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Deciding on Civil Engineering (Year 12)

Hi, I've been contemplating a course and uni choices for a while now (currently in year 12. I'm looking at civil engineering more but not sure it'd be my thing, I really enjoy maths and enjoyed materials and mechanics in physics so that is what pushed me towards civil (maths, f maths, chem, phys, graphics btw). Unis I reckon I could get into Imperial but alot of the time the student satisfaction on polls seem quite low and would like to go to a much more social or bigger night-life uni so felt Bristol would be good, any help?
Reply 1
Avatar for gummers
gummers
13
Well, the stuff you enjoy is going in the right direction.
Just have a look at a few courses online and visit the Uni's open days etc.. You'll be able to make a much more informed decision after you do so.
From what you've told us, it seems that you'd benefit from researching more about what 'Civil Engineering' entails. The aspects of maths and physics that you've declared an interest in are often the same reasons that prospective students choose other engineering disciplines, say mechanical, aerospace and materials. It's a good idea to look into these as well.

Also look at the industry. Do you want to become a Civil Engineer? Do you know what a Civil Engineer does? Are you aware of the variety of civil engineering subdisciplines, such as transportational engineering, surveying, environmental engineering, highway engineering, structural engineering etc.

Don't worry too much about getting into the very best university. Afterall if you're not going to be happy, you're less likely to do well. But do visit each university, you may find that you'd like Imperial afterall. Bristol is still an excellent university for Civil Engineering. You could consider Cambridge. If you're not 100% sure about Civil Engineering, the advantage of the Cambridge course is that you will study General Engineering for the first two years before specialising. So if you feel that you're capable, you could perhaps give Cambridge a shot as well.
Reply 3
Avatar for joev789
joev789
OP
I understand engineers are involved with civil structures such as bridges railways, stadiums etc. and even foundation and bases of buildings. My main concern about choosing a uni is Sheffield is accredited to go and achieve a CEng whilst at Bristol you need to sit further exams however Sheffield seems too rural for my liking but Bristol was rated as 3'rd compared to Sheffields 5'th in a civil engineering uni table, confused about that, how can it be better but not be acknowledged of a fully accredited degree?
Reply 4
Avatar for samir12
samir12
16
Original post by joev789
I understand engineers are involved with civil structures such as bridges railways, stadiums etc. and even foundation and bases of buildings. My main concern about choosing a uni is Sheffield is accredited to go and achieve a CEng whilst at Bristol you need to sit further exams however Sheffield seems too rural for my liking but Bristol was rated as 3'rd compared to Sheffields 5'th in a civil engineering uni table, confused about that, how can it be better but not be acknowledged of a fully accredited degree?


Im pretty sure the course at Bristol is fully accredited

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/civilengineering/prospectiveundergraduates/meng.html
Reply 5
Avatar for KLW
KLW
Original post by joev789
I understand engineers are involved with civil structures such as bridges railways, stadiums etc. and even foundation and bases of buildings. My main concern about choosing a uni is Sheffield is accredited to go and achieve a CEng whilst at Bristol you need to sit further exams however Sheffield seems too rural for my liking but Bristol was rated as 3'rd compared to Sheffields 5'th in a civil engineering uni table, confused about that, how can it be better but not be acknowledged of a fully accredited degree?


I'm pretty sure that all top universities are accredited. Also I wouldn't base any choice solely on league tables. Firstly see what your Jan results come back as, then look at Uni's and research those you like the sound of (distance, course, pass-rate, student satisfaction, location, nightlife, respectability?). I would strongly recommend attending taster courses, summer schools, look at Headstart take all opportunities as they come and make sure Civil Engineering (or any form of engineering)is right for you, because you'll be spending at least 3 yrs of your life doing it...

Hope this helps :smile:
Original post by joev789
Hi, I've been contemplating a course and uni choices for a while now (currently in year 12. I'm looking at civil engineering more but not sure it'd be my thing, I really enjoy maths and enjoyed materials and mechanics in physics so that is what pushed me towards civil (maths, f maths, chem, phys, graphics btw). Unis I reckon I could get into Imperial but alot of the time the student satisfaction on polls seem quite low and would like to go to a much more social or bigger night-life uni so felt Bristol would be good, any help?


student satisfaction is low because nobody bother to fill the survey.

If you like graphics then you might consider Mech.Eng. Part of the course is dedicated towards sketching and you can graduate with a degree in design & innovation. Programme is joined with Royal College of art. E-mail mech.eng admission tutor for details.


PS: civ eng is for concrete junkies
Reply 7
Avatar for Domenico7
Domenico7
13
Original post by kaosu_souzousha
student satisfaction is low because nobody bother to fill the survey.

If you like graphics then you might consider Mech.Eng. Part of the course is dedicated towards sketching and you can graduate with a degree in design & innovation. Programme is joined with Royal College of art. E-mail mech.eng admission tutor for details.


PS: civ eng is for concrete junkies


That's a pretty narrow minded view of Civil Engineers. You wouldn't have bridges to drive over or tunnels without them.
Original post by HurricaneDominic
That's a pretty narrow minded view of Civil Engineers. You wouldn't have bridges to drive over or tunnels without them.


you would

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