UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Engineering and Informatics
School of Engineering
Programme title: BEng (Hons) Civil and Structural Engineering
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final and interim awards
BEng (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level 6]
Diploma of Higher Education [Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education [Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications level 4]
Programme title:
Civil and Structural Engineering
Programme accredited by:
ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHE
Duration:
3 years full time; 4 years sandwich
UCAS code:
H220 B.Eng/CSE
H221 B.Eng/CSE4
Subject benchmark statements:
Engineering
Date produced:
Last Updated
March 2002
October 2013
(3 year programme)
(4 year programme)
Introduction
Engineering is fundamental to the economic and social prosperity of the UK. It is a
“people serving” profession whose activities not only manage humankind’s
environment but also create that environment itself. It requires well-qualified
students but not just those with a traditional mathematics background. Your studies
at Bradford will be a foundation for life aimed at developing an appreciation of
technical principles and competence in their application using a wide range of
personal and professional skills. Our commitment to this integration is such that we
strongly encourage you to undertake a 12-month industrial placement as an integral
part of your degree studies. Upon graduation you will have the capacity for
professional growth, which is likely to include seeking Chartered Engineer (CEng)
status. The BEng (Hons) Civil and Structural Engineering is designed to develop the
analytical, design, critical evaluation and communication capabilities needed for
employment across the range of the construction industry and beyond. The ability of
an engineer to think clearly and logically is widely appreciated by many other
professions and your studies may well be a stepping-stone to an alternative career in
accountancy, teaching, law etc – a real foundation for life.
The School places emphasis on both teaching and research, believing them to be
mutually dependent. We have particular research strengths in environmental water
engineering, environmental acoustics, underground technologies, geotechnics and
structural engineering.
© University of Bradford
1
The School aims to produce graduates who aspire to challenging careers in industry
and the public sector, and who will be able to move directly into responsible roles in
employment with a minimum of additional training. It achieves this aim by:
 Delivering a range of programmes of study with a degree of commonality of
core material, but with the flexibility to allow specialization. The first two years
of the BEng (Hons) are shared with the MEng in Civil and Structural
Engineering programme, and following a strong performance by the second
year it may be possible to transfer to that programme;
 Providing a supportive, structured environment in which students are
encouraged to develop independent learning skills;
 Developing subject knowledge and understanding, developing discipline skills
and developing personal transferable skills, to enable graduates to pursue
programmes of further study, or to move directly into responsible employment;
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:

enable graduates to develop the engineering, design, management and
personal skills required to become professional Civil and/or Structural
Engineers and in doing so, also equip them for careers in other professions.

fully satisfy the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

partially satisfy the educational base (in compliance with UK-SPEC) for a
Chartered Engineer. A programme of Further Learning will be required to
complete the educational base for Chartered Membership of the Institution of
Civil Engineers and/or the Institution of Structural Engineers and registration
with ECUK as a Chartered Engineer.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
LO1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the engineering principles
underpinning structural, water engineering, geotechnics, the use of
construction materials and surveying within the context of construction
and detailed and conceptual design.
LO2
Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of organisation, project
management and health and safety within the construction industry.
LO3
Demonstrate an appreciation of the responsibility of engineers to consider
environmental, social and economic aspects in the development of a
sustainable built environment.
Intellectual Abilities
LO4
Apply engineering principles to the critical analysis of problems in order to
create innovative design solutions.
LO5
Critically review an existing body of knowledge, plan an original study and
utilise research skills to critically evaluate and interpret newly developed
data.
© University of Bradford
2
Practical Skills
LO6
Apply standard laboratory methods to obtain accurate data.
LO7
Accurately undertake survey work based on the use of instruments and
visual observation.
LO8
Use software packages in the analysis, modelling and simulation, and
design of engineering systems.
General Transferable Skills
LO9
Work in groups in order to meet shared objectives.
LO10 Communicate with a variety of audiences using a range of techniques.
LO11 Use problem solving strategies to develop innovative solutions.
LO12 Reflect on the need for further personal and professional development to
improve your own performance.
On completion of this award at Certificate of Higher Education level, you should be able
to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of underlying concepts and principles of geotechnical
engineering and the physical assessment, including surveying, of land.
2. Describe basic concepts of the mechanical behaviour of fluids, materials and
structural elements.
3. Describe the concepts of stress, strain, equilibrium and deformation, and
apply them in the analysis and understanding of simple engineering
structures
4. Undertake quantitative measurement and manipulate information obtained to
solve straightforward problems.
5. Identify and evaluate simple environmental system controls relating to the
built environment.
6. Interpret and appraise the qualities and application of construction materials
and their performance in the built environment.
7. Collect, organise interpret and present data using appropriate quantitative
techniques.
8. Identify and appraise the principles and concepts that can influence design.
9. Formulate solutions to clearly defined problems and situations.
10. Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably using
structured and coherent arguments.
On completion of this award at Diploma of Higher Education level, you should be
able to:
1. begin to develop own criteria and judgment on the design, construction and
performance of construction elements.
2. Interpret design information in different areas of construction work and to
relate these to the behaviour of actual materials and structural elements.
3. Plan and apply safe methods of construction, to Civil Engineering projects.
4. Apply fundamental and design concepts to solve structural problems.
5. Apply a range of techniques to the mathematical formulation and solution of
general and civil engineering problems.
© University of Bradford
3
6. Apply a range of techniques to formulate computational models for engineering
and technology problems.
7. Analyse the interrelationship between the construction disciplines.
8. Analyse Civil Engineering project client requirements and derive solutions
considering technical and regulatory requirements.
9. Undertake investigation into statistical engineering data relevant to elements
of the built environment and be able to apply a range of relevant statistical
tests.
10. Reflect on and apply concepts, principles and techniques from a range of
construction disciplines in analysing realistic, semi-open civil engineering
problems and situations, and selecting appropriate methods for their
resolution.
11. Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of
forms.
Although the University does not recruit directly to Ordinary degrees this route is
available. A Bachelor’s degree (Ordinary) is awarded to students who have
demonstrated:
 a systematic understanding key aspects of their field of study, including
acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge informed by aspects of Civil
Engineering, materials, geotechnics, structures and design.
 an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry
within civil engineering design.
 conceptual understanding that enables the student:
o to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas
and techniques.
o to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research,
or equivalent scholarship, or practice in Civil and Structural
Engineering.
 an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
 the ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of primary sources.
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:
 apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review,
consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding.
 communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist
and non specialist audiences.
And holders will have:
 the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
o the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
o the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a
professional or equivalent nature.
Curriculum
The map of your studies is detailed below showing core (C) and optional (O)
modules. Each year, or stage, of an Honours programme comprises 2 semesters
with 60 credits being studied in each of them. For 10 credit modules all of the
teaching and assessment is undertaken in the same semester.
© University of Bradford
4
Some of the 20 credit modules have teaching and assessment which occurs in both
semesters. At the end of Stage 1 there may be the possibility to transfer onto the
Ordinary route, to be discussed with the Director of Studies. The Ordinary degree
route comprises of 100 credits at each stage.
We strongly encourage you to undertake a year of industrial placement between
Stages 2 and 3. The School has many contacts with relevant organisations and
arranges for interviews with those in which you have an interest. It is then your task
to impress them sufficiently to gain an offer of employment. You will be able to use
this experience to claim some of the training objectives specified by the Institutions
of Civil Engineers and Structural Engineers for professional accreditation.
Stage 1 [Level 4]
Module
Code
ENG1054L
ENG1072L
ENG1028M
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Design Studies
Engineering Analysis (Civil)
Environmental Systems
C
C
C
20
20
10
4
4
4
Study
period
1&2
1&2
1
ENG1056M
Engineering Computation
C
10
4
1
ENG1003M
Materials Technology
C
10
4
1
ENG1011M
Visualisation
C
10
4
1
ENG1032M
Fluid Mechanics 1
C
10
4
2
ENG1062M
Structural Mechanics
C
10
4
2
ENG1001M
Geotechnical Materials
C
10
4
2
ENG1012M
Surveying
C
10
4
2
Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the
programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education.
Stage 2 [Level 5]
Module
Code
Module Title
ENG2000M
ENG2038M
Concrete Technology
Further Engineering Analysis
(Civil)
Fluid Mechanics 2
ENG2001M
ENG2086M
Type
Hons Ord
C
-
Credits
Level
Study
period
10
5
1
C
C
10
5
1
C
C
10
5
1
Soil Mechanics 1
C
C
10
5
1
ENG2051M
Structural Steelwork Design
C
C
10
5
1
ENG2026M
Structural & Solid Mechanics
C
C
10
5
1
ENG2050M
ENG2036M
Structural Concrete Design
C
C
10
5
2
C
C
10
5
2
C
C
10
5
2
ENG2039M
Structural Analysis
Computer Modelling
Techniques
Open Channel Hydraulics
C
C
10
5
2
ENG2025M
Stage 2 Project (Civil)
C
C
10
5
2
ENG2030M
Engineering Statistics
C
-
10
5
2
ENG2028M
© University of Bradford
5
Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the
programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education.
Stage 3 [Level 6]
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Hons Ord
C
C
Credits
Level
Study
period
30
6
1&2
ENG3042J
Project
ENG3007D
Feasibility Study
C
C
20
6
1
ENG3009M
Project Management
C
O
10
6
1
ENG3002M
ENG3076M
Soil Mechanics 2
C
O
10
6
1
Materials Failure Analysis
O
O
10
6
1
ENG3016M
ENG3048M
Transportation Studies
Six Sigma for Business
Excellence
Civil Engineering Design
C
O
10
6
1
O
O
10
6
1
C
C
10
6
2
Steel & Composite Design
C
O
10
6
2
Sustainable Hydraulic Design
C
-
10
6
2
ENG3006D
ENG3104M
ENG3111M
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes,
progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student
intake, and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as
you progress through the course. The strategies and methods implemented are:
 The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage you in developing
your knowledge and understanding of the course include formal lectures
(including those from Visiting Lecturers), case studies, tutorial exercises,
practical demonstrations, directed learning and individual work. The method
of assessment is by written examination and both analytical and experimental
coursework.
 The methods implemented in developing your intellectual skills include
engaging with you during tutorial exercises, case studies, practical
demonstration and supervised research or project work. The methods of
assessment of intellectual skills are implicit in the written examinations,
analytical and experimental coursework and more particularly in your final
year Project work.
 The methods implemented in developing your practical skills include
demonstrations and practicals linked with the taught modules. You will also
design and operate equipment and/or procedures and use control and
measuring instruments under supervision during your Project work. The
methods of assessment of practical skills include feedback on laboratory work
linked with the taught modules.
© University of Bradford
6
Assessment Regulations
Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard
University Assessment Regulations which are available at the link below,
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/ the following
exception(s) apply to these regulations:
1. Students must pass the final year project at 1st attempt.
2. Where an element of assessment for a module has a weighting of 30% or
more, a minimum mark of 30% must be obtained in that element, as well as a
pass mark overall being obtained for a module to be deemed a pass
For your award to be accredited by the professional body, the final award
classification must be 2:2 level or above.
If the above requirements are not met, but the University’s undergraduate
regulations are complied with, then a non-accredited BEng will be awarded.
Students on a BEng programme obtaining a 2:1, will be offered an opportunity to
transfer to MEng and enter stage 4.
Requirements to transfer to the MEng Programme: If you perform at an
enhanced level you may be invited to transfer your registration to MEng Civil &
Structural Engineering Programme. To be considered for transfer to the MEng you
must achieve an average of at least 60% over all of the 120 credits with at least 40%
in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits.
In addition for the purpose of MEng transfer, 100 credits of the above must be at the
first attempt and you are only permitted supplementary assessment in a maximum of
20 credits per stage and only one re-sit attempt.
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
© University of Bradford
7
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices
and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may
need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We
would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss
these.
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 260
UCAS tariff points with 160 points from 2 A levels including A-level Mathematics with
a minimum grade of C. However, applications are welcome from mature students
(those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard
qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant
experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the School for an
Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and
discuss “the Bradford experience” with current students.
English Language Requirements
All students must satisfy the English language requirements for admission as
described in http://www.bradford.ac.uk/international/before-you-apply/englishlanguage-requirements/
If your native language is not English, you will have to pass a test in English
approved by the University before you can be admitted. The following qualifications
are acceptable as satisfying this requirement. Both are available internationally:
 The International English Language Testing Service Test (IELTS)
administered by the British Council is the test which is preferred by the
University. You will need to achieve an Overall Band of at least 6.0, with at
least 5.5 in each of the four sub-tests. Testing facilities are available at most
British Council overseas offices. When you take your test, you should ask for
a copy of your Test Report Form to be sent to the University.
 The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the
Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA. You will
need to achieve an overall score of at least 80*, and sub-tests not less than
18 in Reading, 17 in Writing, 17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking.. If you take
this test, you should enter the University’s code 0828, on your answer sheet.
Should you not be able to offer these grades then you should contact the Admissions
Tutor for further advice as the University provides a number of pre-sessional English
courses for international students.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance
in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise
your references properly.
© University of Bradford
8
Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online
(both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account,
personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who
is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
The School has a Women’s Engineering Society named FAIRER (Females Actively
Involved in Rewarding Engineering Roles). It provides a social network support to all
students.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of Student representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The
Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services
(based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues
such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students
can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within
the curriculum.
Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their
commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The
support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a
mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and
© University of Bradford
9
help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship
programmes and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students as part of
their programme of study may have the opportunity to complete a Career & Personal
Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service.
All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early
stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web
site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find
out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the
employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other
information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc.
The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme
information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’
website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice
For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time
at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree
discipline or level of study. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide
range of online and paper based materials for self-study
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills/
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and
equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where
you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need,
whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues.
For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via
email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Learning and Teaching
Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an
integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our
degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and
engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop
in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on
developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative,
real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning
technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement,
but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing
© University of Bradford
10
level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you
developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life
beyond university.
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
University of Bradford
Bradford
BD7 1DP
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
The Admissions Office
School of Engineering and Informatics
University of Bradford
Bradford
BD7 1DP
+44 (0)1274 234567
http://www.eng.brad.ac.uk/home/
The contents of this Programme Specification may change, subject to the
University's course and regulatory approval, monitoring and review procedures.
© University of Bradford
11