Are you interested in contributing to the construction of the largest lock project in the world? In determining how high and how strong dikes should be to ensure flooding does not take place? Or would you like to make sure that people and animals can continue to live safely near coasts and rivers despite climate change? If your answer is ‘yes’ to the questions above, the Civil Engineering program at HZ may be the right choice for you!
It is expected that by 2050 80% of the world's population will live in delta areas. In these areas, where rivers meet the sea, there are increasing challenges due to climate change. With your expertise as a civil engineer, you will tackle problems such as coastal safety and urban flooding and contribute to safety in deltas around the world. During your study, you learn everything about the design and building of large constructions and managing huge international projects. Examples include the Panama locks in the Panama Canal; the Channel tunnel that connects the United Kingdom with France; and the magnificent Palm Islands in Dubai, a design that could have been yours if you were already a civil engineer! Doing Civil Engineering at HZ means you are studying in the middle of a delta area: when walking out of the university of applied sciences, you will encounter your field of work all around you. Did you know that the Dutch Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier is one of the seven modern wonders of the world and that this construction can be found at 30 minutes from HZ?
Employers are lining up for you as a graduate because at HZ you are not only trained theoretically but also practically. Right from the start of your study, you will be applying the theory of your future work field in the actual practice. During the lectures you will work on (international) assignments from the professional field, you do two internships with organizations in the Netherlands or abroad and you choose a minor: a half-year program whereby you further specialize yourself in a company of your choice. In this way, you already gain ample work experience during your studies, and you will be optimally prepared for your career.
Applied research
Applied research is closely combined with education at the HZ. Our lecturers participate in research and researchers give lessons. Often the assignments you face during your classes are part of challenging projects the research groups deal with. Furthermore, you can choose to carry out your internship, minor, or graduation project with a research group. During the summer holidays, our students are offered part-time jobs and after graduation, some students continue their excellent work within the research groups.
Three-year track Civil Engineering
Depending on your preliminary education you might be eligible for a three-year-track.
Structure study program three-year track
During your first year, you follow the lectures together with the students enrolled in the four-year track. You become acquainted with your fellow students and the Civil Engineering program. In the second year, you broaden your professional knowledge and obtain an internship place for the summer period. You may do your internship in the Netherlands, or abroad. Your internship lasts ten weeks and starts in June after your final exams. You finish your internship at the end of August. In the third year, you choose an elective course, with which you further specialize and you do your research minor. Finally, you carry out your graduation assignment at an organization of your choice, at home or abroad.
Requirements
Before you apply to the Civil Engineering program, you have to meet a few admission requirements.
Start program
The civil engineering program starts in September and in February.
Starting in February
If you choose to start in February, you will pay 7/12 part of the tuition fee. Also, the sequence of the program is different. You will start with the second semester of the program, followed by the first-semester program. Non-EER students need to apply before the first of December and EER-students need to apply before January 15th via Studielink.*
*Any application submitted after this deadline will only be considered in exceptional cases, and at the discretion of the Head of the Admissions Office.
After graduation
Bachelor's degree
Congratulations, you're now graduated! From now on you may use the title ‘Bachelor of Science’.
Did you participate in the Honors Program? You will get an extra certificate with your bachelor's degree.
Career prospects
Once graduated, you can construct dikes, build bridges and canals, ports, and large scale infrastructure. The different types of jobs of a civil engineer can globally be divided into the main phases of a civil project: the (initial) feasibility phase, the design phase, the construction phase, and the operational and maintenance phase. Your work covers a very wide range of specialism, ranging from Coastal and Marine, Environmental, Water and Public health to Roads, Rails, Geotechnical and Structural fields.
Further studies
With a bachelor's degree from the HZ, you can continue studying towards your Master’s degree (Msc.) at HZ by choosing for our Master's program River Delta Development. When you choose this program, you are able to get your Bachelor's and Master's degree in 5,5 years.
If you decide to continue your education abroad, you can do so immediately after graduating from the HZ. If you choose to further your studies at a research university in the Netherlands, a pre-master is required for a Master in Civil Engineering.
