Programme Specification
FdSc
Civil Engineering
HNC
Civil Engineering
1 Awarding Institution
The University of Northampton
2 Teaching Institution
Moulton College
3 Programme Accreditation
None
4 Final Award
Foundation Degree FdSc
Higher National Certificate
5 Title of
Programme/Route/Pathway
Civil Engineering
6 UCAS Code
H201 FdSc/CE
7 Benchmarking Group (QAA or
other) where appropriate
Building and Surveying
8 Educational aims of Programme
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To develop knowledge and critical understanding of the key
principles of importance in the field of civil engineering (FD
benchmark)
To provide a sound vocational education for students aspiring to a
management career in the civil engineering or broader construction
industry,
To equip students with the knowledge and skills required to
undertake a range of administrative, practical or management roles
within civil engineering and construction,
To develop the ability to apply theoretical concepts within the
workplace through engaging in integrated work related and work
based learning, (FD benchmark)
To develop the qualities and transferable skills necessary for
employment and/or progression to other qualifications requiring the
exercise of personal responsibility and decision making. (FD
benchmark)
To provide a progression route to B.Sc. (Hons) level study
9 Learning outcomes of a programme and teaching, learning and
assessment strategies
A Knowledge and understanding
A1 Demonstrate knowledge of the
technology, structural form and
construction processes of civil
engineering structures
A2 Appreciate the application of
fluid mechanics and the science of
engineering materials
A3 Appreciate the legal framework
within which civil engineering
projects are carried out
A4 Analyse health and safety issues
within the construction workplace
A5 Discuss factors influencing the
management of civil engineering
projects
A6 Analyse soil structure
interactions
A7 Evaluate site surveying methods
and technology used within the
construction industry
Teaching/learning methods
B Subject specific/practical
skills
B1 Select and use site surveying
instrumentation correctly and
accurately
B2 Analyse data using specific
industrial software applications
B3 Carry out land surveying
techniques
B4 Test and interpret the results of
soil classification
B5 Use and interpret graphical
detailing for a range of components
and data
Teaching/Learning methods
A variety of teaching and learning
methods are adopted and there is a
commitment to active, student
centred learning. Many modules
incorporate links to the workplace
and develop the ability to apply
theoretical concepts to practical
situations. Lectures, practicals,
visits, guest speakers and student
centred investigations all form part
of the teaching and learning
experience
A variety of teaching and learning
methods are adopted and there is a
commitment to active, student
centred learning. Many modules
incorporate links to the workplace
and develop the ability to apply
theoretical concepts to practical
situations. Lectures, practicals,
visits, guest speakers and student
centred investigations all form part
of the teaching and learning
experience.
Assessment
A wide range of assessment
methods are used. These include
time constrained assessments, case
studies, practical assessments,
written assignment work, individual
and group presentations, portfolios,
projects and industrial placements
Assessment
A wide range of assessment
methods are used. These include
time constrained assessments, case
studies, practical assessments,
written assignment work, individual
and group presentations, portfolios,
projects and industrial placements
C Key skills
Teaching/learning methods
C1 Work effectively as an individual
and as a team member
A variety of teaching and learning
methods are adopted and there is a
commitment to active, student
centred learning. Many modules
incorporate links to the workplace
and develop the ability to apply
theoretical concepts to practical
situations. Lectures, practicals,
visits, guest speakers and student
centred investigations all form part
of the teaching and learning
experience
C2 Use appropriate computer
technology to analyse data and
produce reports and presentations
C3 Communicate effectively in
various ways with different
audiences
C4 Analyse and reflect on personal
performance and develop critical
self evaluation skills
C5 Research problems using
appropriate techniques and
methods
C6 Deploy skills to enhance
performance in the workplace
Assessment
A wide range of assessment
methods are used. These include
time constrained assessments, case
studies, practical assessments,
written assignment work, individual
and group presentations, portfolios,
projects and industrial placements
C7 Present information clearly,
logically and succinctly both
verbally and in writing
C8 Collect, interpret and analyse
information from a variety of
sources
C9 Draw conclusions and justify
decisions based on information
sources collected
C10 Apply appropriate numerical
skills to the analysis of data
C11 Demonstrate the qualities and
skills necessary for employment in
the horticulture sector
10 Key skills strategy
Key skills development is integrated throughout the modules of the
course. Students will have a number of opportunities to develop these
skills through class activities, practical work, case studies, assessments,
tutorials, work placement and group activities. The development of
employment skills related to the world of work is important within the
programme and a number of opportunities for the development and
assessment of such skills are included. Key skills are assessed through
the completion of module assignments.
Key skills are developed under the following headings, namely managing
the learning process, groupwork, communication skills, information skills,
problem solving, use of IT and application of number. Whilst many of
these skills are built into modules, the important area of managing
learning is developed principally through the tutorial programme.
Students compile evidence during each year of the course and reflect on
performance, personal development and targets through discussion with
their personal tutor. Students produce a reflective personal statement
each year that draws on evidence generated from assignments, module
work and self-evaluations. These reflections are used to develop personal
targets and action plans. All this evidence is then compiled into the
personal development portfolio that forms the basis of tutorial
discussions.
The tutorial process and NUPAD development are also used to embed key
skills and to encourage students to reflect on their performance and
further develop their abilities.
11 Assessment strategy
A wide range of assessment vehicles and styles are deployed within the
Foundation Degree Civil Engineering course. The formal assessments for
each module are chosen to appropriately respond to subject content and
learning outcomes. The assessment strategy is devised in a modular
format, each module is assessed during its delivery. Each module has an
assessment strategy outlined within the module specification.
A variety of assessment types are used. These include
Written Assignments – These may take a variety of forms including
reports, essays, case studies or problem based assessments.
Practicals – These might involve practical activities, laboratory based or
investigative assignments and can include some assessment of practical
competence.
Oral Assessments – These may be group or individual and can take the
form of presentations, question and answer sessions or seminars.
Time Constrained Assessments – These take a number of forms. For
example they may be closed book assessments similar to exams or may
include seen questions or open book exercises. The principle feature is
the time constrained nature.
Case Studies – These are used to allow students to apply theoretical
knowledge to actual business contexts.
Work based assessment – These are identified as either being carried
out within the workplace context or drawing heavily on the work
environment in terms of data or case study material.
12 Programme structure
See award maps.
13 Admissions Policy and criteria
The University of Northampton admissions policy applies.
Construction based courses and foundation degrees often attract mature
students and those with less straightforward entry qualifications. In this
instance each applicant is considered individually via the special
admissions process. Such applicants are generally offered an interview
with a member of the course team before an offer is made. At interview
the member of staff explores the applicant’s background in terms of
academic achievement but also takes into account relevant industrial or
voluntary experience, commitment and motivation. These factors are all
considered and the requirements of the course explained to the applicant
before an offer is made. Older students often wish to study part time so
additional support mechanisms are put in place for them (e.g. tutorials in
study weeks, email and telephone contact as well as tutor support on
normal days of attendance).
Because of the essentially work related nature of some aspects of the
foundation degree programme, applicants will need to demonstrate that
they have access to an appropriate workplace environment to allow them
to achieve the learning outcomes of the course. Within the construction
field many individuals are self-employed so applicants would need to
demonstrate their intention to secure a number of clients to help provide
the opportunities required. The workplace may form their paid
employment or may be a voluntary activity. In either case the student
must have sufficient access to be able to meet the learning outcomes
required.
14 Assessment Regulations
Modular framework (CAF) regulations apply.
15 Support for learning
Student learning and individual support is provided by the following
mechanisms
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Tailored induction programme at the start of the course
Allocation of personal tutor, individual and group tutorial sessions
formally timetabled and use of the NUPAD framework to support
independent learning
Specialist resources including extensive amenity grounds design
facilities, hi-tech surveying equipment, laboratory facilities and a
materials testing laboratory.
Careers advice sessions and wider college support systems
including wardens, counsellor, chaplain and student services team.
Liaison between academic team and workplace supervisors to
ensure suitable workplace activity is undertaken
Identified workplace supervisor to provide guidance and support
within the work environment
Documented management of workplace arrangements
At institutional level support includes those services offered by Learning
Resources, IT Services and Student Services (please refer to The
University of Northampton’s website: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/ and
click on current students). In addition, the Centre for Academic Practice
provides support for study skills.
16 Evaluation and quality enhancement
The University of Northampton has several methods of monitoring and
enhancing academic quality and standards, these include:
External Examiners
Boards of Study with student representation
Boards of Examiners
Annual Review at Field and School level
Periodic Subject Review
Student Evaluation
Moderation Policies
17 Date of approval or revision
18 Appendices
Appendix 1
Award Maps
Detail of award: FdSc in Civil Engineering 2015 entry
Name of award: FdSc in Civil Engineering
In order to achieve the named award above, students must meet all requirements of this
award map.
STAGE 1
Code
Title
Credits
Status
Pre-Requisites
LEM1029
LEM1030
LEM1031
Applied Science
Construction Legislation
Design Principles and
Applications
Geology and Soil Mechanics
Site Surveying Processes
Health and Safety Practices
in the Workplace (WBL)
20
20
20
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
None
None
None
20
20
20
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
None
None
None
Credits
20
Status
Compulsory
Pre-Requisites
None
20
20
20
20
20
10
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Designated
LEM1036
None
LEM1029
None
None
None
LEM1036
LEM1033
LEM1034
Students must take all modules.
STAGE 2
Code
LEM2025
LEM2031
LEM2027
LEM2032
LEM2029
LEM2030
LEM2035
Title
Production Management
Principles
Civil Engineering Construction
Materials
Structural Analysis and Design
Project Performance (WBL)
Construction Economics
Personal and Professional
Development1
Students take all compulsory modules.
Fdsccivileng15
29/04/2015
Only available to students who have transferred from a relevant 150 credit HNC to the FdSc
Construction Management and FdSc Civil Engineering
1
Detail of award: HNC in Civil Engineering 2015 entry
Name of award: HNC in Civil Engineering
In order to achieve the named award above, students must meet all requirements of this
award map
STAGE 1
Code
Title
Credits
Status
Pre-Requisites
LEM1029
LEM1030
LEM1031
Applied Science
Construction Legislation
Design Principles and
Applications
Geology and Soil Mechanics
20
20
20
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
None
None
None
20
Compulsory
None
Credits
20
20
Status
Compulsory
Compulsory
Pre-Requisites
None
None
20
20
Compulsory
Compulsory
None
None
LEM1036
Students must take all modules.
STAGE 2
Code
LEM1033
LEM2025
LEM2031
LEM2032
Title
Site Surveying Processes
Production Management
Principles
Civil Engineering Construction
Structural Analysis and Design
Students take all modules.
Hnccivileng15
29/04/2015