Civil Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Develop your mathematics and problem-solving ability associated with the mechanical performance of civil engineering structures.

When tackling real-world structural engineering problems, civil engineers often need to apply mathematical principles and processes to structural mechanics. During this module, you will benefit from hands-on sessions in computer and structures laboratories.⁴ The module introduces you to the fundamental principles of structural mechanics, which are required to solve engineering problems of a non-routine nature.

Compulsory

Learn the fundamentals of engineering geology, soil mechanics and common construction materials.

Develop an ability to identify soil and material properties and assess their suitability for specific applications within civil engineering and the construction industry, while considering construction methods, safety and sustainability. Gain valuable experience from hands-on laboratory sessions⁴, which should help to strengthen your in-depth understanding of the subject.

Compulsory

This module introduces you to the construction industry practice and the breadth of aspects to be considered at various stages of a construction project.

You will primarily act as a simulated contractor, planning the execution of a design. You will give due consideration to meeting the client's requirements, sustainable construction practices, minimising environmental impact, and health and safety. You will also operate with due regard for professional ethics and foster a positive working environment.

Content will be adapted to the project brief, but will typically cover:

• professionalism and collaborative work
• site investigation
• environmental risk assessment
• access considerations and site setup
• construction programming
• cost estimation and resource management
• material choice and construction methods
• construction documentation
• sustainable construction practice
• quality and risk management.

Compulsory

Improve your understanding of land surveying in civil engineering applications. This module introduces you to the fundamentals of:

• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• data analytics for civil engineering.

For the land surveying element of this module, you should gain the relevant knowledge for establishing vertical and horizontal control on-site through levelling and traversing. You will learn about mapping, setting out construction works related to civil engineering applications and the latest land surveying technology. You should develop the necessary fieldwork skills to do this using surveying instrumentation.⁴

For the digital engineering element of this module, you should gain an introductory understanding and learn to apply BIM and CAD principles for civil engineering professional requirements. You should acquire basic knowledge of engineering statistics and AI and apply these principles using relevant software for data analysis to solve civil engineering problems.

Compulsory

Develop your knowledge of structural design methods, along with the underpinning principles and structural analytical methods. Gain fundamental knowledge and skills in structural modelling using industry-standard computer software, benefiting from hands-on sessions in the computer and structures laboratories.⁴

This module also considers contemporary aspects of structural modelling, design, and carbon reduction considerations embodied within the design process.

Compulsory

This module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental principles of soil behaviour and hydraulics, incorporating core engineering knowledge with practical application.

Gain valuable experience from hands-on laboratory sessions⁴, designed to strengthen your in-depth understanding of the subject. Develop the necessary skills to interpret experimental data for use in solving engineering problems of a non-routine nature commensurate with the CEng pathway.

Compulsory

Develop a comprehensive understanding of construction project management and contract administration, focusing on effective planning, risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Explore key project management techniques, including risk and stakeholder assessment, cost estimation and project scheduling using industry-standard tools such as MS Project for Gantt chart creation and timeline management.⁴

The module also provides an in-depth study of NEC4 contracts, examining their structure, key provisions and application in managing construction projects. Emphasis is placed on contract administration, risk allocation, collaboration and dispute resolution within the NEC4 framework. Develop the ability to navigate contractual responsibilities, ensuring efficient project delivery and effective management of contractual relationships.

Compulsory

Further enhance your understanding of construction materials used in civil engineering applications and the wider construction environment. Learn from selected topics in the principles of highways and transportation engineering. Your learning will be strengthened by laboratory testing sessions using industry-standard equipment.⁴

This module focuses on transport safety, equality, equity, resilience and decarbonisation. It covers the principles of geometric highway design following current design codes and traffic flow analysis. The module also explores the decision-making process in highway projects, including project appraisal, transportation policy and planning.

The module will also provide an overview of railway engineering, addressing design standards for various railway track systems, gauging and clearance management, vehicle-track interaction dynamics and safety and maintenance considerations.

Advance your knowledge of construction materials, their specification and selection for a sustainable and durable built environment. This concludes the study of materials technology, focusing on the degradation processes, specification and repair of materials used within civil engineering and the construction industry.

Compulsory

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Learn the computational aspects of civil engineering in support of the theoretical content taught at earlier stages of the course.

During this module, you will use computational techniques and tools to execute analytical and numerical solutions to static and dynamic engineering problems. Develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of computational modelling principles and their application to civil and structural engineering using finite element analysis techniques.

Develop a wider and deeper understanding of structural concrete and its use in the design and construction of a range of civil and structural engineering works. Particular attention will be given to safety and sustainability considerations embodied in design.

Compulsory

This module covers the principles of design and construction related to transport infrastructure and geotechnical engineering, related to themes such as:

• pavement design and maintenance
• tunnelling
• railway design
• geotechnical structures.

Examine current aspects of industry practice using the current design code and practice underpinned by the relevant principles of safety and sustainability.

Compulsory

Gain critical, transferable skills that are essential in the workplace and that promote and enable continued professional development. Learning is contextualised around a realistic project.

Learning outcomes are achieved by working in groups on a practical civil engineering problem. The project typically requires planning and designing a piece of infrastructure with elements of hydraulics, geotechnics, structures and transportation engineering. You will need to ensure your solutions give due consideration to sustainability and the environment.

By engaging with this module, you should learn to demonstrate your skills in professional development planning, project planning and the value of teamwork. You should also learn to demonstrate a further understanding of BIM planning ethos, the ability to work collaboratively in an industrial setting while considering cybersecurity threats, understanding roles, group dynamics, negotiation and influencing, motivation, emotional intelligence, assertiveness and conflict management.

Compulsory

Develop your research and investigative skills by scoping, designing and conducting an independent research dissertation under the supervision of academic staff experienced in the field.

Module content aims to improve your understanding of problem identification, reviewing literature and research design, and the development and implementation of appropriate methods. You will be supported to conduct research independently and to plan, manage, and conduct research within an appropriate context.

This includes the development of an understanding of:

• research design and methodology
• ethical considerations of research
• health and safety concerns (including, where appropriate, risk assessments)
• research methods for technical, scientific and social science investigations
• project management
• data collection, interpretation and analysis
• report writing.

Compulsory

Build on your existing understanding of structural dynamics and apply it to real-world scenarios like earthquake engineering and seismic design. Explore how structures move and vibrate, learning how to model these behaviours using discrete mass, spring and damper systems and how to describe them through the differential equation of motion and force methods. Dive into more complex systems, such as multi-degree-of-freedom discrete systems and use numerical approaches to study continuous systems. As you advance, you will analyse how structures respond to seismic activity using tools like response spectra and time history analysis, helping you understand the impact of earthquakes on design. By the end of the module, you should be confident in applying these advanced methods of analysis to solve structural problems and make design decisions in seismic environments.

Compulsory

Deepen your practical and critical understanding of design, analysis and operation within transportation and geotechnical engineering. In transportation engineering, focus on real-world methods for determining highway capacity, while exploring how to build sustainable and inclusive transport systems. Consider the challenges of global urban and rural transport and assess the latest developments in railway infrastructure, including its design, maintenance, and operation, to support the creation of safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible rail networks. In geotechnical engineering, develop the technical knowledge and decision-making skills to analyse soil-structure interaction. Learn how to apply key principles and theories to solve complex problems, preparing you for a career in this vital area of civil engineering.

Compulsory

Gain a critical understanding of how contracts are used, selected and interpreted in the construction industry. Explore the legal frameworks and contract rules that guide how different stakeholders manage capital projects and major infrastructure. You’ll look closely at the key standard forms of contract used in the industry – including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and other bespoke contracts – with particular focus on how they deal with time, payments, and change management. This is especially useful if you plan to work in contract practice or construction project administration. Explore how client needs, project goals and the procurement environment affect the choice of contract strategy. Identify contract-related risks, evaluate procurement options and study solutions based on case law, real-world case studies, and the professional standards set by CIOB and RICS.

Compulsory

Build on the technical, personal and professional skills you’ve already developed. This module aims to prepare you to become a future leader in civil engineering. It has two main goals:

• Develop your teamwork and leadership skills, learning how to support and evaluate others, and how to lead effectively in professional settings.
• Apply your engineering knowledge, judgement and problem-solving abilities to tackle real-world civil engineering challenges.

You’ll work as part of a group on a major project that requires original investigation and the integration of technical, economic, social, environmental, ethical and interpersonal factors. This experience is designed to mirror real-life project work in the industry.

Compulsory