Courses

Programme Specification

BEng Civil Engineering with International Year One (Sandwich)

Academic Year 2025/26

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

BEng Civil Engineering with International Year One (Sandwich)

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Bachelor of Engineering

Programme Code

CV-BENG-SI

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100148 - Civil engineering - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

Full Time - 4 Academic Years

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Natural and Built Environment
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 6
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/the-frameworks-for-higher-education-qualifications-of-uk-degree-awarding-bodies-2024.pdf	Engineering (2015)
Accreditations (PSRB)
Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of	Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 12-01-23

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Yes — the Programme does not use Predominance in determining degree classification. This is a requirement of accreditation through the Joint Board of Moderators

Programme Specific Regulations

The programme is offered to International (OS fee status) Students only.

There are two intakes into Year One, in September and in January of an academic year.

English Language Requirements:
Candidates will normally be required to have an English Language test score at CEFR B2 Level taken within the last two years.

Academic Subject Requirements:

Internationally Recognised Examinations
Two D Grades from a UK A-Level Board or equivalent to include Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied Science.
First Year pass at an overseas university with good grades.
Students with SAT: 2 APs at Grade 3 or higher.
Completion of the International Baccalaureate with minimum of 24 points.
All students must hold an (I) GSCE grade C Mathematics or equivalent.
Entry requirements on a country-by-country basis are given in Appendix 1.

Progression from Foundation Programmes:
Students who achieve two D grades (including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry or Further Mathematics in the Queen’s International Foundation Programme in Engineering and Science may progress on to the Degree programme with an International Year One.
Other similar foundation programmes may be acceptable and will be considered on an individual basis.

Criteria for Progression from International Year One to Stage 2

Students must attain 120 CAT points by passing all modules and meet the following criteria:

English for Academic Purposes (20 CATs)

minimum of 50% overall (equivalent to IELTS 6.0) minimum of 40% (equivalent to IELTS 5.5) in all components (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
Academic Modules (100 CATs)

A minimum average of 60% across 10 academic modules with passes in 10 out of 10 modules.
In accordance with the Engineering Council policy on compensation and condonement, to successfully graduate with an accredited degree students must complete all modules that contribute to the Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditation with a mark of not less than 10 percentage points below the pass mark i.e. not less than 30%. The School shall maintain and make available the current list of modules linked to PSRB accreditation.

In addition, to To qualify for the BEng degree, students must:

i. have 120 credits from International Year One
ii. have at least 120 further credits (that is, passed 6 modules) at Level 2 or higher, or equivalent; and
iii. have at least 100 further credits at Level 3 or higher; or equivalent; and
vi. have passed CIV3006 Project 3.

To progress to Stage 3 of the BEng programmes, students must normally have 120 credits from International Year One, at least 120 further credits at Level 2 or higher, and have passed all compulsory modules.

The Honours classification is determined by the module weighting:
• 33·3% of the marks for modules at Stage 2 to include all compulsory modules; and
• 66·7% of the marks for modules at Stage 3 to include all compulsory modules.

Students gain a greater understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in an industrial context through a sandwich year of industrial placement, taken between Stage 2 and Stage 3. Progression on the sandwich degree is subject to satisfactory completion of the sandwich year and an approved report. Students who do not wish or are unable to complete a sandwich year may transfer to the parallel BEng degree.

Transfer between programmes
• Students are considered for transfer between different programmes by the relevant Advisor of Studies in response to individual student requests or by the Board of Examiners on the basis of student performance. This includes transfers between sandwich programmes and non-sandwich programmes. Transfer decisions must take into account whether the student has completed or is currently taking any modules which are compulsory on the course into which the student proposes to transfer.
• Transfer from the BEng into MEng may take place at the end of Stage 2 or at the end of Stage 3. To transfer from the BEng degree into an MEng degree students must have attained an overall average of 55% or more on the current stage of their pathway at the time of the transfer and be currently meeting the progression requirement for the degree in to which transfer is being considered.
• To transfer from an MEng degree into the BEng degree students must be currently meeting the progression requirement for the degree in to which transfer is being considered. Transfer from MEng into the BEng may take place at the end of Stage 2 or during Stage 3.
• Students not enrolled on a sandwich programme but who obtain a suitable placement may apply for transfer to a sandwich programme if they have met the requirements for progression to the relevant placement year.
• Enrolment on Stream A or Stream B at Stage 2 will be subject to approval by the Programme Director.
• Students wishing to transfer to the MEng Civil Engineering or MEng Environmental & Civil Engineering programmes should follow Stream A. Students wishing to transfer to the MEng Structural Engineering with Architecture programme should follow Stream B. Students transferring from Stage 2 or Stage 3 of the MEng Civil Engineering or MEng Environmental & Civil Engineering programmes must take Stream A. Students transferring from Stage 2 or Stage 3 of the MEng Structural Engineering with Architecture programme must take Stream B.

Students with protected characteristics

The programme does not contain any barriers to access or progression for any protected group except for those with total blindness, because of the accrediting body’s requirement that every student undertake surveying, which relies on optical instruments.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Educational Aims Of Programme

The programme aims to produce engineering graduates equipped for professional roles in industry, the professions and public service. The programme meets the requirements of the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC for BEng degrees and the QAA Engineering Benchmark Statement as part of the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status.

The BEng in Civil Engineering has the following core subjects:
*structures
*materials
*geotechnics
*hydraulics (Stream A only)
*architectural technology (Stream B only)
*surveying
*construction Management
In particular the course develops:
a.the intellectual, practical and managerial skills of the learner in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and understanding of civil engineering principles in preparation for a career in the construction and engineering industry, for further study, for life-long learning, and an appreciation of the value of engineering to society;
b.the ability to apply critical and analytical problem solving skills across a broad range of subjects and transferable skills that relate to literacy, numeracy, computing, team-working and personal presentations and interactions to prepare graduates for more general employment;
c.concepts of sustainable development, economics, management, and business; and
For the individual project students will join a research cluster and will be assigned a supervisor who will offer guidance on their project. The School office is a source of general advice and information for all students. All students will receive access to a student handbook with information regarding regulations, marking criteria, responsibilities of students, points of contact within the School, key dates and deadlines, information about the use of Queen’s Online, external sources of help and assistance, and appeals / complaints procedures, etc.
Assessment is by a mixture of coursework, presentations, laboratories, class tests, and unseen written examination. Assessment criteria are linked to learning outcomes for each module. Supplementary examinations are held in accordance with University Regulations. Unseen written examinations comprise approximately 45% of the assessment for Stream A and approximately 34% of the assessment for Stream B.
Learning outcomes refer to the Engineering Council’s AHEP4 Learning Outcomes for Chartered Engineer accredited MEng and BEng degrees.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

a.plan, conduct, present and report an engineering project;(M5);
b.design building and civil engineering works;(M1, M5);
c.analyse, evaluate and interpret experimental data;(M1, M5)
d.formulate and test concepts and hypotheses;(M2) and
e. interpret engineering drawings.(M17)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Student’s cognitive skills are developed through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, individual project work, team-working exercises, and design exercises. Their cognitive skills will also be enhanced through independent study and the design and implementation of an independent research project and a major design report.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is done primarily using coursework, in particular through the preparation of written reports and presentations.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

a.make effective use of both oral and written skills (M17);
b.use general purpose software and specialist packages (M17);
c.demonstrate a capacity to learn relevant theories, concepts and methods (M18);
d.plan, monitor and adjust a personal programme of work (M18);
e.apply transferable skills (M17); and
f.work in a team and understand professional responsibilities (M6, M8, M16).

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The teaching of the majority of the transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall learning and teaching process on the degree pathway.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of the transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree pathway. Team-working skills, written communication skills, and oral communication skills are assessed directly. Practical skills in the use of Information Technology are not formally assessed, although the development of IT skills is integral to the learning and teaching process underpinning the degree programme and is assessed indirectly.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

a.demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and mathematical principles underpinning civil engineering (M1, M2);
b.demonstrate an awareness of constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations and the role of creativity and buildability in design (M1);
c.demonstrate an ability to use computer applications in design and analysis (M1, M3);
d.demonstrate a wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the commercial and economic context of engineering processes (M15);
e.demonstrate knowledge of technical literature and other information sources, codes of practice and industry standards (M4, M5, M13); and
f.describe the role of the engineer in society regarding sustainable development of the environment (M7).

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge and understanding is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures, tutorials, laboratory and design classes, and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is done using a mix of university examinations, class tests, laboratory reports, and coursework.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

a.apply analytical and numerical techniques to a wide range of engineering problems (M1, M2, M4);
b.apply software and CAD skills to engineering projects and designs (M1);
c.apply entrepreneurship, business, economic and professional skills required for management roles in industry (M9, M14, M15);
d.prepare descriptive and interpretative technical reports (M14, M17);
e.use equipment and instruments competently and safely (M12); and
f.demonstrate an understanding of the role of other professionals (M1, M16).

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ subject-specific skills are developed through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, individual project work, team-working exercises, and design exercises.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is done primarily using coursework, in particular through the preparation of written reports and presentations.

Have demonstrated necessary competency in the use of English at International Year One

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students study the module English for Academic Purposes in International Year One 1 in order to develop their proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening in the English Language to the level necessary to progress to Stage 2.
Written presentations are also embedded in the International Year 1 modules and are integrated with the aims of the English for Academic Purposes module. All International Year 1 academic modules are taught in small classes with specific instruction in the vocabulary and use of English appropriate to each academic module.

Methods of Assessment

Unseen examinations in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English
Written laboratory reports and essays
Reading Logs
Group project oral presentation
Listening coursework assignments

Unseen written examinations
Written laboratory reports

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Statics	NTO1067	1	10	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	0%	60%
Engineering Mathematics 2	NTO1027	1	10	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	0%	60%
English for Academic Purposes	NTO1001	1	20	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	0%	60%
Engineering Mathematics 1	NTO1026	1	10	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	0%	60%
Surveying and Materials	NTO1073	1	20	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Engineering Design Projects	NTO1068	1	10	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Materials and Manufacture	NTO1043	1	10	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	0%	60%
Fluid Mechanics	NTO1015	1	10	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	0%	60%
Drawing and Design	NTO1040	1	10	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Dynamics	NTO1014	1	10	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	0%	60%
Structural Mechanics	CIV2062	2	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	0%	10%	90%
Hydraulics 2	CIV2018	2	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	20%	20%	60%
Design and Communications 2	CIV2064	2	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Infrastructure Site Characterisation	CIV2066	2	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	60%	0%	40%
Architectural Space and Form	CIV2067	2	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Geotechnics 2	CIV2017	2	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	30%	10%	60%
Project Management and Coding	CIV2068	2	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	50%	0%	50%
Civil Engineering Placement	CIV3999	3	120	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Project 3	CIV3006	4	30	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Geotechnics 3	CIV3065	4	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	20%	0%	80%
Structures 3	CIV3064	4	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	--	YES	20%	0%	80%
Architectural Technology 3(i)	ARC3001	4	10	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Architectural Design Studies 3	CIV3027	4	10	--	YES	12 weeks	Y	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Design and Communications 3	CIV3007	4	30	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Hydraulics 3	CIV3063	4	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	20%	0%	80%
Civil Engineering in a Changing Environment	CIV3067	4	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	--	YES	60%	0%	40%

Notes

Stream A: CIV3063, CIV3006, CIV3007, CIV3064 or CIV3067, CIV3065
Stream B: CIV3006, CIV3007, CIV3064, CIV3065, ARC3001, CIV3027

Stream A: CIV2017, CIV2018, CIV2062, CIV2064, CIV2066, CIV2068
Stream B: CIV2017, CIV2062, CIV2064, CIV2067, CIV2068