Civil Engineering - BEng (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2022/23 Entry. Switch to 2023/24 Entry
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....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BEng (Hons)
- Start date September 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Overview
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.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year – please see fees and how to apply for more information.
What's covered in this course?
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.
As part of the Civil Engineering course, I spent one year on a placement as a ‘Setting Out Student Engineer’ with Dyer & Butler. I worked on a £10m Highway scheme project in Brighton – Valley Gardens. The time spent during my placement was an eye-opener to how exciting, purposeful and fulfilling the industry is. Thus, I’m very pleased to have had such opportunity and to have come back a year later as a full-time Graduate Civil Engineer for Dyer & Butler.
Mohamed Kamara, Civil Engineering Graduate
Why Choose Us?
- Professional placement option – Gain employability skills with the option of a professional placement.
- Employable graduates - Our graduates work for companies such as Balfour Beatty and Cancer Care, in management roles such as Construction Manager and Design Engineer.
- Study in the heart of the UK's second city - Some of the UK’s most exciting infrastructure projects such as HS2, are taking place right on our doorstep.
- A well-established provider - The faculty has a reputation as the West Midlands' chief hub of knowledge, technology and skills-transfer into industry. The course is supported by dedicated teaching staff and expert industry speakers.
- State-of-the-art course facilities - You will be based at our Millennium Point campus in City Centre, where our facilities have undergone a £6.5 million investment to provide you with the best learning experience.
- Travel Scholarships - Opportunities to secure funding to gain experience overseas. Read about travel scholarships here.
- We are an Autodesk Training Centre (ATC) -This national and international recognition will give you access to on-campus training by certified Autodesk instructors, providing you with digital skills that will be highly sought after by employers. Autodesk applications play an important part in supporting the digital transformation of Architecture, Engineering and Construction.
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.
Next Open Day: Saturday 25 June
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| GCSE |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
1. For students who complete the full IB Diploma: a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. 2. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates. Students must have grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) |
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International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Additional Requirements
As part of the application process you will be invited to attend an applicant visit day where you will undertake a short one-to-one interview with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to show us how passionate you are about the subject and it will help us make a decision on your application.
This will provide you with more information about the School and your course. In addition, it will give you a chance to meet and our staff and students to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a student here.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BEng (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2022/23
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year (2022/23) £9,250
- Placement Year £1,650
Professional Placement Fees
Full-Time courses with a Professional Placement incur a fee during the placement year. The costs for those years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BEng (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,500 in 2022/23
- Full Time
- 4 years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Study Year (2022/23) £13,500
Professional Placement Fees
The tuition fee for your first year of study at the university is shown here. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be chargeable at the applicable rate in your third year of study.
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year one
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Download course specification
Download nowThe course combines innovative teaching with a stimulating workplace environment. You’ll be assessed through a mix of coursework, examinations, portfolio and presentations.
The way you are assessed is split into 50 per cent exams and 50 per cent coursework.
We will enhance your knowledge and understanding through formal lectures, presentations, seminars, tutorials, hands-on experience and problem-based scenarios. Guest speakers, as well as visits to construction sites, manufacturers and exhibitions, will give you valuable insight and experience of the industry.
You will be assessed through work-related learning and problem solving, in-class tasks, seminar work, peer assessment and learning sets, while summative assessment is provided in projects, presentations, time-controlled assignments and end examinations.
In your final year, you will conduct an individual project, where you will hone and enhance your organisational, research and time management skills.
Attendance requirements
For more information on attendance requirements, course contact time and suggested self-study hours, download the course specification.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
We will develop the skills, understandings and personal attributes that will help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to securing employment.
We will ensure you are professional, work-ready and enterprising, with a global outlook and the ability to solve problems creatively.
This course has been mapped against the UKSpec subject benchmarks for engineering, and we will support you to work towards a range of competencies linked to these benchmarks. We will also support your readiness for work by offering placements, where you can gain vital work experience in a real-life business.
Birmingham City University also has the Graduate+ scheme, an extracurricular programme which has been designed to hone the subject-based skills you develop throughout the programme alongside broader employability skills. You’ll develop skills in CV writing, presentations, a portfolio and more.
You could also gain work with OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus, which ensures our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
Placements
With the advantage of a construction site right on our doorstep as the University grows, students and graduates have benefited from placements and hands-on experience.
You will also benefit from the innovative Building Birmingham Scholarship programme. Launched by Birmingham City Council, it supports young people wishing to pursue a career in construction.
The Faculty has committed to ensuring that all students who would like to take out a third year in industry will be provided with that opportunity. This is not compulsory, but certainly is recommended since this can have positive implications for your future employability and sometimes even provides sponsorship.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
The facility our students value most is not actually on campus, but is the location of the campus in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside opposite the new High Speed 2 station construction, and minutes from dozens of fascinating live projects within the city centre.
Birmingham as it changes constantly on our doorstep really is our ‘living lab’. By simply looking out the window of our classrooms you’ll be able to witness live projects as they’re happening around us. You’ll constantly be inspired by dozens of fascinating case studies just from walking from the station to the campus.
The facilities on offer to our students reflect the work environment you will enter as you start your career. Learn more about what we have to offer below.
Our staff
Mr Panagiotis Patlakas
Panagiotis is a structural engineer with further qualifications in architecture and a strong interest in information technology. His research interests cover a range of topics in these fields, such as structural timber design, digital civil engineering, and sustainability. He is particularly interested in the development of software technologies to...
More about PanagiotisDr Ehsan Ahmadi
Lecturer in Civil Engineering
Prior to working at BCU, Ehsan was a Research and Teaching Fellow within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at UoS, and worked as a PhD Researcher and Teaching Associate in Structural Engineering at Monash University, Australia Dr Ehsan Ahmadi also contributed to important engineering projects for VicRoads, Australia, on...
More about EhsanForoogh Hajiseyedjavadi
Lecturer
Foroogh is a lecturer in Civil Engineering at the Department of Built Environment and a visiting research fellow at the University of Leeds. She has a PhD in Civil Engineering with the focus on Transportation Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, where she also worked as a research and teaching assistant. Her research is...
More about ForooghMohammad Salami
Assistant Lecturer
Mohammad graduated from Arak Azad University, Iran, with a BSc in Civil Engineering in 2007. He undertook a Master’s programme (Geotechnical Engineering) and obtained his MSc in Civil Engineering in 2010. After one year in industry, working in structural design, he decided to continue his education and started his PhD research at the University of...
More about Mohammad