A construction career isn't just for people who love the hands-on aspect of creating a building, like bricklaying or carpentry. It's an industry that also offers an array of opportunities in areas like IT, construction project management, quantity surveying and engineering. Each and every role, from builder to architect, carpenter to plumber, plays a crucial part in the construction process, therefore, adequate training in your chosen trade will not only enhance your employability prospects to companies around the world, it will also ensure you deliver a competent, safe and successful project.
So, if you're keen to find out more about a construction degree and career path that will provide you with a valuable skills set, job security, a good salary, and many avenues of career growth, then read on and discover the top universities and colleges in the UK offering an excellent construction education.
The Top UK Construction Schools & Universities
Take a look at these top-ranking schools for construction and learn about some of their prestigious construction courses.
- University of Nottingham - If you want to make a difference when it comes to smart and sustainable buildings, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours in Architectural Environment Engineering could be the course for you. You'll learn about renewable energy generation, smart controls, thermal comfort and the acoustics of spaces, as well as the knowledge to reduce the carbon footprint of modern construction projects. This three year course also provides the opportunity to boost your career prospects with a year in the industry, a work placement, or an internship during the course.
- University of Reading - Become an expert in planning and programming of construction projects with this BSc (Hons) course in Construction Management. You will be introduced to all aspects of the construction industry including principles of management, the fundamental concepts of construction science, and construction site engineering, while you will also benefit from the university's strong links with the industry. Alternatively, you could choose to do a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying, which is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and by the Chartered Institute of Buildings (CIOB). International students are welcome to apply for these courses.
- Ulster University - Develop a broad range of knowledge across all aspects of building design with an education in Architectural Technology and Management. This is available as a four year sandwich course including a placement year, or as a part-time module over five years.
- Aston University, Birmingham - Accredited by the RICS and CIOB, this dynamic BSc Hons in Construction Project Management will teach you how to have a successful career managing building projects from conception to completion. Ranked 1st in the UK for student experience accordion got the Sunday Times Guide 2023, there's an opportunity to enter the RICS's Assessment of Professional Competence Training Scheme and boost your future employment prospects.
- University College London (UCL) - Combining skills in construction management and leadership in engineering design, the Masters of Engineering (MEng) in Construction Engineering, Innovation and Leaders is a programme that has been developed to create future leaders. Gain knowledge on the principles of design and how these building concepts are taken forward to become functional entities.
- University of West England, Bristol - Learn a range of valuable skills that promise fruitful career prospects on this BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. You'll have access to industry knowledge, credible placements and useful recruitment advice from the university's construction partner employers. As the program is accredited by the RICS, as well as the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES), you'll get free access to these institutions' events and workshops.
- Nottingham Trent University - On this five year course, undergraduate and Masters-level content is combined to encourage a high-level knowledge of civil engineering principles and theory, along with engineering skills. On successful completion of the course, you will gain a Masters of Engineering (MEng) in Civil Engineering Design and Construction, and set you on a direct path to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, 100% of students were in employment or further education within 15 months of completing this course.
- University Centre Salford - Delivered by industry-experienced tutors and experts, the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction is a unique course developed for students that have an interest in the built environment, but have little or no knowledge of the construction industry. It is delivered in just 12 months, providing a strong foundation to progress to further courses, such as Quantity Surveying or Construction Project Management, which are both offered at this school, or onto employment with local and national construction firms, as many previous HNC graduates have done.
- Liverpool John Morse University - As well as Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, you can also study for an Honours in Architectural Technology at LJMU. In this course you'll develop specialist knowledge of building design, construction and sustainable technology, project preparation, planning control, building regulations and professional practice. Take advantage of opportunities to undertake a placement year in the sector, as well as a chance to study at an approved overseas partner college.
- Leeds Beckett University - Do you have a keen interest in green buildings and improving the energy efficiency of architecture? Then consider taking a BEng Honours in Building Services Engineering. You'll help clients develop systems and solve problems to provide safe and healthy environments in which people can live and work. On this course you'll gain work experience and the opportunity to work towards becoming a Chartered Engineer. You'll also be able to apply for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and attain Incorporated Engineer Status.
Types of Construction Courses and Degrees
There are a variety of building construction courses, and programs available in colleges across the UK, and here are the most popular types of programs, as well as the skills that will be attained:
- Construction Management: Qualifying as a Construction Project Manager will lead you to securing an essential role in the building sector, managing building projects from conception to completion, keeping a close eye on costs, and finding solutions to challenges. Managing people is a huge part of this role, so you will also utilise HR and leadership skills to ensure the smooth supervision of workforces and teams to deliver a successful project. After some experience, you could move into contract management or consultancy, or improve your career prospects by getting chartered status through an industry body like the CIOB.
- Civil Engineering: A Civil Engineer finds creative solutions to problems occurring in buildings and other physical infrastructures, like bridges, roads, hospitals and train stations. With so many different areas to specialise in, you can choose to work on projects that you feel passionate about. Typical employers of Civil Engineers include construction companies, property developers, renewable energy companies, and structural engineering consultancies and contracting companies.
- Quantity Surveying: As a Quantity Surveyor you will learn how to price up the cost of a building project and how to ensure it is completed on time and within budget. As you gain more experience there are possibilities of career progression into senior management roles, project management and contracts or commercial management.
- Built Environment: The built environment refers to human-created structures such as houses, roads, offices, sports stadiums and airports. There are many vocational courses, other than degree qualifications, that will lead to a successful profession in this field. For example, a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Building Services Engineering, a City & Guilds Diploma in Construction Multi-Skills (Electrical and Plumbing), and a Higher National Certificate in Construction Management, will all provide great job opportunities and lead to roles such as building inspector, chartered surveyor, maintenance manager, and site manager.
- Hands-on Training: Hands-on experience is incredibly important in construction education so students can learn specific skills, how to solve problems and safety requirements on site. Constructing their own knowledge through experience is likely to encourage job retention and a higher efficient work rate.
Work Experience Opportunities
Work experience and internships aim to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real working world, offering students a chance to gain practical knowledge and insight into their chosen profession, and giving them an advantage when demonstrating their experiences to prospective employers. Students can also demonstrate the professional skills they've obtained, such as communication, time management and problem-solving, which are all highly valued by future employers. Another advantage is the industry connections made by working and networking with potential companies.
Career Prospects and Job Opportunities
Job Opportunities
As a graduate of a construction or building course, your skills and knowledge will be valued by employers in a range of sectors. As well as the professions mentioned above, you could also consider career opportunities such as building control surveyor, building services engineer, estates manager, estimator, fire risk assessor, site engineer and sustainability consultant.
Salary Expectations
Here are the average salaries for a number of roles in the construction industry:
- Construction Manager £46, 521
- Quantity Surveyor £35, 992
- Civil Engineer £32,924
- Building Control Surveyor £40,000
- Building Services Engineer £33,228
Whether you are interested in learning carpentry skills or how to manage an entire construction site, being educated and trained to the highest level will undoubtedly set aspiring construction professionals up for a successful and fruitful career in the industry. For more invaluable information for progressing your journey into the construction industry read our guides on How to Become a General Contractor and How to Become a Builder.
