Level 7 Diploma in Civil Engineering

1. Advanced Civil Engineering Principles and Numerical Analysis : Develops advanced understanding of engineering mechanics, applied mathematics, numerical methods, computational analysis, engineering modelling, uncertainty and analytical techniques used to investigate complex civil-engineering problems and support evidence-based engineering decisions.

2. Structural Engineering and Advanced Design : Examines advanced structural analysis and design principles for reinforced concrete, steel and composite structures, structural behaviour, loading, stability, serviceability, robustness, durability, structural modelling and the critical evaluation of alternative design solutions.

3. Geotechnical Engineering and Foundation Engineering : Develops advanced knowledge of soil and rock behaviour, site investigation, ground modelling, bearing capacity, settlement, slope stability, retaining structures, foundation systems, ground improvement and geotechnical risk assessment.

4. Transportation and Infrastructure Systems Engineering : Explores the planning, design, assessment and management of highways, pavements, traffic systems, transport infrastructure and network interfaces, including capacity, safety, performance, asset condition and sustainable transportation considerations.

5. Water Resources, Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering : Covers advanced hydraulic analysis, water-resource management, drainage, flood-risk considerations, water infrastructure, wastewater systems, environmental protection and engineering responses to changing environmental and climatic conditions.

6. Construction Engineering, Project Management, Quality and Commercial Practice : Develops advanced capability in construction methods, programme management, resources, procurement, contracts, cost and commercial controls, quality management, project governance and coordination of multidisciplinary construction activities. ISO 21502:2020 provides internationally applicable guidance on project management across different project types, delivery approaches and levels of complexity.

7. BIM, Digital Engineering and Asset Information Management : Examines building information modelling, digital engineering workflows, information exchange, model-based coordination, common data environments, asset information and digital delivery across the infrastructure life cycle. ISO 19650-2:2018 remains the current published delivery-phase BIM information-management standard, while revised ISO/DIS 19650 parts are under development in 2026.

8. Sustainable, Resilient and Safe Infrastructure Engineering : Develops advanced approaches to sustainable design, carbon reduction, resource efficiency, climate resilience, infrastructure adaptation, health and safety, whole-life performance and environmentally responsible engineering. ICE's professional attributes explicitly incorporate sustainable development, health and safety, whole-life project considerations and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

9. Civil Engineering Research Methodology and Professional Practice : Develops advanced competence in literature review, engineering research questions, research design, data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, technical writing, professional ethics, engineering communication, continuing professional development and responsible professional judgement.

10. Applied Civil Engineering Research and Integrated Design Project : Requires learners to investigate a complex civil-engineering problem and develop an advanced integrated solution through research, analysis, design evaluation, technical reporting and professional presentation, demonstrating independent application of postgraduate-level civil-engineering knowledge.

Successful learners can develop:

• Advanced civil-engineering analytical capability.

• Postgraduate-level structural and geotechnical knowledge.

• Infrastructure planning and transportation competence.

• Advanced water, hydraulic and environmental engineering awareness.

• Construction project-management and commercial skills.

• Quality and risk-management capability.

• BIM and digital-information-management competence.

• Sustainable and climate-resilient engineering knowledge.

• Advanced research and technical-reporting skills.

• Ability to integrate multiple engineering disciplines within complex projects.

• Experience completing an advanced applied civil-engineering project.

ICE's current professional attributes emphasise solving complex engineering problems, selecting appropriate techniques, managing risk, considering the whole project life cycle, addressing health and safety and contributing to sustainable development.

The qualification is suitable for:

• Civil Engineers seeking postgraduate-level professional development.

• Structural and geotechnical engineering professionals.

• Infrastructure and transportation engineers.

• Water and environmental engineering professionals.

• Construction and project-engineering professionals.

• Site and design engineers progressing into senior responsibility.

• BIM and digital-engineering professionals working within civil infrastructure.

• Engineering consultants.

• Project and engineering managers.

• Professionals preparing for more advanced technical, managerial or postgraduate study.

Assessment Format: A combination of advanced written examinations, engineering calculations, technical assignments, design reports, case studies, digital-engineering exercises, research activities, professional presentations and an applied integrated civil-engineering project.

Total Questions: 60 Questions in the formal knowledge examinations, supplemented by substantial technical assignments and project-based assessment.

Passing Score: 70% in the formal examination component, together with successful completion of all required technical assignments, research work and integrated project requirements.

Duration: 180 Minutes for the formal written examination component.

Certification: Successful learners receive the HiQual UK Level 7 Diploma in Civil Engineering, subject to the qualification's approved assessment and quality-assurance procedures.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the HiQual UK Level 7 Diploma in Civil Engineering may progress to:

• A relevant 180-credit master's degree top-up or dissertation stage, where a receiving university or awarding institution accepts the prior Level 7 credits.

• Further postgraduate specialisation in Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Engineering, Construction Management, Infrastructure Engineering or Digital Engineering.

• Professional development aligned with civil and infrastructure engineering competency frameworks.

• Senior roles such as Senior Civil Engineer, Design Engineer, Project Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Engineer and Engineering Project Manager, subject to professional experience and role-specific requirements.

• Continuing professional development toward professional engineering registration pathways, subject to the relevant professional body's education, competence and experience requirements.

The qualification itself does not automatically grant Chartered Engineer or other professional registration. ICE states that professional qualification requires demonstration of the relevant attributes and professional review requirements