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Original poster

If my dd wants to be a civil engineer. what subjects does she need at O'level?

55 replies

Grikes · 06/12/2015 06:30

My DD is rather a strange one. She wants to be a civil engineer.

I assume that Maths and English is compulsory. She will take triple science. Her MFL most likely will be Spanish. Leaving her other choices to be Geography, History and IDT. She also wants to take RE. Does that make sence to take these subjects..

Is there any other specfic subjects she needs to take?

Thanks for any information

OP posts:
Suffolkgirl1 · 06/12/2015 09:10

DS looking at Engineering degrees. The top unis want A levels in Maths, further Maths and physics. A friends son has just started at Birmingham with A levels in Maths, Physics, Geography and AS Design Tech. Other than UCL (who like a GCSE modern language for all degrees) we have not found any requirements at GCSE level.

Lomaamina · 06/12/2015 09:01

Please don't confuse IT with Computing or Computerr Science. The former is meaningless for engineering, it's computing your DD might need.

FakaP · 06/12/2015 07:47

Another Civil Engineer here, not strange at all. Civil engineering is a respected degree and profession, and there is currently a huge skills shortage so a job on graduation is pretty much garunteed so long as you don't completely mess up! Many companies offer sponsorships etc for extra cash and paid work placements throughout the degree course.

Maths and physics are currently essentials at A Level really, although physics less so as PP explained. Other helpful subjects are geography, geology, modern languages but I don't think any university stipulates a particular 3rd subject.

I did double science GCSE and didn't do further maths A Level but best check with universities now as this was a few years ago!

I'm now in a project management role on site, working for a major contractor on one of the most challenging civil engineering projects currently being undertaken. I love my job and would recommend it.

BikeRunSki · 06/12/2015 07:31

I am a Civil Engineer! We're not so strange!!! I don't think there has been a single project in the last 20 years I haven't enjoyed and my job still has the power to amaze me.

There is currently discussion in the civil press about the relevance and need for A Level Physics, but in my experience it's vital. I did the traditional indecisive-scientist combination of Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Chemistry has been useful (for contaminated land and water supply projects) but sometimes I feel that I could do with a better understanding of Geography and GIS. With increasing use of computer models and GIS, then IT is useful and relevant too.

By far the most useful non-mathematical subject has been Geology. (I actually became a Civ Eng via BSc Physics and Geology, then postgraduate study and an "extra ordinary" appraisal by the Institution of Civil Engineers.) - but I have chosen to work in Geotechnics - the interaction of ground and structures, and using earth as a building material) and love it! It's very outdoorsy though, but so am I. There are several other specialities though - structural, transport, water resources, contaminated land and then site/project/contract manger roles.

You might find the Institution of Civil Engineers Careers Page useful too.

BondJayneBond · 06/12/2015 06:48

Take a look at this webpage from the Institute of Civil Engineering, that should give you an idea of what she should focus on at GCSE.

www.ice.org.uk/careers-and-professional-development/under-16s/what-subjects-should-i-study

They have a section on useful A-Levels as well if you're interested in. Basically, Maths is essential. Physics is next most important. Geography, Geology, ICT and Languages are mentioned as nice to have.