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Undergraduate Programme Specification

MEng Civil Engineering with a year in industry

Academic Year 2021/22

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 MEng Civil Engineering with a year in industry Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Engineering
Programme Code CIV-MENG UCAS Code H205 HECoS Code 100148 - Civil engineering - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Undergraduate Master Length of Programme Full Time - 5 Academic Year(s) Total Credits for Programme 600
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 7

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/qualifications-frameworks.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 18-05-18

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

To qualify for the MEng degree, students must:
i. have at least 120 credits (that is, passed 6 modules) at Level 1 or higher, or equivalent; and
ii. have at least 120 further credits (that is, passed 6 modules) at Level 2 or higher, or equivalent; and
iii. have at least 120 further credits (that is, passed 6 modules) at Level 3 or higher; or equivalent; and
iv. normally have at least 100 further credits (that is, passed 5 modules including all compulsory modules) at Level 4 or higher; and
v. normally have at least 460 credits (that is, passed 23 modules) in total;
vi. have passed CIV3006 Project 3; and
vii. have a final aggregate weighted average mark of at least 50%.

Stage 4 students who cannot satisfy the requirements for award of an MEng degree will be considered for the award of the BEng degree in Civil Engineering.

Stage 3 students must take an approved combination of modules of at least 120 CAT Credits.

Stage 4 students must take an approved combination of modules of at least 120 CAT Credits. When additional optional credits are studied prior approval from the year Advisor of Studies is required, In such cases the higher mark obtained from the optional subjects will be used for the purposes of degree classification.

To progress to Stage 2, students must normally have passed at least 100 credits at Level 1 or higher.

To progress to Stage 3 of the MEng programmes students must normally have passed at least 120 credits at Level 1 or higher, at least 120 further credits at Level 2 or higher, have passed all compulsory modules, and have achieved a Stage 2 weighted average mark of not less than 50%.

To progress to Stage 4 of the MEng programmes, students must normally have passed at least 120 credits at Level 3 or higher, have passed all compulsory modules, and have achieved a Stage 3 weighted average mark of not less than 50%.


Classification of MEng honours where credit transfer has occurred
Queen’s University Belfast operates a Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme, allowing credit to be awarded for courses undertaken elsewhere. This would apply to students who enrol directly in to Stage 2 of the MEng degrees. Occasionally, students enrol directly in to Stage 3 of these degrees. In these cases, credit is awarded but no marks will be assigned. These students may not have completed all the Stages which are included in the normal calculations for the classification of honours, therefore a different weighting is required.

When calculating the Honours classification of MEng students who first enrolled directly in to Stage 2 in 2009-10 or later, the module weighting will be equal to:
• 16·7% of the marks for modules at Stage 2 to include all compulsory modules; and
• 33·3% of the marks for modules at Stage 3 to include all compulsory modules; and
• 50% of the marks for modules at Stage 4 to include all compulsory modules.

When calculating the Honours classification of MEng students who first enrolled directly in to Stage 3 the module weighting will be equal to:
• 50% of the marks for modules at Stage 3 to include all compulsory modules; and
• 50% of the marks for modules at Stage 4 to include all compulsory modules.

When calculating the Honours classification of MEng students who first enrolled directly in to Stage 4 in 2009-10 or later, the module weighting will be equal to:
• 100% of the marks for modules at Stage 4 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 3 and Stage 4. Progression on the sandwich degree is subject to satisfactory completion of the sandwich year. Students who do not wish or are unable to complete a sandwich year may transfer to the parallel MEng 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 in to which the student proposes to transfer.
• To transfer from the BEng degree into an MEng degree students must have attained an overall average of 55% or more on their current pathway at the time of the transfer and be currently meeting the progression requirement for the degree in to which transfer is being considered. 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 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.

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.

The programme requires students to undertake work-based placement lasting one year and it will therefore be necessary to ensure that any host employer is able to provide the necessary support for any student with a disability.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

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

The MEng in Civil Engineering has the following core subjects:
• structures;
• materials;
• geotechnics;
• hydraulics;
• surveying; and
• 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 a position of leadership in that career, for further study, for life-long learning, and an appreciation of the value of engineering to society;

b. the ability to integrate knowledge and understanding of mathematics, science, computer-based methods, design, the economic and social and environmental context, and engineering management to solve a substantial range of complex engineering problems;

c. concepts of sustainable development, economics, management, and business; and

d. a greater understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in an industrial context through a sandwich year of industrial placement.

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 46% of the assessment.

Learning outcomes in the table below refer to the Engineering Council’s AHEP3 Learning Outcomes for Integrated Masters degrees:
SM Science and mathematics
A Engineering analysis
D Design
EL Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context
P Engineering practice
G Additional general skills

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 (D5m, D2m, D3m, G3m);
b. design building and civil engineering works (D1m, D4m, SM3m);
c. analyse, evaluate and interpret experimental data (D3m, SM2m);
d. formulate and test concepts and hypotheses (EA1m, P8m); and
e. interpret engineering drawings (P3m) .

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 (D6m);
b. use Information Technology (IT) software such as spreadsheets, word processors, the World Wide Web, and specialist packages (G1m);
c. demonstrate a capacity to learn new theories, concepts and methods in unfamiliar situations (G2m);
d. plan, monitor and adjust a personal programme of work (G2m);
e. undertake effective communications with other professionals and the public (G1m);
f. demonstrate an awareness of environmental and quality issues (EL2m, EL4m); and
g. work in a team and understand professional responsibilities (P9m, G4m, EA4m, EL1m).

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 are integral to the learning and teaching process underpinning the degree programme and are assessed indirectly.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

a. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of civil engineering principles, mathematical and numerical models and their limitations (SM1m, SM5m);
b. demonstrate an awareness of developing technologies and the ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate them (SM4m, SM6m, EA5m);
c. demonstrate an ability to extract data pertinent to a problem and apply in its solution using appropriate computer based engineering tools (EA2m, EA3m);
d. demonstrate a wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the design process and the ability to develop innovative, sustainable and buildable designs (P2m, P9m, P10m, D7m, D8m);
e. demonstrate extensive knowledge of entrepreneurship, project and business management and evaluation of commercial risks (P1m, EL7m);
f. demonstrate a thorough understanding of current civil engineering practice and materials and some understanding of likely new developments (P1m, P2m, P4m, P6m, SM4m, SM6m); and
g. describe the role of the engineer in society regarding sustainable development of the environment (EL4m).

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 complex and multidisciplinary engineering problems (EA3m, EA6m, P8m);
b. apply software and CAD skills to engineering projects and designs (EA3m);
c. apply entrepreneurship, business, economic and professional skills required for management roles in industry (EL2m, EL3m, EL5m, EL6m, EL7m, P5m, P7m);
d. prepare descriptive and interpretative technical reports (EA6m, D6m, G1m);
e. use equipment and instruments competently and safely (P3m);
f. demonstrate an understanding of the role of other professionals (P9m, P11m); and
g. discuss the business, economic and professional skills required for management roles in industry (P11m).

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.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Surveying and Measurement 1 CIV1010 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 15% 45% 40%
Mathematics 1 CIV1015 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 0% 80%
Solids and Structures 1 CIV1017 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 60% 0% 40%
Construction Materials CIV1018 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 50% 0% 50%
Hydraulics 1 CIV1021 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 50% 0% 50%
Design and Communications 1 CIV1022 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Geotechnics 2 CIV2017 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 30% 10% 60%
Hydraulics 2 CIV2018 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 20% 60%
Structural Mechanics CIV2062 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 10% 70%
Design and Communications 2 CIV2064 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Mathematics and Coding 2 CIV2065 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 40% 0% 60%
Infrastructure Site Characterisation CIV2066 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 60% 0% 40%
Design and Communications 3 CIV3007 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Project 3 CIV3006 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Hydraulics 3 CIV3063 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 0% 80%
Structures 3 CIV3064 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 0% 80%
Project Management and Engineering Data CIV3066 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 0% 80%
Geotechnics 3 CIV3065 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 0% 80%
Civil Engineering Placement CIV3999 4 120 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Design and Communication 4 CIV4012 5 40 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Construction and Business Management CIV4035 5 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 0% 80%
Advanced Engineering Science CIV4036 5 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 0% 80%
Bridge and Structural Eng CIV4037 5 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 0% 80%
Eng Hydrology and Hydrogeology CIV4038 5 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 30% 60% 10%
Assessment of Environmental Impacts CIV4039 5 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 90% 0% 10%

Notes