BEng (Hons) Civil and Transportation Engineering with Foundation Year

This module introduces the fundamental principles of mechanics and their application to materials and simple structures used in civil and transportation engineering. You will learn how forces act on structures and how materials respond to loading. Key topics include equilibrium of forces, stress and strain, material properties, axial loading, shear force and bending moment diagrams, and basic beam theory. The module also covers concepts of elasticity, safety factors, and structural stability, with a focus on practical engineering applications. Laboratory sessions and problem-solving workshops are used to reinforce understanding through hands-on learning and real-life examples. You will develop skills in interpreting engineering drawings, performing structural calculations, and selecting suitable materials for construction projects. By the end of the module, you will be able to analyse simple structural elements, understand how loads are transferred, and apply safe design principles in line with professional engineering standards, providing a strong foundation for further study and progression towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.

This extended induction module supports your transition into university life and introduces you to the Civil Engineering discipline. It is designed to build your confidence, develop your academic and professional identity as a future civil engineer, and help you understand the expectations of university study and the engineering profession. You will explore key academic practices essential to Civil Engineering, including independent learning, problem-solving, digital literacy, and ethical academic conduct such as referencing, plagiarism awareness, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in line with university policy. The module is structured around seven key themes relevant to your development as a Civil Engineering student: Ready to Study: Understanding course expectations, workload, and the transition into an engineering learning environment. Academic Skills and Educational Development: Building core skills such as mathematical thinking, technical communication, critical analysis, and digital competence. Career Readiness and Professional Identity: Introduction to civil engineering career pathways, professional standards, and early development of CVs and professional behaviours. Personal Development and Belonging: Supporting confidence, inclusivity, and your identity within the Civil Engineering community. Social Engagement and Community Building: Opportunities to engage with peers, staff, and the wider engineering environment. Feedback and Reflective Practice: Developing the ability to use feedback and reflect on your learning to support continuous improvement. Wellbeing and Student Support: Access to support services and strategies to maintain wellbeing and succeed in a demanding engineering programme. This module provides a foundation for your progression within the Civil Engineering programme, supporting future development through Level 5 professional development modules and work-based or placement learning experiences.

This module introduces the fundamental principles and practical skills of surveying, measurement and computer-aided design (CAD) used in civil engineering. You will learn how to collect, record and interpret site data accurately using standard surveying instruments such as tape measures, levels and total stations. Key topics include linear and angular measurement, levelling, coordinate systems, topographic surveying, setting out, and basic error analysis. The module also introduces digital surveying methods and data processing. In addition, students will develop essential CAD skills using industry-standard software to produce accurate 2D engineering drawings and site plans. Practical fieldwork activities will reinforce theoretical learning and provide hands-on experience in real surveying tasks. Emphasis is placed on health and safety on site, teamwork and accurate communication of technical information. By the end of the module, you will be able to carry out basic surveying tasks, produce engineering drawings to professional standards, and apply measurement techniques used in civil engineering projects, supporting progression toward Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.

This module introduces the fundamental principles of soil mechanics and their practical application in ground engineering. You will explore the engineering behaviour of soils and their role in supporting civil engineering structures such as foundations, retaining walls, embankments, and slopes. Key topics include soil composition and classification, compaction, permeability, consolidation, shear strength, and soil testing methods. The module also covers site investigation techniques and the interpretation of geotechnical data for safe and effective design. Laboratory work is an important part of the module, giving students hands-on experience in testing soil properties and analysing results. Emphasis is placed on understanding ground-related risks and selecting appropriate foundation solutions for different soil conditions. By the end of the module, you will be able to apply soil mechanics principles to solve routine geotechnical problems and make informed engineering decisions, supporting your professional development and progression toward Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status within the civil and transportation engineering sector.

This module builds on Level 4 mechanics to introduce you to the fundamental principles of structural design used in civil engineering. It focuses on the behaviour and design of common structural elements such as beams, columns, and slabs. You will learn to analyse structural systems and apply appropriate design methods using current industry standards, including Eurocodes. Key topics include loading types, load combinations, bending, shear, axial forces, deflection, and structural stability. The module also introduces design concepts for structural materials such as steel, reinforced concrete, and timber. You will develop calculation and problem-solving skills while also learning how to present design solutions clearly and professionally. Practical workshops and design exercises will reinforce understanding through real engineering scenarios. By the end of the module, you will be able to carry out structural analysis and design of simple elements safely and effectively, demonstrating competence aligned with professional expectations for progression toward Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.

This module combines two major elements of transportation, traffic engineering and highway design. As part of traffic engineering, the module introduces fundamental principles, focusing on those that underpin the operation of road transport systems. You will explore traffic stream models to understand congestion dynamics and roadway performance. The module examines the design and analysis of intersections, with emphasis on traffic signal control, signal phasing, and capacity evaluation. In terms of highway engineering, the module covers the geometric, operational and safety considerations that shape modern road infrastructure. The module examines key elements, including horizontal and vertical alignment, cross‑section design, sight distance, and design speeds, supported by relevant standards and guidelines. The module explores the integration of environmental, geographical and human‑factors constraints into the design process.

The Final Year Dissertation module enables students to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme by undertaking an independent investigation into a specialist area of Civil Engineering. The module provides an opportunity to explore a topic of personal and professional interest while developing research, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills relevant to contemporary engineering practice. Students will define the scope of their investigation, undertake a critical review of the relevant literature, select and apply appropriate research methods, collect and analyse data, and evaluate their findings to address a clearly defined engineering problem. Dissertation topics will reflect current challenges and developments in Civil Engineering, with industrial relevance where appropriate. Throughout the module, students will demonstrate independent learning, project planning, technical analysis, and professional communication by presenting their work in a well-structured academic dissertation. By the end of the module, students will be able to undertake an independent engineering investigation, critically evaluate evidence, develop well-justified conclusions, and communicate their findings effectively, supporting the academic requirements for progression towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.

This module develops advanced understanding of water engineering principles and their application to civil and environmental engineering projects. You will analyse open channel and pipe flow, hydraulic structures, and water distribution systems using practical engineering methods. Key topics include fluid flow theory, energy and momentum principles, pump selection, storm drainage, flood estimation, and river engineering. The module also explores environmental aspects of water engineering, including urban drainage design, flood risk management, water quality, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and the impact of climate change on water resources. Students will use industry guidance such as CIRIA SuDS Manual and Environment Agency standards to inform design solutions. Practical problem-solving, data analysis, and design exercises are used to develop professional competence. By the end of the module, you will be able to design and assess hydraulic systems and apply environmentally responsible engineering approaches, balancing technical, sustainability, and safety considerations in line with Incorporated Engineer (IEng) professional standards.

The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and practical expertise in both transportation planning and transport system modelling. The transportation planning component introduces you to the assumptions and applications of the four-step travel demand model, covering trip generation, trip distribution, mode choice and route assignment. You will explore the theoretical foundations of these steps and the requirements for producing reliable planning outputs. Emphasis is placed on understanding how the four-step model supports appraisal in modern transport networks. In parallel, the modelling component equips you with hands-on experience in traffic simulation and analysis tools, enabling you to design and assess transport systems at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. You will learn to evaluate network performance, test operational scenarios, and assess the impacts of traffic control strategies, geometric design changes and demand variations. Through practical exercises, you will learn to translate planning outputs into operational performance assessments, bridging the gap between strategic planning and real-world engineering practice.