Civil Engineering

The Bachelor’s degree program in Civil Engineering is designed to train professionals who acquire the operational skills required to work in the fields of design and management of construction works and civil infrastructure, as well as in the regeneration of the built environment and territory, while also ensuring the reduction of energy consumption and the seismic safety of structures.

To this end, the program provides a solid education in fundamental scientific subjects and core disciplinary areas, equipping students with all the necessary tools for learning—particularly in management aspects—while the acquisition of advanced design and planning skills is reserved for the Master’s degree program.

The curriculum follows a single, general track.

Professional profile and career opportunities 

The program is designed to train Civil Engineers who can work either as freelance professionals (earning the junior engineer title, obtainable only after passing the state exam and by registering in Section A of the Professional Register) or as employees in public or private organizations.

Role in the Workplace

The main roles of this professional figure include:

• Freelance work as a junior engineer, with responsibilities in analysis and collaboration in planning, design, and management.
• Employee in public institutions, holding technical sector responsibilities.
• Employee in private companies and firms, acting as a project collaborator.

Skills Associated with the Role

In particular, a Civil Engineering graduate must be able to:

• Perform activities related to the design of civil engineering works;
• Manage and coordinate construction site activities;
• Economically assess building processes, urban plans, and civil works;
• Organize the industrial production of components and products for civil construction;
• Carry out administrative technical duties related to civil works and public administration management;
• Work in the fields of land surveying, urban fabric, historic centers, and building structures;
• Conduct experiments and analyze data in technical analysis laboratories;
• Use computer tools to support design activities.

Career Opportunities

The program qualifies graduates for the professions of:

• Junior civil and environmental engineer;
• Graduate agricultural surveyor.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering aims to prepare professionals with the practical skills to work in the construction and maintenance of civil works, facilities, and infrastructure. Graduates will also be able to contribute to the planning, management, and monitoring of urban and regional systems; the design, construction, and management of environmental protection and land management systems; waste management; and the use of natural, geological, and energy resources. They will also be equipped to assess the environmental impact and sustainability of plans and projects.

To achieve these objectives, the program offers students a solid grounding in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and related scientific subjects (with at least 51 credits in these areas). It also provides specialized training in core civil engineering disciplines such as geology, structural mechanics, surveying, structural engineering, and hydraulics (with at least 48 credits dedicated to these subjects). Additional courses cover areas that set this program apart from other bachelor’s degrees in the same field. The curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation that supports further study and the development of advanced design skills, which are typically acquired at master’s level. The program is further enriched by courses in architectural history, urban planning, and architectural engineering.

The degree follows a single, general path designed to develop professional skills across the various areas of civil engineering, with particular attention to the management of civil works and infrastructure.

Students follow a clear progression, with foundational courses mainly in the first two years and specialized courses in the third year. The program includes one elective in the second year and one in the third year. It concludes with a final project or thesis, which is presented to an examination committee.

Required knowledge for admission

To enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree Program, applicants must hold a secondary school diploma or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad and recognized as valid. In addition, an adequate level of prior knowledge is required. All applicants must take a mandatory aptitude test before enrollment. This test assesses students’ knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as well as their logical reasoning and verbal comprehension skills. The topics and competencies required for the test are listed and described on the website of CISIA (Interuniversity Consortium for Integrated Access Systems – www.cisiaonline.it), which prepares the test content each year. The CISIA website also provides information on how to prepare, past test papers, and online practice tools. Based on the test results, students who show significant gaps in their prior knowledge may be assigned Additional Learning Requirements (OFA) to be completed during the first year of the program (in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree 270/04).

Admission procedures

The CCSA is responsible for verifying that applicants possess the required level of initial preparation for admission to any engineering degree program, in accordance with Article 6 of Ministerial Decree 270/04 and Article 19, paragraph 1 of the University’s Academic Regulations. This assessment is carried out through a mandatory aptitude test, which must be taken prior to enrollment.

The aptitude test, administered online from April and typically available until early September, is organized by all participating engineering departments. The test evaluates applicants’ knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as well as their logical reasoning and verbal comprehension skills. Comprehensive information on the topics covered, preparation guidelines, sample tests, and online practice tools is available on the CISIA website (www.cisiaonline.it).

Each year, based on the results of the test and in accordance with procedures defined annually, applicants who do not meet the required standard of preparation are assigned Additional Learning Requirements (OFA), which must be fulfilled within the first year of study, as stipulated by Article 6, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree 270/04. Full details are provided in the official admission notice published on the University website (www.unibs.it).

Orientation for Incoming Students

The degree program actively participates in orientation initiatives for prospective students, organized both at the University level and within individual engineering macro-areas. Full details are available in the dedicated section of the University website, where students can also find information about specific activities offered by each macro-area. These initiatives are coordinated by a working group consisting of the Rector’s Delegate for Orientation, departmental delegates, and staff from the University Orientation Office (U.O.C. Orientation). The design and delivery of these activities are certified to UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Students can find up-to-date information on regular activities and upcoming events on the Orientation page.
 

Ongoing Support During the Program

Tutoring services are provided at the University level as part of an annual plan developed by the University Tutoring Committee and approved by the Academic Senate. The Tutoring Service supports students in progressing with their studies and helps identify and resolve issues that could affect student retention. The service is certified to UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standards and is managed by a dedicated unit within the University’s student support services.
 

Tutoring

Final Exam Overview
The final exam involves preparing, presenting, and defending an independent project before a designated committee. This project can be the result of coursework, an internship, or a training placement. For coursework, the exam may include an in-depth study of theoretical or applied topics, or a design project. For internships, students submit a technical report detailing the activities performed and outcomes achieved during their time with the host organization, such as a company, institution, or professional body.

Exam Procedures
To be eligible for the final exam, students must have completed all required credits in their study program, excluding those awarded upon passing the final exam itself. Only students who have fulfilled the necessary course assessments can take part in the exam.

Details about how to apply for graduation, the exam format, and evaluation criteria are available on the University website under “Graduation Exams, Forms, and Deadlines – Engineering,” as well as in the specific regulations approved by the CCSA and the University Academic Regulations.

Students also have the opportunity to complete their thesis abroad under the supervision of a University of Brescia faculty member. In such cases, the supervisor submits a credit recognition proposal to the Program Council. Credits awarded for work done abroad typically range from 1 to 2 ECTS, depending on the research and duration of the stay, and are recognized without a grade.

Graduation sessions take place according to the annual schedule approved by the University.