Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)

You'll study theory and practice relating to the many diverse areas of civil engineering. The course covers:

• Mathematics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Construction Practice
• Engineering Surveying
• Materials and Geology
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Design
• Soil Mechanics
• Structures
• Hydraulics
• Environmental Engineering

Year 1

• Mathematics A
  This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin the BEng degrees. It's specifically designed to cater for the wide differences in mathematical background of first year students to reach an equivalent A-level maths and then extending it by introducing the main mathematical techniques that are required in the early stages of engineering degrees. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Engineering mechanics A
  This module teaches fundamental principles of engineering mechanics and fluid mechanics, and applies them to practical applications of analysis and design. It also introduces programming principles to aid solving engineering problems. Upon completion of this module, you'll be able to understand the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics related to hydrostatic forces, measure the pressure at point in a fluid, and establish the stability of floating bodies, flow in simple pipe systems and open channels. You'll perform simple fluid flow laboratory tests and prepare a formal report. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Construction practice C
  This module aims to provide you with the knowledge of the interrelationships between industry, professional bodies and education, and an understanding of key professional and research requirements. It will provide you with a roadmap for your professional career, and will enable you to prepare for employment in the construction discipline. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Structures and construction technology A
  This module will teach you the fundamentals of structural mechanics and strength of material, and you'll use numerous worked examples to complement your understanding. You'll be introduced to a computer aided analysis package. You'll reinforce your understanding of structural concepts by studying some well known historical failures. Finally, you'll develop introductory principles of structural engineering design though open-ended exercises and case studies. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Engineering surveying
  This module will introduce you to the basic theory and practice of land surveying, particularly as it applies to civil engineering. You'll learn or revise the main concepts of three-dimensional geometry and relate them to practical surveying exercises. You'll be taught to use various pieces of surveying equipment, including tape, level, theodolite and total station. You'll learn how measurements are taken and booked, and how to carry out various relevant computations, including the assessment of error and the calculation of reduced level, coordinates and bearings. You'll use the knowledge you've acquired to carry out a field project. This project will involve tape and offset survey, levelling, traversing and calculation of volume. In addition you'll learn to carry out simple setting out procedures, including the analysis and setting out of curves, and you'll be introduced to the concepts of GPS and its associated technology. You'll learn the associated surveying calculations, adjustment and analysis of survey observations. Finally, you'll gain an appreciation of the need for a quality management process/system in undertaking practical work. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Materials and Geology
  This module will introduce you to the properties and applications of a variety of engineering materials, including some innovative materials. In addition, it will introduce you to engineering geology and geomaterials (rock and soils). Whilst traditional lectures and laboratories will be used as a means of delivering the course content, there will also be emphasis on the teaching in the field through site visits and field trips. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.

Year 2

• BIM and Design
  In this module, you'll be introduced to the principles of collaborative work through Building Information Modelling (BIM). The module will build up on AutoCAD and construction technology knowledge, and will teach you 3D modelling of buildings in Autodesk Revit. You'll model typical multi-storey framed steel and concrete buildings and the appropriate variable actions applied on their floors. You'll learn about load take-down methods to transfer the load from the floors onto the primary and secondary beams and columns. These beams and columns will be designed in Robot Structural Analysis program and the results compared to hand calculations taught in the Design of Elements A module. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Design of elements A
  In this module you'll learn to design steel and concrete structural elements and steel connections according to the Eurocodes. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Advanced mathematics
  This module covers intermediate undergraduate engineering mathematics, providing an introduction to the numerical and statistical methods underlying many tools, including Finite Element and Finite Difference Methods, as well as linear regression and probability distributions. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Hydraulics
  This module develops the fundamental principles introduced in the Level 4 module Engineering Mechanics A and applies them to practical applications of analysis and design in open channels and pipe flow. You'll develop a greater understanding of the flow of ideal and real fluids and will apply these principles to the analysis and design of open channels and pipes. You'll perform open channel flow laboratory tests and prepare a formal report. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Structures and construction management A
  This module will further develop the analysis of determinate and indeterminate beams and frames that was introduced at Level 4. It will also introduce the preliminary design and construction of framed buildings and civil engineering structures, including Construction Design and Management and Project Management aspects. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Soil mechanics
  This module will introduce the theory related to soil properties and their measurement, and will presents a number of simple models that are used to describe soil and its mechanical behaviour. Standard laboratory tests will be carried out, and the results will be analysed to determine the soil properties. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.

Year 3

• Optional placement year

Year 4

• Individual research project A
  The Individual Research Project involves the individual investigation of a specific area of civil engineering or a closely related discipline. The project should be of a research and investigative nature. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Structures and design A
  This module builds on the previous studies of structures and design. It will cover various analytical and design methods for beams, frames, connections and slabs. Also included will be an introduction to finite element modelling. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Highways engineering A
  This module covers highways and junctions classification, principles of traffic flow, traffic analysis, transport modelling and planning, transport safety, and junction design and analysis. Also covered are the highway geometrical design and the highway structural design, including design traffic loading and materials in addition to related environmental and sustainability issues. Assessment methods: 40% coursework, 60% exam.
• Geotechnical engineering
  This module shows how the soil mechanics theories introduced in Soil Mechanics are applied to the solution of a number of geotechnical analysis and design problems. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Environmental engineering and professional development
  This module takes the principles of environmental engineering and applies them to practical applications of analysis and design. You'll be introduced to the principles of water quality, and basic water and wastewater treatment processes, and you'll consider sustainability issues. You'll develop an understanding of the surface hydrology, and apply these principles to the calculation of precipitation and unit hydrograph. You'll also learn basics of groundwater flow, and the problem of contamination in groundwater, air pollution and noise pollution. This module will provide you with the professional development, attributes and other requirements needed for a position of responsibility that will be achieved during the "Initial Professional Development" at the workplace. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Group design project A
  This module is designed to involve you in the process of engineering project development, from planning to detailed design, working with a project team. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

Civil engineers deliver a vital service in ensuring the safe, well-resourced construction of a huge range of projects in the built and natural environment, from transport networks to Olympic stadia.

The careers opportunities available to graduates of civil engineering are very diverse, from working as an engineering technician, surveyor or inspector of construction, to employment as a drafter creating visual guidelines for construction teams.

Diversification into management, engineering research or professions that value a numerical degree such as accountancy or banking has also historically been a possibility. Wherever an economy is strong there is an increase in demand for professionally qualified civil engineers, so overseas travel is also a possibility.

Because civil engineering is such a broad area, there are lots of different specialisms to consider after graduating. Our degree gives you a solid foundation for entering any of them.

What to expect from your career

Regardless of what is being built, civil engineers typically undertake site surveys and feasibility studies, analysing the risks of a project and coming up with designs to meet the challenges. They work with engineers and scientists from a wide range of backgrounds, assembling the right team of contractors for the job and overseeing their work as the build begins. Additionally, they manage budgets and ensure that all relevant legal requirements of the new construction are met.

They provide progress reports to their clients and play a crucial central role throughout the project until the building is finished. At that point, a civil engineer often draws up and hands over protocols for the maintenance and servicing of the construction.

Typical salaries

Civil engineers typically earn around £31,000 with a few years' experience, but Chartered Engineers will find average earnings to be nearer £47,000.

Graduate success stories

Recent graduates from this course have gone onto roles in structural, water, public health, transportation and geotechnical branches of the civil engineering and building industry, working for consultants, contractors and government authorities.

Continuing to postgraduate studies

If you graduate from this course, you will be able to apply for further study at postgraduate level, including for a place on our full-time or part-time MSc Civil Engineering or MSc Structural Engineering.

Graduates from this course are also accepted for a wide range of MSc research degrees in engineering and also for MBA programmes. The course is accredited and you can gain Chartered Engineer status through further accredited learning at postgraduate level.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Civil engineering courses have been taught at LSBU for several decades and our alumni occupy senior positions throughout the world. Their feedback, combined with our Industrial Advisory Panel, keep our courses up-to-date with the needs of international employers. The course is particularly strong in its structural and geotechnical engineering content and recently students have won national competitions for their structural design work.

Professional accreditation

This course has the accreditation of the Engineering Council, carried out by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as:

1. Fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng)

2. 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.

The Institution of Civil Engineers is a qualifying body, a centre for the exchange of specialist knowledge, and a provider of resources to encourage innovation and excellence in the profession.

The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation is concerned specifically with planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure. It has 12,000 members.

The Institution of Structural Engineers is the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in structural engineering. It has 27,000 members in 105 countries.

The Institute of Highway Engineers (formerly the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers) is the professional institution for practitioners in highway and traffic engineering offering Engineering Council registration and professional development support.

Placements

Benefits of a year in industry

You are encouraged to break your academic studies and take an industrial placement in your third year (sandwich course). During this placement you can start to put your newly acquired skills into practice. This is an opportunity to understand the way industry functions and to gain an appreciation of the priorities of the commercial environment. You have to propose the company where you would like to work for a year and we have to approve your industrial placement to ensure this activity is adequate and profitable for you.

Field trips

Some modules include field work and site visits, which may be residential or outside the United Kingdom, ranging from three to five days. These are organised by the Division and students are required to make a contribution towards the cost.

One day visits to construction sites and other installations are arranged on a regular basis. See some of our recent site visits.

Five years of winning prizes in national structural design competitions against other universities is further testimony to the strength of the teaching team. Everyone teaching is also active in research or consultancy work, which together with input from visiting industrial experts keeps the course fresh and interesting.

BEng programme

As a BEng programme, this course encourages you to acquire a deeper understanding of the essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of civil engineering and the science and mathematics which underpin it. Many recruiters will look favourably on BEng graduates for this reason.

Personal Tutoring

As a Built Environment and Architecture student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU.  The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic support. Your personal tutor will be the same person throughout your course.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have meetings with your personal tutor periodically.  One-on-one meetings can be arranged on request.  You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.

• A Level BBC or;
• BTEC National Diploma DDM or;
• Access to Engineering qualifications with 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits including Maths and Physical Science credit or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points
• Level 3 qualifications must include Maths and Physics
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

International students

International (non Home/EU) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

For full-time courses, please send your applications through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) using our code L75. UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK.

For part-time courses, you can apply directly to the University.

For more details on how to apply (full-time and part-time) see our how to apply page.

Accommodation

Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.

Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 146 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

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  Civil Engineering field trips

  Our Civil and Building Services Engineering courses offer our students field work and site visits, which may be residential or outside the United Kingdom, ranging from three to five days.

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  Constructionarium for civil engineers

  The Constructionarium is a national learning facility created for civil engineering undergraduates to gain a practical site experience. Spread over six days, the Constructionarium allows students to develop practical skills and establish working links with industry.

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  Centre for Efficient and Renewable Energy in Buildings (CEREB)

  This £2.8million facility is a unique, teaching, research and demonstration resource for renewable and intelligent energy solutions.

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  Lloyd Clough, BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, Jean Venables medal winner

  Lloyd is studying part-time and has recently won the Jean Venables medal for newly qualified engineering technicians.

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.

Welcome Week

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Welcome Week pages.