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Construction and Civil Engineering

Course Code: UF8026
  • Level: 6
  • Qualification: BSc (Hons)
  • Awarding body: University of Plymouth
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Full-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Mondays and Fridays, with sessions held at different times

What's it all about?

This course will equip you with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to design, construct, and manage construction and civil engineering projects. The curriculum combines core principles of project management, civil engineering, and construction technology with professional practice, leadership, research skills, and professional development.
You will develop expertise in areas such as material science, project and facilities management, cost control and budgeting, lifecycle costing, and sustainable construction practices. You’ll benefit from hands-on learning through lab work, site visits, research projects, guest lectures, and real-world case studies.
Upon successful completion, you’ll be well-prepared for a career in the construction and civil engineering industries, including roles within government agencies and consultancy firms. You’ll have the skills to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible projects, with the ability to adapt to emerging technologies and sustainability demands.

Course information

This course will equip you with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to design, construct, and manage construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects. The course consists of five modules:

Project Management

In this module, you’ll develop a strong understanding of project management within the context of construction and civil engineering. You’ll explore a range of project management principles and models, including Total Quality Management, Waterfall, PRINCE2, Scrum, and Lean/Agile methodologies. You’ll gain insight into how Agile has evolved into a key philosophy and apply your knowledge to real-world case studies, using evidence-based literature. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to outline and present a project management plan tailored to a specific scenario.

Professional Development

This module supports your growth as a future professional. You’ll undertake a series of short, commercially styled courses that allow you to track, reflect on, and evaluate your progress. You’ll build a Professional Development Planning (PDP) portfolio aligned with UK Engineering Council standards and linked to professional body membership and CPD. You’ll also explore ethics, transferable skills, and professional values – preparing you for accreditation and continued career development.

Construction and Civil Engineering Management

Here, you’ll dive into the key principles of construction and civil engineering management. You’ll learn how to carry out costings, valuations, and measurements using the New Rules of Measurement (NRM). You’ll develop the skills to estimate project value, manage cash flow, and make strategic decisions. This module also covers facilities management, infrastructure maintenance, and emerging technologies, giving you the tools to manage sustainable and innovative projects.

Leadership and Professional Practice

In this module, you’ll build a comprehensive understanding of strategic leadership, business management, and professional practice within the construction and civil engineering sectors. You’ll explore topics such as collaborative working, procurement frameworks, risk management, programme planning, and innovation. You’ll also gain an understanding of employment law, insurance, marketing, and the benefits of professional body membership. This module prepares you to lead with integrity and adapt to evolving business environments and regulatory frameworks.

Individual Project

This is your opportunity to carry out a work-based, industry-focused, or academic research project. With support from an academic supervisor, you’ll identify a topic relevant to the construction or civil engineering sector, define your research question, and conduct a critical investigation. You’ll review literature, collect and analyse data, and present your findings in a professional report. This project helps you apply engineering knowledge in a meaningful way and demonstrate independent, critical thinking.

In order to be successful on this course, you will need a Foundation Degree in a relevant subject area (eg civil engineering, construction, or a related field).

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of coursework, examinations, and presentations.

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

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Future careers

What you could earn:

Carpenters and Joiners

£50,424.00

Potential salary

£22,059.60

Entry level salary

£35,261.00

Average salary

31

Annual openings in Plymouth

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