Civil Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

at Coventry University

Why you should study this course
 

• Expert visiting lecture programme (subject to availability) which in the past has featured the chairman of Geotechnics Ltd, Director of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure solutions, Technical Director form Arup, Project Engineer from Cowi, and Fellows of the ICE.
• Opportunities to access to the University’s Simulation Centre, our interactive people training and development centre. Its bespoke programmes, combined with modern technology, 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.
• Current collaborative links with universities in 20 countries around the world, currently including Ryerson University Canada, Rennes University France and National University of Colombia and California State University, giving you the chance to spend part of your studies abroad.
   

What you'll study

Year One

The first year consists of a series of foundational topics in the civil engineering profession and practical laboratory sessions, which aims to provide a solid knowledge base for subsequent years of the BEng or MEng programme. The group project introduces the student 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 builds confidence in decision making which will 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.

  Compulsory
   

• Geotechnics 1 – 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to introduce students to the basic fundamentals of engineering geology and soil mechanics.

  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.

  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 student’s 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.

  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 first year, broadening students’ knowledge by covering more aspects of the topic and taking their knowledge to an advanced level. It includes a professional training and study abroad component.
 

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 non-routine nature commensurate with the CEng 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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  Compulsory
   

• Add+vantage 2 – 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
   

  Following your second year, you will have an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution. *Past students have undertaken placements working with contractors, design consultants and local authorities, including Balfour Beatty Construction, Mott Macdonald, Severn Trent Water, Interserve Project Services, Warwickshire County Council, Atkins and Morgan Sindall.
   

  If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year, however we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.
   

  Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad will be required to take an academic module in which they reflect on their experiences. The module appears on a student’s transcript as a zero-credit module. They will be supported by the university’s Talent Team throughout the process and will be allocated a tutor who will keep in touch.
   

  Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

   

Final year

The third year aims to bring students 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 contemporary job market.

At this stage, each student will also undertake a body of independent research during Year 3 of their course within their ‘Civil Engineering Research Dissertation’ module. The module leader coordinates the operation of this module – organises research training sessions for students, disseminates submission requirements and marking criteria, briefs students on gaining ethics approval etc. Students are given a list of supervisors and indicative titles / areas of research at the end of their second year and select their project and supervisor accordingly. They meet their project supervisor within designated academic personal tutor meetings during Semester one to begin planning the project and discuss progress on preparatory work. They then undertake the main body of the project work during Semester two.

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 – 10 credits

  Principles of structural analysis previously covered will be extended to cover more advanced theories of structural plastic analysis.

  Compulsory
   

• Materials – 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.

  Compulsory
   

• Geotechnics – 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.

  Compulsory
   

• Group Project – 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.

  Compulsory
   

• Civil Engineering Research Dissertation – 30 credits

  The aim of this module is to enable students to develop their research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to their discipline. Students would use different methods and research skills to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities.

  Compulsory
   

• Add+vantage Module – 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
   

• 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.
   

  Construction Project Management – 20 credits

  This module will enable critical awareness and deliver a greater understanding of some of the advanced principles of construction project management.
   

  Structural Design – 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.
   

  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.
   

  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.
   

  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. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content.

  Optional

Typical offer for 2022 entry.
 

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

International Tuition Fees:

£19850 per year

On successful completion, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
 

• Contemporary issues relating to a sustainable built environment, including social, environmental and economic aspects, and health and safety.
• Appropriate mathematical methods, including those needed for modelling engineering problems.
• Relevant principles of applied mechanics in the main areas of structural mechanics, soil mechanics and Job water engineering.
• Principles of civil and structural engineering design.
• Common construction materials.
• Management practice and construction procurement.
• Principles of civil engineering and construction technology, methods and procedures.
• Surveying and setting out.
   

A deeper conceptual understanding of engineering principles to take responsibility for innovation, technology transfer and change, looking for ways of exploiting emerging technologies through self-determination and, where appropriate, promoting advanced designs and design methods.

A broader knowledge in construction management and business context in which civil engineering and construction operates and full appreciation of professional and legal responsibilities and ethical and sustainability considerations of practicing engineers.

The extended ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team, to demonstrate leadership skills, to communicate effectively and persuasively to both technical and non-technical people, knowing how to critically evaluate and enhance its strengths as well as suppress its weaknesses, learning independently, acquiring skills at the forefront of current knowledge unaided, identifying own personal development needs and goals and help others in the team to achieve.
 

Graduates from these courses should be well-suited to working in a range of Civil Engineering consultancies, contractors or client organisations and they will have a sound base to ultimately become Chartered Civil Engineers.