Civil Engineering MEng with integrated foundation year

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Top reasons to choose this course

• Foundation year that opens up opportunities in civil engineering if you don’t have the required qualifications, are changing career or returning to study.
• We are 12th in the UK for civil engineering courses — Guardian University League 2024.
• Progress to a degree accredited by Joint Board of Moderators.
• Our Industrial Advisory Board offer invaluable advice and networking opportunities.
• Exciting project work and opportunities to get involved in research.
• Fieldwork, site visits and guest lectures from professionals bring learning to life.
• Specialist facilities including concrete lab, dynamics lab, hydraulics lab, soils lab, and wave tank room.
• Option of a salaried placement year to build your experience and confidence.
• Learn Building Information Modelling (BIM) and gain a professional advantage.
• Shared first year with the option to transfer and specialise in Civil with Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering with Construction Management.

  Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Foundation year 

Your foundation year introduces you to core areas of engineering.

Modules

• Core Mathematics

  Core Mathematics enables you to develop the mathematical knowledge that you need to study engineering. You'll explore key concepts from arithmetics and algebra to quadratic equations and logarithmic functions in lectures, tutorials and computer-based workshops.

• Mechanics

  Mechanics introduces you to the key concepts of classical mechanics used across different branches of engineering. You'll use these concepts to analyse the behaviour of simple mechanical systems.

• Core Science

  Core Science introduces you to the concepts and applications of physics and electricity, and helps you to build the study skills needed on an engineering degree. You'll develop skills in basic experimental techniques, measurements and technical report writing.

• Engineering Mathematics

  This module builds on the concepts learned in Core Mathematics further developing the mathematical skills needed to study an engineering degree. You'll be introduced to concepts including calculus, complex numbers and matrix algebra. 

• Engineering Science

  Building on the skills learned in Core Science, this module introduces further key physical concepts including light, heat, sound and electromagnetism. As well as taking attending lectures and taking part in tutorials, you'll have practical classes and workshops in the lab.

• Foundation Year Project

  The foundation year project is your opportunity to develop study skills including time management, research methods, problem solving and presentation techniques. You'll work in a small team to produce a technical report and a formal presentation.

Year 1

In your first year you will explore the fundamental elements of civil engineering. You will also undertake a group project linked to the Engineering for People Design Challenge. 

Modules

• Land and Construction Surveying

  This module will introduce you to the equipment and methods used in both land and construction engineering surveying. The module will provide you with a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of surveying and covers a range of surveying topics from basic measurement of heights, distances and angles, to setting out coordinate positions on site. As a result of the nature of the content, there is a focus on practical skills with much of the delivery taking place in a practical setting.

• Structural and Stress Analysis

  This module will introduce you to the analysis of simple structures. Through the application of the equilibrium equations, you will be able to determine the support reactions and internal forces in structural members. The study will be undertaken through rigorous analytical and graphical approach as well as through physical conceptual understanding of the structural behaviour. The calculation of displacements and stresses will be also introduced as base of the limit state principles.

• Construction Materials

  This module covers basic material science relating to construction materials such as timber, steel, concrete, masonry, polymers and bituminous materials. You will develop an understanding of commonly used construction materials, and the ability to evaluate the performance of different materials and to identify a variety of failure types. You will have the opportunity to test some of the main properties of basic construction materials through laboratory sessions.

• Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics

  This is an introductory module covering principles of soil mechanics and engineering geology. The syllabus includes identification of soils and common rock types; engineering description and classification of soils and rocks; physical properties of soils and rocks; stresses in soils; earth’s surface processes; an introduction to geological maps. Lab classes, tutorials and a field day will give you hands-on experience.

• Mathematics for Civil Engineering

  This module will introduce you to the mathematics and statistics required to study civil engineering. Vectors, linear algebra, matrix analysis, solutions of a set of linear equations, functions of one or more variables, differentiation and integration will be covered. Statistical tools are provided for estimating uncertainty in civil and environmental engineering problems.

• Civil Engineering Practice

  This module will introduce you to the range of issues related to the content and role of the civil engineering profession. Through independent and self-managed research, critical evaluation of published studies and writing of technical reports, you will develop an appreciation of the health and safety, environmental and sustainability issues related to civil engineering projects. It is linked to Engineering for People design Challenge UK and aims to prepare you for an effective professional life by encouraging best practices in cooperation and teamwork.

Year 2

In your second year, you will build on the knowledge and skills you have acquired in your first year. Group project work will include working on the design of a simplified structure.

Modules

• Structural Analysis

  Structural Analysis deals with the static response of structures in terms of forces and displacements, with equilibrium equations, material properties and structure deflected shape used as analysis tools. You will learn the basic tools to analyse statically indeterminate beams, simple frames and structures with axially loaded members, and gain the skills to deal with the fundamental modelling of material response beyond the elastic limit.

• Construction Methods and Technology

  This module will focus on the process of planning projects through the design and construction stages of a low/medium-rise development. Focusing on ‘constructability’, it will highlight the demands faced by those involved in managing the construction environment and the complex issues that arise when integrating new and more sustainable materials, technologies and construction methods, while ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of those carrying out the production operation.

• Computational Mechanics

  Computational Mechanics covers the principles of general basic numerical techniques relevant to civil engineering, such as numerical differentiation and integration, as well as approaches such as the finite difference method, the direct stiffness method and the finite element method. The module will equip you with the necessary skills in computer programming and mathematical modelling to perform numerical simulations of common civil engineering problems.

• Concrete Technology and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures

  In this module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles of concrete technology and ability to produce safe design procedures for structural concrete elements reinforced with conventional steel bars and/or steel fibres. You will develop the knowledge and skills for designing and applying conventional and special concrete materials. The module will also prepare you for a productive professional life by encouraging best practices in cooperation and teamwork.

• Geotechnical Engineering 1

  This module will help you develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of soil mechanics required in civil engineering practice and introduces the analytical and empirical methods to predict soil behaviour under different loading conditions. You will be able to apply soil mechanics theory to the design of common geotechnical engineering structures such as shallow and deep foundations, slopes and earth-retaining structures.

• Hydraulics

  In this module, you will be introduced to the basic principles of hydraulics in the context of civil engineering, including hydrostatics, hydrodynamics and behaviour of real fluids, and develop the analytical skills required to solve common hydraulics problems. There is a significant amount of laboratory work, so you will develop your practical skills and improve your understanding of theories through real-life observations.

Placement year

A placement year offers an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, build a professional network, increase your confidence, develop existing skills and discover new ones. The experience also significantly enhances your CV. 

Our students have been placement in organisations including: Mackley, Laing O’Rourke, Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald, and South East Water.

There is also the opportunity to study abroad.

Year 3

The third year gives you flexibility to explore areas of interest. Mock interviews are conducted with industry partners to prepare you for work as part of the Design for Reinforced Concrete Structures module. Options also include application of design, which is delivered by Mott MacDonald. 

Projects include study of vibration of structures and their mitigation, a multidisciplinary group design activity as well as the design and build of a simple small-scale structure which you will test in the lab. 

Our optional Application of Design module is delivered by Mott MacDonald.

Modules

Core modules

• Geotechnical Engineering 2

  In this module, you will design site investigations and interpret the results of in situ and laboratory testing to obtain parameters for design. The module will introduce advanced constitutive models for soil behaviour and their implementation in numerical analysis. You will also study the theory and design of reinforced soil and explore practical design examples and illustrations of current practice.

• Design of Steel Structures

  This module will provide you with a sound knowledge of the behaviour and design of structural steel members and their connections and deepen your understanding and application of modern codes of practice procedures (Eurocodes), national annex and UK building regulations. It will enable you to design a structural system, underpinned by functionality, safety and stability, buildability and economic objectives.

• Dynamics of Structures

  In this module, you will learn the fundamental concepts of the dynamics of civil engineering structures. Earthquakes, wind, sea waves and moving loads such as trains create vibrations in structures that might cause damage and eventually collapse; Dynamics of Structures is designed to provide you with the tools necessary to model the motion of structures forced by dynamic loads and design devices able to reduce these vibrations.

• Integrated Approach to Design of Structures

  This module will deepen your knowledge of the creative and complex interdisciplinary nature of the structural design process. A group design project will bolster your existing knowledge of construction materials, analysis (structural, geotechnical and hydraulic) and member design. You will enhance your ability to design a structural system, underpinned by critical appraisal of a client brief and other considerations such as functionality, safety and stability, buildability, and social and economic objectives.

Options*

• Applied Hydraulics

  Applied Hydraulics will introduce you to the theory of open channel water flow, basic coastal and estuarine processes and sediment transport and give you an understanding of the basic design principles of engineered interventions and the social, environmental and economic implications. You will learn how to simulate scenarios numerically and physically in the laboratory and have the opportunity to compare theory to practice.

• Building Information Modelling

  This module introduces building information modelling (BIM) as a tool in the design and construction management of buildings. You will develop enough theoretical insight and practical skills to be able to use BIM and demonstrate leadership and competence in advocating and enhancing it as a vehicle for cultural change in the construction industry. You will also be able to evaluate and fully utilise BIM options and its advanced features.

• Project Planning and Analysis

  Providing a problem-solving scenario for you to develop individual responses while working in a group, the focus of this module is to identify a feasible plan to a complex project. This will demonstrate the best trade-offs on time, cost and performance, bearing in mind the need for health, safety and welfare, and the ‘constructability’ of the proposal. You will also learn to use computers to produce plans using sophisticated industry-led software.

• Water, Sanitation and Health

  Water, Sanitation and Health explores the role of water in the transmission, distribution and control of disease, including its historical context, and categorises the main water-related diseases. You will look at sanitation, public and environmental health, current water-related agents of disease and how these may be affected by climate change. Themed workshops based on emerging water, sanitation and health issues will provide an opportunity for you to develop, debate and present on issues raised in lectures.

• Environmental Impact Assessment

  Environmental impact assessment [EIA] is an important phase in the implementation of a developments. In this module, you will examine the policies and practice behind EIA and the techniques and methodologies designed to consider the environmental consequences of activities. Although focused on UK practice, the module considers the evolution of environmental assessment both in the UK and globally. You will undertake a mock scoping exercise of an adjacent brownfield, a highway route ‘optioneering’ exercise and a local field trip.

• Application of Design

  This industry-led module is entirely delivered by industrial partners and will cover the application of design in a real-life industry scenario to enable you to apply the knowledge gained from the previous years in analysis, design and detailing. It will also demonstrate the thought process required to deliver a project from conception to final product.

• Sustainable Construction

  This module will highlight the demand that construction places on finite resources and the necessity to build in a sustainable manner. You will study how building design, procurement, materials and methods of construction are related to buildings solutions at both national and international level. You’ll also evaluate and critically appraise benchmarks for sustainable construction.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Final year

In your final year, you will embark on a major individual project. You will continue to focus on your engineering specialisms and have the freedom to choose from a range of option modules.

Modules

Core modules

• MEng Individual Project

  The MEng Individual Project gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity to work as an independent researcher in civil engineering and related fields. Through the project dissertation you will show evidence of a broad understanding of the problems involved, including the theoretical background, critical thinking in the investigation and thorough analysis of the achieved results.

Options*

• Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures

  Most of the commonly used techniques for the earthquake strengthening of existing reinforced concrete structures will be covered in this module, such as concrete jacketing, epoxy resin injection and fibre-reinforced polymer composites. You will develop a deep understanding of the types and causes of damage and be able to select appropriate strengthening techniques and design strengthened elements.

• Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering

  This module provides an understanding of advanced geotechnical design methods. It will focus on current design methods for soil and rock structures and foundation systems subject to complex loading conditions, with an emphasis on seismic design. The module will give you experience in using a variety of commercial software commonly used in practice.

• Rock Mechanics

  This module will provide you with an understanding of the behaviour of rocks and rock mass and enable you to evaluate the instability of rock slopes and tunnels and design reinforcements and supports for unstable rock. Topics will include the stress-strain relationship of intact rock and rock mass, rock mass classification, stereographic analysis, analysis of plane failure and evacuation techniques.

• Dynamics of Structures with Earthquake Engineering Applications

  Following an introduction to the fundamental concepts of dynamics of structures, this module focuses on the prediction of the dynamic response of civil engineering structures using simplified analytical models of increasing levels of complexity. It also deals with the calculation of equivalent lateral forces to be used in codified seismic design.

• Wave Mechanics and Structural Loading

  Wave Mechanics and Structural Loading will give you an understanding of different wave theories and their applications in offshore and coastal engineering practice. You will also develop an understanding of environments in which different wave theories may be applied. The module will introduce analytical, empirical and numerical methods for the analysis of wave loading on structures.

• Project Risk and Financial Analysis

  The first part of this two-part module will cover project risk in health and safety and financial terms, with an emphasis on CDM 2015 Regulations and the Management of H&S at Work Regulations 1999. This will help in comprehensively appraising health and safety risk. The second part will give you an understanding of decision making and the appropriate decision-making tools for managing people and organisations.

• Random Vibration of Structures

  This module will give you the confidence to model uncertainties involved in the design of structural systems and a framework to critically appraise probabilistic-based Eurocode approaches to design. Stochastic models of earthquake ground motion, wind and wave loading will also be explored. Probabilistic analysis and design of structures will be undertaken through relevant random vibration theory, and you will become confident with probabilistic analysis for design.

• Transport Modelling for Civil Engineering Applications

  This module will develop your skills in applying different modelling approaches appropriate for traffic engineering and transport planning to make road transport networks safe, sustainable and user appropriate. Topics will include traffic flow, demand and capacity, traffic data sources, processing and forecasting using statistical approaches, design of a junction and traffic signal plan design.

• Bridge Loads and Analysis

  This module will focus on the loading requirements and analysis methods applicable to bridge structures. It will cover various actions that may exist on a bridge structure, including primary and secondary traffic loads for highway, railway and footbridges, actions from wind and water, temperature and shrinkage actions. You will also look at the global and detailed analysis methods and their use for the analysis of bridges. Both computer and hand-based methods will be covered in the module.

• Sustainable Construction

  This module looks at how the design and construction of buildings impact the environment. It provides a critical appraisal of one planet living and the responsibilities of the individual and the construction industry, and explores the resources consumed and pollution resulting from buildings and methods by which their sustainability can be evaluated. Some of the key features of buildings acknowledged as ‘sustainable construction’ will also be appraised.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Course fees

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,500 for UK students and £1,850 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

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