Guess which celebrities studied Civil Engineering at University

Most famously known for her successful dancing career, Oti Mabuse is a crowd favourite on Strictly Come Dancing where each week, as well as appearing as a judge on the BBC's The Greatest Dancer. 

However, while we may all know Oti Mabuse for her love of dance, her first area of interest was Civil Engineering. Intending to help design irrigation systems for Hartbeespoort dam and RDP in Garankuwa, Mabuse went on to study at the Tshwane University of Technology, in her home country of South Africa. 

Mabuse views her time spent studying civil engineering as largely contributing to the ambitious woman she is today; however, her passion for dancing outgrew her engineering dreams.

She commented: “I went and studied civil engineering for four years. However, I soon realised the hours were so long I couldn’t dance anymore, and I had to choose.”

Another famous face in the entertainment industry who studied Civil Engineering is actor Chris Vance. Although now he is best known for his roles in Transporter: The Series, All Saints and Prison Break the Londoner began his career at Newcastle University and graduated with an honour’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Vance worked in the sector for a little while but at age 25 he gained his first role in Romeo & Juliet in Oxford. From that moment everything changed, Vance was hooked on the entertainment industry and was determined to make a success of his acting career. He soon appeared in several British and Australian shows before he moved to LA to pursue his Hollywood career.

Interested in studying Civil Engineering?

The School of Engineering is home to all Civil Engineering courses and activity at the University of Bolton which have been accredited by the Institutions of Structural Engineers, the Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation and the Institute of Civil Engineers.

For over 40 years we have taught Engineering students and many have gone on to have prosperous careers in the growing sector, if you would like to find out more information, click here.