Overview
How would you improve urban resilience to earthquakes? Could you design and implement a clean water solution in a humanitarian crises? Become a Master of Engineering with this enhanced accredited course and develop all the practical and academic skills required to address these challenges.
Careers
The MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering course prepares you for a design, technical or managerial role in civil engineering. Initially, this position is likely to be with either a multi-disciplinary consulting company, a civil engineering design practice, a large infrastructure organisation or a contracting organisation. After gaining some experience and completing professional qualifications graduates will be able to work as a self-employed consultant or start their own specialist consultancy practice.
Our civil engineering graduates work in a range of project and lead engineer roles in multi-national organisations including Skanska, Network Rail, Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, SETRACO Nigeria, Environment Agency and Transport for London as well as in local authorities across the UK.
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.
Employers, consultants and clients in the construction industry value professional qualifications and so the MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering has been presented for accreditation by the Joint Board of Moderators who represent several organisations including the Institution of Civil Engineers, one of the main professional bodies representing civil engineering employers and civil engineers. An accredited MEng provides all the academic learning required to become a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited courses are designed to deliver the skills required by employers which means that successful students are highly desirable to civil engineering organisations.
Modules & assessment
Year one, core modules
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IT and Research
This module is intended to be both preparatory and supportive, building a strong foundation for learning and later development. You will gain Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for information management and presentation purposes. You will be encouraged to use contemporary ICT methods for research and for the production and presentation of reports, in a style suitable both for your university coursework and the commercial environment. You will also develop skills in carrying out desk top research and self-directed study. -
Geotechnics and Engineering Geology
You will be introduced to the broad area of Geotechnical Engineering and basic Geological concepts. You will be provided with the fundamental understanding of the classification, properties, behaviour and mechanics of soils that will allow you to proceed at a later stage to geotechnical design. Additionally you will be introduced to soils laboratory practice and given the opportunity to relate the results of soil laboratory tests to theoretical concepts and the practical needs of civil engineering construction. This module will provide a medium for development of skills in algebraic manipulations which are applied to the relationships between basic soil properties. -
Elements of Engineering Design
This module will introduce you to some of the basic analytical concepts and processes involved in the design of structures. You will develop the analytical skills required to carry out basic calculations and will be introduced to basic 2D drafting techniques using industry standard software which will allow you to effectively interpret technical drawing. You will also be introduced to Building Information Modelling (BIM) and gain an appreciation of the role of the designer in civil engineering and develop an understanding of the design process. -
Engineering Science and Materials
For an engineer to make reasoned decisions about the materials to be used in a project an understanding of processing, structure and properties is necessary. By the end of this module you will be familiar with the material properties relevant to engineering performance and how these properties are defined. You will also be introduced to the basic building blocks of materials and how these affect their engineering properties and relevant properties of materials will be defined and discussed in the context of engineering solutions. -
Design and Detailing in CAD for Civil Engineers
This module provides you with an understanding of the relationship between design and technology. It introduces you to the concept that the realisation of design into built form requires building technology and also how that technology has a very real influence on the generation of the design. Technological tools used in current design practice will be studied and you will be encouraged to investigate the most recent innovations in design practice. -
Mathematics for Civil Engineers 1
You will gain the underpinning knowledge and skills in mathematics for use in subsequent modules in civil engineering such as structural analysis, structural design, hydraulics and geotechnics together with application of mathematical techniques to surveying and management. About half the module will cover the theory and applications of calculus to engineering problems. You will also deal with a range of mathematical theories and techniques but in particular will develop practical applications such as the position and second moment of area for a given shape. The equations of curves from observed or measured data, the calculation of irregular areas and volumes and problems of geometry will also be explored. You will also study basic statistical techniques applied, where possible to engineering applications such as concrete mixes. -
Safe Civil Engineering Construction
This module addresses key elements of civil engineering construction, placing them firmly alongside the management responsibility to ensure the prioritisation of health and safety within the work environment at all times. As the technical aspects of engineering are addressed, specific considerations of harm, hazard and risk are explored, ensuring the relevance of health and safety management within the civil engineering construction context. We will assess your learning through group work, investigating a civil engineering related problem. You will present your solution through a report and 20 minute presentation.
Year two, core modules
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Design of Structures 1
You will cover the design of structures in general and the elemental design in three materials. You will be introduced to basic design philosophy, principles and procedures used in the design of structural elements in buildings and structures. You will be expected to learn mainly through application of the design theory covered in class and by completing the design coursework and tutorial exercises and through independent study. It is envisaged that undergoing this course will gain you an appreciation of the role of the designer in the construction process and have an understanding of the design process. -
Mathematics for Engineers 2
You will be introduced to the techniques that lie behind the solution of engineering problems. The methods tend to be hidden within software, you will gain an insight into the techniques, their application and their limitations so that you can make informed judgements on reliability of software solutions. Calculus is extended to partial differentiation and its applications and Laplace transforms and matrices are considered in depth. A statistics section is also included applied to the numerous areas of civil engineering which use these techniques. You will be prepared to undertake appropriate analysis in areas such as hydraulics, geotechnics, structural analysis and design. -
Fluid Mechanics
You will be introduced to the principles of fluid mechanics and establish its relevance in civil engineering in the design of pipes and channels. You will cover the principles of hydrostatics and derive and apply equations for calculation of pressures and forces on submerged and partially submerged objects. Laboratory sessions are used to give you the opportunity to explore the limitations of the mathematical models of fluid behaviour. You will be assessed through a group based lab report covering a series of fluid mechanics experiments and a written examination. -
Site and Engineering Surveying
Discover both traditional and contemporary advanced survey techniques and capture, manipulate and utilise field data for both horizontal control and detail acquisition. You will also gain hands on experience using total stations, for data capture and for setting out. You will also gain an understanding of how remote surveying by extra-terrestrial systems has evolved and of how a variety of control systems relate to the Ordnance Survey National Grid. Finally, you will learn how to process survey data to produce and your final survey drawings using AutoCAD and present them in a style appropriate to industry. -
Material Technology
This module is designed to give you a thorough grounding in the principles and manufacture of materials used in the construction industry. The aim is to provide you with a practical understanding of the factors, which influence the properties and durability from the design requirements to the finished product. You'll be introduced to the more common construction materials such as steel, concrete and timber as well as polymers and bituminous materials. A well-structured laboratory work programme is used to give you practical experience of the theoretical concepts explained in the lectures. -
Structural Mechanics
You will analyse structural behaviour under static loading conditions. In the mechanics part of this module, you will understand how structures resist external static loads. You will spend much of your time in laboratory sessions and take part in group-based problem solving tutorial classes. -
Hydrology for Civil Engineers
This module aims to provide an introduction to hydrology, including a study of the most important hydrological processes (such as precipitation, runoff and flooding) operating in the environment, and to hydrological ways of thinking. Additionally, this module will introduce most statistical concepts and mathematical models used in hydrology. Moreover, this module will develop knowledge and understanding on real-life application of hydrological concepts and processes. -
Design Technology for Civil Engineering
This module will provide you with an understanding of the relationship between design and technology. It will introduce you to the concept that the realisation of design into built form requires building technology and also how that technology has a very real influence on the generation of the design. You will explore technology strategically as well as to develop it in detailed solutions. The importance of economics in technical design will also be explored. You will also be introduced to the technology currently in use in design in the industry.
Year three, core modules
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Site Studies: Design and Planning
This module is to give you the opportunity to build on the engineering design skills already acquired in previous modules and to consider the design and planning process in a more holistic and integrated context. You will survey, study, investigate and evaluate a site and will develop abilities related to the analysis and evaluation of elements of townscape. In particular the design elements that contribute to urban form and place shaping will be explored. As part of this process, you will be expected to develop/enhance your drawing and sketching skills, providing an enhanced understanding of the place, spaces between buildings, and the urban environment. -
Design Methods for Sustainable Buildings
This module is one response to the concern of many about the effect that the built environment is having on the natural environment. It has been designed to give you an insight into the scientific basis of the environmental performance and construction of buildings and their services. This module will introduce different standards and benchmarks for low-carbon buildings, and highlight strategies and approaches that could be deployed in heating and cooling of buildings. -
Design of Structures 2
You will enhance your understanding of the behaviour of low rise steel and concrete structures. This module has two parts: Analysis and Design. The analysis part aims to introduce you to the modelling and solutions of indeterminate frames and trusses. The design part of the module aims to introduce you to the design of low-rise structures and alternative forms of structural elements. Your lectures are specifically designed to cover the fundamental principles of structural analysis and design theory. These are reinforced through group-based coursework assignments and problem solving tutorial classes. You will undertake a piece of coursework on structural design to Eurocodes as well as an end examination. -
Geotechnical Engineering
You will extend your knowledge of basic soil properties to an understanding of soil strength in the context of the principles of effective stress. You will be introduced to geotechnical design methods for foundations and modern design of earth-retaining systems using Codes of Practice and the philosophy of the limit state. You will be assessed through a piece of coursework and end examination. For the coursework you will be expected to show an understanding of geotechnic engineering through a piece of design work using state of the art infinite element analysis software. -
Highway Design and Construction
You will appreciate problems and techniques associated with highway design, construction and maintenance and learn how to formulate technical solutions. You will become conversant with pavement design, which will be discussed in the context of construction techniques. You will also acquire knowledge on the principles and practice of bridge construction, maintenance and design. The concept of sustainability in construction using recyclable materials will be discussed, project work is used to give you a practical feel of the theoretical concepts explained in the lectures. -
Integrated Group Design Project
The module aims to apply the skills and knowledge you have developed in other modules of the course within a major piece of work that reflects the type of performance expected of civil engineering designers in relation to an infrastructure project. The project will reflect the integrated nature of civil engineering and together with the analysis and design calculations, you will be expected to consider the work within the environmental, economic and sociological constraints of an infrastructure project. -
Structural Dynamics
You will understand the responses of different structures under dynamic actions and the fundamental principles and methods of earthquake resistant design of building structures to Eurocode 8. You will learn about the different type of dynamic loads, the causes and effects of an earthquake and how to carry out the full 3D modelling of a structure under an earthquake using state of the art conceptual and detailed designs of an earthquake resistant structure.
Year four, core modules
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Corporate Management for Civil Engineers
This module will enable you to acquire the knowledge and competencies to manage a civil engineering organisation in a highly volatile economic environment. The key aim of studies in this module will be to develop an understanding of how civil engineering organisations are managed financially in line with a set of broad business objectives. It will be important to examine organisations in the context of both the external competitive environment and economic environment. -
Urban Resilience and Disaster Risk Management
This module is designed to integrate the conceptual learning of risk, resilience, vulnerability and adaptive capacity with the technical know-how and engineering solution in order to prepare you to deal with such subject matters in their future industrial practice. It provides an understanding of the concept of risk, resilience, vulnerability and robustness as highlighted in existing and ongoing research on performance of infrastructural systems in advent of future climate changes. -
Urban Design Strategies
This Module provides an understanding of the urban design process together with the complex, diverse range of resources and activities the designer must co-ordinate and influence to achieve a successful project and shaping of places. Urban design has been rising on political agendas and plays an essential part within the cultural shift from a passive towards a proactive 'spatial' planning system seeking successful and high quality 'place-making'. You will explore the legal, public policy and financial contexts of urban design and how it is embedded in the planning system, including master-planning, regeneration objectives, and project procurement - with European and global dimensions, drawing on multi-disciplinary foundations. -
Water and Environmental Infrastructure Engineering
This module aims to introduce water and environmental infrastructure such as drinking water supply system, sewer and drainage system, wastewater treatment plant, green infrastructure and flood management system and to develop knowledge and understanding on their design, operation and management including roles of the bodies involved in their monitoring, maintenance and management. Also, this module intends to investigate the mutual impacts of infrastructure on environment, society and economy (pillars of sustainability) and climate change, urbanisation and population growth on infrastructure’s performance. -
Project Management Techniques
You will develop a thorough understanding of the concepts of risk and risk management to identify and manage project risks throughout the project life cycle. The module will enable you to critically analyse and evaluate risks and determine their influence on the evolution, design, technology, management and financial aspects of a project. This framework provides the context for the application of risk management to projects and for you to develop your abilities to select and implement an effective risk management system and the appropriate specialist methods and techniques to effect the management of risk. -
Sustainability and Environmental Management
You will develop a systematic understanding of environmental issues and concepts of sustainable development in relation to the construction industry. A broad understanding of the pressures facing companies to address environmental and sustainable development issues will be discussed, together with an overview of the strategies and practices needed to address environmental and sustainable development. -
Research Project
This module enables students to carry out an individual piece of research in the civil engineering field which will require a literature review of current knowledge in the chosen topic area, the formulation of a research question and the collection of primary data by experimentation and modelling. Advice will be given by civil engineering staff on choosing a research topic in a briefing session delivered towards the end of the academic year prior to that in which the student undertakes their dissertation.
Assessment
There is a holistic approach to assessment that ensures the learning outcomes have been met. Assessment methods vary, depending on the nature of the module and the type of skill being evaluated. The details of the type, extent and duration of the assessments are provided in the Module Guide for each module. The range of assessment methods may be summarised as follows:
- Group work and presentations
- Design exercises and examples
- Coursework
- Timed assignments
- Production of drawings
- Projects
- Practical and laboratory work
- Unseen examinations
- Dissertation/major project
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.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK & EU students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£13,700
Fee information
For more information about tuition fees, including the UK Government's commitment to EU students, please see our UK/EU funding pages
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.
Entry requirements
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