Civil Engineering BEng

Core modules:

Structural Mechanics

This module is delivered in both the Autumn and Spring Semesters. Teaching in the first semester is designed to provide a basis of knowledge and understanding of elastic structural analysis and will be applied to two key structural forms - trusses and beams. The focus of the second semester is on the analysis of stress, strain and elastic deformation of beams.

20 credits

Mathematics and Python Programming

This module aims to reinforce and extend students' previous knowledge of mathematics studied before university, and introduces the use of computer programming to solve engineering and mathematical problems. 

Mathematics is further taught to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the department. Combined with the mathematics teaching, this module teaches the opensource programming language, Python, which can be used to efficiently solve a variety of practical scientific and numerical problems. 

A combination of formal lecture content, tutorials and assisted computer lab sessions, help the students learn and apply mathematical and programming theory. Practice problems are presented showing the links between mathematics and programming learning, to show how the skills learnt can solve practical problems of relevance to the students.

20 credits

Hydraulic Principles and Flow in Pipes

This module aims to build a common understanding of the principles of fluid mechanics, progressing from statics such as pressure and force on objects, through properties and laws of hydro-dynamics including continuity, energy and momentum principles of fluid in motion, leading to the ability to understand and analyse fluid flows in pipes including simple networks and the operation of pumps. Overall, you will gain the essential understanding of fluid mechanics and application to pipe flows. This will be achieved through a series of lectures, building to practical real world examples, laboratory classes and tutorial sheets. Theory is reinforced through practical experimentation and problem solving.

20 credits

Strength of Materials and Structures

This module focuses on materials for structural applications and covers all the main classes of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, natural materials, and composites), describing the properties that they show, the root cause of their properties, the structure, and how we can use engineering processes to get the properties we want. The course will also introduce some ways to select the best material for a given purpose.                    The module also investigates how decisions made at the element and structural level alter the demands that are placed on the constituent material a structure is subjected to. For example, how the shape of an element's cross-section can change the failure mode from crushing (strength-governed) to buckling (stiffness-governed).

20 credits

Design Project 1: Make and Break

Get ready to shape the future and build a better world from day one! This isn't just theory; it's where you'll dive straight into solving real-life problems and see your designs come to life with tangible results. This dynamic first-year module introduces the essential knowledge and skills for 21st-century engineers. Through hands-on, interactive exercises, you'll develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, applying your practical maths and physics skills to real-world applications. You'll explore concepts like systems thinking and risk management, and learn from case studies of iconic projects. We'll also spark your passion for sustainability, as you learn to design and construct safe and efficient structures. You will work on exciting design challenges, and start to develop your project management skills. The highlight is a group practical project where you'll design, construct, and destructively test a physical structure.

20 credits

Design Project 2: Sustainable Buildings

This module is where you'll move from initial concepts to designing complex infrastructure that addresses real-world needs and shapes the built environment.

You'll begin with an intensive, interdisciplinary design project, to find a sustainable solution to an urgent societal problem. This immersive experience will rapidly advance your teamwork, detailed design, and communication skills.

Then, you'll dive into your main task: designing an entire building and its surrounding infrastructure. You'll synthesise your first-year engineering knowledge, informed by on-the-ground measurements, historical architectural precedents, and thorough site analysis. This is about creating holistic solutions that achieve a crucial balance of social, environmental, and economic needs.

You'll communicate your vision effectively using both hand sketching and computer-aided drawing in 2D and 3D. In this module you'll learn how to make a difference in communities and shape a better future for humanity and the planet.

20 credits

Mathematics and Parametric Modelling

This module forms part of a coordinated set of second-level modules that build on your prior mathematical and programming knowledge, while introducing techniques relevant to modern engineering practice. It reinforces essential mathematical concepts and extends them into areas that support subsequent engineering modules, while also developing the fundamental principles underpinning state-of-the-art parametric and computational design. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials and computer laboratory sessions, you will deepen your understanding of mathematical theory and gain practical experience with parametric modelling and computational design.

20 credits

Soil Mechanics

This module is an introductory module to the use of soils in engineering practice. As soils are a naturally varying material, the creation of different soil types is first discussed, giving you a background in why soils differ.  This then progresses into the engineering classification of soils.                             The module then focuses on applying a fundamental understanding of mechanics to geotechnical problem-solving, with an emphasis on fluid-soil and structure-soil interaction. 

The approach is designed to link soil mechanics theory (e.g. seepage, consolidation, shear strength, settlement) to practical application (e.g. deformation and failure of foundations and slopes) through the use of physical models, numerical models and case studies. 

The module will encompass lectures, tutorials, group work, including laboratories, and directed and independent reading.

20 credits

Structural Analysis and Design

This module focuses on detailed concepts of elastic and plastic structural analysis methods for statically determinate and indeterminate structures and covers fundamental principles and theoretical background of structural design concepts.  Computational structural analysis is introduced as well as giving hands-on experience with laboratory sessions. 

The module will also provide a comprehensive introduction to the design of key structural elements. You will transition from basic structural analysis to the practical application of design codes. Emphasis is placed  on our responsibility to ensure structural safety through rigorous calculation and minimize environmental impact through sustainable material specification and simple structural optimisation.

20 credits

River Engineering and Flooding

The effective management of open channel/river flows is critical for societal wellbeing and risk management. In this module you will learn physics based engineering methodologies for the characterisation of open channel flows, river systems and simple hydraulic structures as well as applied hydrological techniques to assess flood risk. You will undertake laboratory experiments to characterise and measure complex flows with spatially varying characteristics. The module will also include the use of computational flood modelling techniques to characterise inundation risk at a real world case study site.

20 credits

Design Project 3: Sustainable Infrastructure

This second-year design module will complement your studies in water and geotechnical engineering. You will start to consider infrastructure on a large scale, assessing social, environmental and economic implications and understanding how civil engineers can shape the world for the long-term benefit of humanity.

You will be challenged to complete an options study for a major new water infrastructure project, using geographic information system (GIS) techniques to assess different routes. You will use a systems thinking approach to consider long-term consequences, and apply your new engineering expertise to demonstrate technical viability.

Through practical hands-on experiments, and field trips, you will be introduced to key concepts of geotechnical engineering.

For the culmination of the module you will focus on a discrete element of the larger scheme, applying your technical skills to design a civil engineering structure, incorporating a viable geotechnical solution.

20 credits

Design Project 4: Application of Structural Design

In this immersive, hands-on module you will deepen your understanding of structural engineering and put the theory into practice by designing, and then constructing, your own structural systems. 

In the first part of the module you will develop a rigorous understanding of conventional structural materials such as steel, timber and reinforced concrete, tackling the real-world challenges of buildability through a series of practical construction exercises. 

You will then start to push the limits of typical construction, exploring highly optimised geometries and innovative structural forms, and learning how to work with low-carbon alternatives to traditional structural materials. 

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will design your own elegant and efficient structure, culminating in putting your designs to the test through the construction and load-testing of a scale model.

By the end of this module you will understand current practice, be able to design better structures, and advocate for positive change.

20 credits

Advanced Buildings and Bridges

In this module you'll build on the structural analysis and design skills you've developed in your first two years and apply these to the design of bridges and building structures, within the context of the climate emergency.

Bridges provide vital links in our transport networks. They are among the largest structures we build, typically crossing challenging terrain and often have long lifespans which may include significant maintenance or alterations.

You'll be introduced to the key aspects of bridge engineering, including both design of new structures and management of existing assets. The focus of the module will be on areas where design or analysis considerations are different or in addition to those considered in design of other structure types e.g. buildings. 

Buildings are ubiquitous, engineers need to be able to design structures that are appropriate, safe and sustainable is a key skill structural engineers need to You'll develop your building design skills through a case study of real building, looking at how the structural solution develops from identifying the site and building constraints, through concept design to detailed design, before applying these to your own design in the group coursework.

20 credits

Design Project 5: Management of Resilient Infrastructure

Build on your technical expertise as you confront the professional realities of designing, constructing, and managing large-scale infrastructure. You will address long-term maintenance, economic viability, and the strategic decisions that define modern infrastructure development and management.

You will participate in two interactive projects. First, you'll design and plan the construction sequence for a major piece of infrastructure, testing your strategy through hands-on workshops. You will then expand your horizon to grapple with the entire project lifecycle, from initial feasibility through adaptation and eventual decommissioning, developing a robust asset management strategy that ensures safety, reliability and sustainability for the long term.

By integrating technical and ethical insights, you will learn to balance commercial, social, and environmental needs. You'll develop the strategic insight and decision-making skills required to manage high-value infrastructure in a rapidly changing world.

20 credits

Urban Water Systems

The module introduces students to water quality assessment and sustainable water management in engineering practice, with a focus on the design and delivery of drinking water supply, urban drainage systems and wastewater treatment services. It addresses public health issues and the challenges posed by climate change. Students will develop practical skills in water quality measurement, critical interpretation of data, and the design of water infrastructure systems. The module also explores Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), including the challenges of providing essential water services in the UK and in developing countries. Sustainable water engineering approaches, such as water reuse, nature-based solutions, and stormwater harvesting, are also considered.

20 credits

Investigative Project

This module provides an opportunity to undertake a substantial, individual research project which requires the integration and application of knowledge and skills from across the degree programme, to tackle a complex, open-ended problem.  You will work under the guidance of an academic supervisor to define, plan, and execute a project, which may be theoretical, computational, experimental, or design-based in nature.  The module emphasises independent learning, critical thinking, problem formulation, project management, and professional engineering practice. You are expected to engage with relevant academic literature, select and apply an appropriate methodology, interpret results critically, and communicate your findings effectively in written and oral forms.

40 credits

Geotechnical Engineering

This module builds directly on the introductory soil mechanics module and shows how established concepts are developed into practical geotechnical design methods. The focus is on translating mechanical understanding into structured calculations, and on how idealisations and safety concepts are introduced to deal with uncertainty in ground conditions, groundwater behaviour, and soil response at both Ultimate Limit State and Serviceability Limit State.

You will develop and apply design calculations for shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and reinforced soil systems, with reference to Eurocode 7. Settlement calculations are explicitly addressed, building on consolidation theory introduced previously. The mechanical basis of the module draws on elasticity and plasticity, applied in a form appropriate to soil behaviour and geotechnical problems. Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, laboratories, software based exercises, and a design project, supported by physical models, numerical analysis, case studies, and directed and independent study.

20 credits