Objectives
The programme is designed to give you an introduction to a range of topics and concepts within Civil Engineering, allowing you to develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness in order to both broaden and deepen your knowledge of the area. In addition to studying modules that will increase your breadth of knowledge, you will be able to specialise, at Masters level, from a wide range of modules within the School (see Appendices 1 and 2). Your knowledge will be consolidated through a research project (dissertation) or an 11 month Industrial Placement period during which you will be expected to reflect and chronicle your work and write an in-depth dissertation on aspects of the work you have been involved in. During this placement you will be expected to full fill the role of a graduate engineer and you will be expected to complete your assignments during your own time. As a result of whichever pathway you follow, you will be able to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively and make sound judgements within the field of Civil Engineering. The programme can be seen as further learning (matching section) as it provides technical deepening through your ability to specialise in the subject area (e.g. transport, infrastructure, environmental engineering, management or coastal engineering), technical broadening through your ability to take a wide selection of modules and the development of professional skills that enable you to be an effective Civil Engineer. This HEI-based further learning programme has been developed with reference to the Institution of Civil Engineers Core Training Objectives. The programme aims to: A. Provide you with a programme of study at the forefront of civil engineering as a profession, affording a critical awareness of current problems and the changing needs of the industry. B. Allow you to specialise in a chosen area in which you can develop an in-depth conceptual understanding of the subject enabling you to critically evaluate information and make decisions from data presented. C. Enable you to have a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to Civil Engineering, understanding the importance of precision, accuracy and creativity in the engineering design process. D. Develop your critical awareness of the role of the Civil Engineer in Society. E. Develop a set of skills pertinent to the role of Civil Engineer that will enable you to develop decision-making skills in complex and unpredictable situations, as well as reflect on your own continuing professional development requirements. In order to provide for a diverse range of educational backgrounds the programme will include four separate pathways. Pathways 1 and 2 are for graduates already holding a degree in Civil Engineering, whereas Pathways 3 and 4 are for graduates in non Civil Engineering but cognate disciples. The aims of these pathways include: Pathways 1 and 3: MSc Civil Engineering with Industrial Placement F. Give you experience of working in the Civil Engineering sector and reflecting on your experience. G. Afford you the opportunity of applying theoretical knowledge gained on the programme through your Industrial Placement. H. Enable your career pathway towards chartered engineer status. Pathways 2 and 4: MSc Civil Engineering without Industrial Placement I. Afford you the opportunity of applying theoretical knowledge gained on the programme through a substantial piece of research or design project (dissertation). J. Enable your career pathway towards chartered engineer status. It is not possible to educate Pathway 3 and 4 students up to the level of a graduate civil engineer in areas such as structural mechanics, geotechnics, hydraulics and design. Pathways 3 and 4 will not therefore prepare you for the role of structural engineer, or other highly technical roles within the construction industry. However, these pathways will prepare you for the significant proportion of less technical roles within the construction industry, such as project management, in which a detailed knowledge of engineering science is not required.
