LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY

Course Specification
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
2018-19 (BECIV)

www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Record of Enhancement
No. Detail of modification Date Effective
(Provide a brief description of the modification and (Indicate the academic year of
where the Course Specification has been updated) entry and course level(s) to
which the modification will
apply)
1 Quantitative Methods for Decision Making L6 Module September 2015
assessment changed from Phase Test to Coursework
(affects assessment methods table)
2 Advanced Mathematics Level 4 Module assessment September 2015
changed to 100% exam
3 Civil Engineering Management Level 4 Module assessment September 2015
changed to 100% coursework (affects assessment
methods table)
4 Geotechnical Engineering Design & Theory: Change to From September 2017 onwards
assessment from Crswrk 65%, Lab Report 35% to Crswrk
100%. Couse structure changed following major
modification approved in June 2016 for 17/18 delivery
School of Built Environment Engineering

Award and programme title: BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

Level of qualification: Level 6

Interim awards available:

Award Title Level

CertHE Civil Engineering 4
DipHE Civil Engineering 5
BEng Civil Engineering 6

Length and status of programme and mode of study

Programme Length (years) Mode (campus-

Status based / DL or
(FT/PT/SW) other)
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering 3 years FT Campus-based
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering 4 years SW Campus-based

Course Specification

Overview and Aims

The course provides a broad-based education enabling successful students to enter careers in
design, construction or operations within the civil engineering industry. The course aims to:
• Provide the knowledge and understanding of the scientific and mathematical principles and
methodologies that underpin Civil Engineering
• Develop the skills necessary to allow students to be creative and produce innovative
solutions to engineering problems
• Facilitate access to a range of practical skills through IT applications, laboratory
investigations, surveying and through project work
• Develop a range of graduate skills relevant to a career in the modern civil engineering
industry including all forms of communication, problem-solving, individual motivation and
team working.
• To establish an appropriate foundation for a lifetime of continuing professional development.
These aims have been written to take account of the UK-SPEC General Learning Outcomes and
Engineering Benchmark statements
Course Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a knowledge of the mathematical and scientific principles and

1 methodologies which underpin civil engineering and apply them to solve
real-world problems

Develop and critically evaluate solutions to engineering situations in diverse

2
global contexts and demonstrate reflective learning

Utilise a range of appropriate traditional and contemporary methods and

3
tools to optimise solutions to civil engineering problems

Demonstrate the skills necessary to investigate, evaluate and produce

solutions to real design-related engineering problems (including the
4
requirement to work with technical uncertainty) whilst utilising technical
literature and the appropriate codes of practice and/or industry standard.

Develop a knowledge of, and technical proficiency with, health and safety,
5 and sustainable, environmental and economic development and the
frameworks in which they operate

To apply the mechanical and physical characteristics of civil engineering

6
materials to Design Scenarios through practical laboratory work

Course Structure

Level 4:

This level introduces students to a range of basic Civil Engineering subjects. In addition,
a number of fundamental subjects such as mathematics are studied. This ensures that
students possess the necessary skills in these areas to successfully complete the
remainder of their studies.

Students successfully completing their studies at Level 4 will normally be able to

analyse situations, data or existing knowledge to provide solutions to basic civil
engineering problems.
Core
Semester 1 Core (Y) Semester 2
(Y)
Advanced Mathematics Y Applied Mechanics Y
Civil Engineering Management
Y Engineering Materials Science* Y
A*
Y Engineering Mechanics* Y
Surveying A and CAD* Y
Level 5:
 At this level, students study a wide range of Civil Engineering subjects. Although
students may decide to specialise once they graduate, it is important that they develop
the skills necessary to communicate effectively with other construction professionals.

Students successfully completing their studies at Level 5 will be able to analyse

situations, data or existing knowledge to provide solutions to more advanced civil
engineering problems. They will also be able to apply appropriate logical reasoning as
a tool to effective decision-making and problem solving
Core
Semester 1 Core (Y) Semester 2
(Y)
Civil Engineering Management Engineering Materials
Y Y
B* Chemistry
Geotechnical Engineering:
Y Structural Analysis Techniques Y
Application and Theory
Structural Design* Y Fluid Mechanics Y
Level 6:

At Level 6, student Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in range of core Civil
Engineering subjects. In addition, through the Independent Project module, they
demonstrate the autonomous learning skills that they have developed throughout
their time on the course.

Students successfully completing their studies at Level 6 will be able to identify

problems, analyse more complex situations, and adopt an increasingly reflective and
effective approach to civil engineering problem solving. In addition, students will be
capable of producing innovative, creative and intellectually challenging solutions to
non-routine tasks addressing a range of cultural needs.
Semester 1 Core Semester 2 Core
(Y) (Y)
Structural Engineering Geotechnical Engineering:
Y Y
Techniques Design and Theory
Numerical Management
Y Fluid Mechanics II (10 credits) Y
Techniques (10 credits)
Infrastructure Engineering Y

Independent Project (40 credits) Y

*
These modules are shared with the BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering. They were refocused in
2011/2012 Academic Year and were reapproved on the 9th July, 2012.

Learning and Teaching

Details relating to contact hours and other key information sets (KIS) are
available on the course page of our Online Prospectus on our website.
Learning and Teaching Approaches

Teaching and learning is in accordance with the Leeds Beckett University Teaching and Learning
Strategy <http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/files/Learning_and_Teaching_Strategy.pdf>

Of particular relevance to this course are:

Learning and Teaching Values:

• Promoting students’ vocational opportunities by developing their employability.
• Involving professional bodies, regional employers and students in course developments.
• Supporting the continuing professional development of academic staff
• Ensuring that teaching is informed by research and expert professional practice (with
contribution from our Readers and industrial practitioners)

Learning and Teaching Aims:

The Civil Engineering group continually monitor and review the quality of the student-body’s
Learning and Teaching experience. This is in response to Leeds Beckett University initiatives, changes
in Construction Industry and professional-body requirements. This is achieved through four
mechanisms:
• The strengthening of student satisfaction, achievement and employment
• The on-going refocusing of undergraduate taught courses
• The Integration of student support systems and mechanisms
The development of enabling infrastructure

Learning and Teaching Activities

All modules on the course are designed for formal lecture-based delivery, accompanied by tutorial,
laboratory practical and fieldwork sessions to consolidate student learning and enhance the student
experience.
Student support and pastoral care is provided by the course team via a dedicated Course
Administrator as well as subject specialist tutors, Module Leaders, Level Tutors and the Course Leader.
In addition, the team operate an open access policy which gives students easy access to academics
outside of taught sessions. This aspect of support was praised by the JBM in their last accreditation
visit and by our External Examiners.
Emphasis is placed on the practical application of engineering principles. Aspects of the course which
are particularly relevant to professional and transferable skills development and employability are:
• Exposure to industry standard software for analysis, design and drawing. Students are also
taught to the latest Eurocode design standards and the government endorsed NEC3
Contracts.
• Site visits together with a professional body (ICE) compliant PDP scheme for students.
• Hands-on laboratory testing in Civil Engineering materials, soils and fluids
• Practical design applications and case studies relevant to current engineering practice
A broad range of study covering both technical and management-based subjects.

Graduate Attributes (UG only)

Leeds Beckett attributes of digital literacy, enterprise and global outlook are embedded across the
curriculum.
Digital Literacy:
Every module within this course will use digital technology often utilising analysis and industry
standard software.

Enterprise:
The vocational nature of this course ensures that every module develops enterprise with the
learning directly applicable in the workplace and in professional development.
Specific examples include the three Civil Engineering Management modules where students learn
how to manage projects within a construction context. In addition, as part of the mathematic
modules at Level 4 and 6, students how to analysis various Civil Engineering related scenarios and
utilise a range of financial decision-making techniques.

Global Outlook:
By its nature, Civil Engineering is a vocation with global applications and skills. The skills developed
on the course ensure that graduates can operate as effective team members in a global context,
both multi-disciplinary and culturally. The material that is studied on the course is divided between
theoretical knowledge and its practical application. Whilst, the former is applicable in a global
environment, by necessity, the latter is specific to the European region only.

Two key threads within civil engineering are sustainability and health safety & risk management.
These are applicable at the global level and are embedded throughout the curriculum.

Use of the Virtual Learning Environment

My Beckett provides online learning support for all modules including lecture slides and notes,
formative assessment exercises and online submission of assignments where appropriate.

Use of Blended-Learning

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is based on a transition from summative assessment of knowledge and
understanding through examination and phase tests, to increasing application through projects. At
all levels, formative assessment is achieved through self-assessed tutorial exercises. Feedback is
provided via typical solutions competed in class or uploaded to My Beckett At level six, whilst an
element of examination is retained in the more numerate subjects, there is a distinct move to
assessment of application through self-directed management of substantial project-based work. The
range of assessment methods used are:
1. Coursework Assignments
• Structured tasks, presentations, practical work, reports and essays
• Group projects (including peer assessment)
• Individual projects
2. Phase Tests
End Examinations

Feedback on Assessed Coursework

In the first week of a module students are advised on how feedback will be given. Formative
feedback is given throughout the course in tutorial sessions, by email and via the open access
policy. Detailed individual written feedback is also given on coursework. Group summative
feedback is given to disseminate good and bad practice on examinations, phase tests and
coursework. This is also used as formative feedback at the commencement of assessment
during the module's next delivery.

Feedback on overall level performance is available from level tutors, from which academic
performance, attitude and progress with professional development are discussed on a one to
one basis. The PDP also encourages students to holistically reflect of their development and
helps to address compartmental learning issues associated with modular delivery.

Module Assessment Methods

Unseen closed book end

Coursework assignment
examination
Core (Y)

Module Titles
Advanced Mathematics, Level 4 Y 100

Applied Mechanics, Level 4 Y 100

Civil Engineering Management A*, Level 4 Y 100

Engineering Materials Science*, Level 4 Y 50 50

Engineering Mechanics*, Level 4 Y 100

Surveying A and CAD*, Level 4 Y 50 50

Civil Engineering Management B*, Level 5 Y 40 60

Engineering Materials Chemistry, Level 5 Y 50 50

Fluid Mechanics, Level 5 Y 100

Geotechnical Engineering: Application and
Y 100
Theory, Level 5
Structural Analysis Techniques, Level 5 Y 80 20

Structural Design*, Level 5 Y 60 40

Infrastructure Engineering, Level 6 Y 50 50

Geotechnical Engineering Design and Theory,
Y 100
Level 6
 Numerical Management Techniques (10 credits),
Y 100
Level 6
Fluid Mechanics II (10 credits), level 6 Y 100

Structural Engineering Techniques, Level 6 Y 75 25

Independent Project (40 credits), Level 6 Y 20/80

*Modules shared with Civil Engineering BSc

Employability and Professional Context

Accreditation:
Accreditation will be sought from the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as satisfying their
requirements for ‘BEng (Hons) Accredited CEng [Chartered Engineer] (Partial)’.

Career paths:
As Graduate Civil Engineers, students can work for consultants, contractors, Local Authorities or
Government agencies and contribute to the design, construction and maintenance of a variety of
infrastructure projects. They can specialise in areas such as structures, transportation, water supply
and treatment, power generation and supply.

Further study:
Students wishing to complete the academic base required for a Chartered Engineer can, on
completion of this course, undertake a cognate Masters degree.

Please also note that a number of alternative routes exist please refer to information available
from www.ice.org.uk

Value added elements:

As part of the course all students are required to develop a Personal Development Process

Work-Related Activities

Students have access to a range of activities to broaden and extend their knowledge and experience
of civil engineering and the construction industry. These include:
• Talks from industrial practitioners
• Site visits
• University organised talks/activities
• ICE activities at the University and in the region
• Individual based activities
• Summer work placements
• Sandwich placements
Activities are recorded by a Personal Development Process in which students are required to
identify, plan, undertake and evaluate their continuing professional development (CPD).
Students use this to record their Initial Professional Development (IPD) during the course and
after graduation. This provides means to document a broad range of skills, knowledge and
experience that graduates must obtain in order to gain a professional qualification.
Placement or Work-Related Activity Level:

PDP documentation is given to students in the first few weeks of the course and it is regularly
reviewed and assessed throughout their studies.

Placement or Work-Related Activity Length in Weeks:

Students are encouraged to undertake vocational or sandwich placements. Those that cannot
or do not wish to take a formal placement undertake work related activity though CPD. This
can either be a year-long sandwich placement or shorter vacation placements. Although full
support will be given by the course team, placements are secured by the most proactive and
motivated students.

Type of Placement or Work-Related Activity:

Students will be encouraged to undertake vocational or sandwich placements. Those that cannot or
do not wish to take a formal placement undertake work related activity though CPD as detailed in this
section.

Reference Points used in course design and delivery

All our courses leading to Leeds Beckett University awards have been designed and approved
in accordance with UK and European quality standards. Our courses utilise the Frameworks
for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and relevant subject benchmarks (where these are
available) and professional, statutory and regulatory body requirements (for professionally
accredited courses).

We review our courses annually and periodically, responding to student feedback and a range
of information to enhance our courses. Our University is also subject to external review by
the Quality Assurance Agency. Our latest report can be found on the QAA website at
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews-and-reports

We appoint External Examiners to verify that our University sets and maintains standards for
awards which adhere to relevant national subject benchmark statements and the FHEQ (UK),
ensure standards and student achievements are comparable with other Higher Education
Institutions in the UK, with which they are familiar, and ensure that assessments measure
achievement of course and module learning outcomes and reach the required standard.
External Examiners may also provide feedback on areas of good practice or potential
enhancement.
Student Support Network

If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to
help you. Course Administrators works closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching
staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of
attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students’
Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.

If you have any questions about life at our University in general, call into or contact the Student Hub
on either campus to speak to our Student Experience Team. This team, consisting of recent graduates
and permanent staff, are available to support you throughout your time here. They will make sure
you have access to and are aware of the support, specialist services, and opportunities our University
provides. There is a Student Hub on the ground floor of the Rose Bowl at City Campus and one in
Campus Central at Headingley. You can also find the team in the Gateway in the Leslie Silver Building
at City Campus. The telephone number is 0113 812 3000, and the e-mail address is
StudentHub@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

Within MyBeckett you will see two tabs (Support and Opportunities) where you can find online
information and resources for yourselves. The Support tab gives you access to details of services
available to give you academic and personal support. These include Library Services, the Students’
Union, Money advice, Disability advice and support, Wellbeing, International Student Services and
Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/
registration.

The Opportunities tab is the place to explore the options you have for jobs, work placements,
volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get
help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or voluntary role, take part in an
international project, or join societies closer to home.