skip to main content
graphics-home-left-red
graphics-home-right-green

Ulster University Foundation Degree in Engineering in Civil Engineering (HLA)

Level 5
Part-Time
24/25
EXC50038HLA
Ulster University logo

Overview

Students enrolling on the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering will undertake the Foundation Degree in Engineering in Civil Engineering on a part-time basis to fulfil their ‘off-the-job’ training requirements. This course is designed to prepare learners for a career in Civil Engineering and related industries at higher technician level. It will provide learners with specific practical and professional skills in analysis, organisation, design, teamwork and communication. The course also aims to prepare learners to progress to Honours Degree level study.

The FdEng in Civil Engineering has an industry focused approach to infrastructure design and construction, where graduates develop an extensive range of professional subject knowledge and technical skills. This STEM programme has fully embraced and embedded a host of innovative curriculum approaches to empower people and industry to shape infrastructural development for a more inclusive society and healthier economy in Northern Ireland. The programme is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators. All students will be given the opportunity to register as student members of the relevant professional bodies. All Higher Level Apprentices will be assigned an Academic Mentor to support their learning.

Accredited IEng (Partial)

This qualification is approved by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as:

1. fully satisfying the educational base for an Engineering Technician (EngTech).
2. partially satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for IEng. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for IEng.

EngTech

This qualification is approved by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as fully satisfying the educational base for an Engineering Technician (EngTech).

See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

There are 11 core and no optional modules on the FdEng in Civil Engineering. The modules are arranged into three levels of study: levels 3, 4 and 5. At levels 3 and 4, modules will introduce students to the core Civil Engineering Principles and the Numerical and Analytical Methods underpinning Civil Engineering Practice and Design. Computer Aided Design CAD and Surveying modules are delivered in Year 1 alongside Maths and Structures, Civil Engineering Technology and Materials and Geology and Soil Mechanics. Students will undertake the Civil Engineering Project and Professional Development module in Year 2.

In Years 2 and 3, level 5 modules include Infrastructure and Engineering Design, Civil Engineering Management and Measurement and Fluid Mechanics and Water Engineering. The Work Based Learning module is undertaken at the end of Year 3 as it is a synthesis of all other modules on the foundation degree course. All modules on the programme are compulsory but students will have an element of choice in the Civil Engineering Project and Professional Development module and in the Work Based Learning module.

Year One

  • Civil Engineering Technology & Materials
  • Geology & Soil Mechanics
  • Surveying for Civil Engineers
  • Mathematics & Structures
  • 2D & 3D CAD for Civil Engineers
  • Further Mathematics for Civil Engineers

Year Two

  • Fluid Mechanics & Water Engineering
  • Work-based Learning
  • Civil Engineering Project and Professional Development
  • Further Mathematics for Civil Engineers
  • Year 3
  • Infrastructure and Engineering Design
  • Civil Engineering Management and Measurement

All modules are mandatory.

56 UCAS points (HLA part-time) - AS /A Level/BTEC qualifications or approved equivalent, with passes in 4 different subjects including GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or University-approved equivalent.

Applicants must hold an A Level pass in one of the following subject areas: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Geography, Applied Science or DA Science, Life and Health Science (single or double award), Technology (including Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Environmental Technology and Digital Technology).

Alternative qualifications such as BTEC National awards in STEM subjects are also acceptable.

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme, but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

To be eligible to commence study on this Higher Level Apprenticeship HLA Pathway, applicants must have secured full-time paid employment in a relevant industry sector.

Any applicant whose first language is not English or who has not achieved a grade C in a recent GCSE in English Language should demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English at IELTS – Academic 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in all four elements of the test. Trinity ISE - Pass at Level 3 (with a Pass in each component) also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Learners will be assessed by coursework, examinations or a combination of both. Coursework assignments will include practical activities, laboratory experiments, live projects and group presentations. Learners will also be assessed in the workplace as part of the assessment for the Work based Learning module.

Graduates may (subject to performance) progress to

BEng Honours Civil Engineering or

BSc Honours Civil Engineering.

Exemptions may also be given for entry onto the BSc Honours Construction Engineering and Management. These programmes are offered at Ulster University, Belfast.

Or students may progress onto the one year full time/tow year part-time Top Up degree at South West College validated through The Open University

BSc Honours Construction Engineering and Management validated The Open University.

Learners may take up employment in the private sector with civil engineering consultants, contractors or specialists or in the public sector in government departments in roles such as the following -

Career Opportunities

Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, Project Management and more

This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE)

Fees Associated with the course:

Higher Level Apprentices HLA student course fees are fully funded by the Department for Economy. Students must be employed in a relevant Civil Engineering related role to be eligible to join the progamme as a HLA.

CSR card (reduced fee for students - £35).

Students may be required to purchase steel toe-capped boots for the purpose of attending site visits.

During your course you may be required to purchase course text books and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £100 or more per year

1 Available Session

*The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration.

Omagh

Part-Time

P5038OP10B

Session Code

3 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

9

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

24/25

Academic Year

10/09/2024

Start Date

09:00-18:00

Time

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

Noreen.McGirr@swc.ac.uk, Paul.McCusker@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee N/A

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Discover Other Courses

Level 2

City & Guilds Level 2 Award in 2D Computer Aided Design

View

Level 5

Ulster University Foundation Degree in Engineering in Civil  Engineering

View

Level 6

BEng (Hons) Degree in Building Services with Sustainable Energy HLA (Top Up) (Validated by The Open University)

View