For the MSc with advanced practice, you complete 120 credits of taught modules, a 60-credit master’s research project and 60 credits of advanced practice.
Examples of past MSc research projects include:
Shear strength of composite and non-composite steel beam and concrete slab construction
Investigation into the self-healing capability of bacterial concrete
A review of the use of smart materials and technologies in cable stayed bridge construction
FRP and its use as structural components
Non-linear modelling of ground performance under seismic conditions
Course structure
Core modules
Advanced Geotechnics
You develop geotechnical concepts and techniques and learn about new methods of analysis. You apply techniques in geotechnical design and critically investigate the role of geotechnics in the civil engineering design process
You learn through formal lecturers and take part in discussions of techniques and analysis. Case studies investigate the applicability of techniques and the impact of the geotechnical process on the project and the environment. Discussion of the effectiveness of various methodologies and approaches take place in seminars.
The module will be assessed by a design report and an end examination.
Advanced Practice
Advanced Practice is normally undertaken over a one semester period and has been developed to enable a student to gain real-world practical experience to enhance their employability and academic learning. Students will receive preparatory sessions to enable them to apply to internship opportunities, which normally include:
Vocational internships with external organisations based offsite
Research or development internships based on campus
Employer-led internships based on campus
Students will undertake an appropriate advanced practice opportunity to meet their skill set and aspirations, related to their course.
All students will be assigned an academic supervisor to provide academic and pastoral support throughout their internship. Students will be assessed through a reflective report on a pass/fail basis. This module does not count towards the overall classification of the degree.
Advanced Project Planning and Visualisation
In this module you explore engineering project planning problems and solutions and learn to develop knowledge in emerging technologies used in advanced project planning. You develop planning skills and knowledge of the key concepts and tools used in traditional and advanced project planning. In particular, you familiarise with: principles of project planning, multi-constraints project planning techniques, and advanced 4D visualisation techniques.
Advanced Structural Analysis with Dynamics
You develop your knowledge and understanding of structural analysis and design and are introduced to new methods of analysis. You apply complex analysis and design techniques, including static and dynamic analysis methods, to model the causes and solutions of problems involving the real behaviour of structures.
Formal lectures include interaction to discuss and critically evaluate the theoretical principles of core course material and its application to problem solving and design. Tutorials allow you to apply and develop the course material. Case studies are used to demonstrate application and effectiveness of analysis and design techniques. Your assessment is a technical report and an end examination.
Advanced Structural Design
You advance your knowledge and understanding of structural design, introducing new methods of design. You apply complex design techniques, modelling the causes and solutions of problems involving the real behaviour of structures. Formal lectures include your interaction to discuss and critically evaluate the theoretical principles of core course material and its application to problem solving and design. Tutorials allow the application and development of the course material. Case studies are used to demonstrate application and effectiveness of design techniques. Assessment is a technical report and an end examination.
Engineering Research Project
You investigate an area of engineering and work independently to a level recognised to be at the forefront of the discipline. The topic can be in the form of a research project or a design project. Key skills in research and in knowledge application and creation will be developed through keynote lectures and self-managed independent study. You are required to demonstrate the capacity for a comprehensive and objective analysis, and for developing innovative and constructive proposals for the solution to the project topic.
Sustainability
You will investigate how the role of the engineer is becoming more focused on serving society as well as industry and to recognise the impact of engineers’ decisions on society and the environment.
As engineers of the future, you will need to have a sustainable worldview, acknowledging international, cultural, and diversity issues in society. In addition, you will also be expected to solve complex problems with consideration for multi-perspective views, long-term effects, risk, and the impacts of decisions on society.
This module will examine the key topics surrounding sustainability in the context of engineering applications across a range of disciplines and key future challenges such as energy, transport, and construction.
The subjects will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will develop key concepts and knowledge. Seminars will allow more focused examinations of important issues and approaches.
Water and Waste Water Treatment Processes
You develop an understanding of the water and wastewater treatment processes and allows you to apply them in an engineering context. Relevant current and future challenges associated with the water sector are discussed to increase your awareness and help you propose potential solutions.
Lectures deliver the theoretical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes and the associated challenges within the water-energy nexus. The seminars enable the application of theoretical knowledge to design problems.
Case studies from research and industrial sources will investigate the applicability and effectiveness of the course materials and highlight the potential opportunities and challenges.