what is cIVIL ENGINEERING all about?

Its blend of disciplines makes this Bachelor’s a challenging programme that prepares you to be an all-round civil engineer. As in any Civil Engineering programme, you, of course, learn things like how to calculate and build a construction. But here you also learn to map out the consequences of a project like that for people, companies or nature in the area.

As a civil engineer from Twente, it is highly likely that your career not just revolves around construction and technology, but that you have a more interdisciplinary role, for example, as a project leader, as a manager or in Research & Development.

Become an expert in technical and non-technical aspects of civil engineering

The fusion of hard technology – including subjects like mathematics and mechanics – with ‘soft skills’ – such as management and communication – makes our Bachelor’s unique, both in the Netherlands and internationally. It also fits in with UT’s High Tech Human Touch philosophy. As a civil engineer from the UT, you will be perfectly equipped to come up with technically sound solutions. On top of that, you will have a keen understanding of vital organisational, sustainable, societal and economic aspects. You will gain expertise in modelling and calculating, as well as in managing projects and risks, consulting with stakeholders, or balancing conflicting interests. This Bachelor’s will enable you to build an all-round profile.

combine scientific theory and practical projects

One of UT’s distinguishing characteristics is its practical application of scientific knowledge. In each module, you work on a team project in which you directly apply the knowledge you have gained to a real world issue. You research it and report on it. You make plans and designs. You work together in multicultural teams which will strengthen your intercultural skills. You will become an academically grounded, creative problem solver.

What is it like to study this bachelor's?

What can you expect if you study the Bachelor's in Civil Engineering at the University of Twente? Student Yarno shares his experiences in his story.

Future-proof education

In each module, you will address a topic that is current in society, business or industry. This topic brings together all parts of your study: theory and practice, research, designing solutions, self-study and teamwork.

A fixed part of each module is the team project, in which you apply your acquired knowledge to a real-life challenge and design a solution. By directly using the knowledge learned in the courses in a project, you not only broaden your knowledge but also know how to apply it. This challenging learning method is part of the Twente Education Model: an innovative way of studying that you will only find at UT.

Bachelor's STRUCTURE

You get familiar with innovative construction management, traffic management and water management techniques, while also learning to identify circular and resilient solutions. You spend three years immersing yourself in mathematics, physics, mechanics, fluid dynamics and design subjects, but also in process management, communications and aspects such as environmental effects and management. 

MODULE 1 | INTRODUCTION TO CIVIL ENGINEERING

The first module in the programme is an introduction to the basics of civil engineering. You immediately set to work with subjects such as structural mechanics, construction materials and mathematics. Together with your team, you work on a project in which you further develop your project management and teamwork skills.

MODULE 2 | WATER MANAGEMENT

This module is about the physical and governance-related aspects of water management. You learn more about natural water systems, the changes that take place in them and the effects of human intervention. As well as the mathematical, technical and programming aspects, you explore societal aspects and the many conflicting interests that come into play with water management. This module’s team project is about developing a proposal for managing a dam in the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, taking into account the many interests at stake.

MODULE 3 | TRAFFIC & TRANSPORT

During this module, you delve into the basic theory of traffic engineering. Which developments play a role in traffic and transport management? From which perspectives and interests can you approach it? In your team project, you and your fellow students work on designing, developing and presenting your proposal.

MODULE 4 | DESIGNING CONSTRUCTIONS

This module covers just about everything related to designing buildings. This includes managing, organising and financing a project, the principles of systems engineering and circularity. In the team project, you work on designing a parking garage near the UT. You analyse the construction system and calculate and evaluate the indicators for aspects such as foundations, ventilation and retaining walls.

MODULE 5 | SAFETY & RISKS IN DELTAS

The second year starts with a module on safety and risks in flood areas. What are relevant mechanisms, techniques and strategies? With your project group, you analyse the water security of a dyked area in the Netherlands. Key courses in this module are Soil Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics and Water Management.

MODULE 6 | SUSTAINABLE CIVIL ENGINEERING

This module handles the technical, ecological, economic and social aspects of civil engineering. Together with your project group, you present a smart bridge that is designed to efficiently utilise raw materials and energy sources, to reduce potential environmental impacts and costs within the context of a responsible strategy for the development of smart cities.

MODULE 7 | AREA DEVELOPMENT

During module 7, you immerse yourself in analysing and evaluating the diverse aspects that come into play in urban planning. Which spatial and economic developments play a role? In the team project, you develop a vision for a region based on a spatial analysis and a multidisciplinary approach. You and your team make a 3D visualisation of the urban development with the help of graphic software, and draw up a policy assessment. Finally, you and your team present your analyses, evaluation and vision in a clear, accessible report.

MODULE 8 | Simulation and Stochastic Modelling in Civil Engineering

The last module of the second year focuses on simulating and predicting traffic flow and transport processes. You will model and analyse complex problems with a large uncertainty factor, for example, road development or determining the delay at a traffic light.

MODULES 9 AND 10 | MINORS

In your minor space, you have several options:

• In-depth elective modules: deepen your knowledge in areas such as Smart Cities or Nature-based Flood Protection;
• Broaden your knowledge with modules from other Bachelor’s, such as Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration or Applied Mathematics;
• Study abroad! You learn to approach issues from a different culture and develop the flexibility to work in various teams and circumstances. These are all skills that come in handy later on;
• Choose the Education minor Learn to Teach and get a second-degree teaching qualification. This allows you to work as a teacher at secondary school level. Note that this minor is in Dutch and allows you to only work as a teacher at secondary schools in the Netherlands.

MODULE 11 | PREPARATION GRADUATION

Module 11, Preparation BSc Thesis Civil Engineering, is a compulsory module designed to help you prepare for your graduation thesis. During this phase, you will learn more about the production of knowledge, and you will learn how to write a project plan for a (practical) research project in the field of Civil Engineering.

MODULE 12 | BACHELOR'S ASSIGNMENT WITHIN AN EXTERNAL COMPANY

You finish off the three-year Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering with your thesis project. During the assignment, you get to prove that you have sufficient knowledge and that you can systematically work and report. Unique in our programme is that we require you to carry out your bachelor’s thesis project at a civil engineering organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. This is a great way of discovering the important link between the knowledge and skills you have learned and their practical application. You receive your bachelor’s diploma after completing this project.

Continue your studies with a master's at ut

Around 87% of the graduates continue on to one of our Master’s. With your Bachelor’s diploma, you are directly admissible to:

• Civil Engineering & Management
• Construction Management & Engineering
• Humanitarian Engineering
• Spatial Engineering
• Sustainable Energy Technology
• Environmental & Energy Management

If you want to complete a different master’s at UT, such as Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering & Management, you are required to do a pre-master’s.

Going elsewhere

You can also take a master’s at any other university in the Netherlands or abroad. Take into account, that other universities may require you to complete a pre-master's before granting you admission at master’s level.

career prospects

Most students do not enter the job market until they have a master’s degree, although you can do so after your Bachelor’s. Thanks to the inter- and multidisciplinary nature of our Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering degree and the subsequent Master’s at UT, you can pursue many different directions.

You will be well-prepared for positions that focus on building and construction, water management or traffic and transport, as well as the organisational aspects surrounding them. There is a lot of demand for people who feel at home in both areas, both in the Netherlands and abroad. You could work for:

• Consultancy firms
• Government and public organisations
• Contractors or project developers
• Universities or research institutes

START YOUR OWN COMPANY

You can also start your own business with a solution that you have developed. UT is recognised as ‘the most entrepreneurial university’ in the Netherlands. We are strong in the application of expertise to meaningfully influence society. Together with our students, we like to work with the innovation specialists from Novel-T, who like to tap into promising innovative business cases.

Have you decided to sign up for the Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering? Visit the website of Civil Engineering to check the admission requirements and application deadlines and to start your application. You can register from October if you want to start the course the following year in September. 

WHAT IS EC?

Student workload at Dutch universities is expressed in EC, also named ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), which is widely used throughout the European Union. In the Netherlands, each credit represents 28 hours of work. You need to acquire 60 credits each year.

Your programme assigns fixed numbers of hours to each assignment, project report or exam. In the first year, you need to get at least 45 out of 60 points to be able to continue to the second year.

BINDING RECOMMENDATION

Our aim is to get you in the right place as soon as possible, which is why we use the principle of a binding recommendation. You will receive a positive recommendation if you have obtained 45 or more of the 60 EC in the first year. A negative recommendation is binding and means you have to leave the programme.

Under certain circumstances, we may give you a positive recommendation despite a low score. For example, if we are confident that you are in the right place. Do personal circumstances such as illness or problems interfere with your study performance? Our team Student Guidance & Well-being is there to support you. 

Please note: In Civil Engineering, in addition to 45 EC, you also need to have completed at least four out of the seven technical courses in the first year to receive a positive advice. 

Benefit from a personal approach

At the University of Twente, you'll benefit from the best of both worlds: a close-knit campus community and a highly personalised learning experience. With small classes, interactive group work and direct contact with lecturers, you'll never feel lost in the crowd. Our lecturers know you by name and are easily approachable, giving you the support and guidance you need to succeed.

Join an association!

At UT, you can choose from 148 different associations, ranging from sports and performing arts to business and gezelligheidsverenigingen: associations that bring together students from various bachelor's and master's programmes. Also, do not forget to become a member of the study association of your study programme to get a discount on your books and participate in various educational and fun activities - a great way to meet students in your year and beyond.

Be part of a close-knit community

At the University of Twente, everything is within reach. Our vibrant campus, just 15 minutes from Enschede city centre, is home to around 12,000 students from over 100 countries. Live, study, sport and connect in a unique environment with student housing, high-tech labs, study spaces, restaurants, sports facilities and more, all in one place.

HONOURS PROGRAMME

Would you like to learn about other scientific disciplines, in addition to your study? The Bachelor Honours programme is an extracurricular broadening programme of 30 EC in which ambitious students are challenged to enrich their knowledge, skills, attitude, cooperation, and experiences outside their own study discipline. The programme starts in February en lasts for 1.5 years.

TOP RESEARCH FACILITIES

You have access to high-quality laboratory, located on campus. UT is a world-renowned top research university and home to nearly 2,000 scientists. With three powerful research institutes and around 400 labs, you have access to a first-class research and learning environment. 

THE VIBRANT STUDENT CITY OF ENSCHEDE

Enschede has more than 162,000 inhabitants, including around 27,000 students from one of the three higher education institutions. The city boasts colourful weekly markets, bustling shopping streets, and well-tended parks. Besides, there are cool events to join all year round. It is the student population that gives Enschede its flair, though. Every day, you will see students cycling to their classes, reading on the grass at the Volkspark or having fun in the Old Market pubs.

Enschede has been announced as the best city for student housing in the Netherlands for years! But bear in mind: each year, over 4,000 new students start at the University and search for accommodation at the same time as you.

Scan the QR to watch the video about Civil Heroes.

ut.onl/civil-heroes