Civil Engineering Practices

Overview

The FdSc Civil Engineering Practices is a new qualification which embeds the key principles of the Higher Level Apprentices (HLA) in Construction Site Engineering Technician. Alongside embedding these key competencies, the degree has undergone a vast range of industry collaboration. The purpose of the foundation degree is to create a well-rounded individual, who has an in-depth understanding of the Civil and Construction Industry, the challenges within this vocation and someone who has an ability and the knowledge to create solutions for complex engineering problems. The degree includes the following engineering and construction disciplines:

• The Construction and Civil Engineering Sector (infrastructure and trends)
• Health and Safety (including minor works and links to being granted an access card)
• Surveying (a wider range of land, ground and building)
• Structures including an in-depth investigation into geotechnics
• Strategic planning and project management
• Mathematical and ICT Solutions
• Quantity surveying including practical application.

The programme intends to develop independent and critical engineers and planners who are able to apply their knowledge and practical skills in a range of civil engineering contexts to help progress their career as a technician, engineer or a project worker within the civil and construction industry. Students will develop an understanding of how the civil engineering sector works as an integrated, complex system in order to take proactive actions and decisions to ensure the UK (and Globally) continues to grow and develop. It will include involvement in aspects of:

• The construction, installation, renewal, enhancement and modification of key projects.
• Fault finding and diagnosis, maintenance and replacement of a range of complex systems and components.
• Ensuring structures are designed, planned and constructed in a safe, price sensitive and sustainable way.

Higher Level Apprentices (HLA) need to achieve the work-based competencies as documented in the apprenticeship standards. Students enrolled on the Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) will also meet the requirements for registration as an engineering technician (EngTech) by the relevant professional engineering institutions. End-point Assessment (EPA) will be carried out by ICE
 

This course runs on the following dates:

Start Date: September 2021. For further information, please call 0191 200 4000 or email enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk.
Duration: 2 Years
Venue: The Rail Academy, Gateshead

Work Ready Guarantee

As part of our work ready guarantee you will have the opportunity to achieve professional qualifications and key industry competencies alongside your academic programme. These opportunities will be dependant upon demand.

Some modules have been mapped to cover the key competencies delivered in industry such as: NEBOSH which provides an awareness of health and safety and risk management and RIDDOR, covering reporting accidents and dangerous occurrences.
 

Who the course is for

This course is suitable for engineering, maths or science students and mature students who wish to specialise in civil engineering and construction practices. It will develop professional engineers with the multidisciplinary skills and ability to analyse current and future civil engineering problems.

The programme of flexible work-based learning offers unique skills and training opportunities to those who intend to gain employment within civil engineering and related sectors such as construction and engineering design practices.
 

Qualification Gained

FdSc Civil Engineering Practices

How to Apply

Apply 

Applications for full-time degrees at Newcastle College University Centre need to be made through UCAS. You can visit our institution page on UCAS here.

If you are an international student please visit our international application section for further information about how to apply and entrance requirements. Additional start dates may be available please speak to our International Office on +44 191 226 6323 or email international@ncl-coll.ac.uk

Course Content

Level 4

Year 1 Semester 1

• Academic Study Skills – 10 credits
• Geotechnical Engineering – 20 credits
• Construction Health and Safety – 10 credits
• Strategic Thinking – 10 credits
• Personal Development – 10 credits

Year 1 Semester 2

• Work Related Learning – 20 credits
• Sustainability – 20 credits
• Quantity Surveying – 20 credits

Level 5

Year 2 Semester 1

• Advanced Engineering Mathematics - 10 credits
• Project Management and Planning – 10 credits
• Engineering Principles for Construction – 20 credits
• Work Based Learning – 20 credits
• Professional Development – 20 credits

Year 2 Semester 2

• Site Surveying – 20 credits
• Strategic Leadership and Management – 20 credits
• Work Based Learning – 20 credits
• Professional Development – 20 credits

Learning Methods

Learning methods are flexible and varied and include practical workshops, assignment work, reports, projects, simulations, portfolios, presentations and examinations. Due to the nature and delivery of the programme you will develop a number of vocational competencies and key skills in order to become an autonomous learner. Modules are designed to assist you with your own personal and professional development and support your transition into HE and employment. In addition the mandatory modules will help you assume greater independence and responsibility for your own learning.

Local commercial civil engineering developments and projects, together with field trips will provide an enhanced curriculum in a vocational context that complements module delivery.
 

Assessment Methods

Teaching, learning and assessment is informed by the College Teaching Learning and Assessment Strategy with individual modules having their own assessment methods dependant upon the summative method adopted. Students are encouraged to become reflective practitioners and develop self-awareness through self assessment and also demonstrate application of knowledge through coursework and work based activities using a range of assessment methods. The assessment methods may include, but is not limited to: presentations, use of software, drawing work, use of formula, surveying practices and data gathering and analysis techniques.

Progression Opportunities

On achievement of the programme students can either pursue a career as a civil engineering technician within civil engineering or construction industries or progress to a BSc (Hons) Project Management (Top-Up) (subject to validation).

Career Opportunities

The development of the FdCs Civil Engineering Practices foundation degree is in response to sector demand and national and local employment opportunities within the civil engineering industry and will provide you with a competitive edge in your engineering career as a civil engineering technician or engineer who can expect to be highly sought after by employers.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff Points in engineering, maths and/or science related qualifications such as; A-levels, BTEC Subsidiary, 90 Credit, National or Extended Diploma; Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Merit), Advanced Apprenticeship.

Applicants must have achieved grade C in GCSE maths & English Language or the Level 2 equivalents.

Mature students (age 21) will be considered only on the basis of relevant industry experience.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum IELTS Score of 5.5 or the nationally recognised equivalent.
 

Further Information

If you have a query about this course or would like advice on your study options, you can contact Student Services by using the LiveChat function on this page, by emailing enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk or by telephoning 0191 200 4000. We are currently open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Course Costs