Civil Engineering BSc (Hons)

at Coventry University

Why you should study this course

Teaching is highly practical; you will draw on real-life case studies, previously provided by companies such as Arcadis, CGL, Crossrail and Galliford Try.

You will use industry-standard software as is widely used by design and consulting engineers.

You will be taught by staff who currently have academic and professional experience in the civil engineering and construction industries, having worked for companies such as Carillion, Arcadis and Laing O’Rourke as principal, senior and management engineers.

Coventry University has a strong portfolio of industry-related research, ranging from applied technology, such instrumentation and measuring to pure innovative research, which ensures you stay abreast of new technologies and emerging issues.

You will have access to the university’s Simulation Centre (subject to availability), our interactive people training and development centre. Its bespoke programmes, combined with cutting-edge technology which is currently unique in the UK, helps students, companies and organisations across a range of sectors in training and development. The use of the centre’s Learning Curve interactive screen and real-life scenarios using specially trained actors, not only improve skills but helps develop new ways of working by engaging our students in role play to develop their leadership and management skills. A control room in the Simulation Centre monitors the activity of students via cameras allowing staff to provide immediate feedback.

What you'll study

Year one

Year one consists of a series of foundational topics in the civil engineering profession and practical laboratory sessions, providing a solid knowledge base for subsequent years of the programme. The group project introduces you to the importance of working in teams and why civil engineering projects are inter-disciplinary. There is also an individual 40 credit project which promotes independent working among students and aims to build confidence in decision making which should be needed in future practice.
 

Modules
 

• Structural Analysis 1 – 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental principles of structural mechanics to enable them to solve engineering problems of a non-routine nature commensurate with the CEng pathway.

  Compulsory
   

• Materials 1 – 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to introduce students to the sustainability of construction materials and the properties that are used to select them for particular applications. Students will develop an appreciation of the types of materials, issues with their sustainability and examples of their use within the construction industry.

  Compulsory
   

• Geotechnics 1 – 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to introduce students to the basic fundamentals of engineering geology and soil mechanics. Students will develop an ability to identify soil properties and assess their suitability for specific applications within the construction industry, while considering construction methods, safety and sustainability.

  Compulsory
   

• Surveying – 10 credits

  The aim of the module is to give the student a theoretical knowledge of how vertical and horizontal control is established on site through levelling and traversing and how this is applied to construction site activities. It will also give the student the necessary fieldwork skills to do this using surveying instrumentation.

  Compulsory
   

• Transportation Engineering 1 – 10 credits

  The aim of the module is to give the student a knowledge and understanding of highways and transportation, covering relevant fundamental content on highway and rail engineering at an introductory level.

  Compulsory
   

• Mathematics for Civil Engineers – 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to develop students’ ability to use mathematics in solving engineering problems of a non-routine nature commensurate with the CEng pathway.

  Compulsory
   

• Civil Engineering Project 1 – 40 credits

  The aim of this module is to apply core civil engineering theory to a 'real' Civil Engineering project, demonstrating the link between theory and applied practice. This will incorporate theory previously learnt and applied practice taught through the module supported by examples of industry practice.

  Compulsory
   

• Group Project 1 – 10 credits

  The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role of the construction professional within the multi-disciplinary construction industry, and develop personal and team-working skills and attributes that are needed for a successful career within their chosen discipline and profession.

  Compulsory
   

• Add+vantage 1 – 10 credits

  You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

  Compulsory
   

Year two

The second year will build on the foundational topics covered in your first year, broadening your knowledge by covering more aspects of each topic and taking your knowledge to an advanced level.
 

Modules
 

• Structural Analysis 2 – 10 credits

  This module develops students’ knowledge of methods used to analyse statically indeterminate structures and compression struts and solve problems of a routine nature commensurate with the IEng pathway.

  Compulsory
   

• Materials 2 – 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to advance students’ knowledge of construction materials and the test methods used to derive material properties. It will also strengthen their understanding of sustainability assessment and material selection for particular applications in a sustainable and durable built environment.

  Compulsory
   

• Geotechnics 2 – 10 credits

  This module aims to develop further understanding of the fundamental principles of soil behaviour incorporating core engineering knowledge with practical application. This module will also develop the necessary skills to interpret experimental data for use in solving engineering problems of a routine nature commensurate with the IEng pathway.

  Compulsory
   

• Transportation Engineering 2 – 10 credits

  The aim of the module is to deepen students’ knowledge and critical understanding of highways and transportation, covering relevant content on highway and rail engineering at an intermediate level.

  Compulsory
   

• Structural Design 1 – 10 credits

  The module aims to develop the student's knowledge of the principals and methods of structural engineering design to the Eurocodes, covering design of structural steelwork and providing an introduction to the design of structural timber. The module will provide the student with an appreciation of the multi-disciplinary nature of civil and structural engineering design.

  Compulsory
   

• Hydraulics – 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to introduce students to fundamental theory relating to hydraulics and fluid flow. This module will also develop practical skills to undertake laboratory experiments and interpret experimental data to be used in solving engineering problems.

  Compulsory
   

• Civil Engineering Project 2 – 40 credits

  The aim of this module is to apply core civil engineering theory to a 'real' civil engineering project, demonstrating the link between theory and applied practice. This will incorporate theory previously learnt and applied practice taught through the module supported by examples of industry practice.

  Compulsory
   

• Group Project 2 – 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to develop the student’s skill base through the continued development of critical, transferable study skills that are of practical benefit in the workplace and that promote and enable continued professional development. The module is linked to the personal tutorial sessions that take place during the academic year as well as using other online based delivery methods.

  Compulsory
   

• Add+vantage – 10 credits

  You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

  Compulsory
   

Final year

The third year aims to bring you to the level necessary to enter professional practice as an incorporated civil engineer; reflecting both the latest advances and research work in the subject together with the current contemporary jobs market. At this stage, you will embark on an individual integrated project, working alongside other construction disciplines and replicating industrial practice. Within your individual project, you will be expected to carry out detailed research into a technical aspect from the course with the help of an experienced supervisor. Project topics typically relate to research areas of supervisors and take the form of experimental projects largely relating to structural, material or geomaterial research.
 

Modules
 

• Structural Analysis 3 – 10 credits

  This module provides students a fundamental understanding of elastic-plastic behaviour of structures near the ultimate limit state and the principles of plastic collapse mechanisms in association with the Bound and Uniqueness theorems.

  Compulsory
   

• Materials 3 – 10 credits

  This module concludes the study of materials technology focusing on degradation processes, specification and repair of materials used within civil engineering and construction industry. Topics related to current and future trends in construction technology and materials for a sustainable built environment will be showcased.

  Compulsory
   

• Geotechnics 3 – 10 credits

  The module leads on from previous soil mechanics content in presenting the principles used by Civil Engineers in geotechnical design. On successful completion, students should have sufficient knowledge and understanding to be able to carry out practical engineering work in most areas of geotechnics.

  Compulsory
   

• Computational Mechanics – 10 credits

  This module is designed to introduce students to the computational aspects of civil engineering in support of the theoretical content taught at earlier stages of the course. The module uses basic computational analysis tools to execute numerical methods applicable to civil engineering problems.

  Compulsory
   

• Group Project 3 – 20 credits

  The aim of this module is that students will accrue a detailed understanding of some of the key stages involved in a construction projects through the operations of a simulated design and construction team. Students will learn how to manage, through Building Information Modelling, aspects of a project through a feasibility study working in groups drawn from Civil and Building courses across the School of Energy, Construction and Environment.

  Compulsory
   

• Civil Engineering Investigative Project – 30 credits

  The aim of this module is to enable students to undertake a major piece of investigative work, by focusing on a specific problem of relevance to their discipline. Students will use different methods to investigate, analysis and communicate their ideas to the scientific and non-academic communities. This will enable students to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of problem identification and solving, and to show an appropriate level of competence in the design, execution, and reporting of an investigative project.

  Compulsory
   

• Add+vantage Module – 10 credits

  All modules are mandatory. We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

  Compulsory
   

• Optional Modules (1 of the following):
   

  Geospatial Surveying - 20 credits

  Students will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of alternative solutions to standard engineering surveying measurement problems and aspects of current developments in instrumentation, measurement and reduction of field observations by computer.
   

  Transport Infrastructure - 20 credits

  This module is divided into four themes: bridge analysis, fundamentals of tunnelling, railway design, and pavement design and maintenance. The module will examine current aspects in industry practice and will be continuously updated to reflect changes as necessary. In addition, attention will be given to safety and sustainability considerations.
   

  Construction Project Management - 20 credits This module will enable critical awareness and deliver a greater understanding of some of the advanced principles of construction management. It also aims to develop and enhance students’ understanding and application of project management tools and techniques, especially in a relevant case study scenario.
   

  Structural Design 2 - 20 credits

  Students will develop a wider and deeper understanding of structural steelwork, concrete, timber and masonry and their use in the design and construction of a range of civil and structural engineering works. The module will consider up-to-date aspects of steel and concrete design of a more advanced nature, an introduction to timber column design and provide a brief introduction into the design of laterally loaded structural masonry.
   

  Hydrology and Water Engineering - 20 credits

  The module leads on from previously taught hydraulics content and further expands on the principals of flood and groundwater hydrology, introduction to the physical and computer hydraulic and hydrological modelling techniques, and food and water pollution risk assessment.
   

  Earthquake Engineering - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is to provide students with an appropriate understanding of earthquakes and the process of structural design in seismically active regions. The module provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of engineering seismology, structural dynamics, computational analysis and structural design in the context of a seismically active location.
   

  Coding for Civil Engineers - 20 credits

  This module introduces main principles of computer programming and coding. Students will acquire fundamental knowledge of programming commands, functions and tasks (i.e., looping, branching, etc.) and will practice algorithm flowchart design. On successful completion you will be able to design and realize executable computer programs to solve simple civil engineering problems.

  Compulsory