MSc Civil Engineering

01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028

Course Leader Jonathan Oti
Course Team Blessing Adeleke, Rhiannon Jones, Luan Al-Haddad, Stuart Bunston, Emmajane Mantle, Sarah Moses, G225 Deeb
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions University of South Wales
Modes of Study Full Time, Part Time

Document Version

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

QAA Benchmarks

Engineeringhttps://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/subject-benchmark-statements/subject-benchmark-statement-engineering.pdf?sfvrsn=1f2c881_16

Educational Aim

The overall aim of the course is to develop the intellectual, practical and interpersonal skills of the student, to the best of their ability at their selected level of study, and to prepare them for a career in the Civil Engineering industry. This will be achieved by providing a sound educational base in the fundamental theoretical, practical, sustainable and managerial aspects of Civil Engineering together with other complementary topics appropriate for the level of study of the course.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems.
A2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions, evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
A3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.
A4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
A5 Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.
B1 Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate, having consideration for applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
B2 Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
B3 Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire lifecycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.
B4 Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.
B5 Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.
B6 Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems.
B7 Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
C1 Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.
C2 Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
C3 Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems.
C4 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team and evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
C5 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.
C6 Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
NG4S101 MOD001348 Advanced Civil Engineering Materials Running 20 specified
NG4S103 MOD001350 Geo-environmental Engineering Running 20 specified
NG4T702A MOD010167 Individual Dissertation Running 60 core
NG4S121 MOD013609 Civil Engineering Project Management Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment


Learning and Teaching Methods


Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers

Visiting speakers are used to introduce students to current industry practice and to bring knowledge into the course not held by current specialists. Visitors would normally be professional engineers currently engaged in industry.


Volunteering

Students are encouraged to engage with volunteering opportunities advertised by the careers team. Opportunities to volunteer through the PSRBs are also communicated to the students.


Fieldwork

N/A


Fieldtrips

N/A


Work Placements

Students are encouraged to engage with placement opportunities advertised by the careers team. In addition, employers often contact the team to advertise opportunities which are shared with the students. The Civil Engineering Blackboard organisation is used to ensure that all students are aware of potential placement opportunities.

Work-based Learning

There is no work-based learning element in the current course.


Sandwich Years

N/A


Employer Forums

Civil Engineering have an active Industrial Advisory Board. The CEIAB meets three times a year and comprises industrial partners from local and national organisations, as well as PSRB representatives.


Other

As the only provider of part time accredited degrees in South Wales, we have a strong relationship with local employers and a large number of part time students.


Means of Assessment


Learning Support

Induction

The initial induction period is used to introduce students to their, Course Leaders (CL) and peers. Activities are designed to impart key course information but also allow opportunity for social engagement with staff and peers.
Information sessions are recorded and made available on Course Pages. This ensures that students who are late to enrol can catch up with any information missed. Attendance records are used, to enable CLs to identify students who missed induction and may require additional support when they arrive.


Personal Academic Coach

N/A


Learner Analytics

Course Leaders use Learner Analytics to monitor engagement. Module teams will report any concerns regarding engagement to the CL, to prompt further investigation. If the CL is unable to connect with the student and support them to reengage, further support is sought from the Progression team.


Office Hours

Students are provided with a document which details the arrangements for contacting staff, with particular emphasis on the Open Door Policy, which is now available both on campus and virtually. The communications document identifies normal office hours as Monday to Friday between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00 UK time. Whilst staff will often provide online support outside these hours, this is discouraged for staff well-being reasons.

Tutorials

Tutorial sessions are used where appropriate to allow students an opportunity to practice engineering methods and to ask questions to enhance their learning. Whilst the timetable mainly shows 2 hr lecture blocks for each module, in reality that time will be split between lecture style teaching, tutorial sessions, practical exercises and group work.

Seminars

Seminars are not normally used for Civil Engineering modules.

Formative Assessment

All modules include tutorial examples that enable students to practice relevant skills and techniques before being required to accomplish similar tasks for an assessment.


Progress Meetings

Progress meetings are used for modules where students are required to undertake independent study, either individually or in groups, such as the Individual Project and Integrated Project modules.


Research Supervision

Students undertaking individual research will have a supervisor to support them throughout the module. The student will usually be able to choose their own supervisor according to the specialism under consideration. The maximum number of supervisions undertaken by a staff member is subject to a cap set by the ASM. This is to manage staff workload and ensure that supervisors can give an appropriate amount of time to the student.


Online Resources

All learning materials are provided on Blackboard. Lecture notes are posted in advance of the lecture so that students can download them before the session. Lectures are recorded and links are also provided on Blackboard. Many modules also make use of online reading lists.


Advice Zone

The Advice Zone is available to support students throughout their course. The Advice Zone can be accessed in person at Treforest campus or online. Students are signposted to the Advice Zone services during induction.


Disability

The Disability Service provides information, advice and guidance to and co-ordinates support for disabled USW students. This includes students with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities, specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) and autism. Students are signposted to the DS services during induction and are encouraged to engage with them as early as possible if they believe they may have a Specific Learning Difficulty. Staff use Individual Learning Plan information provided on Quercus to identify students who require adjustments.


IT/Library

Our designated Librarian supports the team by providing presentations to students on the resources available and how to access them. They support staff in identifying existing and new resources required for the course. They also provide one-to-one sessions to support students with individual research, as well as offering a variety of online support materials.

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Master of Science 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Final
Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Intermediate
Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 Intermediate

Progression Route


Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

A minimum of 2:2 Honours degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering disciplines may be considered. Applicants with professional/industrial experience and/or training but not meeting the normal entry requirements will be considered on their merits


Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/


Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A


Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A


Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A