3 Welcome
4 Studying civil engineering at Nottingham
5 Our courses
10 Imagine... getting hands-on experience
12 How will I study?
14 How do I apply?
16 Careers and employability
18 Student experience
www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugcourses
If you think you are up to the challenge, civil engineering can provide you with an exciting and rewarding career. A civil engineering degree is a highly numerate and diverse degree which is a passport to any analytical career.
At The University of Nottingham we have an outstanding reputation for high-quality teaching and research. This reputation, together with our excellent links with industry, ensures our graduates are highly sought after. Our dedicated staff are easily accessible and provide a rich, stimulating learning experience. Whatever your ambitions, our aim is to help you achieve them here at Nottingham.
This brochure gives you an introduction to our courses and the fantastic opportunities that lie ahead for you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Professor Glenn
McDowell DSc
Head of Department of Civil Engineering
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Open days
Visiting us in person is the best way to get a feel for student life at Nottingham. You can explore our campuses, facilities and accommodation, speak to staff and current students and find out key information about your course.
Visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays or call +44 (0)115 951 5559 to book your place.
UCAS visit days
Offer-holders have the opportunity to visit the department and find out more about their chosen course at a UCAS visit day.
Visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/visitdays to view the dates and book your place.
#UoNOpenDay
UoNApplicants @UoNApplicants
Our purpose-built facilities allow students to get valuable hands-on experience.
Find out more about the Department of Civil Engineering:
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A degree in civil engineering from
Nottingham demonstrates that you can think critically, solve complex problems and work effectively. Our strong ties with industry mean our students enjoy a wealth of opportunity for work experience and career progression throughout the course and beyond.
94% of our undergraduates secured work or further study within six months of graduation.*
TOP 100 universities worldwide for civil engineering.**
Careers and industry
Studying this accredited civil engineering course, you will gain a solid grounding in core subjects, including structures, geotechnics, materials, fluids, surveying and construction management, while also enjoying the freedom to choose from a range of exciting elective modules. As a Nottingham civil engineering graduate you will be in high demand, with our graduates attaining high positions in industry, both in the civil engineering profession and in other sectors.
Facilities
The department continues to invest in the facilities we have developed to enhance the student learning experience. We have dedicated teaching labs for structures, geotechnics and fluid mechanics. We also have a large geotechnical centrifuge facility, leading-edge GPS, surveying and laser scanning equipment, the largest road materials testing facility in a UK university and a strong floor facility for major structural testing.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering
Council in the UK Standard for Professional
Engineering Competence (UKSPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as a Chartered Engineer
(CEng). Most employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees.
TOP 10 amongst elite Russell
Group institutions for
Civil Engineering.***
Our degrees are currently accredited by
The Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering
Council incorporating:
• The Institution of Civil Engineers
• The Institution of Structural Engineers
• The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
• The Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers
We are the only department in the UK whose civil engineering degree (MEng) is also accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, if students choose appropriate elective modules.
Engineering Adviser Scheme
We seek to build links with practicing engineers throughout our undergraduate degree programmes through a network of local engineering advisers who arrange site visits and provide helpful advice. This gives our undergraduate students a professional perspective on much of their project work, which is a central theme of our courses.
* Known destinations of full-time home and EU first-degree graduates, 2013/14.
** QS World University Rankings by subject, 2016.
*** The Complete University Guide, 2016.
Degree title
Single honours
BEng Civil Engineering
BEng Civil Engineering including an Industrial Year
MEng Civil Engineering
MEng Civil Engineering including an Industrial Year
Required subjects
All courses: Maths A level or 6 at Higher Level
(IB) and A level or 6 at Higher Level, from physics, chemistry, biology, design and technology, geography, geology, computing or further maths.
Applicants taking A level biology, chemistry and/ or physics are also required to pass the practical element of assessment. General studies, critical thinking and citizenship studies are not accepted.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element).
For more information and a list of the alternative
English language requirements we accept, please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/ alternativerequirements
Preparing to study in English
Students who require extra support to meet the
English language requirements for their academic course can attend a professional course at the
Centre for English Language Education (CELE) to prepare for their future studies. Students who pass at the required level can progress directly to their academic programme without needing to retake IELTS. For more information, please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele
UCAS code Duration A levels IB
H201
H20A
H200
H20B
3 years
4 years
4 years
5 years
AAB
AAB
AAA
AAA
36-34
36-34
36
36
Find out more about the Department of Civil Engineering:
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The MEng degree is a four-year programme that fully satisfies the educational requirements to become a chartered civil, structural or highway engineer.
Applicants to the MEng course will usually be made a dual offer of AAA for MEng and AAB for BEng.
This means they receive two offers for one UCAS application and a place in the department even if they narrowly miss the AAA requirement. Students performing well on the BEng course have the option to transfer to the MEng course.
The BEng degree is a three-year programme and students following this route will need to complete some further study if they wish to become chartered engineers. Many students, especially those from overseas, choose to do our BEng and then stay to complete one of our accredited MSc degrees.
Our flagship civil engineering courses provide a solid grounding in the core disciplines of structures, hydraulics, geotechnics, materials, surveying and construction management. There is an emphasis on project work throughout and a wide range of module choices to develop your specialist skills in later years.
Year one
• introduction to the core disciplines and the context of civil engineering
• engineering design introduced through project work
• residential surveying field course
• workshops, some of which may be attended more than once, to help you build a portfolio of competencies in line with professional requirements
Year two
• core subjects developed in greater depth alongside year-long group and individual design exercises
• further workshops on professional and academic themes
Year three
• core subjects continue alongside a range of elective modules
• Individual Investigative Project and Group
Design Project (BEng only)
• Construction Practice (MEng option only)
Year four (MEng only)
• choice of a wide range of elective modules
• Major Group Design Project
• Individual Investigative Project
Elective modules
All undergraduates are offered a wide range of module options both within the department and in other disciplines. This provides greater opportunity for you in finding areas of special interest.
Accreditation
Our MEng degrees are accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer
(CEng). Our BEng degrees are accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated
Engineer (IEng) and partially satisfying those for a
CEng: A programme of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. Please see www.jbm.org.uk
for further information and details.
Typical modules for BEng course
Year one
Core modules:
• Structural Engineering
Mechanics
• Hydraulics
• Geotechnics
• Mathematical Methods for
Civil Engineering
• Structural Strength of Materials
Year two
Core modules:
• Indeterminate Structures
• Hydraulics
• Geotechnics
• Civil Engineering Materials
• Non-Linear Analysis of
Structures
• Differential Equations and
Calculus for Engineers
Year-long project:
Groups of students will develop their fundamental learning from lectures in the design of a bridge, building or transport infrastructure. This will include stages from conceptual design to construction planning and introduce building information modelling and computer aided design, surveying and project management.
The project will be supplemented by workshops on the themes of; drawing and communication, computational tools and engineering management
(designed and delivered with industry and visiting professors).
Design Project:
Students are introduced to the civil engineering design process by a year-long project that follows a civil engineering scheme from initial concepts through to detailed design. Students work individually and in groups to produce a design portfolio that includes outline solutions, project appraisal, loading calculations and engineering drawings. The project provides students with opportunities to develop their written and oral presentation skills.
Surveying field course:
Students work on group exercises in surveying, mapping and setting out. This is a six day residential course during the
Easter holidays.
Year three
Core modules:
• Reinforced Concrete Design
• Hydraulics
• Geotechnics
Elective modules:
• Building Information Modelling
• Construction Project
Management
• Steel Structures
• Environmental Geotechnology
• Foundations and Earthworks
• Computerised Mathematical
Models in Engineering
• Experiments in Fluid Mechanics
• Mapping for Engineering
Surveying and Practical
• Geology for Civil Engineers
• Traffic Engineering
• Advanced Mathematical
Techniques for Engineers
• Coastal Engineering
• Engineering Risk Assessment
Individual Investigative Project:
Students choose a project in their preferred discipline and plan a detailed investigation. Projects involve lab work, field investigations or computer modelling, and require data collection and analysis.
Group Design Project:
Students work in groups on the design and planning of a civil engineering project that aims to integrate all the disciplines covered on the course. Typical projects include: water works, major highway schemes and retail parks.
Staff and visiting professional engineers provide guidance.
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff. As a result modules may change due to research developments or legislative changes, for example. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we offer, not a definitive list.
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For more detailed course content visit
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Typical modules for MEng course
Years one and two
Years one and two follow the same structure as the BEng course.
Year three
Core modules:
• Reinforced Concrete Design
• Hydraulics
• Geotechnics
Elective modules:
• Building Information Modelling
• Construction Practice
• Construction Project Management
• Steel Structures
• Environmental Geotechnology
• Foundations and Earthworks
• Computerised Mathematical Models in Engineering
• Experiments in Fluid Mechanics
• Mapping for Engineering Surveying and Practical
• Geology for Civil Engineers
• Traffic Engineering
• Advanced Mathematical Techniques for Engineers
• Engineering Risk Assessment
• Coastal Engineering
Year four
Elective modules:
• Sedimentation Engineering
• Highway Design
• Advanced Concrete Structures
• Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics
• Finite Element Analysis in Structural Mechanics
• Predictive Soil Mechanics
• Railway Technology
• Sustainable Construction
• Plates and Shells
• Highway Infrastructure Maintenance
• System Reliability Engineering
• Infrastructure Asset Management
• Wind Renewables
• Marine Renewables
• Deformation Surveying and Practical
• Satellite-Based Positioning and Practical
• Materials for Highways and Railways
Individual Investigative Project:
Students choose a project in their preferred discipline and plan a detailed investigation. Projects involve lab work, field investigations or computer modelling, and require data collection and analysis.
Group Design Project:
Students work in groups on the design and planning of a civil engineering project that aims to integrate all the disciplines covered on the course.
Typical projects include: water works, major highway schemes and retail parks. Staff and visiting professional engineers provide guidance.
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff. As a result modules may change due to research developments or legislative changes, for example. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we offer, not a definitive list.
A year in industry is a fantastic opportunity for students to practise and develop their engineering skills, providing valuable professional experience which is a key step on the road to Chartered Engineer status. Students choosing to undertake a year in industry as part of their BEng or
MEng Civil Engineering degree will usually undertake this as their penultimate year of study.
Benefits
A year in industry will give a significant boost to both employment and academic prospects.
Research conducted by High Fliers Research, showed that more than a third of graduate jobs are being filled by candidates who already have work experience with that employer. A year in industry placement is a great way into the job market after graduation.
Features
Year in industry placements are usually undertaken in the UK, but can be anywhere in the world in companies from major global organisations to smaller consultancies and technology specialists.
During a year in industry placement, students are classed as employees of the host company, and receive a salary. There is a nominal fee for the placement year and students remain fully registered with the University during this time.
Support
Our dedicated Industrial Placement Team works closely with the Careers and Employability Service to support you in finding the right placement and companies visit the University from September to
March to recruit students for industrial placements.
The benefits of a year in industry are well recognised, and as such our degrees with an industrial year are very popular. Likewise, securing a year in industry placement is a highly competitive process, and students are responsible for submitting their own applications, which may include attendance at interviews and assessment centres. We therefore expect students to commit additional time over and above their academic studies to this process.
“
My placement has helped me understand how
This will benefit me in my final year of study as I’ll be able to relate what I learn to a real civil engineering environment.
”
Joe Dodgson, fourth year, MEng Civil Engineering carried out his placement with North Midland
Construction
Find out more from our placement students at
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The Construction Practice module enables students to get practical experience and guidance from industrial sponsors.
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Find out more about the Construction Practice module:
The Construction Practice MEng module or ‘Constructionarium’, gives students the opportunity to plan, organise, build and manage a construction project at the
National Construction College in Norfolk.
The module is run with the support of Sir
Robert McAlpine Ltd and Walsh.
Prior to construction, students spend time in lessons preparing for the project, then during the
Easter vacation they travel to Norfolk to complete two projects within one week. Previous projects have included the construction of various types of bridges and an oil sea platform.
Students appoint a project leader and various teams. The teams must plan and organise their work considering aspects such as health and safety, waste management and the administration processes required, before executing the build.
The industrial sponsors provide valuable advice and guidance throughout the build.
“
The Constructionarium provided an invaluable promoting a better understanding of the different professions and skills required for the accurate completion of a construction project. The work was challenging but rewarding. This included understanding the project, planning and costing and on-site decision-making under pressure, which simply cannot be taught in a traditional classroom.
”
Stavrini Charilaou, third year, MEng Civil Engineering
Find out more about the Construction Practice module:
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Students are taught through a combination of lectures, practical sessions and project work.
Teaching
The main forms of teaching you will encounter are lectures, practical sessions and project work.
These are supplemented by problem-solving classes, workshops and tutorials.
For a typical week in your first year, you can expect to attend 15 hours of lectures and workshops and approximately five hours of other classes for
Computer Aided Design (CAD), building information modelling (BIM) and laboratory and project sessions.
During your final year, you will undertake a major project which reflects your interests and that of your supervisor. This project is key to your development as an independent engineer.
Personal tutors
All students have a personal tutor who will review your academic progress each semester and is also available to help with any personal matters.
Tutorials take place initially on a weekly basis, typically in groups of four students in the first year.
Tutorials can help to develop your communication skills, personal organisation and planning towards graduate employment.
Assessment
All undergraduate degree programmes in the
University are modular, which means you undertake modules of study with assessment at the end of each semester, with most modules assessed using a mixture of coursework and exams. Some modules such as projects don’t have any exams and students submit reports, portfolios or in some cases an assessed presentation for assessment.
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Find out more about teaching in the Department of Civil Engineering:
As well as written exams we use e-learning approaches with quizzes and tests to help you learn and some e-assessments too.
On a BEng course, your graduating mark is made up of 30% from your second-year mark and 70% from your third-year mark. On an MEng course, your graduating mark is made up of 20% from your second year, 40% from your third year and 40% from your fourth year, unless your third year is spent overseas on exchange at another university. In this case, your graduating mark is made up of 25% from your second year, 25% from your third year and
50% from your fourth year.
Key Information Sets
Key Information Sets (KIS) are comparable sets of information about full or part-time undergraduate courses and are designed to meet the information needs of prospective students. All KIS data is published on the Unistats website: www.unistats.co.uk
For Nottingham’s KIS data, please see individual course entries at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy
A typical first year undergraduate timetable
Monday
Tuesday
9-10am 10-11am 11am-12pm 12-1pm 1-2pm
Optional workshop
Lecture: Structural and Engineering
Mechanics
Tutorial/
Example
Class
2-3pm 3-4pm 4-5pm
Optional workshop
Practical Sessions/Group Project/
Private Study
Free time for participation in Sports,
Clubs and Societies
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Lecture:
Hydraulics 1
Lecture:
Mathematical methods for civil engineers
Optional workshop
Tutorial/
Example
Class
Tutorial/
Example
Class
Practical Sessions/Group Project/
Private Study
Optional workshop
5-6pm
Find out more about teaching in the Department of Civil Engineering:
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All applications for an undergraduate place to study at The University of Nottingham, including applications by international students, must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Applications should be made online at www.ucas.com and candidates will be notified of decisions through UCAS using
UCAS Track.
We have a wide range of resources available to guide you through each stage of the application process.
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For more information about applying visit
Your personal statement
This is the section of your UCAS form that tells us most about you, and you should make the best use of it. Be as specific and detailed as you can – we would like to see that you are a student who can work hard, be self-motivated and make the best possible use of the opportunities that our courses offer you. We would also like to hear about any skills you have gained through extracurricular activities.
Alternative qualifications
In this brochure you will find our A level entry requirements but we accept a much broader range of qualifications.
These include:
• Access to HE Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• BTEC HND/HNC
• BTEC Extended Diploma
• Cambridge Pre-U
• International Baccalaureate
• Irish Leaving Certificate
• Scottish Advanced Highers
• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
This list is not exhaustive; we will consider applicants with other qualifications on an individual basis. Please contact us to discuss the suitability of your qualification.
Flexible admissions policy
We recognise that some educational and personal circumstances affect achievement. If we judge that you have experienced circumstances that have adversely affected your achievement, we will consider them when assessing your academic potential. Some courses may vary the offer as a result. For the most up to date information about our offers, please see the entry requirements section of our course pages on our online prospectus.
For more information about this policy, please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying
Mature applicants
We encourage applications from mature applicants who have a significant gap in education. You should apply in the normal way through UCAS. More information for mature students can be found at www.nottingham.ac.uk/mature
International applicants
The University’s International Office offers guidance and advice on applying through UCAS.
If you would like to visit the University and are unable to attend an open day, the International
Office will be happy to arrange a tailor-made visit for you. For further information please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/international
Deferred entry
Applicants who wish to defer their entry by a year will not be at a disadvantage. Please tell us something about your plans for your gap year in your UCAS personal statement.
Equal opportunities policy
The University aims to create the conditions whereby students and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £2,000 a year. For details, see www.nottingham.ac.uk/financialsupport
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94% of first-degree graduates in the department who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation.*
£24,637
The average starting salary for graduates is £24,637.* The average basic salary of Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) members is £49,793.**
Find out where Nottingham could take you and network with our graduates on LinkedIn.
* Known destinations of full-time home and EU first-degree graduates, 2013/14.
** www.prospects.ac.uk
(April 2016).
Our dedicated careers team are on hand to offer you specialist support and guidance throughout your degree and beyond.
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Find out more about the Careers and Employability Service:
Engineering Adviser Scheme
The Engineering Adviser Scheme provides all undergraduates with links to practicing engineers or similar professionals. The advisers arrange site visits and assist with projects in all years. So not only can you get the inside track on career opportunities from someone experienced, but you can also get help with your academic work. We arrange careers fairs and presentations during the year. The department also has close links with many of the top companies in the civil engineering field, for example Caunton
Engineering, Royal Haskoning, Laing O’Rourke, Sir
Robert McAlpine and Taylor Woodrow. These links open many doors for our students and consequently help to prepare you for the world of work.
The University’s Careers and
Employability Service
Our Careers and Employability Service has a team dedicated to Faculty of Engineering students. They will be on hand to offer you specialist support and guidance throughout your degree, and for life after you graduate.
Whether you need help writing a CV, preparing for an interview or exploring career ideas, you can book one-to-one appointments or come along to a workshop. Each term there is also an exciting events schedule which includes the weekly engineering recruitment and internship programme bringing you face-to-face with employers offering real-life insight into their professions. Find out more about the Careers and Employability Service: www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers
The Nottingham Advantage Award
The award-winning Nottingham Advantage Award recognises and rewards your extracurricular activities. With a choice of over 200 modules, you can hone the key skills employers want. From developing your leadership skills and learning a language to public speaking and volunteering, you will leave university with demonstrable experience that sets you apart from other graduates. For further information, please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers/advantage
“
The links with industry was a deciding factor for me by employers, including Sir Robert McAlpine who I was sponsored by. I was able to incorporate summer placements into my university work and after doing a project module in my third year, I was able to collect data and conduct investigations during my summer placement at a Sir Robert McAlpine site in London. My project has since been used as a resource within the company.
Whilst at university I volunteered for IntoUniversity, which involved supporting school children with maths and physics as well as mentoring and encouraging them to apply to university. I definitely feel that voluntary work is valued by companies and helps with future employability. I would recommend the course at Nottingham to anyone!
Lucy Scott, Engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd,
MEng Civil Engineering (2015)
”
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There’s so much for you to get involved in and explore at the University and around the city. Whether you’re interested in sports, learning a language or just having fun with friends alongside studying, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Getting involved in your
Students’ Union
As soon as you start with us, you are automatically enrolled as a member of our
Students’ Union. There are hundreds of activities to provide you with the perfect opportunity to take up a new hobby or pursue existing interests. Choose from over 300 student-run societies – including CivSoc, the society for civil engineering students. Find out more: www.su.nottingham.ac.uk
Sports
The University of Nottingham is one of the UK’s leading universities for sport and is currently ranked
4th in the university sport rankings*. We have one of the biggest portfolios of sports facilities in the country including the brand new £40m David
Ross Sports Village. We also have a rich heritage of supporting Olympic medallists and therefore whether you are an elite athlete or simply looking to enjoy sport as a hobby, we can cater for your needs.
Find out more: www.nottingham.ac.uk/sport
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Exploring your new city
Nottingham city centre is just a 10-minute bus ride away from University Park Campus, so you’re always close to the action. For music lovers, you can take your pick from the world-famous Rock City,
Motorpoint Arena or one of the smaller gig venues for a more intimate live show. If you enjoy shopping, there are independent boutiques and vintage shops as well as high street names in our large shopping centres. Nottingham is also a hotspot for dining, with a mix of chain and independent cafes, restaurants and delis on offer. Find out more: www.nottingham.ac.uk/nottinghamlife
Learn a language
The University’s Language Centre gives you the opportunity to study a language alongside your course. All languages are offered from beginners’ level with some going up to near native competency. The inter-faculty languages programme offers credited modules, which are free for students if taken as part of your credit allocation (check with your course tutor before you enrol). There are also evening classes that are open to everyone (fee-paying). Find out more: www.nottingham.ac.uk/languagecentre
Your opportunity to study abroad
We offer a range of study abroad opportunities with the majority of students having the option to live and study in another country as part of their university career, either at a partner institution or undertaking an overseas work placement.
Studying or working abroad is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience different cultures, and develop the key skills that employers are looking for. Find out more: www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/studyabroad
Music
All student musicians at The University of
Nottingham are encouraged to get involved with the vibrant musical life on campus. Find out more: www.nottingham.ac.uk/music/performance
Your new home from home
At Nottingham we offer a wide range of room types on and off campus, in both catered and self-catered accommodation. From standard single rooms with shared bathrooms to large en-suite studios, whatever your budget and preferences, there should be a room to suit you.
For a breakdown of pricing and to find out more: www.nottingham.ac.uk/accommodation
* British Universities and Colleges Sport Standings, 2015-16.
Your support network
Throughout your university journey there will be numerous people on hand to support and advise you, including tutors and dedicated staff. We have Student Service Centres on all three of our
UK campuses, which provide a range of support, information and specialist services. Find out more: www.nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices
Discover more about what Nottingham has to offer:
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For undergraduate enquiries contact:
Student Recruitment Enquiries Centre
+44 (0)115 951 5559 www.nottingham.ac.uk/enquire
NottinghamEngineering @UoNEngineering
This publication is available in alternative formats:
+44 (0)115 951 5559
© The University of Nottingham 2016. All rights reserved.
Printed June 2016.
This brochure has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publication and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check our website for any updates before you apply for the course by following www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy . Where there is a difference between the contents of this brochure and our website, the contents of the website take precedence.