Modules

Year 1 In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in civil engineering principles and their role in business, society and sustainability. You’ll learn essential skills in surveying, structural analysis, material science, soil mechanics and engineering geology, supported by practical labs and fieldwork. Mathematics and statistics for engineering problem-solving are introduced, alongside an understanding of professional practice, health and safety and environmental considerations. You’ll also take part in a group project linked to the Engineering for People Design Challenge, applying your learning to real-world scenarios and developing teamwork and communication skills. Core modules Land and Construction Surveying Structural and Stress Analysis Construction Materials Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics Mathematics for Civil Engineering Civil Engineering Practice Year 2 In your second year, you’ll focus on specialist structural engineering topics and start using digital technologies widely adopted in the industry. You’ll develop computer programming and 2D/3D modelling skills to support advanced design work, while deepening your understanding of hydraulics, soil mechanics and reinforced concrete structures. Practical learning is central; you’ll work on a group project to design, build and test a small-scale structure, applying theory to real-world challenges and strengthening your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Core modules Building Information Modelling Structural Analysis Concrete Technology and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures Geotechnical Engineering 1 Road infrastructure Engineering Computational Mechanics Optional placement year You can choose a salaried professional placement after your second year to gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering industry. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects, develop technical and professional skills, and build valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge when starting your career. Year 3 Your third year strengthens your expertise in structural engineering and prepares you for complex design challenges. You’ll explore advanced techniques such as pre-stressed concrete, which is essential for modern bridges and high-rise structures, and deepen your understanding of steel design, structural dynamics and geotechnical engineering. You’ll also take part in a multidisciplinary group project, working from a complex client brief to design a complete structure that meets industry standards. This hands-on experience develops your ability to integrate technical knowledge with practical problem-solving and teamwork. Core modules Pre-stressed Concrete Dynamics of Structures Design of Steel Structures Design of Structures Individual Project Final year Your final year focuses on advanced structural engineering and specialist skills for complex projects. You’ll learn how to assess damage in existing structures and design effective strengthening solutions, expertise that is highly valued worldwide, especially in regions prone to natural disasters. Alongside this, you’ll complete a major individual research project and have the flexibility to specialise through option modules in areas such as earthquake engineering, bridge analysis and wave loading. This year develops high-level technical, analytical and leadership skills, preparing you for professional practice and Chartered Engineer status. Core modules Individual Project Options* Dynamics of Structures with Earthquake Engineering Applications Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures Bridge Loads and Analysis Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Wave Mechanics and Structural Loading *Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.