If you’re looking for a route into civil engineering that is paid, practical, and professionally focused, our Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is built for you. You’ll be employed in industry while studying for a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to thrive as a civil engineer supported by both the University and your employer throughout the journey.
This page is written for future apprentices and their families: a clear overview of what the programme looks like, what makes it special at Brighton, and the support you can expect from day one.
At a glance
- Award: BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Integrated)
- Study pattern: part-time, typically day-release (alongside paid employment)
- Duration: 5 years
- Learning style: applied, design-led, and strongly connected to workplace practice
- Support: dedicated academic, wellbeing, and apprenticeship support – plus structured employer reviews
Why Brighton? What makes our apprenticeship different
- Design-led learning that feels like real engineering
Civil engineering is a design profession, so we teach it that way. Each year includes opportunities to bring your learning together in integrated design and team projects the kind of work you’ll recognise from real industry practice: working to a brief, collaborating, making decisions, and justifying solutions.
- Sustainability is built in not bolted on
Modern civil engineers must deliver infrastructure that is safe, efficient, and sustainable. Sustainability themes run through the programme and are reflected in projects and problem-solving, so apprentices learn how to balance technical requirements with environmental and societal responsibilities.
- Teaching that supports busy working professionals
We know apprentices are balancing work, study, and personal life. That’s why our delivery includes approaches such as flipped learning (short pre-session content plus supported in-class problem-solving) and recorded worked examples where appropriate helping you keep pace and revisit tricky topics when you need to.
- Strong employer input and industry relevance
The programme is shaped with employers and industry partners so it stays current, practical, and aligned with what the sector needs. This also helps inform guest talks, professional insights, and opportunities that connect learning directly to the workplace.
- Practical learning and modern facilities
Civil engineering is hands-on. You’ll have access to specialist learning environments and labs that support applied learning, testing, and design thinking helping you build confidence with real engineering methods and processes.
- Duration: a five-year integrated route (without stretching your training)
Our Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Integrated) is designed to be completed in 5 years.
That matters because some comparable civil engineering degree (Integrated) apprenticeships at other universities can take 5.5 to 6 years. Our integrated structure keeps the journey focused and well-planned so you can reach key milestones sooner, without unnecessarily extending your training.
What this means for apprentices and families:
- A clear pathway from starting the programme to graduating and completing the apprenticeship assessment.
- Earlier career progression, because you reach major milestones sooner.
- Better continuity, with learning and workplace development aligned year by year.
We don’t compress the learning. We organise it intelligently so apprentices can meet all required outcomes within five years while still balancing work responsibilities and university study.
- What you’ll learn (and how it links to the workplace)
Across the programme you’ll build a strong civil engineering foundation, typically covering areas such as:
- Mathematics and engineering science that underpin analysis and design
- Ground engineering and geotechnics (soils, foundations, earthworks)
- Structures and materials (analysis, behaviour, and design principles)
- Hydraulics and water engineering concepts
- Surveying and measurement in practice
- Construction methods, planning, and constructability thinking
- Professional skills: communication, teamwork, ethics, and safe working culture
The key advantage of the apprenticeship route is that your learning doesn’t stay in the classroom: you’ll apply it in your job, collect evidence of development, and grow as an engineer through real responsibility in the workplace.
How you’ll be supported
Apprentices succeed when support is structured, consistent, and easy to access. At Brighton, you’re supported by a whole network academically, professionally, and personally.
- Academic and pastoral support at the University
You’ll have access to:
- your course team (including the course leader)
- a personal academic tutor / academic advisor
- module tutors and project supervisors
- student support and wellbeing services
- library and learning support
- the University’s apprenticeship support team (for administration and guidance)
We monitor progress and engagement and step in early if you need help so small issues don’t become big obstacles.
- Workplace support and regular progress reviews
Your employer plays a central role in your development. You’ll be supported in the workplace by a line manager and appropriate supervisors/mentors, and your progress is reviewed through regular tripartite progress reviews involving the apprentice, employer, and University. These reviews help ensure:
- off-the-job learning is planned and protected
- work activities align with your development needs
- support is put in place quickly if challenges arise
- you stay on track academically and professionally
- End-Point Assessment (EPA): integrated and well-prepared
Our programme is delivered in an integrated model, meaning the degree and apprenticeship requirements are aligned throughout not treated as separate “extra” pieces at the end.
As apprentices approach the later stages of the programme, support focuses on:
- building and organising a portfolio of evidence mapped to apprenticeship outcomes
- preparing for a work-based project, including reporting and presentation skills
- developing confidence for professional discussion and reflective practice
By the time you reach the final stage, you’ll know what’s expected and will have had structured opportunities to prepare.
Who is it for?
This programme is ideal for people who:
- want to earn a degree while working in civil engineering
- learn best through applying ideas to real projects
- are motivated to develop professionally over time
- want a supported route that builds confidence step by step
It can suit a range of entry backgrounds typically including A levels, relevant BTEC routes, Access to HE, and other appropriate qualifications. Recognition of relevant prior learning and experience may also be possible in some cases.
Next steps
If you’re a prospective apprentice (or a parent supporting someone considering this route), a good next step is to:
- talk with your employer (or a potential employer) about apprenticeship opportunities and the day-release commitment, and
- reach out to the course team with questions about structure, workload, and support.
We’re always happy to explain how the programme works in practice so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Find out more about the apprenticeship journey by reading Emily’s experience as a civil engineer apprentice Award Winning Civil Engineering Apprentice Emily Cole shares her experiences and advice for aspiring apprentices. | Apprenticeships at Brighton
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