Spring Trimester Option Modules from the following list.
 CVEN40120 Bridge Engineering Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Students must select 2 Spring Trimester Option Modules from the following list.
 CVEN40210 Geotechnics 4 Spring  5

SDG6 SDG7 SDG 9 SDG 13

By joining the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture, you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. The mission of the College of Engineering and Architecture is to affect a just transition to a more sustainable and equitable future through our education of professionals in engineering, architecture, planning and policy, and our research in technology, design, and policy.  The College, in our engineers and architects, brings together the technical expertise to deliver and create infrastructure and technologies that can create a more sustainable future and, uniquely, the College, in our planners and environmental policy researchers, also brings together the research and professions required to create the policies and the regulatory environment that supports technological and infrastructure development, and that can also scrutinise and investigate the behavioural changes affected by our technologies.

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their education where most relevant.

Engineering: 

The college offers a wide range of engineering disciplines, ensuring that our students are educated in the fundamental principles of engineering, while also embedding sustainable practices and principles. The goal is to educate engineering professionals who can play an active role in developing innovative, engineering-based solutions to the challenges of sustainability and equity.

  • Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
  • Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
  • Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
  • Climate Action (SDG 13)

Choosing civil engineering has been deeply fulfilling. As a visual learner, witnessing our coursework materialise into real-world projects is immensely gratifying. The impact of our studies is evident everywhere, from campus buildings to transportation systems. Sustainability and innovative solutions are integral to our curriculum, motivating us to address environmental challenges. Professors, drawing from their rich project experiences, not only enrich our learning but also serve as approachable mentors. Projects blend creativity and critical thinking, pushing us to explore unconventional solutions. I’m inspired by the seamless integration of theory and practice, driving societal betterment.

Isabella Fagan, Student

“My aim had always been to do my university education in Europe. After research and elimination, I arrived at a decision between London and Dublin, and chose Dublin. UCD is ranked as the best university in Ireland for engineering and getting a part scholarship on academic merit added to the draw, and therefore my decision. This is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life, and if I had to do it over, I would definitely choose UCD again. I haven’t looked back once. The kind of exposure and learning across all aspects it has given me is unprecedented.” 

Keerthana Sethuraman - Graduate, India

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Civil Engineering:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt NUS1
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Closed
showAudience-audienceInt NUS1
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN150
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Civil Engineering:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt NUS1
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering		 Full-Time

Commencing September 2025		 Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.		 Apply
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