Degrees Offered

• BEng Honours Civil Engineering (UCAS Code: H200)
• BEng Honours Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry (4-year sandwich) (UCAS Code: H204)
• MEng Honours Civil Engineering (UCAS Code: H202)
• MEng Honours Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry (5-year sandwich) (UCAS Code: H205)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information
Dr J McKinley
School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering
T: +44 (0)28 9097 4001
E: space@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/space 

Entrance Requirements

BEng

• A-level
  BBB including Mathematics and either a Science subject (Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Design/Technology, Geography or ICT) or Double Award Applied Science.
  Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade C in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
  
  
• BTEC Extended Diploma
  A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 10 Distinctions and 8 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
  
  
• BTEC HND and HETAC Ordinary Degree
  Applicants offering a high standard in an HND or HETAC Ordinary degree may be granted direct entry to Stage 2.
  
  
• Irish Leaving Certificate
  B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements).
  

MEng

• A-level
  AAB including Mathematics and a Science subject (Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Design/Technology, Geography or ICT).
  Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
  
  
• BTEC Extended Diploma
  A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
  
  
• Irish Leaving Certificate
  AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements).
  

Option to Transfer
Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information on other acceptable English Language qualifications is available here

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including:
International Foundation in Engineering and Science

The Subject

Civil Engineering is concerned with the planning, design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure. Fields of activity include structures, transportation, foundations and water engineering of all types. Civil engineers require not only technical skills but are also concerned with management and the protection of the environment. The Civil Engineering degree at Queen's is one of the oldest in the British Isles, and staff are involved in high quality research grading and are recognised for their teaching excellence.

Course Content

This degree programme contains elements of both a theoretical and practical nature and is designed to provide students with a good basis for a professional career. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of theory through design, laboratory and field courses. The programme contains an element of modular choice, but students are required to take modules on all aspects of engineering practice.

Stage 1
Students study the fundamentals of civil engineering theory and practice. This forms the transition from the basic mathematics and sciences studied at secondary level to engineering applications. In addition, they develop their communication skills and understanding of health and safety issues, risk management and professional skills.

Stage 2
This is a very important year of study, when the major knowledge of civil engineering subjects and their application within design are developed. The application of communications in a professional context is further developed. Students on the sandwich degrees will take an Industrial Placement Year between Stages 2 and 3, and this experience can count towards the award of a City & Guilds Senior Award.

Stages 3/4
In Stage 3, the understanding of theory developed in the previous years is applied in a professional context. Students can choose to develop their knowledge in specialist subjects by choice of modules, and are introduced to management and economics subjects within the civil engineering profession. All students undertake a major individual research project. BEng students graduate at the end of this year.

The MEng is an integrated Masters programme, so Stage 4 is set at M-level. In this year students develop knowledge of building construction and business management. In addition, they work in teams on large integrated designs and also broaden their knowledge by choice of modules. They are required to take a core civil engineering subject to advanced level. In this year students may opt to study an additional language.

Click here for more information on modules

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BEng in Civil Engineering we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.   Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading.  Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• Practicals:  where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.  You will be expected to attend a number of practicals per week depending on your year of study.  These are designed to reinforce the core subjects you are studying.
• E-Learning technologies:   Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.  A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example:  interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use specialist IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.
• Seminars/tutorials:  Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students).  These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers.  You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study:  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Work placements:  Students may opt to undertake a vacation work-placement after Level 2.  This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity and is accredited by the University.
• Supervised projects:  In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen.  You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you on at least 2 occasions during the write up stage.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. 

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment (general):  The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.  Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.  Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.  Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback (general):  As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.  University students are expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of their work.  Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Careers

On graduating with an Honours degree, students are able to choose from a range of rewarding and challenging careers in Civil Engineering and are also sought after in accountancy, commerce, education and research. The majority of graduates take up posts associated with design and construction. Some embark on management, accountancy and finance careers, while others go into teaching and research.

Studying for a BEng degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.  Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Civil Engineering. 

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Civil Engineering significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors.  The following is a list of the major career sectors (and some starting salaries) that have attracted our graduates in recent years:

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast fullemployability statementfor further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, promoting employability enhancements and other interests is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies,  and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plusin particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Special Features

Accreditation:

BEng (Hons) Accredited CEng (Partial) - accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.

MEng Accredited CEng (Full) - accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of further learning programmes for CEng.