Abstract:

Study education programmes for civil engineers conducted currently at Polish higher education institutions (mainly at technical universities) are oriented on providing graduates with both knowledge and practical competences in the field of construction. All the study programmes are organized in the two-cycle system and are based on the National Qualifications Framework (developed from European Qualifications Framework), describing expected education outcomes in the fields of knowledge, abilities and social competences in the area of technical sciences. As the profession of a civil engineer in Poland is included in the group of the regulated professions, having only a diploma of an accredited higher education institution is not a sufficient condition to perform all independent technical functions in the construction industry. In order to receive the building recognition for the design or for managing the construction site it is necessary to have an additional period of practice in a design office or at the site. In addition to professional practice, to become a chartered civil engineer it is obligatory to pass special exams organized by the Polish Chamber of Civil Engineers. These professional licenses are divided into categories, for example: architecture, structural engineering, bridge engineering or railway engineering. It means that practice should be closely linked to the area of professional work. In conclusion, it must be stated that the profession of a civil engineer requires continuous theoretical development and the acquisition of new professional competencies.

Keywords:

Civil engineer, study programmes, professional career.