Overview
Master the essential engineering skills to creatively and innovatively address the challenges faced by the civil engineer of the 21st century. From day one of studying our Civil Engineering BSc (Hons) degree course, you will be working on real built environment projects using maths and science to tackle engineering problems. You will become well equipped to shape our future built environment whether it involves design, construction and maintenance of bridges, buildings and transportation systems, planning flood defences or developing infrastructure for sustainable energy generation.
Find out more about teaching options and studying during COVID-19 in the Entry requirements section, below.
Careers
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Civil engineers tend to specialise in two areas – design and production. This course will prepare you for both.
- Design civil engineers work mainly in offices, looking at the need for projects and how a particular project can be achieved.
- Production civil engineers work and plan on-site, check the quality of work, and oversee schedules and budgets.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you would like to continue your studies and develop further skills with us, we offer a wide range of full-time and part-time postgraduate courses. If your goal is CEng (Chartered Engineer)status then you will need to complete a technical Masters like our MSc Civil Engineering course.
Modules & assessment
Level 3 (foundation year)
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Foundation in Engineering, Computing and Technology
In your first year you'll study with our partner, ARU College. This module will provide you with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in engineering, computer science and related courses. You will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including thinking critically, researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate numeracy and ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. In addition to these fundamental skills, you'll cover the subjects underpinning the technological disciplines. Fundamental mathematical skills will be covered, alongside pre-calculus, followed by an introduction to calculus and vector and matrix arithmetic. You will also be introduced to classical mechanics, and its application to real-world scenarios. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of computer science, learning about the principles behind programming and applying them through a series of practical coding exercises. You'll undertake a multi-disciplinary group project as you learn about the collaborative nature of engineering, and design from a broader perspective of business. The module is made up of the following eight constituent elements: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC); Information Communication Technology (ICT); Critical Thinking; Maths for Scientists; Maths for Engineers; Physics for Engineers; Fundamentals of Computing; Engineering Design.
Year one, core modules
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Introduction to Civil Engineering
There are a wide range of jobs and roles within Civil Engineering, and here you will see how these all work together to bring a project through to fruition. You will learn about the role of the civil engineer in society and explore breadth of career opportunities that await you on graduation. You will look at the value of inclusive engineering and the people-centric nature of this profession. Engineers are often required to ensure that work is safe, minimising risks to people and the environment, to engage in negotiations and hold positions of responsibility. Each of these requires an understanding of ethics, making ethical skills integral to engineering practice. You will encounter ethics throughout your time at university and this module will introduce this to you, showing you the importance of this type of consideration. Civil engineering projects are often complex, therefore you must work effectively in inter-disciplinary design and construction team, you must also be an accomplished communicator in order to take full advantage of their technical skills and knowledge. This module will help you develop your written, aural and drawing communication skills as well as your ability to work as a team, key skills that an employer will want to see. You will also look at the history of civil engineering, learning from past failures and mistakes, particularly looking at the incorporation of sustainability and resilience into engineering design. Through this module you will get the opportunity to visit construction sites and to start to understand construction planning and processes. Visits from guest lecturers from industry will also be encouraged, as will visits by representatives from the professional bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers. -
Engineering Skills 1
Develop the underpinning engineering skills needed to solve technical problems and communicate technical ideas and concepts. These skills are essential for the successful completion of your project and knowledge based modules. The module will be divided into two main areas; Mathematics and technical report writing. Mathematics will focus on the basic mathematical skills needed to understand the language of mathematics and to interpret engineering mathematical expressions. Algebraic skills will also be extensively developed to carry out mathematical analysis and solve engineering problems. The module will also introduce the mathematics of trigonometry and geometry and their application to solve practical engineering problems. Technical report writing is a fundamental communication skill for engineers and will be developed throughout the course. This part of the module aims to provide the tools to enable you to structure and present technical reports and also reference correctly. You will make use of appropriate IT skills to communicate technical ideas through the written word and by graphical means. -
Civil Engineering Project 1
Every building needs to be feasible, whether it is the cost, the workforce required, or the timescale set. Without reviewing this a project could quick fail. Here you will start with the feasibility stage of a built environment project including the development of initial design skills and construction experience. After an introduction to the project and the definition of the deliverable deadlines you will work in groups to produce a project plan for your work, organising it for the year ahead. This includes the production of a topographical survey of the project site and collection of relevant data though field and laboratory work. You’ll use this information to produce a site investigation report which will be the basis for the feasibility study. The second half of the project will focus on initial design, where you will be required to carry out investigations into the suitability of various materials for the construction of elements of the project, taking into account not only the mechanical properties of these materials but also sustainability and economic considerations. You will analyse and design a simple structure in this project, applying basic static and design principles to define the dimensions of the structural elements. You will also construct an element of the project which will develop your skills relating to the programming of the construction process, health and safety management and team work as well as first hand construction experience. -
Engineering Essentials
This module is designed to introduce you to some of the basic analytical concepts and processes involved in the design of structures. You will develop analytical skills which will allow you to carry out basic structural calculations, covering some of the fundamental concepts of analytical and design processes. You will also be introduced to basic 2D drafting techniques using industry standard software allowing you to effectively interpret technical drawing and give you the skills to apply to your specialist discipline area in later modules. Skills in this medium are highly sought after in the construction industry. You will also look at Business Information Modelling (BIM), gaining an appreciation of the role of the designer in civil engineering and have an understanding of the design process. You will also learn to use spreadsheets and databases to manipulate, analyse and present technical data as well as using these tools to carry out numerical and statistical analysis.
Year two, core modules
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Civil Engineering Project 2
Develop your ability to analyse built environment challenges though the application of engineering concepts, theories and mathematics. You will also develop your perspective of built environment projects by including the environmental and construction management aspects. You will apply your knowledge of the three main strands of civil engineering, structures, geotechnics, and hydraulics to analyse a proposed project and determine the suitability of the design and to propose alternatives which will improve it technically and environmentally as well as from a construction point of view. You will be required to consider the environmental impact of the project and apply the relevant analysis and legislation to produce an environmental impact report. You will also use construction processes and critically evaluate the project situation from a constructability point of view. -
Ruskin Module
Ruskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace. -
Hydraulics and Geotechnics
Develop your knowledge of the more theoretical aspects of Hydraulics and Geotechnics and gain the theoretical foundation to carry out the analysis and design in your future modules, helping you to make sense of specialist software output. Hydraulics: Introducing you to the principles of hydraulics, this will demonstrate how these principles are used for the design of hydraulic structures and their components. You will also be introduced the principles of hydraulics in pipe systems and open channels’ design and operation. You will have laboratory sessions to give you the opportunity to explore the practical aspects of hydraulics principles. Geotechnics: Here you will study the theoretical principals that geotechnical design is based on. This includes the theory behind settlement predictions and the determination of shear strength parameters for drained and undrained scenarios to be used in the design of foundations and other geotechnical structures. Lateral earth pressure theory will also be covered and its relevance in the design of retaining walls, braced excavations and deep foundations. -
Engineering Skills 2
Building on the previous Engineering Skills module you will continue to learn the application of maths to express and solve engineering problems, but now include more complex mathematical concepts. You’ll be introduced to calculus, the mathematics of change, and will develop an appreciation of the overwhelming influence that these concepts have had on engineering analysis and design and particularly with their application to specialist software. You’ll also learn to apply differentiation and integration technics to solve simple engineering problems such as optimisation and volume calculations and to analyse engineering concepts through the solution of differential equations using analytical techniques. You’ll be introduced to the use of numerical methods using spreadsheets to solve engineering problems including Newton Raphson, iteration, Euler and trial and error. -
Material Technology
Gain a thorough grounding in the principles and manufacture of materials used in the construction industry. You will get a practical understanding of the factors which influence the properties and durability from the design requirements to the finished product and will be introduced to the more common construction materials such as steel, concrete and timber as well as polymers and bituminous materials. Materials will be analysed in terms of their constituent materials, engineering properties, behaviour, performance in service, quality control and sustainability. A well-structured laboratory work programme is used to give you practical experience of the theoretical concepts explained in the lectures. You will also learn key employability skills such as taking decisions relating to appropriate and sustainable material use in construction projects and demonstrating analytical, experimental and interpretative skills with respect to materials laboratory work.
Work placement (optional placement year)
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Work Placement Engineering and the Built Environment
Your Work Placement module cover a period of 38 weeks. It's a pass/fail module which does not affect your progression from level 5 to level 6 of your course. If you started your course in September, you'll commence your placement at any point from 1 July to 30 September. If you started your course in January, you'll commence your placement at any point from 1 February to 31 March. The module is designed to give you an opportunity to analyse and evaluate industrial organisational structures, industrial roles and functions and industrial self-awareness. It covers human relationships, team relationships, problem evaluations, solutions and analysis and an evaluation of an industry/business sector. The aim of the module is to allow you to use the academic skills developed during your first two years of university study to support learning during your work placement. The module aims to give you experience of work in an industry and/or business environment including familiarisation with a professional work environment. The module will be underpinned by employability skills training, reflective assessment and support from academic tutors. You'll be expected to reflect on your experience orally and in writing, and demonstrate how you have applied theory and learning to date in a work-based environment. The assessment aims to support and develop your ability to demonstrate your professionalism, leadership and managerial skills to a prospective employer while also learning key communication and personal skills.
Year three, core modules
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Civil Engineering Project 3
Take advantage of our interdisciplinary school, using the broad range of construction industry skills available. Designed to give you an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge previously gained during their degree and to develop your ability to both manage and carry out the design of a small civil engineering project. You will be required to generate a range of engineering solutions, make a considered assessment of each option and thus recommend a design proposal. The design scenario for this module will challenge you to integrate your civil engineering design skills into an interdisciplinary design process. While delivering a range of meaningful engineering solutions to the project, your designs will need to consider and balance a broad range of design aspirations such as: maximising site opportunities; delivering a resilient/loose fit design; the three pillars of sustainability; taking advantage of Design For Manufacture and Assembly considerations. You will be expected to demonstrate that you are drawing on and making effective use of your knowledge and understanding from a broad range of civil engineering subject areas including team work, communication, engineering analysis, design, construction materials, construction techniques and construction management. You will be apply the principles of construction management to this project, and will be expected to develop a construction sequence, producing a design and construction programme using industry standard project planning software. You will also be expected to consider the financial implications and resource management necessary for the project. -
Structural Analysis
Deepen your understanding of both structural mechanics and structural analysis techniques. In this module you will cover static equilibrium, the resistance of structures to external loads, behaviour of structures under the influence of external loads, internal stresses, internal stress distributions and superposition. You will be introduced to structural deformations and deflections, determinate and indeterminate structures and influence lines. Hand calculation analysis for beams, pin jointed frames and unit load methods will be covered and you will also be introduced to the use of software for structural analysis with an emphasis on the use of hand calculations to support and validate the results obtained using structural analysis packages. You will be expected to show that you can generate structural analysis calculations that are clear and suitable for checking by an independent engineer. -
Materials and Manufacture
Further your knowledge of construction materials, and construction techniques, that are prevalent in the UK construction industry. Build on the knowledge of construction materials that has previously been delivered during the Level 5 project module and Material Technology, extending this knowledge to cover typical methods of construction. The aim of the module is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand and evaluate the key physical properties of the main construction materials and to understand how these properties relate to both methods of manufacture and typical construction details. The module will introduce the concepts of Design for Manufacture & Assembly and Modern Methods of Construction as well as selected construction details and techniques such as movement joints and structural connections. Additional critical aspects will also be covered, including durability, fire resistance, quality control, specification and recycling/re-use of construction materials. -
Major Project
Here you will show all of the learning you have developed through on your course. It provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to undertake a substantial original study to investigate a subject, issue, or problem and produce a usable outcome. You will carry out an original piece of work that may be either an expert study or a research study. Advice will be offered on choosing a research topic and producing a proposal in a briefing session delivered towards the end of the academic year prior to that in which students undertake the dissertation. The research will be undertaken under the supervision of an academic member of staff but the early part of the module is also supported by taught classroom sessions. These taught sessions enable students to develop research and study skills in respect of reviewing and analysing literature, developing a research question, collecting, presenting and analysing data, and managing the research process.
Assessment
Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to help measure your progress. Besides exams, we’ll assess you using a mix of assignments, group work, presentations, drawings, lab work and projects.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Chelmsford
Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.
Additional study information
Placements
This course gives you the opportunity to take a work placement year between years 2 and 3 of your studies. You’ll get experience of seeking and securing a job and working in an industry relating to your course. You’ll also get the practical experience and industry contacts to benefit your studies and enhance your long-term career prospects.
Although they can’t be guaranteed, we can work with you to find a placement using our contacts with a large number of employers. You’ll have regular contact with one of our course tutors and be supported by a supervisor from your placement company. Together they’ll monitor your performance and give you feedback.
To find out more about placement opportunities, email us at Placements@anglia.ac.uk.
Transferring to the BEng (Hons) course
If you want to transfer from this BSc course onto the BEng pathway, you’ll need to have scored at least 60% at Level 1 on your first attempt. You’ll also need to attend an interview, where we’ll explore your motivation and suitability for the other course.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK students starting 2021/22 (per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2021/22 (per year)
£13,900
Placement year
£1,250
Additional costs
Safety footwear (steel toe and midsole) - £40
Additional costs for Constructionarium
You will be asked to make a contribution of £250 towards the cost of food and accommodation. You will also be asked to provide your own safety shoes or boots and warm outdoor clothing. Other personal protective equipment will be provided.
How do I pay my fees?
Tuition fee loan
UK students can take out a tuition fee loan, which you won’t need to start repaying until after your graduate. Or there's the option to pay your fees upfront.
International students
You can pay your tuition fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will also ask you for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter. Details will be in your offer letter.
Paying your feesScholarships
We offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university. Some of these cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Funding for UK students
Most new UK undergraduate students can apply for government funding to support their studies and university life. This also applies to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who have citizens' rights following Brexit.
Government funding includes Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. There are additional grants available for specific groups of students, such as those with disabilities or dependants.
We also offer a range of ARU scholarships, which can provide extra financial support while you’re at university.
Funding for international students
We offer a number of scholarships, as well as an early payment discount. Explore your options:
Entry requirements
Teaching options
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our students can choose to study face to face on campus or online only. They're also able to change their mode of delivery on given dates in each trimester.
For on-campus teaching, we offer at least four hours face-to-face teaching related contact time per week for our undergraduate full-time courses, supported by online learning using our established online learning systems. The number of contact hours varies course by course, and you can contact us for further information. The provision offered is subject to change due to the possibility of further Government restrictions, however we remain committed to delivering face-to-face teaching and ensuring a COVID-19 secure environment.
In the event that there are further changes to the current restrictions that are in place due to the pandemic, we may need to move some courses online only at short notice to remain in line with Government guidelines and ensure the continued safety of our students and staff.
View the impact of the current restrictions.
Important additional notes
Whether you're studying entirely online or through a blend of face-to-face and online learning in September 2021, you'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning. Our website also has general information for new students about starting university in 2021-22.
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please email answers@aru.ac.uk for further information.
All tariff points must come from A levels. Points from AS levels cannot be counted towards the total tariff points required for entry to this course.
Transferring to the BEng (Hons) course
If you want to transfer from this BSc course onto the BEng pathway, you’ll need to have scored at least 60% at Level 1 on your first attempt. You’ll also need to attend an interview, where we’ll explore your motivation and suitability for the other course.
Entry requirements for foundation year study at ARU College:
- five GCSE passes at grade 3 or D or above and evidence of two years post-GCSE study at Level 3
- if you have achieved at least grade E in one A level, or equivalent, you are exempt from the two year post-GCSE study requirement, but you still have to meet the GCSE requirements
- if English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificate level of proficiency of at least IELTS 5.5 overall including 5.5 in each band/component.
Whether you're studying entirely online or through a blend of face-to-face and online learning from September 2020, you'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning.
International students
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
Whether you're studying entirely online or through a blend of face-to-face and online learning from September 2020, you'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. A small number of our courses require additional technical specifications or specialist materials. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning. Our website also has general information for new students about starting university in 2020-21.
Teaching options
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our students can choose to study face to face on campus or online only. They're also able to change their mode of delivery on given dates in each trimester.
For on-campus teaching, we offer at least four hours face-to-face teaching related contact time per week for our undergraduate full-time courses, supported by online learning using our established online learning systems. The number of contact hours varies course by course, and you can contact us for further information. The provision offered is subject to change due to the possibility of further Government restrictions, however we remain committed to delivering face-to-face teaching and ensuring a COVID-19 secure environment.
In the event that there are further changes to the current restrictions that are in place due to the pandemic, we may need to move some courses online only at short notice to remain in line with Government guidelines and ensure the continued safety of our students and staff.
View the impact of the current restrictions.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for undergraduate courses.
Check the standard entry requirements for IELTS requirements for this course.
Improving your English language skills
If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry onto a degree course.
We also provide our own English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) in the UK and overseas. To find out if we are planning to hold an ELPT in your country, contact our country managers.
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