Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide a high-quality educational experience that develops students’ knowledge and skills to a depth and breadth expected of Masters level graduates, in preparation for career in the construction industry and make a valuable contribution to society. 

• To provide an accredited extended programme of study with a strong emphasis on industrial relevance that fully satisfies the educational base to become a Chartered Engineer, and with the opportunity of sponsorship and training from a leading construction company. 

• To produce civil engineering graduates with strong teamwork and leadership skills, who are equipped to play a leading role in industry, with potential to take responsibility for innovation and change. 

• To develop students’ analytical, management and key transferrable skills to a depth and breadth that will enable them to gain high quality employment in a wide variety of professions. 

• To develop a strong capacity for independent learning and self-reliance to help students realise their potential and successfully achieve their own personal goals.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competencies (The Engineering Council);
• The Joint Board of Moderators Accreditation Guidelines;
• QAA Engineering Benchmark statements for Engineering;
• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications; and
• Input from our Industrial Advisory Board.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

K1.      Relevant mathematics, science and engineering principles in the field of structures, geotechnics, water engineering and surveying;

K2.      The properties, behaviour, fabrication and use of relevant materials;

K3.      Construction technology and civil engineering practice;

K4.      The management of projects through planning, finance, contract procedures and quality systems;

K5.      Principles of design specific to civil engineering.

K6.      The role of codes of practice and the regulatory framework in design and practice;

K7.      The principles, importance and management of relevant information technology;

K8.      The role of the professional engineer in society, including health, safety and sustainability issues;

K9.      Team roles, team-working skills and leadership skills;

K10.   Relevant research methods;

K11.   Civil engineering education, design and practice in a European context (Erasmus option in Part D).

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

C1.     Demonstrate competence in identifying, defining and solving problems in the context of the built environment;

C2.     Select and apply appropriate mathematical and computing methods for modelling and analysing problems;

C3.     Apply appropriate analytical techniques and codes of practice to the design of components and systems;

C4.     Evaluate and integrate information and processes through individual and group project work;

C5.     Define, plan, conduct and report on an original research project;

C6.     Identify and apply appropriate project management techniques;

C7.     Evaluate alternative techniques and strategies for managing people at work;

C8.     Analyse and interpret financial information.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1.     Use laboratory and field equipment competently and safely;

P2.     Observe, record, process and analyse data in the laboratory and in the field;

P3.     Use appropriate specialist computer software;

P4.     Prepare technical reports and give technical presentations;

P5.     Prepare technical drawings both manually and using CAD;

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1.      Communicate effectively using a range of media;

T2.      Use ICT tools;       

T3.      Use mathematical skills appropriate to an engineer;

T4.      Work independently;

T5.      Work in a team environment and manage a small team;

T6.      Manage workloads and time effectively;

T7.      Work with limited or contradictory information;

T8.      Monitor, plan and reflect upon personal development and career development;

T9.      Communicate effectively at a professional level in a second European language (Erasmus option only).

4. Programme structure

Part A

Semester 1 and 2

Compulsory Modules (120 Credits) 

(i)   OPTIONAL MODULES (none)

Part B

Semester 1 and 2 

Compulsory Modules (120 Credits) 

(i)   OPTIONAL MODULES (none)

Part C

Compulsory Modules (100 Credits)

 Semester 1 

 Semester 2 

Semester 1 and 2

(i)   OPTIONAL MODULES (Students should select modules totalling 20 credits) 

Semester 1 and 2

 *The language module will be at the appropriate level, typically Level 3 or higher, which will be treated as a degree level module, and is subject to approval by the Year Tutor following discussion with personal tutor.

(ii)            ERASMUS and International Exchange

Students wishing to undertake international exchange will study the first part of the semester one taught modules (COMPRISING 60 Credits) and have alternative assessment at the end of Semester 1 on the modules below.  The research project/dissertation shall continue during Semester 2.  They will undertake 40 Credits of study while abroad as below: 

Compulsory Modules (50 Credits) 

Semester 1

(i)       Optional Modules

Semester 1 (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits) 

Semester 2  (Students should select modules totalling 60 credits) 

Note: UNITECH is an industrially sponsored exchange scheme within Europe 

Part D

Semester 1 

Compulsory Modules (45 Credits) 

Optional Modules (Students should select modules totalling 15 credits) 

Semester 2 

Compulsory Modules (45 credits) 

Optional Modules (Students should select modules totalling 15 credits) 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1    In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D and to be eligible for the award of an Honours Degree, candidates must not only satisfy the requirements set out in Regulation XX but must also accumulate 120 credits in each Part to progress and must normally obtain a minimum overall average mark of 55% in each Part. 

5.2    Candidates cannot progress from Part B to the DIS year until Part B progression requirements have been met. 

5.3    Any candidates who fails to progress from Parts A or B may transfer to the appropriate Part of the BEng programme in Civil Engineering before or after re-assessment, provided that the candidate has satisfied the progression requirements for that programme. 

5.4    Any candidate who fails to progress from Part C may, at the discretion of the Examiners, may be awarded a BEng in Civil Engineering with a classification based on the candidate’s performance in relevant Part B and C modules, using modules and weightings appropriate to the BEng Programme. 

5.5    Any candidate who fails to qualify for the award of the Integrated Masters Degree in Part D may, at the discretion of the Examiners, may be awarded a BEng in Civil Engineering with a classification based on the candidate’s performance in Parts B and C using modular weightings appropriate to the BEng programme.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B, C and D. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20: Part C 40 : Part D 40  to determine the final percentage mark (from 2019 entry).