Creating and managing civil engineering solutions in a way that works for people and society.
Is raising the dikes the only way to reduce flood risk, or are there smarter, cheaper solutions? How do you install a resilient electricity grid in a hurricane zone? Which factors do you have to keep in mind to ensure that new roads or structures will endure the effects of climate change? How do you secure and balance the many interests of the government, residents, companies, and the environment in such large projects? If these questions fascinate you, the three-year, English-taught Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering is the right choice for you.
In the Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, you acquire both the technical and non-technical knowledge you need to take on complex civil engineering challenges. You learn everything a civil engineer needs to know in order to design, construct and manage large projects in construction & infrastructure, water management, and traffic & transport. You also become an expert in the many important organisational and non-technical issues involved in such projects, from legal and administrative aspects to communication, project and process management.
A day in the life of a Civil Engineering student
Wondering what it's like to study Civil Engineering? Thijs gives you a glimpse into his student life.
Why study Civil Engineering?
Study at one of the best civil engineering programmes in the Netherlands and the world In the rankings, our programme has been rated one of the best civil engineering programmes in the Netherlands for years. At UT, we are global frontrunners in research areas within all three civil engineering domains: water, traffic & transport, and construction & infrastructure. Add to this that Dutch civil engineers are known as the best in the world (‘Bring in the Dutch’), and you can understand why, with this degree, you can make a difference anywhere in the world!
Become an expert in both the technical and non-technical aspects of civil engineering During this study, you will learn to fuse hard technology – including subjects like mathematics and mechanics – with ‘soft skills’, such as management and communication. This makes our Bachelor’s unique, both in the Netherlands and internationally. As a civil engineer from UT, you will be perfectly equipped to develop technically sound solutions. On top of that, you will have a keen understanding of vital organisational, societal and economic aspects. You will gain expertise in modelling and calculating, as well as in managing projects and risks, consulting with stakeholders, and balancing conflicting interests; skills that you will also practice in real-life cases. By applying your knowledge in a group project in every module, you will build up an all-round profile of practical skills and theoretical knowledge; the perfect preparation for your start as a young engineer.
Get ready for a fulfilling career in the Netherlands or internationally There is an enormous demand for civil engineers all over the world – especially those from the Netherlands. In this country alone, there are around 125,000 job vacancies at the moment. And this number is likely to remain high; just think about the demand for houses and infrastructure adjustments, and the global gap in infrastructure maintenance. That is why we prepare you for an international career; the study programme is in English and you will regularly work on projects in an international context. For example, in the first year, you will follow a module about water management, in which you have to design a dam for the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. Whatever career path you choose, with your education, you will be set to find a fulfilling job.
Attend a programme with a lot of personal attention Education at the University of Twente is known to be personal and informal, and this Bachelor's is no different. We have an open-door policy and you will receive more individual attention and guidance than at most other universities. The atmosphere between lecturers and students is friendly and informal: you can always approach someone with your questions. Together with our active study association ConcepT, we continuously improve our education and organise all kinds of study-related activities. Here, you will live your student life to the fullest and grow both professionally and personally!
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Future jobs
As a graduate of Civil Engineering, you will have plenty of interesting job opportunities - especially if you have followed up your Bachelor's with a Master's. To give you an idea, here are some job positions you may fill after graduation.
- Bridge Design Engineer
- Contract and Process Management Consultant
- Project Manager
- Adviser Environmental Management
- Transport Engineer
- Researcher
- Traffic Modeller
- Urban Water Management Consultant
Programme overview
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