Course description
Sustainability is a keyword for modern civil engineers and this BEng course in Civil Engineering with Sustainability provides an in-depth understanding of sustainable infrastructure development.
Drawing on an impressive body of pure and applied research engineers and scientists, we will introduce you to mainstream civil engineering knowledge, ranging from geotechnical site assessment to assessing and designing structures and environmental engineering.
You will explore the role of the engineer in current and future projects, following the sustainable ‘cradle to cradle’ approach called for by major institutions such as the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Professional engineers working with major clients, consultancies and contractors are involved in bringing real world experience to the programme.
View the Brunel Engineers graduate showcase video.
Aims
With the growing challenges to our infrastructure from rising populations, progressive urbanisation and economic development, climate change and the persistent risk of extreme events, the next few decades promise to be amongst the most challenging ever for the civil engineering community.
As a result, civil engineers need to draw deeply on their knowledge, skills and ability to innovate, to provide essential and sustainable infrastructure, including roads, bridges, tunnels, flood protection, and water supply and treatment systems.
The programme puts a focus on sustainable infrastructure, fully equipping graduates to play leading professional roles in industry and the wider local, national and global community.
It has been designed very much as a ‘hands-on’ learning experience. You will learn fundamental theory, and then have the opportunity to test and apply much of that theory through design in the laboratory, using advanced software, and during field work. You have the opportunity to pursue a valuable work placement and a major individual project in your final year.
Entry requirements
- GCE A-level BBB, including grade B in Maths and grade B in one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Environmental Science, Environment Studies or Design and Technology (General Studies not accepted)
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*DD in an Engineering subject, to include Distinctions in Further Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mechanical Principles or equivalent
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma DD in a related subject, with an A-Level Maths at grade B.
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject, with A-Levels grades BB in Maths and one subject from the above list.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 31 points, including 5 in Higher Level Maths and 5 in a Higher Level subject from the above list
- Access to Higher Education Diploma Complete and pass Access to Engineering course with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. All Maths and Science units must be Distinctions at level 3.
- Foundations of Engineering courses For Brunel Foundations of Engineering progression requirements, see the course page.
Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 and above are also required, to include Maths and English Language.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
Work Placements
You can choose to study either a full-time course or the prestigious sandwich course. Sandwich students undertake high-quality, paid work placements within prominent companies and organisations. The placement in industry is taken between Levels 2 and 3 for at least 44 weeks. This time can count towards becoming an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer.
Brunel’s award-winning Professional Development Centre will support you to get the best placement to suit your aspirations. They can help you with advice to compose the best possible applications, and coach you with mock interviews – often with the support of industry visitors.
The organisations that employ the students on placement are checked to ensure they can provide suitable training experiences. Quite often, Brunel graduates within firms mentor current students. The placement is assessed, and students must pass it to graduate with the words ‘with Professional Development’ in their degree title. Each student is allocated both a mentor within the company and an Industrial Tutor from Brunel, who is on hand to help ensure that the placement yields the best possible experience for the student’s personal professional development.
How will I be taught?
Lectures – These provide a broad overview of the main concepts and ideas you need to understand and give you a framework on which to expand your knowledge by private study.
Laboratories – Practicals are generally two or three-hour sessions in which you can practice your observational and analytical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts.
Design studios – In a studio you will work on group projects with guidance from members of staff. In this situation you can develop your management and leadership skills and ensure that all members of the group deliver their best. You may be required to produce a design or develop a solution to an engineering problem. These sessions allow you to develop your intellectual ability and practice your teamwork skills.
One-to-one – On registration for the course, you will be given a personal tutor who will be available to provide academic and pastoral support during your time at university. You will also get one-to-one academic supervision on Level 3 project work.
Assessment
You will undertake assignments, project work, essays, reports on laboratory practicals, oral presentations and short tests. A residential field course also takes place in Level 1. There are written examinations in May of each year. In Level 3, all students undertake a major individual project. This is worth a third of the overall marks for the year.
The final degree classification is calculated from a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 grades. Level 1 does not count towards your final degree, but you must pass the year in order to progress.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 51 (51 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 60% (min 55% in all areas)
International qualifications
please see course website for further details
http://www.brunel.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/civil-engineering-with-sustainability-beng