Civil Engineering (Work Experience)

This module focuses on understanding the key processes involved in managing the full construction phase of a commercial project. You will learn about output-focused methods while considering important factors like technical challenges, resource management, budgets, and contracts. The module explores large-scale commercial projects, including international examples, highlighting the need for effective resource use, health and safety practices, and careful planning throughout the production phase.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Concepts and techniques involved in the successful management of a project
• Complex construction technologies for larger scale projects
• IT methodologies for project management, monitoring and delivery
• Production commencement, pragmatic scheduling and control
• Complex plant and equipment for larger scale projects
• Control and management of subcontractors and materials
• Delivering the Project including Financial Procedures
• Project Completion Strategies

Undertake an in-depth exploration of a specialised civil engineering topic through this research project module. Working closely with academic supervisors and, where appropriate, industry partners, you will investigate contemporary engineering challenges using advanced research methods, analytical tools, and critical evaluation techniques. This module provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout your studies to an independent project that reflects your professional interests and career aspirations.

This module allows you to:

• Conduct independent research on a specialist civil engineering topic of your choice  
• Apply advanced analytical, computational, experimental, or design methodologies to complex engineering problems  
• Work alongside experienced researchers and utilise industry-standard software, laboratory facilities, and research tools  
• Critically evaluate existing literature, engineering practices, and emerging technologies within the civil engineering sector  
• Develop professional skills in project management, technical communication, data analysis, and research dissemination  
• Produce a concise research work demonstrating originality, critical thinking, and advanced engineering understanding

This module is assessing the following AHEP4 learning outcomes: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M17

Advance your expertise in civil engineering and tackle the complex challenges shaping the modern built environment in this advanced postgraduate module. Engage with specialist topics across structural, geotechnical, environmental, and transportation engineering, guided by leading academics and industry-informed research. Apply advanced analytical methods, digital engineering tools, and sustainable design principles to real-world infrastructure problems. This module empowers you to refine your professional interests while developing the technical and critical thinking skills needed for leadership in the civil engineering sector.

This module allows you to:

• Deepen your understanding of advanced civil engineering principles and contemporary industry practices  
• Work alongside expert researchers and utilise advanced engineering software, laboratory facilities, and analytical tools  
• Develop specialised knowledge tailored to your professional interests and career ambitions  
• Explore cutting-edge topics including sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, structural resilience, and geotechnical innovation  
• Apply advanced problem-solving and research skills to complex engineering challenges  
• Build the expertise and confidence required for senior roles in the evolving field of civil engineering 

This module explores modern practices within the context of national and international construction. It will develop your awareness and understanding of health and safety management, the application of digital technology, building information modelling, sustainable construction and modern methods of construction.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Construction health and safety performance and construction health and safety law
• Principles and practice of health and safety risk assessment
• H&S management case studies
• Context, definitions and concepts of building information modelling (BIM)
• National and international BIM requirements, implementation, industry standards and information management processes
• Digital technology/software application within construction design and management
• Application of traditional and modern methods of construction for domestic and commercial substructures and superstructures
• Building regulations, sustainability principles and rating tools

This module will advance your professional development through the completion of, and reflection on, meaningful work experience. In this module, you will undertake a work experience (minimum duration and expectations as per HESA regulations). Your personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be your key point of contact during your work experience and will support you in reflecting on your experience, learning and contribution to the placement organisation.

The placement will:

• Allow you to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant to, and in addition to, your course
• Enable you to enhance your interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers - communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, teamwork, etc.
• Grow your network and relationship-building skills
• Provide you with insights into the industry and sector

This module develops your ability to create a feasibility study, presentation and self-reflection on the renovation of a city centre building. Working as a team member with an assigned role, from construction courses work together in a time restricted scenario, in a situation that closely resembles a workplace environment.

This is a multi-skilled module where you’ll explore the issues of effective team working, presentation skills and personal reflection on their contribution to the process.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Feasibility Study
• Building Regulations and Construction Standards
• Collaborative working
• Multi-disciplinary work
• Communication skills
• Professional and International context
• Market and regulatory conditions
• Development process

This module focuses on developing your research skills by guiding you through the process of planning and conducting an independent research study within your chosen area of the built environment.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Choosing a research topic based upon reflection and career goals
• Critical evaluation of sources
• Understanding intellectual property, data re-use rights and information governance
• Research skills
• Gathering and preparing existing data
• Communicating findings
• Evidence-based decision making
• Data analysis