The Department of Civil Engineering's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are offered by internationally acclaimed academics who are leaders in their fields.

Undergraduate studies

The department offers a fully integrated undergraduate civil engineering programme comprising up-to-date courses in all the traditional branches of civil engineering, such as structures, steel and concrete materials, geotechnics, hydraulics, water supply, wastewater treatment and transportation. UCT’s Bachelor of Science (Eng) degree in Civil Engineering is fully accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa. The degree requires a minimum of four years of study. The disciplines of civil engineering at UCT are:

  • Structural Engineering
  • Structural Materials
  • Urban Engineering
  • Transport Studies
  • Water Management
  • Hydraulic Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering

Postgraduate studies

The department offers a wide range of postgraduate studies linked to research in transport studies, concrete and materials structural integrity, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering and mechanics, urban water management and water quality engineering.  Master's degree programmes are offered, which comprise different levels of research versus course work, thus allowing students to educate themselves according to their particular strengths and career choices. Postgraduate courses vary in duration from one year to three years. Some courses are offered during the University semesters, while others are offered during a block week.

For detailed information, please visit the Department of Civil Engineering website.

 

Exciting research in the department

Watch the video to find out more about the research that A/Professor Dyllon Randall and his students are involved in to save water. 

 


 

What is civil engineering?

 

Civil engineering involves the planning, design, construction and development of building and infrastructure projects, the management and distribution of water resources, the optimisation of traffic and transport services and the creation of sustainable and energy-efficient cities and communities in a rapidly developing global environment.
 

Is it for me? 

Consider becoming a civil engineer, if you –

  • Thrive on solving problems
  • Want to get things done and be involved throughout the process
  • Have solid maths and science skills
  • Care for the environment, both urban and natural
  • Enjoy working with other people
  • Want to make a positive difference to the world

Career opportunities

Civil engineers can specialise in any of the many diverse aspects of the profession – project management, construction, transportation, urban engineering, water management, structural engineering and material technology. They tend to work in teams, with other professionals such as environmental planners, architects, town planners and community development practitioners.  They work in varied settings – on construction sites, in design consultancies, government departments and state agencies.