Civil Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: H200 (BEng)
UCAS Code: H202 (MEng)
International Code: EECU074 (BEng)
International Code: EECU073 (MEng)

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
4 years full-time (MEng award)
5 years part-time

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

This Civil Engineering course is aimed at students who aspire to become professionally qualified engineers. It is suitable for those who wish to study Civil Engineering with an emphasis on engineering practice and its role within construction, in the UK and abroad.

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.

You will be taught by current staff with 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.

Teaching is highly practical; you will have the chance to draw on real-life case studies, provided by companies such as Arcadis, CGL, Crossrail and Galliford Try. You will have opportunities to use industry-standard software as is widely used by design and consulting engineers. You will also be given significant opportunities to apply for industrial placements* at companies that have previously included: Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Interserve, Morgan Sindall, Mott MacDonald, Severn Trent Water and Warwickshire County Council.

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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

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*.
28,000

Average earnings 15 months after the course for Civil Engineering graduates at Coventry University.

Discover Uni, 2021

Accredited by:

JBM logo

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

The MEng degree 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.) The BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering course 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. These courses are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) for the 2022-23 intake. If the accreditation of these courses change, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

My 3 years studying at Coventry has not only given me a passion for Civil Engineering, but new knowledge, independence and friendships.

Elizaveta Semenova, Civil Engineering BEng (Hons), June 2019
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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).

Read her story
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What you'll study

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

  • 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

  • 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

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

    Compulsory

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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

  • 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

  • The aim of this module is to advance students’ knowledge of construction materials and the test methods used to derive material properties.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop further understanding of the fundamental principles of soil behaviour incorporating core engineering knowledge with practical application.

    Compulsory

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

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

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

    Compulsory

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

In the final year, you should gain a deeper understanding of technical concepts in the modelling and design of engineering systems, studying subjects such as bridge engineering, construction contracts, structural dynamics, project and system management and advanced structural analysis and design.

Modules

  • This module aims to provide the participants with the technical knowledge, skills and abilities to enable them to demonstrate an advanced understanding of principles and theories behind soil structure interaction.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop further understanding of to various aspects of design, analysis and operation in the field of transportation engineering.

    Compulsory

  • This module will extend participants' previously acquired knowledge of structural mechanics, to cover yield line analysis of slabs, design of prestressed reinforced concrete beams, design of steel and timber structures, and empower them to tackle structural analysis and design tasks of greater complexity.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to extend the previous development of team working and personal development with a focus on the theory and practice of leadership. It also aims to extend the previous development in academic research skills to be able to disseminate research findings to the professional community, peer review research publications and reflect on peer review comments to accommodate improvements in research publications.

    Compulsory

  • This module will develop and build upon contract and project management type content delivered earlier in the course. It will enable the participant to apply one of the main standard forms of construction contract (NEC ECC) to real situations.

    Compulsory

  • The project calls for application of academic knowledge (gained throughout the MEng course), engineering judgment, professional skills and personal resourcefulness to analyse challenging civil engineering / construction problems in a comprehensive manner and propose well justified and presented solutions.

    Compulsory

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.

How you'll learn

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 (seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops)
  • 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 13-15 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.

Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Assessment

There is a wide range of assessment types across the course such as: online quizzes, calculation-based assignments, report writing, surveying practical assessments, group project work, design assignments, computer aided drawing, case studies, research dissertation, simulation centre performance, presentations and posters. The large range of assessments ensure equal attainment opportunities for students across the course.

Job ready

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.

International experience opportunities

There is a mandatory international field trip* within ‘Group Project 2’ that gives the students a global experience where they need to fulfil a design brief while taking account of the local climate, physical terrain, resources available, social and cultural environment.

Students may also seek to undertake a relevant professional/international placement year between Years 2 and 3 of an undergraduate degree. 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 our Talent Team.

Students have the opportunity to take a year studying abroad between Years 2 and 3 of their course*.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement BEng (Hons) - What we're looking for
A Level BBC to include Mathematics. Excludes General Studies.
BTEC DMM in an Engineering or Construction subject.
IB Diploma 30 points to include Mathematics at Higher level.
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.
Requirement MEng (Hons)  - What we're looking for
A Level ABB to include Mathematics. Excludes General Studies.
BTEC DDM in an Engineering or Construction subject.
IB Diploma 30 points to include Mathematics at Higher level.
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.

For Direct entry to Year 2 an applicant possessing an appropriate HND or HNC in a Civil Engineering discipline or equivalent from another institution will be considered for these courses:

  • Students who normally pass all HND or HNC modules with a module mark of at least 70% will be eligible to transfer to the MEng in Year 2.

In addition, students will need GCSE Maths and English grade C or above (or equivalent, or IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections). Applicants who don’t have the above entry requirements will still be considered on their individual merits where alternative and additional evidence of aptitude, such as extensive practical experience is evident.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

Typical offer for 2022 entry

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

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

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with International admissions

Fees and funding

Tuition fees 2022/23

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment.

Two students pouring materials into a hopper.

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.

Three students using a virtual wall in the simulation centre.

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.

Female student using equipment in structures laboratory.

Structures Laboratory

Includes eight test frames, two of which are fully programmable ‘top of the range’ Instron universal test machines. It also includes a strong floor area with associated framing and ancillary measurement devices.

Careers and opportunities

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.

Where our graduates work

Coventry University has a long-established reputation for the teaching of Civil Engineering and currently has excellent links with employers like Arcadis, Arup, Atkins, Balfour Beatty, BAM, Buro Happold, CGL, CPUK, Donaldson Associates, Galliford Try, Geotechnics Ltd, Interserve, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Morgan Sindall, Mott MacDonald, Severn Trent Water, Warwickshire County Council and Willmott Dixon, many of whom provide direct input into course development as members of our Industrial Advisory Board.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

Discover Uni stats

  • Student Contract

    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 2021/22 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.

    Tuition fees

    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.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. 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.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    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.

    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), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).