Our course will provide ideal preparation for individuals who wish to undertake further study towards Incorporated Engineer status.

Civil engineering is concerned with the conception, design, construction and maintenance of fixed structures or public works. This is a serious and challenging field. The design and build of bridges, roads, airports, flood defences and the like, requires a high degree of proficiency in a range of technical disciplines.

Within this context, the main aims of our course are:

• to provide you with a thorough understanding of engineering principles;
• to develop your problem-solving and analytical abilities;
• to develop your expertise in using a range of numerical and analytical software.

Emphasis is put on the practical skills that will be valued by potential employers. This is reflected in the teaching methods employed, which include site and engineering surveying, design exercises and group workshops. The use of external specialists to present lectures ensures that course content is closely aligned with contemporary industry practice.

When you graduate you will be able to:

• design effective solutions to meet a range of engineering-related challenges;
• apply knowledge of mathematics and science to appropriate engineering problems;
• demonstrate the ability to design and conduct experiments and to analyse results.

Our course will provide a stern academic challenge, and will equip you with a range of skills relevant to contemporary professional practice. It is greatly valued by potential employers. Our course provides a blend of academic and work-based learning. The learning and assessment processes are often integrated, mirroring each other to help you develop your knowledge and skill within the modules. You will study modules which are related to the technology of buildings and civil engineering works, health and safety issues and engineering principles. You will be encouraged to study additional modules and are able to join our degree course at an advanced stage. A range of teaching methods are adopted on the course. You will be presented with information in whole group sessions and will be encouraged to work together in small groups on a range of tasks.

The specific aims of this course are:

• to enable you to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of civil engineering and its underpinning science and mathematics.
• for you to develop practical engineering skills acquired through, for example, work carried out in laboratories and workshops.
• to provide an insight to you into the behaviour and properties for a variety of materials commonly used in the construction of buildings and civil engineering projects.
• to develop you for problem solving, communication, and the ability to work with others, as well as the effective uses of IT and information retrieval skills.
• for you to gain an awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk issues.
• to develop your ability to evaluate and resolve practical problems and work as part of a design team.
• to enable you to link knowledge of structural forms, loading, structural analysis and materials behaviour together.
• for you to think independently and apply complex theories to practical work situations requiring innovation and creativity.
• for you to develop through work based and work related learning an understanding of civil engineering techniques.

Additional course information

Upon completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• mathematics, science and engineering.
• design and conduct experiments as well as to analyse and interpret data.
• the functions and use of basic building and civil engineering components and be able to discuss the properties of the materials from which they are made.
• designing a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
• multi-disciplinary teams and identifying, formulating and solving engineering problems.
• the hazards encountered with civil engineering work and the legislation surrounding health and safety in the construction industry.
• the ability to process, use and present analytical information including the use of the necessary range of numerical methods for calculating, checking, presenting and communicating solutions to problems.
• professional and ethical responsibility.
• the key skills of communication, numeracy and information technology.
• becoming a reflective learner and to self-appraise situations and yourself.
• taking responsibility to manage and direct your own and where appropriate, the activities of others.
• applying civil engineering techniques through a work based and/or work related project.

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, timed assignments, group work and presentations, production of drawings, practical and laboratory work and in-class projects.

Facilities

Specialist laboratory facilities in geotechnics, hydraulics, structures, engineering materials and concrete testing.

Associated careers

You are able to work in either a contracting or consulting civil engineering or related field. Our course provides a sound basis for individuals wishing to pursue further study towards Incorporated Engineer status. There are extensive worldwide opportunities for those achieving Incorporated Engineer status. Our civil engineering courses prepare you for an exciting career that enables you to take responsibility and authority in implementing the technical, economic, legal and managerial aspects of the construction industry. This industry is one of the UK's largest, and offers a challenging and stimulating career. The demand for students now outstrips supply and this trend is likely to continue well into the future.

Links with industry and professional recognition

Our FdSc Civil Engineering course partially fulfils the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineers (IEng) status under the new UK Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPECs) of the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), which represents the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and The Institution of Structural Engineers (IstructE).

UCAS Tariff points:	80
Additional Requirements:	GCSE(s) Required: 4 GCSEs grade C or above. GCSE grade C or above in English language and mathematics or equivalent level 2 qualifications.