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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.
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. 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.
All modules are mandatory.
64 UCAS points (full-time) or 56 UCAS points (part-time) - 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 HLA Pathway, applicants must have secured full-time paid employment in a relevant industry sector.
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. Learners may take up employment in the private sector with civil engineering consultants, contractors or specialists or in the public sector in government departments.
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.
Other Fees associated with the course:
CSR card (reduced fee for students - £35).
Students will 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 £250 per year
P5038OP10B
Session Code
3 Year(s)
Duration
Higher Education
Mode of Study
9
Hours per Week
30
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
25/26
Academic Year
09/09/2025
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
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
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