About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: H201
- Applications: University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Department: Geography and Environmental Management
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Three years part-time
- Delivery: Part-time day release
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Fiona Gleed MEng, CEng MIStructE
Introduction
Civil Engineers provide the infrastructure that we all rely on in our modern society. As professionals within the construction industry they design, build and maintain roads, bridges, water supply, coastal defences and buildings. This puts Civil Engineers in a prime position to protect and enhance our environment through and sustainable use of resources.
This foundation degree can enable you to progress onto the BSc(Hons) Civil Engineering if you achieve good marks.
Structure
Content
The courses are structured to provide a balance between theory, practice and design. Work based projects at each level allow you the opportunity to develop your understanding of professional practice whilst drawing together learning from the individual modules and your own experience.
The Civil Engineering course is taught within the Department of Geography and Environmental Management. We have close links with the rest of the Faculty and our students join those from other engineering disciplines to study engineering mathematics.
Year One
First year modules include Civil Engineering Technology and Engineering Geology and Surveying which are studied alongside students on the BEng(Hons) Civil and Environmental Engineering. FdSc students take a foundation maths module and complete a work based project focusing on health and safety.
Year Two
In the second year the core threads of materials and structures are introduced. Students further develop their mathematics and complete a group design, build and test project. The work based learning module explores project management.
Year Three
The final year of the FdSc includes further structures, soil mechanics, fluid mechanics and construction management. The work based learning thread is completed with an analysis of decision making in practice. Students who complete the FdSc with good marks can apply to join the BSc(Hons), taking a further two years part-time to complete the award.
Study time
The course is studied over three years part-time by day release, leading to the award of a FdSc Civil Engineering. Studnets must have a placement to complete the work-based learning requirements of the award.
Assessment
Assessment is achieved through a balance of coursework and examinations. Examinations are held in either January or May/June. Coursework will be a variety of essays, reports, surveys, design projects, teamwork or progress tests.
You are encouraged to do 'formative work' to prepare for assessments: this does not count towards your marks but the feedback which you receive will help you to improve your performance. Support is available for students who have difficulties with numeracy, IT, literacy and study skills.
The teaching staff provide a friendly, enabling environment for learning. They are also actively engaged in research or professional practice, ensuring that you learn directly from the latest academic and business developments.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
The FdSc is approved as:
1. approved as fully satisfying the educational base for an Engineering Technician (EngTech).
2. approved as partially satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineeer (IEng). A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for IEng.
See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
Study facilities
A range of specialist facilities are provided by the Department. A suite of computer rooms supports software for word processing, data analysis and spatial enquiry. They provide access to e-mail and internet, including Department and University websites which enable you to use a vast number of specialist electronic journals and publications, and resources provided by lecturers to support their modules. A Project Room provides space for you to work on individual and group assignments, together with a range of materials and equipment. An audio-visual group provides support for photography, digital imaging, filming and sound recording.
You may also use the well equipped laboratories for concrete and environmental services, environmental physics, earth sciences, and surveying technology, each with specialist technicians supporting both teaching and research.
The Department is based in a large modern building, to which a new set of studios and teaching rooms (designed by a member of the Department) have recently been added.
Student representatives sit on a wide range of committees at University and Department level, where they can influence discussions and decisions which affect your learning experience.
Entry
Typical offers
- GCSE: English Language grade C or above required
- Specific subjects: A-Level Mathematics Grade E or above
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: Accepted but you will need to have studied both Mathematics for Technicians as well as Further Mathematics for Technicians or Mathematics for Construction and Built Environment as well as Further Mathematics for Construction and Built Environment.
Entry requirements
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here all students must have a placement to complete the work-based learning requirements of the award. Most students have sponsorship from an existing employer who identifies a mentor and permits day release for attendance at the University.
Students without employment should contact the course leader to discuss options.
Please also see the general information about applications and in addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.
Fees
As this is a part-time course you will be paying for the modules that you are enrolled onto each year. Generally part-time students do 80 credits a year and the current fee (2011 entry) is £280 per 10 credits, therefore the total cost for the first year of study is £2240. For more information on fees please visit our money pages.
How to apply
To apply for this course please download an application form. Please send completed forms to the following address (NOT the one on the form);
FET Admissions, Room 3Q79, UWE Bristol, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY
For further information
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 84242
- E-mail: fet.admissions@uwe.ac.uk
Page last updated 14 December 2011