Aims of the Programme

The principal aims of the programme are to:

• develop a deep understanding of engineering principles by providing a balance between technical knowledge and practical application of the core civil engineering subjects.
• develop the skills of engineering analysis and design
• provide the foundation for leadership, social and business awareness
• develop an understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities of the engineer.
• identify hazards and manage risk in environmental and health & safety issues and to address political aspects of civil engineering. To embed an awareness of the social, economic and environmental pillars of sustainability in engineering applications.
• produce graduates who are articulate, numerate and literate.
• instil imagination, reflection, versatility, confidence and inquisitiveness.
• develop excellence in written, verbal and visual communications.
• provide the appropriate educational base and inspire an ethos for the pursuit of professional membership.
• encourage a commitment to lifelong learning and Continuing Professional Development.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

• There is a Surveying field course at Level HE5 for all full-time students.
• The programme makes widespread use of site visits and guest speakers from industry regularly provide specialist lectures.
• The programme makes extensive use of laboratory and field based work to underpin theoretical concepts.
• Full-time students are expected to seek work placements during their Summer Vacations and are assisted in this by a dedicated Work Placement Tutor.
• The programme curricula and design benefits from consultation with the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) that comprises representatives from Consulting Engineers, Contractors, Local Government and Government Agencies. The IAB meets at least twice yearly.
• Final year students are expected to present their dissertation in at least one research conference following which students are encouraged to publish their research work.
• The ICE student chapter in the campus is very active and being student members, they are expected to attend programs/events, competitions and workshops organised by ICE regional wing.
• All students qualify for free student membership with the ICE and the IStructE.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge & Understanding

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of:

• Scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in Civil Engineering, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of historical, current, and future developments and technologies.
• Mathematical principles necessary to underpin their education in Civil Engineering and to enable them to apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems.
• Civil engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key civil engineering processes.
• Commercial and economic context of civil engineering processes
• Management techniques which may be used to achieve civil engineering objectives within that context;
• Characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes, or products used in civil engineering.
• The use of technical literature and other information sources.
• Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing civil engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues
• Contexts in which civil engineering knowledge can be applied (eg operations and management, technology development, etc).
• Awareness of nature of intellectual property and contractual issues
• Appropriate codes of practice and industry standards

Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Apply a systems approach to civil engineering problems
• Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes. Economic, social, and environmental context
• Use creativity to establish innovative solutions

Practical, Professional or Subject-specific Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support their study of Civil Engineering.
• Identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques
• Apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to civil engineering, in order to solve civil engineering problems
• Ensure fitness for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal
• Operate civil engineering workshop and laboratory skills.

Transferable, Key or Personal Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand the requirement for civil engineering activities to promote sustainable development
• Show awareness of quality issues
• Work with technical uncertainty.
• Clearly communicate complex ideas either verbally and/or in writing, and construct coherent arguments using language appropriate to your programme of study.