About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: H224
- Applications: University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 180
- Department: Geography and Environmental Management
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Two years. Students attend six intensive week-long blocks each year, with distance and work place learning.
- Delivery: Full-time, part-time block release, distance/open learning
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Trevor Goodhew BSc MBA C.Eng MICE
Introduction
Flood warning and defence is important work. Flooding affects thousands of people all across the country, and can ruin homes, destroy farmland, even threaten lives.
Flooding is a natural phenomenon and cannot be stopped completely so the Government's policy is to reduce the risk to people and the environment through effective flood warning and flood defence systems. Recent climate change research suggests that this challenge is becoming increasing urgent. However, there is a shortage of people with appropriate skills and experience. In an attempt to meet the challenge of delivering successful flood management, the Environment Agency commissioned the University of the West of England to develop a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in River and Coastal Engineering which would equip students with skills, knowledge and understanding that are appropriate for an engineer pursuing a career in flood risk management.
Currently all the students are trainees with the Environment Agency, but the course is open to employees of other organisations involved in river and coastal engineering. Employers would need to provide their students with suitable opportunities for work-place learning to support the course, as well as mentoring and time-off to attend the block weeks.
Structure
Study time
The course takes two years, and students spend most of the time in their work place, gaining practical experience with guidance from a mentor in their office. Teaching takes place in six intensive weeks spaced through the year. In between these teaching blocks, students continue to study through distance learning, supported by telephone and email support from the tutors at the University.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
This course has been accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 180
- GCSE: Maths at grade B and English Language at grade C or above required.
- Specific subjects: One of the following: Maths A level grade E; IB Maths (higher level) grade 3; BTEC Maths for Technicians (Pass); BTEC Maths for Construction and the Built Environment (Pass).
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 3 credit in Maths or Science or a Technical subject; achievement of level 2 credits in Maths and English Language
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.
Entry requirements
All students must be in relevant employment, and the employer must be in a position to offer the required support. For this reason, please contact us to discuss your situation before you apply.
In addition, students normally need an A-level in a Maths, Geography or Science and Technology subject and five GCSEs (including Maths at grade B and English at grade C or above), or alternatively two years in an engineering or technical role plus some recent experience of studying.
Fees
For more information regarding fees please visit our Money matters webpages.
How to apply
If you would be interested in taking the Foundation Degree course whilst training with the Environment Agency, you should contact the Environment Agency direct, on FoundationDegree@Environment-Agency.gov.uk or +44 (0)845 601 2233
Students with disabilities
We welcome applications from people with disabilities.
Following is a list of the types of activities that the course normally involves. We are committed to supporting students with disabilities, and wherever possible we will make reasonable adjustments to these activities to enable students with disabilities to successfully complete the course. We encourage applicants to disclose any disabilities or support needs in their application forms, so that we can offer information, advice and support. There is a Disability Service at UWE Bristol and a Disability Support Co-ordinator in the Department.
- Use a computer
- Read and produce drawings, plans and maps
- Visually inspect buildings and locations, including physical movement around and through buildings and locations
- Visually inspect construction sites, including physical movement around and through construction sites
- Measure distances and sizes of buildings, materials or sites
- Team working and negotiation
- Laboratory work involving observations and physical manipulation
- Take part in discussions and presentations
Open days
We run open days throughout the year, when you can meet lecturers and current students, see the facilities and resources that we offer, and visit the student accommodation. Please ask for details. For further information regarding the course, you are welcome to contact:
Trevor Goodhew (Programme Leader) Trevor.Goodhew@uwe.ac.uk or
Admissions Fet.admissions@uwe.ac.uk, +44 (0)117 32 84242
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011