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School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

BEng (Hons) Civil and Transportation Engineering with Sandwich Placement

BEng (Hons) Sandwich 4 years

Graduate with a full year of paid industry experience already on your CV. Our BEng with Sandwich Placement is accredited by ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHE, based at our Springfield site.

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Graduate with a full year of paid industry experience already on your CV. Our BEng with Sandwich Placement is accredited by ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHE, based at our Springfield site.

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BEng (Hons)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
H231
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Sandwich (4 years)
Campus location
University: Springfield Campus
School
School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering
UCAS points calculator
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Why choose this course?

If you want to walk into graduate interviews with a full year of paid, professional engineering experience already behind you, this is the route to take. The BEng (Hons) Civil and Transportation Engineering with Sandwich Placement adds a dedicated industrial placement year to the standard degree, sitting between your second and third years of study — giving you time to properly embed yourself in an engineering employer's day-to-day operations, not just observe from the sidelines.

The academic core of the degree is identical to our standard BEng: you're taught the same modules, to the same standard, by the same team, and the course carries the same four-body professional accreditation — ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHE — all recognised by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM). What changes is the depth of experience you graduate with. Our placement team actively supports you in finding a relevant opportunity, so you spend a full year applying classroom learning to genuine infrastructure, transport or construction projects.

Many students return from their placement year with stronger technical confidence, a clearer sense of which part of the profession they want to specialise in, and in some cases a graduate job offer already on the table before they've even finished their final year.

This course is accredited by:

What's unique about this course?

  • A full paid industrial placement year built directly into the degree structure, supported by a dedicated placement team who help you find and secure a relevant role.
  • Assessment for the placement year is practice-based — a reflective report and quarterly presentations — rather than exams, so the experience itself is what's being credited.
  • The same quadruple accreditation as our standard degree (ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE), so a longer route doesn't mean a lesser one professionally.
  • You return to your final year with real project experience to draw on for your Capstone Design Project and dissertation, rather than starting them from a purely academic standpoint.
  • Based at our Springfield site throughout your academic years, with access to the same specialist laboratories and industry-standard software as every other Civil and Transportation Engineering student.
  • A genuine head start in the graduate job market — many students secure their placement employer as their first graduate role.

What happens on the course?

This is a four-year route, and the placement year sits right in the middle of it — after you've built your technical foundations, but before your specialist final year.

  • Years 1 and 2: identical to the standard BEng — engineering mathematics, mechanics of materials, surveying and digital technologies in Year 1, then structural design, soil mechanics and geotechnical applications, and transportation engineering and design in Year 2.
  • Year 3 — Industrial Placement: a full academic year (worth 60 credits) spent working within a civil, transportation or infrastructure organisation. You'll be assessed through a reflective report and quarterly progress presentations rather than exams, so your placement genuinely counts towards your degree.
  • Year 4: you return to campus for your final specialist year — the Capstone Design Project, Final Year Dissertation, Hydraulics & Water Engineering, and Transport Planning and Modelling — now informed by a year of real workplace experience.

The Industrial Placement module is built to keep you connected to your studies while you're out in industry: you'll produce a reflective report and present your progress each quarter, giving you a structured way to demonstrate what you've applied, evaluated and learned. When you return for Year 4, tutors and peers often notice the difference — placement students tend to bring sharper, more grounded examples into their design work and dissertation research.

Alongside everything covered in the standard degree, the placement year helps you:

  • operate confidently within a professional engineering team and its real project timelines and constraints
  • apply classroom theory to live infrastructure, transport or construction work, not just coursework briefs
  • build a professional network and, often, a reference or route back into that employer as a graduate
  • identify the specialism — structures, transport, geotechnics, water — you want to pursue after graduation

 

Placements on the course

Every student at the University of Wolverhampton is guaranteed a professional placement as standard — but on this route, that's just the beginning. Choosing the Sandwich Placement option adds a full, structured Industrial Placement year on top, giving you a much deeper level of industry immersion than the standard guaranteed placement alone.

  • A full academic year: unlike the shorter guaranteed placements built into every course, your Industrial Placement module runs across an entire year, worth 60 credits towards your degree
  • University-supported: our placement team helps you identify and secure a suitable opportunity with a civil, transportation or infrastructure employer
  • Assessed, not just observed: you'll submit a reflective report and deliver quarterly progress presentations, so your learning is formally recognised
  • Real project responsibility: rather than short, task-based exposure, you'll typically take on ongoing responsibilities within live projects
  • Sits between Years 2 and 3: timed so you have the technical foundation to contribute meaningfully, but haven't yet specialised in your final-year project
  • Builds directly on your guaranteed placement: the shorter placements you experience earlier in the course help prepare you for a longer, more independent placement year

If a full placement year doesn't suit your circumstances, our standard BEng (Hons) Civil and Transportation Engineering degree still guarantees you a professional placement, just in a shorter, more condensed format.

Employability on the course

Every course at Wolverhampton is designed around your future career — but the Sandwich Placement route takes that a step further by giving you a genuine year of professional standing before you graduate. You'll benefit from:

  • Extended induction: time to settle into university and understand the profession before your studies, and later your placement, begin in earnest
  • Structured learning pathways: modules build progressively towards professional competencies, culminating in your Year 3 Industrial Placement
  • A full year of workplace experience: rather than short bursts of exposure, you gain sustained, real-world engineering practice with one employer
  • Embedded professional development: CV, interview and networking skills are taught before your placement year, then put directly into practice
  • Industry-informed modules: content stays current through our employer links, Industrial Advisory Board and staff research
  • A recognised route back to your placement employer: many students are offered graduate roles by the organisation they placed with

Course Modules

Module: 4CV021
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module introduces you to practical mathematical methods used in technical and applied disciplines. It focuses on applying mathematics to solve real-world problems rather than on complex theory. Key topics include algebra, trigonometry, basic statistics, and simultaneous equations. You will learn how to use these methods to analyse data, measure quantities, and solve practical problems in a range of contexts. The module also introduces mathematical modelling, showing how real situations can be represented using equations and graphs. Students will use calculators and computer software to support calculations and verify solutions. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills, clear working methods, and accurate presentation of results. By the end of the module, you will be able to apply mathematical techniques with confidence, interpret data, and solve routine practical problems, providing a strong foundation for further study and professional development.

Module: 4CV022
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core

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.

Module: 4CV017
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core

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.

Module: 4CV020
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core

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.

Module: 5CV023
Credits: 30
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module is designed for programmes across the university where professional development is not already embedded through placements or regulated frameworks. Schools with established professional development pathways (e.g., Nursing, Pharmacy, Initial Teacher Training) may opt out or adapt the module to complement their existing provision. Building on the foundational skills and reflective practices introduced in Level 4 Succeeding at University (or equivalent), this module supports Civil Engineering students in developing their professional identity, career readiness, and the knowledge and skills essential for continuous growth in the engineering workplace. Through practical exercises and professional development sessions, you will explore key themes such as personal effectiveness, leadership, communication, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. Drawing on work experience, placements, case studies, or sector examples, students will reflect on real-world engineering practice to connect theory with professional application. They will engage in self-assessment, goal setting, and action planning to identify strengths and areas for development. Reflective practice is central to the module, enabling students to critically evaluate their experiences and performance in Civil Engineering contexts and to develop as competent, professional engineers.

Module: 5CV026
Credits: 30
Period: 2
Type: Core

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.

Module: 5CV027
Credits: 30
Period: 2
Type: Core

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.

Module: 5CV028
Credits: 30
Period: 2
Type: Core

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.

Module: 5CV029
Credits: 60
Period: 3
Type: Core

This module provides students with a year-long industrial placement in a relevant civil engineering company following successful completion of Level 5 of the degree programme. The placement allows students to apply and develop their civil engineering knowledge and practical skills in a professional work environment, gaining first-hand experience of real-world engineering projects. Students will be expected to engage in a variety of tasks and responsibilities under the guidance of workplace supervisors, demonstrating competence in technical, organisational, and professional aspects of civil engineering practice. As part of the module, students will complete a comprehensive placement report that reflects on their activities, learning, and professional development throughout the year. In addition, students are required to attend four progress review presentations, providing updates on their work, discussing challenges, and receiving feedback from both academic and workplace mentors. This structured approach ensures students consolidate their practical experience while developing professional communication, reflective practice, and project management skills essential for a career in civil engineering.

Module: 6CV037
Credits: 30
Period: 4
Type: Core

The Capstone Design Project module enables students to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme in a comprehensive engineering design project. It provides students with the opportunity to work collaboratively on a realistic engineering challenge, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of professional Civil Engineering practice. Students work in teams to plan, design, evaluate, and present a complete engineering solution in response to an industry-relevant project brief. The project simulates professional practice by requiring students to consider technical, environmental, economic, sustainability, health and safety, and constructability aspects throughout the design process. Throughout the module, students will demonstrate project management, teamwork, technical analysis, engineering judgement, and professional communication. They will undertake research, apply appropriate engineering standards and design principles, critically evaluate alternative solutions, and present their work through professional technical reports, drawings, calculations, and presentations. Where possible, project briefs will reflect current industry challenges and incorporate industrial input. By the end of the module, students will be able to develop and justify engineering solutions to complex civil engineering problems, work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and demonstrate the professional competencies expected of graduates progressing towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.

Module: 6CV038
Credits: 30
Period: 4
Type: Core

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.

Module: 6CV031
Credits: 30
Period: 4
Type: Core

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.

Module: 6CV036
Credits: 30
Period: 4
Type: Core

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.

Potential Career Paths

Civil and transportation engineering is all about creating, improving and protecting the built environment. Civil and transportation engineers contribute to the design and build of infrastructure that is sustainable and that provides the facilities for day-to-day life of individuals.

They carry out impact assessment and undertake sustainability and feasibility studies to safeguard the sustainability of projects.

There are many significant employment opportunities in civil and transportation engineering with graduates working for contractors, consultants, local authorities, government and public bodies, the armed forces, and academic and research establishments. 

Civil and transportation engineering also offers opportunities to work both on a national and international basis on a variety of exciting environmental and infrastructure projects. Graduates may wish to continue their studies at Masters or Doctorate level. This may either be in a technical context or a more broadening context such as project management or construction law.

The BEng (Hons) Civil and Transportation Engineering provides a sound basis from which to develop a career, and progress to Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with further experience, or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with appropriate further learning and experience.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Choosing the Sandwich Placement route means choosing a university that treats industry experience as central to your degree, not an optional extra. Our placement team works alongside our academic staff — many of whom are practising, professionally qualified engineers — to make sure your placement year is relevant, well-supervised and properly connected to what you're studying.

You'll be based at our Springfield site for your academic years — Europe's largest construction centre of excellence — with access to modern laboratories and studios, and strong, established links with civil, transportation and infrastructure employers through our Industrial Advisory Board.

This route is accredited to IEng status by the Joint Board of Moderators in exactly the same way as our standard degree, giving you a clear route to Incorporated Engineer status and, with a Master's degree and further experience, Chartered Engineer (CEng) status — now backed by a full year of professional experience

By graduation, in addition to the technical outcomes of the standard degree, you'll be able to:

  • apply engineering principles to complex, real-world problems, tested against a full year of genuine professional practice
  • evaluate technical literature, data and workplace evidence critically, assessing relevance and reliability in a live engineering setting
  • design civil and transportation engineering solutions that account for health and safety, environmental and commercial factors, informed by direct industry exposure
  • implement engineering analysis techniques and industry-standard software with the confidence that comes from applying them in a professional environment
  • demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility, reinforced by a year spent operating within a real engineering organisation
  • commit to lifelong professional development, supporting progression towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and, with further study, Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Sandwich £9790 per year 2026-27
International Sandwich £17600 per year 2026-27

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

  • GCSE English and Maths at grade C+/4 or an accepted equivalent

Only the following equivalent qualifications are accepted for English: Functional Skills Level 2 English and OCN Access to HE Core English (12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in English)

Only the following equivalent qualifications are accepted for Mathematics: Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and OCN Access to HE Core Mathematics (12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in Mathematics)

PLUS EITHER

  • 96 UCAS points 
  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD including Mathematics.
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM.
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence).
  • Achieve T Levels with an overall grade of Pass and a minimum grade of C in Core.

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

International entry requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

English language requirements also apply

Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Accredited by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)

Accredited by the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)

Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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