Gain skills in real life situations
Clarice Davu started her placement year at Hockley and Dawson Consulting Engineers, who specialises in the sensitive repair and conservation of historic buildings, prestigious houses and important structures.
Overview
The United Nations predicts a global population of 9.8 billion by 2050. Consequently, construction professionals are increasingly being called upon to create and maintain the social and commercial infrastructure needed to accommodate such large-scale growth.
Therefore, the demand for civil engineers is high in the foreseeable future. In recent years, the demand for civil and structural engineers had continued to rise, particularly in countries such as Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and China. Construction targets aim to reduce cost, deliver faster, reduce emissions and improve exports, all of which rely on a successful infrastructure both in the UK and elsewhere.
The UK Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), US Bureau of Labour Statistics, United Nations (UN) and various international organisations have reported a high skill shortage in environmental engineering throughout the developed and developing world to respond to the increasing climate, demographic (urbanisation), socio-economic and environmental changes.
This civil and environmental engineering course is aimed at students who aspire to become professionally qualified engineers. If you wish to study civil engineering in the UK or abroad with an emphasis on environmental engineering, then this may be the course for you.
During your studies, you should gain an insight into the full breadth of design and construction disciplines that collaborate in the multi-disciplinary construction industry.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
Civil and Environmental Engineering BEng (Hons) is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as:
- fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
- partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. See www.jbm.co.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.
Civil and Environmental Engineering MEng is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) (additional costs may apply). Visit JBM for further information.
This course is currently accredited by JBM for the 2021/22 intake. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Institution of Civil Engineers
Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
Institution of Structural Engineers
Institute of Highway Engineers
Partners in Learning
Ryerson University Canada, Rennes University France and National University of Colombia
(subject to change)
My placement at Network Rail
Anne Wandu is currently working with the asset management team at Network Rail as an asset engineer following the completion of her second year studying Civil Engineering BEng (Hons).
Our Facilities
Hydraulics Laboratory
Our hydraulics laboratory is equipped with three different hydraulic flumes, and an innovative canal lock design. The lab also contains model bed channels, hydraulic benches and a large scale surge shaft model.
Materials Laboratory
Includes industrial standard timber and steel workshops, a concrete mixing area with 3 pan mixers, programmable environmental chambers, a range of ovens and curing tanks and various materials testing apparatus.
Simulation Centre
Our interactive training centre is used to create a ‘virtual’ construction site with fully-equipped site cabins and observation deck. Students undertake role play exercises to help prepare them for situations in the workplace.
Course information
The structure of the provision allows you to experience the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of the construction industry, and achieve your potential by providing opportunities to transfer between courses based on academic ability and final chosen degree specialism.
The JBM accrediting body requires sufficient coverage of compulsory core subjects (structures, construction materials and geotechnics) and course specific core subjects (construction management and environmental engineering for these courses) and this has been carefully considered in course design. Assessment methods have been designed to improve your problem solving ability where information is ambiguous or missing, which was identified as desirable by Industrial Advisory Board members.
The MEng Civil and Environmental Engineering course shares a common first year with the MEng Civil Engineering course, which permits you to transfer (without restart) from civil and environmental engineering to civil engineering or vice versa after the successful completion of the first year, subject to academic performance and approval by the Programme Assessment Board. Experience suggests that this is a valuable feature for many students who are unsure of their preferred career route at the commencement of their studies.
The aims of the MEng course are that, upon graduation, you will have the ability to:
- Work collaboratively with other construction disciplines in the development of engineering solutions through critical evaluation and reflection, and effectively communicate proposals using a variety of media to suit different audiences;
- Demonstrate awareness of the conflicting demands of clients, stakeholders and other construction professionals in the planning and execution of appropriate inter-disciplinary design solutions;
- Recognise and respond to social, environmental, economic (i.e. sustainable development) and ethical considerations in an international context;
- Undertake interdisciplinary team work and effective self-management and development;
- Conduct independent thinking, critical reflection, and individual initiative as the basis for research, innovation and lifelong professional learning to enhance their skills and knowledge throughout their careers;
- Identify, analyse and solve engineering problems at a level appropriate to a chartered civil and environmental engineer;
- Apply knowledge, technical and practical skills creatively and effectively as required for a successful career as a chartered civil and environmental engineer.
As required by University regulations, you will take one 10 credit Add+vantage module at each of Levels 4 – 6 of their course. The Add+vantage scheme is a University initiative for broadening students’ studies. There is a large collection of 10 credit modules in a wide variety of areas, many linked to ‘graduateness’ and ‘employability’. The scheme includes languages, law, advanced IT and mathematical skills.
Course specification
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Modules
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.
In more detail...
The Civil and Environmental Engineering courses at Coventry University is well established as a cornerstone of the education provision by the School of Energy, Construction and Environment. The School offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses related to the field of construction and it prides itself on offering an educational experience that reflects the interdisciplinary and global nature of the construction industry
Our environmental engineering courses are based on the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education’s benchmark for engineering, as well as incorporating aspects of the benchmark for earth sciences, environmental sciences and environmental studies. Designed to meet the needs of niche and highly specialised national and international markets, tailored to the requirements of an integrated civil and environmental engineering sector, they deliver all necessary learning outcomes of the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence.
This course aims to develop the combination of technical, practical and managerial skills necessary to analyse, design and manage solutions for innovative and complex engineering problems as a basis for future leadership in the civil engineering profession.
We will cover study subjects that can give you the necessary technical and managerial skills with applied scientific and mathematical knowledge for managing the natural and man-made impacts and risks on the built environment. Upon completion, you will have the knowledge to lead on sustainable infrastructure development, able to make the most of existing and emerging science and technology for sustainable design, environmental and engineering analysis and practices, development, health and safety and environmental risk management in both urban and rural areas.
At the same time, you should develop a deeper understanding of environmental engineering in the form of technical, legal, ethical and commercial management (eg. in water, wastewater, flood, pollution and energy management field with socio-economic and environmental).
- Expert visiting lecture programme 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 (subject to availability).
- Access to the University’s Simulation Centre, which is the most advanced interactive people training and development centre in the UK. Its bespoke programmes, combined with cutting-edge technology which is 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.
- Current collaborative links with universities in 20 countries around the world, 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.*
- * 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.
Collaborative links with universities in 20 countries around the world, including Ryerson University Canada, Rennes University France and National University of Colombia, giving you the chance for you to spend part of your studies abroad (additional costs may apply).
Our main study themes are:
- Health, Safety and Environmental Risk Management (HSERM): We aim to make you aware of and reminded of the importance of public and occupational health and safety, environmental risk assessment and management from the start to the end of your course. You will also be encouraged to consider the HERM aspects within your laboratory and field-based coursework and propose precautions that could be taken to avoid or manage them.
- Environmental Engineering and Sustainable development (EESD): We aim to develop your understanding of the linkage between and balanced approach required for environmental sustainability and engineering development. You should learn how to apply environmental science, appropriate technology and sustainable environmental risk management principles and technologies.
- Engineering and Environmental design, analysis and practices (EDAP): We aimed to provide knowledge in Structure, Geo-technics, Material, Hydraulic with required Maths & basic surveying for you to develop your skills in design, analysis and practices. These programmes are designed to develop your skills in creative but sustainable design, critical analysis by independent learning, judgement and teamworking to solve practical problems, via a series of individual and group projects. It should give you practise and insight into the role of the engineer as a planner, designer analysist and a project manager. You will develop an effective approach to perform engineering and environmental design, analysis and communicate, demonstrate and deliver the outputs and outcomes with confidence and clarity.
The BEng (Hons) route can be studied full-time over three or four years, with a sandwich year being taken between the second and third years of study.
The MEng route can be studied full-time over four or five years, with a sandwich year being taken between the second and third years of study.
Your course will be taught using lectures, online teaching, with associated tutorials, laboratory classes, practicals and studio sessions. In addition, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice. At appropriate stages of the course, we try to organise guest lectures from current practitioners (subject to availability). You will have the opportunity to participate in a mandatory residential field trip within the second year of the course, which typically takes place in Shrewsbury and focuses on land surveying skills*. We also aim to organise construction site visits in the UK each year, with past students visiting various sites of Coventry University buildings, the site for the National College for High Speed Rail in Birmingham and the Birmingham University sports centre*.
The highly practical nature of the course enables you to work with staff on real-world problems from industry*, commerce and research groups, mirroring the work you may do in professional practice. This means that while you learn the technical content of your degree, these projects develop the professional skills required including: problem assessment and resolution; project, task and time management; risk assessment; team work and leadership; technical report writing etc.
The MEng final year includes a group project based on real problems sourced from industrial collaborators and technical modules that reflect current research work in the School and is designed to introduce you to the latest thinking in the subject.
*Travel costs for mandatory field trips are covered by the University’s flying-start scheme. The cost of optional international field trips are borne by the student. All field trips are subject to availability, application and visa requirements. Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, 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.
Meet our staff
Suresh Surendran
Dr Suresh Surendran is a PhD/MSc qualified academic, 35 years experienced Civil/Environmental Engineer, recognised scientist in “Water Engineering for Risk Resilience and Sustainable Development” and registered programme/ project manager.
Read full profileThere is a huge range of assessment types across the course which may include: online quizzes, calculation based assignments, report writing, surveying practicals, laboratory work, group project work, design assignments, computer aided drawing, case studies, research dissertation, simulation centre performance, presentations, tests and coursework. The large range of assessments ensures equal attainment opportunities for students across the course as a whole.
Semester 1 is primarily devoted to delivery and assessment of underlying theory with assessment typically by 90 minute test. We are assessing this content in a controlled environment so that we can ensure each individual student can demonstrate their knowledge of the theory before they need to apply that theory in Semester 2.
Within Semester 2 of Years 1 and 2, students take 40 credit civil engineering project and environmental engineering project modules, where students apply the underlying theory that they have learnt in Semester 1 (plus any additional theory delivered within Semester 2). This is essentially an integrative assessment approach where all the integrated assessment is confined to single 40 credit modules. These projects will be broken into phases, whereby the relevant content for a particular phase is bulk delivered over a few weeks. The assessment will be by individual coursework portfolio with interim submissions at the end of each project phase (separate coursework components submitted typically every three weeks). This will help to stagger the marking burden on staff, thereby increasing the likelihood that designated turnaround times can be met for such large cohorts.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will have:
- The scientific and mathematical principles and methods, relevant for an accredited civil and environmental engineering degree course. This covers a mix of skills and knowledge, including fundamental topics such as design, sustainability, health and safety and construction issues, providing the educational base to eventually become registered as a chartered civil and environmental engineer.
- 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 and environmental 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.
MEng
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures). In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 13-14 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 11-12 contact hours per week in third and final year as you become a more independent learner.
BEng
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures). In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 13-14 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 11 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.
There is a mandatory international field trip within ‘Group Project 2’ that provides you with a global experience where you need to fulfil a design brief while taking account of the local climate, physical terrain, resources available, social and cultural environment etc.
You may also seek to undertake a relevant professional/international placement year after your second year. This opportunity is encouraged to provide students with the depth of experience that such an opportunity affords. Assistance with acquiring a relevant placement is offered by the Faculty’s employability and placements team.
Students have the opportunity to take an optional year studying abroad with support of the Erasmus exchange scheme, between the second and third year of their course*.
* 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.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.Course essentials – additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas. This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The School of Energy, Construction and Environment has a dedicated academic whose role is to co-ordinate placements and employment. The Talent Team facilitate students in securing placement opportunities. This team also run a number of timetabled sessions on CV writing, interview techniques etc. and students can also book one-to-one support sessions. The University also has a central careers service that focus more on supporting students in securing graduate roles as required.
Course Directors invite speakers in from industry to discuss recruitment and often take students on visits to Civil Engineering companies looking to recruit. They also regularly advertise any opportunities they are made aware of (through the Talent Team or industry contacts) on the student portal. Alumni are also invited back to give presentations on their graduate experience and give students guidance on learning and career development.
There is a careers service where qualified consultants are available to help students think about the issues they face as they move through University studies and prepare for employment. Other career support includes mentoring by invited practising engineers, talks by professional institutions and alumni, career development visits to companies and site visits.
Graduates from the MEng Civil and Environmental Engineering course will 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. (subject to additional costs)
Where our graduates work
Civil and environmental engineering is a new course. However, our civil engineering graduates have gone on to occupy positions in engineering consultancies and contractors such as Arup, Mott Macdonald, Buro Happold, Atkins, Jacobs, Interserve Project Ltd, Water & Wastewater Companies (e.g. Severn Trent), and local authorities (e.g. Warwickshire County Council).
Previous environmental management graduates have gone on to work in industry, local authorities, environmental regulators (Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency), water and energy utilities, universities and consultancies. Others have undertaken further study, such as a PhD.
Our disaster-management graduates have secured employment in the public and/or private sector working for organisations such as the Red Cross UK, local authorities and the Environment Agency. Asia Disaster Preparedness Centre, RedR India, Oxfam GB, All hands, Lloyds Register, The Catholic Overseas Development Agency (CAFOD) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
