Civil Engineering

About this course

About

The course is designed and structured to provide you with the opportunity to study the scientific, technical and managerial aspects of civil engineering to an appropriate level. It contains all the elements required for employment in any of the strands of Civil Engineering: Structures, Highways or Water and Wastewater. The skills of self-motivation, original thought, problem solving and decision making, which are so essential to the professional engineer, are encouraged and developed by a programme of project work and design which is undertaken either individually or in small groups.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

Classes are timetabled over 5 days and you are expected to attend all timetabled activities. These include lectures, tutorials, flipped classrooms, debates, computer laboratories, course specific laboratories, presentations, site visits, field trips, seminars, guest and evening lectures.

Start dates

• September 2023

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

In Years 1 and 2 the emphasis is based upon knowledge acquisition and understanding using formal lectures, tutorials, laboratories and coursework. These will provide all the necessary background to function as a Civil Engineer. As you progress through these first two years, a more student centred teaching strategy is employed to encourage you to focus on self learning through individual reading, research, laboratory experimentation and design. There are a mixture of individual and groupwork so that personal and inter-personal skills are developed.

The class contact time allocated to each module of study is indicated on each Module Booklet. The class contact time is divided between lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory work and practical work according to the specific module and module assessment method.

Assessment is designed to incorporate diagnostic, formative and summative approaches. A wide range of assessment methods are used at different levels of the course linking teaching and learning strategies. The assessment methods include examination, coursework, essay, individual project and group project, case studies, site visit, seminar presentations, engineering laboratory report, computer simulation exercise, portfolio, problem solving, poster, class test, peer assessment, oral test, multiple choice questions, literature reviews, design and dissertation.

All University courses are designed on the assumption that you will study an average of 10 hours for each credit point. The independent study time should be time you spend in reading round the subject, carrying out preparatory work, preparing assignments, and preparing for examinations.

There is a split between coursework and examinations. For most module assessments it is 50% Coursework 50% examination. Several modules such as design and computer applications such as CAD are assessed as 100% coursework.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Materials

Year: 1

Status: C

An understanding of fundamental behaviour of materials used in civil engineering is essential for their correct specification, design and construction. This module introduces structure and properties of commonly used construction materials and examines their uses and limitations. It also investigates the basic properties and classification of soils. Practical classes help to underpin main principles covered in lectures.

Mathematics - BEng

Year: 1

Status: C

This module covers those mathematics topics which graduates in the engineering discipline will require for professional practice. For certain engineering courses this module also provides a platform for the further study of mathematics.

The module starts with refresher topics, includes basic algebra, mathematical functions, polynomial equations, logarithms and exponentials, trigonometry, complex numbers, matrices and determinants, vectors, differentiation and integration, and finishes with subject of sequences and series.

Sustainable Construction and Traffic Engineering

Year: 1

Status: C

This module introduces the construction profession and the construction process in its widest form, examining the interaction between design, construction methods/materials, the programming of work and health and safety issues.

Learning will be supplemented by the use of site visits, in order to examine real situations, and MSProject, a computer software package widely used in industry.

Practical sessions will allow students to be introduced to traffic engineering and carry out assessment of junctions and a carpark.

The module is examined both by continuous assessment and examination.

Engineering Mechanics

Year: 1

Status: C

Civil, Safety, and Energy engineering design and construction activities require knowledge of the forces due to the statical and dynamical behaviour of water and the statical behaviour of structures. Methods of determining forces arising from analyses using simple hydrostatics and hydrodynamics are given and applied to practical hydraulics problems. Common analysis methods for simple structures are introduced. Practical classes illustrate the use of these analysis methods at laboratory scale.

Digital Construction and Communication

Year: 1

Status: C

The modern day built environment professional is required to communicate effectively utilising electronic tools with the rest of the project team. This has been mandated by the UK Cabinet Office Construction Strategy, by European Commission procurement regulations and is being followed across the world. This module develops an understanding of the key drivers and barriers to fully implementing Level 2 BIM and points towards the development of level 3 BIM working in the near future. The module develops the foundational skills for internationally recognised BIM Level 2 for the contemporary and future built environment professionals.

Surveying

Year: 1

Status: C

Proper design, location, positioning and delineation of infrastructure assests are essential to the Built Environment. This module is designed to facilitate learners in developing a working knowledge of the spatial principles and practices that are essential to the civil engineering, and construction sectors. Necessary skills are obtainable only through practice in application of precise measuring and observation equipment. This module offers significant opportunity to acquire and develop such skills and associated computational and digital methods.

Year two

Mathematics for Engineers

Year: 2

Status: C

This level 5 mathematics module is for engineering students on Built Environment programmes. It covers a variety of mathematical methods appropriate for the solution of problems in engineering. Emphasis is placed on applications in engineering contexts and problem solving tools, rather than on a rigorous exposition of their theoretical basis.

Safety in Design

Year: 2

Status: C

An understanding of health and safety in civil engineering is essential to prepare students for both a design office or construction site environment. This module will develop strategies for risk identification and management and emphasise the responsibility on individuals for health, safety and environment issues for their design and workplace.

Geotechnics 2

Year: 2

Status: C

This module seeks an appreciation of the origin and form of the landscape and its influence on construction, knowledge of raw materials used in construction and an awareness of the geological and environmental considerations influencing engineering practice. The basic concepts of ground engineering are introduced. The fundamental behaviour of soils and the measurement of soil properties are studied together with the techniques and limitations of sub-soil behaviour.

Structures 2

Year: 2

Status: C

This module develops an understanding of the principles of structural analysis and stress/strain analysis. Deformation analysis and the analysis of statically indeterminate structures by flexibility, stiffness and plastic methods are included. Two and three dimensional stress and strain transformations and interactions are examined and elastic failure theories introduced. Axial buckling is investigated and torsional buckling introduced.

Water Resources 2

Year: 2

Status: C

The module builds upon previous knowledge of fluid mechanics to prepare students to participate in the design of hydraulic and public engineering projects. Experience is also given in experimental work and report writing.

Structural Engineering Design 2

Year: 2

Status: C

This module considers durability, deformation characteristics, design and quality control of structural materials; philosophy and concepts of key design codes of practice; design methodology and procedures for reinforced concrete, structural steel, timber and brickwork elements, use of proprietary design and detailing computer packages for reinforced concrete and structural steel.

Year three

Professional Practice - Civil Engineering

Year: 3

Status: C

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal, interpersonal, and professional skills. The placement should support significantly the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey and professional development.

Year four

Water Resources Engineering 4

Year: 4

Status: C

The module builds upon previous knowledge of hydraulics, river and water engineering to prepare students to participate in the design of hydraulic, river, hydrological and water engineering projects. Experience is also given in the development of computer methods in and report writing.

Construction Management

Year: 4

Status: C

The construction industry, including the organisations and the people they employ, is always under pressure to improve its performance with respect to cost, time and quality. The module is a response to these demands, in that it examines current practice and possible areas for change in the management of process and people in design and construction. The module draws together the processes of tendering for construction and decision making within teams in construction/design operations, in the context of relevant contractual arrangements and the people/organisations concerned. The management simulation provides an opportunity for teams to choose suitable strategies for improved performance relating to procurement practice and risk. Practical applications and case studies are employed to bring reality to the classroom.

Soil Mechanics 4

Year: 4

Status: C

Ground engineering and the installation and construction of foundations and earth retaining structures, is imperative for all civil and structural engineers. This module is the basis for the development of such expertise.

Structural analysis and design 4

Year: 4

Status: C

This module seeks to prepare students for the structural design of a whole project and to introduce them to the stages involved with producing a structural design. Design is presented as following a rational methodology. The module stresses the benefits of the use of sketches in structural analysis and design and further investigates applications of equilibrium, compatibility, and material response relationships.

Civil Engineering Design

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module builds upon previous knowledge of water, highway and infrastructure engineering to prepare students to participate in the design of a broad range of civil engineering projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles and application of sustainable development and requires each student to apply innovation and creativity in a systems approach.

Environmental Engineering 4

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module builds upon previous knowledge of environmental and civil engineering studies and prepares students to participate in the design of a broad range of engineering projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles, appreciation and application of Sustainable Development and requires the student to seek optimum solutions in several environmental challenges, across the themes of waste management, water and wastewater engineering, environmental conservation and climate change.

Project Empirical Data collection and Analysis

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module requires students to undertake the data gathering, analysis and conclusions for an independent, in-depth study articulated in CIV530. The need to demonstrate rigour in relation to this project and demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluation and appraisal skills in the gathered data. Students are
expected to demonstrate an applied understanding of the theories and practices behind the analysed data and link their conclusions back to identify how this filled the previously identified knowledge gaps.

Project Literature Review and Methodology

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module provides opportunity for intensive student directed study of an individual specialised aspect of civil engineering. It also develops competence in self management as well as written and oral communication skills.

Dissertation Literature Review and Methodology

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module provides opportunity for intensive student directed study of an individual specialised aspect of civil engineering. It also develops competence in self management as well as written and oral communication skills.

Dissertation Empirical Data collection and Analysis

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module requires students to undertake the data gathering, analysis and conclusions for an independent, in-depth study articulated in CIV701. The need to demonstrate rigour in relation to this project and demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluation and appraisal skills in the gathered data. Students are
expected to demonstrate an applied understanding of the theories and practices behind the analysed data and link their conclusions back to identify how this filled the previously identified knowledge gaps.

Highways and Transportation Engineering

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module sets out the procedures and techniques required for the design, implementation and management of transport systems. The student will assimilate knowledge of the policies, regulations and environmental aspects of transportation.

Year five

Project Management

Year: 5

Status: C

The module is designed to provide a postgraduate multi disciplinary learning experience on the subject of Project Management. It introduces the concepts of Project Management, examines the recognised practices and accepted principles involved in the project management function, and combines these with an understanding of the increasingly demanding multi-dimensional aspects of the discipline. It provides an overall project orientated management framework (theoretical tempered with world best practice) with local, national and international dimensions within which you can develop your knowledge / understanding and key professional competencies.

Integrated Design studies A

Year: 5

Status: C

The module builds upon previous knowledge of civil and infrastructure engineering, building services engineering and broader transport and energy issues to prepare students to participate in the design of a broad range of built environment projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles engineering understanding and detailed problem-solving tasks.
There will also be some application of sustainable development within the modules. The modules is designed to allow students to apply innovation and creativity in a systematic approach to this problem solving and development of concept design.

Structural Design for Infrastructure

Year: 5

Status: C

This module provides students with the opportunity to further their knowledge, understanding and appraisal of the specialist nature of civil engineering structures with a particular emphasis on infrastructure projects. Several techniques are used in design studies of bridge and culvert structures, earth retaining, water retaining and other geotechnical solutions. Specialist geotechnical design methods are introduced for the solution of a range of geotechnical problems.

Infrastructure Design Studies

Year: 5

Status: C

The module builds upon previous conceptual design experiences, and on the themes offered in the Masters technical modules, and requires a detailed design folio to cover infrastructural aspects of a large project. The connections between the themes will be captured through appraisal of health and safety, investigation of costs and specification, leading to design and detailing of the project. The module is firmly grounded in the principles and application of sustainable development and requires each student to apply innovation and creativity in a systematic approach.

Sustainable Development

Year: 5

Status: C

This module strengthens student awareness and knowledge of sustainable development and how it can be delivered and measured. It explores a range of economic, environmental and social challenges to determine how the built environment can best respond. It provides an appreciation of the policy and actions needed to deliver a smarter and more resilient built environment.

Advanced Materials, Structures and Geotechnics

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

Knowledge of structural analysis and design is extended and soil structure interaction explored within a challenging case study. Complex geotechnical issues are investigated. Advanced materials are presented to inform and assist the design process.

Numerical Modelling

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module addresses the fundamental principles of the finite element method and sets out techniques of the applications for engineering structures.

Waste Systems

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module addresses prudent resource management and low energy usage wastewater treatment systems. The waste issues cover the fields of municipal, hazardous, commercial, construction and industrial sectors, including yields, collection, treatment and disposal of by-products. Wastewater treatment impact on the environment requires energy efficient and appropriate treatment, and is dealt with through secondary and tertiary processes, as well as their effective management due to potential pollution from sewage discharges.

Utilities and Water Engineering

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module describes and develops a broad range of water engineering and utilities services covering legislation, construction, remediation and decommissioning. Hydraulic analysis and performance of key elements of water supply and distribution systems will be given detailed attention; this will all be set in the context of water supply resilience.

Structural Fire Engineering

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module considers durability, building code requirements, structural fire testing, material properties at elevated temperatures, thermally induced structural behaviour, in the context of structural design against fire.

Highway Asset Management

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module introduces the professional skills necessary to design, appraise and maintain a safe sustainable highway, applying a range of technical and managerial systems.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

The A Level requirement for this course is BBB to include Mathematics and a technological/scientific subject (Physics, Design & Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Geography and Engineering). If no 'A' level Physics is offered GCSE Physics or Double Award Science at grade BB is required.

Applicants can satisfy the requirement for one of the A level grades (or equivalent) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.

Applied General Qualifications

Overall BTEC award profile D,M,M with 9 Distinctions to include Further Mathematics and Structural Mechanics and Merit in Public Health Engineering if Construction Diploma. Must also have GCSE grade B or above in Mathematics.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Overall Irish Leaving Certificate profile with grades H3, H3, H3, H3, H3, to include Mathematics and two other technological/scientific subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Geography, Construction,Technology and Technical drawing/graphics.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

• View tariff point chart

Tariff point chart

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBCC to include Mathematics and two other technological/scientific subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Geography, Construction,Technology and Technical drawing/graphics at grade C or above.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCC to include Mathematics and two other technological/scientific subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Geography, Construction,Technology and Technical drawing/graphics at grade C or above.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum Minimum 26 points (13 at higher level).

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Successful completion of Access Course in Science and Technology with overall average of 70% for year 1 entry only.

GCSE

GCSE Profile to include Grade B in Maths and Grade C in English.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

Applicants who have successfully completed studies equivalent in content and level to the Year 1 modules are considered for direct entry into Year 2.

Exemptions and transferability

Applicants who have successfully completed studies equivalent in content and level to the Year 1 modules are considered for direct entry into Year 2.

There is a combined entry to the MEng/BEng courses. To progress onto the MEng, students must achieve an average mark across their 2nd year modules of 60% or higher.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• AMEY Consulting
• Arup Consulting Engineers
• Atkins Global
• Graham Construction
• RPS Group
• Transport NI DRD
• URS

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Civil Engineer
• Graduate Civil Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Transport (NI)
• Transport Engineer

Career options

On graduation you will be well equipped to embark on a career in any branch of the civil engineering profession or, subject to performance, to undertake postgraduate studies or research in related areas.

Work placement / study abroad

This industrial placement year is an integral part of your course. You spend this period in the design office of a consulting engineering practice, or in a government department specialising in public works, or on-site with a contractor.

The period of industrial training gives you an insight into current working practices, sets the context for your final year studies and places you in a very advantageous position when seeking full-time employment on graduation. Satisfactory completion leads to the subsidiary award of the Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) upon graduation, or Diploma in Professional Practice (International) if you have your placement abroad.

Professional recognition

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering. This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Candidates must hold a masters or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering. This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Apply

Start dates

• September 2023

Contact

For more information visit

• Visit Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
• Visit Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment

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