BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (3 Years)

Want to become a Civil Engineer? Study our Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) degree course at Birmingham City University. This course is designed to meet the requirements of relevant professional bodies to give your career in civil engineering a head start.

Much of your learning activity will be hands-on, with access to our strong industry links. You’ll also be provided with the latest CAD software, meaning you’ll be well equipped to make an impact in an important industry.

You will study in a unique simulated workplace environment. This experience, and our outstanding industry links, will give you a competitive edge, enabling you to progress to a successful career when you graduate.

how to apply

You’ll be provided with knowledge of the scientific, technical, environmental, economic, and managerial aspects of civil engineering, so that you will be able to apply yourself to both the design and management of civil engineering projects.

You will also develop the key transferable skills that modern employers require, such as problem solving, project planning, presentation and communication. Our strong links to industry enable you to apply your learning to problem-based scenarios, ensuring your intellectual and practical competencies are fully developed.

Civil Engineers design and construct anything from buildings and bridges, to dams, power stations, and motorways. This course will prepare you to work on these projects. You will focus on structures, materials, geotechnics, and hydraulics, and your studies will be enhanced with site visits, field trips, and guest lectures.

Year 1: In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

  • Engineering Principles 1 – 20 credits

The module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and problem solving skills in engineering science to enable you to progress to the next module in the theme, Engineering Principles II, and then on to the second year of a range of engineering degrees.

As the practical aspects of engineering science are delivered in another theme of the common first year, the Engineering Principles modules concentrate on the theoretical aspects. The subject material will be delivered in two coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical science and the other contains predominantly electrical science.

  • Engineering Principles 2 – 20 credits

The module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and problem solving skills in engineering science to enable you to progress to the second year of a wide range of engineering degrees. As the practical aspects of engineering science are delivered in another theme of the common first year, the Engineering Principles modules concentrate on the theoretical aspects.

The subject material will be delivered in two coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical science and the other contains predominantly electrical science.

  • Mathematic Modelling 1 – 20 credits

Mathematics plays a key role in establishing and grounding the skills of an engineer, and the ability to communicate the ideas of engineering that are expected of an engineering graduates.

The primary aim of this module is to provide the fundamental mathematical knowledge and techniques needed in order to enable you to use and apply such mathematical techniques for the evaluation, analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems. Application of these data sets has to include their interpretation both to and from the mathematical language. In addition, this module will introduce students to mathematical modelling software package. This will be used to plot, annotate basic signals and write simple programs to compute mathematical problems.

This module will develop your ability to both work on and communicate engineering realities to a wider audience, at a professional standard.

  • Mathematical Modelling 2 – 20 credits

This module will focus on introducing and building on well-established techniques for mathematically modelling dynamic systems (systems of interest for engineering) for contextualised engineering applications. The module will include an introduction to sophisticated signal analysis technique, Fourier series which is used to transform time- domain signals into their frequency spectra. The module is structured to include a mixture of lectures, tutorials and PC-based laboratories. The lectures will formally introduce material, in tutorials students will work through questions with tutor. The PC laboratories will involve using mathematical modelling software packages to implement mathematical operations.

  • Engineering Practice – 20 credits

The module aims to provide the practical and professional skills to enable you to progress to the next module in the practical theme, Practical Skills II, and then on to the second year of an engineering degree. As the theoretical aspects of physical science and maths are delivered in other themes of the first year, the Practical Skills modules concentrate on the practical aspects.

The subject material will be delivered in three coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical and electrical laboratory exercises, a second PC-based stream will include use of software to support project planning, communication and analysis and the third, a project space where you have the opportunity to integrate learning from across all elements of the semester.

  • Integrated Engineering Project – 20 credits

The module aims to provide the practical and professional skills to enable you to progress on to the second year of an engineering degree. As the theoretical aspects of physical science and maths are delivered in other themes of the first year, the Practical Skills modules concentrate on the practical aspects.

The subject material will be delivered in three coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical and electrical laboratory exercises, a second PC-based stream will include use of software to support project planning, design, communication and analysis and the third, a project space where you have the opportunity to integrate learning from across all elements of the semester.

Year 2: In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

  • Structures I – 20 credits

In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable students to use problem-based learning to understand the core principles of structural analysis as relating to buildings and other structures.

The module follows the Civil Engineering programme philosophy of developing the intellectual and practical competence of students in technical, economic and theoretical aspects of civil engineering. Similarly the learning and teaching philosophy incorporates learning through formal lectures including presentations, seminars, tutorials and problem based scenarios, backed up by visits to construction sites and exhibitions when appropriate. Learning is practice-based, knowledge applied, work related and includes project based activities.

  • Soil Mechanics – 20 credits

In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable you to use problem-based learning to understand the geological materials and effects of soil mechanics on Civil Engineering and relate it to information about the geotechnical tests and reports. It includes opportunities to complete laboratory tests to define certain properties of soils.

The module follows the Civil Engineering programme philosophy of developing your intellectual and practical competence in technical, theoretical and environmental aspects of civil engineering. Similarly the learning and teaching philosophy incorporates learning through formal lectures including, seminars, tutorials, laboratory tests and problem based scenarios. Learning is practice-based, knowledge applied and work related including project based activities.

  • Numerical Analysis – 20 credits

The module introduces the mathematical concepts such as transform calculus and matrix theory used to solve systems of first and second order differential equations underpinning the engineering disciplines undertaken within the Faculty.

This provides you with the capability of modelling systems using both the transfer function and statespace paradigms. In particular, you will be able to model linear systems in continuous and discrete time as well as by frequency response methods.

Teaching and assessment will comprise not only traditional lectures and tutorials but also provide training in industry standard software for problem solving within coursework assessment.

  • Civil Engineering Applications – 20 credits

In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable students to use problem-based learning to understand the properties, behaviour, and uses of materials of Civil Engineering. The module follows the Civil Engineering programme philosophy of developing your intellectual and practical competence in technical, theoretical and environmental aspects of civil engineering.

The learning and teaching philosophy emphasises practical work. Laboratory activities consist a major part of the module, covering all common Civil Engineering materials. These are supplemented by seminars, group work activities, and problem-based scenarios. Students are encouraged to plan their own work schedules, manage their time and extend their presentational skills.

  • Civil Engineering Applications – 20 credits

In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable you to use problem-based learning to understand the Technology of Civil Engineering and innovations now being applied. It investigates a civil engineering project from its inception to its construction and identifies the methods and techniques used in constructing a range of structures and infrastructure.

  • Integrated Digital Design for Complex Structures – 20 credits

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides built environment professionals with the insight and tools to help plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. In this module, you will be encouraged to explore the potential of BIM in helping to understand the social, economic and environmental benefits associated with co-ordinated infrastructure and complex structure development.

Year 3: In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

  • Hydraulics and Drainage – 20 credits

In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable learners to use problem-based learning to understand the theories and applications of hydraulics in civil engineering, including flow of fluids and theories relating to pumps, many demonstrated through laboratory experiments. Theories are then practically applied drainage system design.

  • Geotechnical Engineering – 20 credits

In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable you to use problem-based learning to understand theories of geotechnics and their application to design and construction of civil engineering projects. It will enhance their knowledge and ability to work in teams and lead teams including the aptitude to work independently and understand the importance of being a reflective and innovative professional.

  • Structures II – 20 credits

In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable students to use problem-based learning to understand the Structural Design process and relate it to information previously learned in Structures 1 and Civil Engineering Materials.

The module covers both analytical and numerical modelling of structures in order to provide the background for the students to produce the structural design of a small building. The effect of loading combinations is addressed utilising the approach specified in British Standards and European Norms. Aspects of analytical modelling are considered for structural design to the Eurocodes, utilising the UK National Annexes, for the common structural materials. Numerical aspects are covered via the Finite Element Method (FEM) and related software.

  • Advanced Analysis and Design Methods – 20 credits

In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable students to use problem-based learning to understand the philosophy and application of a range of advanced methods employed in the analysis and design of Civil Engineering projects.

The module follows the Civil Engineering programme philosophy of developing the intellectual and practical competence of students in technical, economic, theoretical and environmental aspects of civil engineering. Similarly the learning and teaching philosophy incorporates learning through formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, and problem-based scenarios, backed up by guest speakers when appropriate.

  • Individual Honours Project – 40 credits

The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.

At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.

Undergraduate

  • We are happy to consider students with a General Secondary Education Certificate Grade C/70% PLUS Higher College of Technology Diploma with minimum grade C+ / 2.3 / 70%
  • Higher qualifications may be considered for Stage 2 or Stage 3 undergraduate entry. Please contact the admissions@bcu.ac.ae team for further information.

Special requirements

  • Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (CEBE)

All undergraduate courses in the CEBE Faculty require a minimum of Mathematics at O Level. For some programmes Mathematics is required at AS or A Level at Grade C or the equivalent. Please check the course pages for specific requirements.

International qualifications

If you live in the Middle East and study an international qualification such as a Bachelors Degree, A Levels, IB or CBSE, you can see our international entry requirements here:

If your education system is not listed here, please visit the country page for your education system. For any other questions please contact: admissions@bcu.ac.ae

English language requirements

View our English language requirements

Course Fee: AED 36,750 per year (Including tax)

Scholarships Available

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