Diploma in Civil Engineering

About the Course

Diploma in Civil Engineering is a 3-year diploma programme offered in several TVET colleges and universities in Kenya. The course provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in civil engineering, road construction, and construction management. Diploma in Civil Engineering course covers the following key areas: structures, building and shaping of materials, construction management, building satellites dams, roads, etc.

The selection of students to take a Diploma in Civil Engineering course is done through the government’s KUCCPS placement service, or directly by the universities.

Benefits of Studying Diploma in Civil Engineering

With proper guidance and training in civil engineering, students are able to gain massive knowledge about the trade, which is the starting point for a further career development and employment. Diploma in civil engineering can be pursued by practicing professionals to upgrade their skills and improve in their careers. In summary, the course offers the following benefits to learners:

Development of knowledge and skills in civil engineering and construction management
Civil engineering is currently one of the most marketable courses in Kenya
Increased chances of employability upon graduation
Qualification for career progression to a Degree in Civil Engineering
Gaining problem-solving and decision making skills.
Increasing networks with other engineering professionals
Promoting community development
Jobs in civil engineering offer lucrative salaries
Increased opportunities for self-employment, e.g. through government tenders.

Challenges involved in studying civil engineering

Even though civil engineering is currently one of the most marketable courses in Kenya, it is not a walk in the park for anyone. The following challenges are often experienced by students taking the course:

Civil Engineering is a technical course and requires knowledge in science, mathematics, and engineering.
The course is significantly affected by changing technologies, so the syllabus could keep changing.
Diploma in civil engineering takes time to complete
Graduates in Civil Engineering diploma can be overshadowed in the job market by degree graduates. Progression to the degree level is advised.
It requires a lot of concentration and time to learn the technical skills of civil engineering.
The course is costly compared to other diploma programmes because it requires a lot of school fees and materials such as drawing tools, construction tools, etc.

Skills Gained from studying a diploma course in civil engineering

Technical skills in civil engineering, construction management, and road construction
Skills and knowledge in fundamental principles of science, mathematics and engineering
Problem-solving skills
Decision making skills
Communication skills
Creativity skills

Job Options

Upon graduation, students who pursue a Diploma course in Civil Engineering can get employed in the following positions:

Site Management
Project Design
Planning and Project Management
Building Control Surveyor
Construction Manager
Quantity Surveyor
Consulting Civil Engineer

Entry Requirements

To be admitted to take Diploma in Civil Engineering in Kenya, you need the following qualifications at the minimum:

A Minimum KCSE Grade of C –
Certificate in Civil Engineering

Course Duration

Diploma in Civil Engineering takes three years distributed as follows:

Module 1 – 1 year (6 semesters)
Module 2 – 1 year (6 semesters)
Module 3 – 1 year (6 semesters)

To progress to the next module, you need to pass in the previous module. You have to pass all the three modules to graduate with a diploma in civil engineering.

Diploma in Civil Engineering Course Outline