Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship
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Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
Why choose this programme?
The programme provides a strong platform for pursuing and achieving a varied and interesting career in Civil Engineering, and incorporates recent developments in industry and education as well as the curriculum and teaching principles from research and academia.
Typically, you'll spend one day a week at university rather than your place of employment. There will also be learning activities and training at your workplace.
Three work-based learning modules, supported by your employer, will combine your own civil engineering interests and learning with those of your employer. The programme leads to the award of a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship) and a professional qualification through End-Point Assessment (EPA).
Further details are available on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website.
Please note: this programme was previously known as Civil and Infrastructure Engineering BEng Degree Apprenticeship.
| Attendance | Year of entry |
|---|---|
| 5 years part time | 2024 2025 |
| Main Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- Kingston University was involved in the Trailblazer Group and developed the programme in collaboration with leading employers.
- Kingston is one of the first universities to offer the Level 6 Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship (ST0417).
- This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), which comprise the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Structural Engineers (ISE), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) on behalf of the Engineering Council.
Professional Accreditation
The programme is accredited 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 for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Candidates must hold a masters or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration.
See the Joint Board of Moderators website for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.
Please check the Engineering Council website for more information.
Kingston University's Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme has been designed to satisfy the requirements of the IfATE Apprenticeship Standard Civil Engineer (Degree). Specifically, this programme is designed to progress apprentices to IEng registration as part of the apprenticeship End-Point Assessment (EPA), following successful completion of the BEng (Hons) degree.
What you will study
This programme is offered in a part-time mode, with weekly one-day release from employment and scheduled continuing learning at the workplace. It leads to the award of BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.
An apprentice does not successfully finish their apprenticeship without successfully completing the End-Point Assessment (EPA).
The BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is designed as a non-integrated programme for apprentices who wish to study Civil Engineering to honours degree level through the five-year Degree Apprenticeship scheme and aspire to achieve the professional status of Chartered Engineer (following further learning). Thus, it offers the ideal preparation for a varied and interesting career in the world of civil engineering.
The programme embraces recent developments in education and industry. The curriculum and teaching benefits from the research interests of the academic staff. The design of the programme is based on the guidelines provided by the Engineering Council UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Subject Benchmark Statement for Engineering, and the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) Guidelines for Accredited BEng (Hons) Degree Programmes.
Modules
The programme is completed when apprentices have successfully achieved 270 credits through typical modules (90 credits at each level of 4, 5 and 6) and 90 credits as work-based modules (30 credits at each level of 4, 5 and 6) that are university-designed and assessed.
Please refer to the current list of modules.
On this programme, you will gain a good mix of theoretical, practical, academic, management and industrial-based skills.
Entry level
Prior knowledge, skills and behaviours can exempt individuals from certain elements of the programme, resulting in different entry levels and learner journeys for the apprentices.
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 4 introduces Navigate (a Future Skills module designed to assist students in making the transition to Higher Education, develop strong foundations of self-awareness, self-motivation and generate a sense of belonging to their course and Kingston University), sustainability, climate literacy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
It also develops your skills in engineering analytics and mathematics, structures, mechanics and materials, fluid mechanics and soil mechanics. There is an emphasis on practical work, including laboratories and model-making.
Core modules
Navigating your Apprenticeship Journey
15 credits
Apprentices are introduced to their course learning aims and consider their anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. Apprentices are guided to identify and take ownership of their apprenticeship journey through the development and application of academic and occupational skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes, discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes and the relevant IfATE Standard KSBs (ST0331, ST0417, and ST0778).
Apprentices are tutored in a range of learning to learn techniques and are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme enabling apprentices to understand and begin to develop a design-thinking approach to Future Skills development.
Mathematics and Engineering Analytics
15 credits
This module provides a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equips you with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. Topics covered include algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, and vectors. The context of the problems to be solved will include practical and real-life problems from a wide range of civil engineering examples to demonstrate the relevance of the various mathematical tools taught in the whole year.
Sustainability for Professional Practice
15 credits
This module will explore the environmental, economic, and social problems that society faces and encourages students to find and create sustainable innovative solutions. Students will be introduced to the complex societal problems and current time challenges associated with social justice, cultural inequalities, ethics, and climate change emergencies.
The students will be immersed in a culture of education that provides knowledge, values, attitudes and skills and encourage them to think about possible solutions seeking to balance economic, environmental, and social objectives set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and the challenges in achieving those goals.
Introduction to Mechanics and Materials
15 credits
This module develops students' understanding of the fundamentals of structural characteristic and mechanics properties of a broad range of engineering materials including common civil engineering materials. This module introduces the fundamental concepts and engineering mechanics of the materials.
This module also enables the student to appreciate essential fundamental materials properties required to undertake practical approach to the solution of basic real-life engineering problems.
This module also promotes effective group working and leadership skills and develops skills in management of engineering design and creative problem-solving which are key employability and graduate skills.
Structural Analysis and Design 1
30 credits
This module covers the fundamentals of structural analysis along with an introduction to stress analysis and design. You will study the behaviour of statically determinate structures, their properties and the effect of different types of static loading. The theoretical principles will be verified by laboratory testing under the Mechanics of Materials module. An analysis of trusses and simple structural elements will be developed qualitatively and quantitatively using numerical skills that are necessary for a thorough understanding of the behaviour of structures and structural systems.
Fluid and Soil Mechanics
30 credits
This module introduces the fundamental properties of fluids and soils, covering the basic equations used in fluid mechanics and the essential aspects of soil mechanics. It also includes the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement utilised in science and engineering.
Where possible, lectures will relate academic work to the ‘real world' of civil engineering, through the introduction of case studies and research. Theoretical topics are supported by laboratory practicals that also provide instruction in safe laboratory working practices, analysis of test data and appropriate reporting.
Level 5 includes Exploring (a Future Skills module that includes the development of team-working, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation skills and the ability to organise, strategies and prioritise).
You will learn digitisation in Civil Engineering Construction using REVIT and BIM related software, practical-focused studies covering specific civil engineering subjects such as structural analysis, construction materials, geotechnics, hydraulics and water engineering, engineering geodesy and geographic information system (GIS).
Core modules
Exploring Professional Skills in Project Management
15 credits
This is a core module for all level 5 students on engineering programmes. Students will demonstrate a developing awareness of the skills required to operate as a professional in their subject area. This module will scaffold Future Skills from Level 4 Navigate to Level 6 Apply.
This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens the student's knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects.
The module is skills-rich, including the development of team-working, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation, time management, and the ability to organise, strategize and prioritise.
A key element of this module will be the participation in an inter-disciplinary design thinking project. Students will contextualise their subject-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours as an interdisciplinary team member charged with developing a solution to a designated sustainability challenge. The teamwork project enables students to demonstrate their ability to explore and contextualise their subject specific knowledge and helps prepare them for their individual project in Level 6.
Digital Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM)
15 credits
This module introduces the key principles of BIM, providing learners with an overview of the standards, management processes, legal implications, ethical context, collaborative working practices and software packages. It will also provide an understanding of digital technologies and construction-related information modelling in the built environment context.
Students will learn how digital construction has revolutionised the construction industry and how BIM and its closely related digital technologies are used as tools for the realisation of the construction industry 4.0. The module will address various aspects of digital design, construction, and operation and maintenance, including the knowledge and use of tools related to BIM, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and geographic information system.
Engineering Geodesy and GIS
15 credits
This module exposes you to the instrumentation and observation principles of modern engineering surveying and develops their theoretical understanding and relevant mathematical expertise as well as practical skills.
We will help you understand how engineering surveying can contribute to the successful design and completion of engineering projects through practical hands-on activities and in desktop calculation and software use. Basic operating principles of surveying equipment – focusing on the horizontal and vertical control using Theodolites, Levels and Total Stations – are covered in the module and supported by practical exercises.
During lectures, you will gain the required theoretical knowledge and concepts of surveying, as well as develop practical and mathematical surveying skills. Theoretical knowledge will then be enhanced by a range of fieldwork sessions using high-precision surveying instrumentation such as levels, theodolites, total stations and other geodesy equipment. We will take you from data collection, through to processing and analysis, to interpretation of results using appropriate computer software.
Hydraulics and Water Engineering
15 credits
This module considers natural river courses and the conveyance of water through pipelines, culverts and canals. Laboratory demonstrations and practical classes will enable you to experience key phenomena first hand. There may also be the opportunity for a field trip to further reinforce the learning of topics such as the basics of catchment characterisation and stream flow measurement. The module will introduce you to much of the work carried out by civil engineers employed in the water industry.
Structural Analysis and Design 2
30 credits
The module looks at conventional methods of evaluating displacements and the study of statically indeterminate structures. The module continues with intermediate methods and techniques of structural design in steel, concrete, masonry and timber, and develops the student's ability to produce competent and professional structural calculations and detailed drawings. The module also includes the principles of conceptual design of structures.
Geotechnics and Materials
30 credits
The geotechnics section of the module covers engineering geology, groundwater seepage; shear strength of soils, stresses in soils due to foundation loading, consolidation behaviour and settlement of soils. The materials section of the module develops understanding of properties of various engineering materials, enabling students to learn about material selection and application in construction, including sustainable practices used to reduce waste, promote recyclability, and assess impacts on the environment.
Level 6 involves the in-depth study and application of core civil engineering disciplines: advanced structural modelling and design, geotechnical and environmental engineering, and infrastructure such as transportation and highways. You will carry out an individual project focused on research into a specialised subject and take part in a major integrated design project with fellow students.
Core modules
Highway, Transport and Traffic Engineering
15 credits
This module has been designed to broaden the students' perspective on the infrastructure that underpins a developed society and the role of the civil engineer in its design, construction, maintenance and management. The requirement for sustainable solutions will be emphasised throughout the module, considering environmental, economic, social and political factors.
The delivery of the module will be reinforced by a number of computer lab sessions on the subject of highway design and traffic management. The module will consider a broad range of infrastructure with a focus on transportation, traffic and highway design, with the view to opening up career path opportunities for graduates.
Integrated Design Project
15 credits
Students will learn to produce competent and professional designs that will be utilised in a group project. This will stimulate students to develop an interest and awareness of the scope and nature of civil engineering within the design process and to encourage creativity, engineering judgement and technical report writing.
Development of team-working skills and independent study is an important part of the module.
This module intends to develop technical design skills, students' academic and communication skills, to increase awareness of the role of the civil engineer in planning, design and construction issues, to encourage students to utilise their membership of professional institutions, to appreciate effective team working and to enhance their employability.
Advanced Structural Modelling and Design
30 credits
This module covers advanced methods and techniques for structural analysis and design of complex statically indeterminate structures in steel, concrete and timber, Upon the completion of this module students will be able to produce competent and professional structural designs including calculations and detailed drawings that will stimulate students' interest in structural engineering and encourage them to use their creativity and imagination to develop sustainable structural solutions.
This module intends to develop students' structural design technical skills, to increase their awareness of the role of structural engineers in solving design and construction problems, to encourage students to utilise their membership of professional institutions and to enhance their employability.
Individual Project
30 credits
The individual project is an opportunity to explore a subject of the student's own choice and to initiate, design and execute a small-scale research project under supervision. The work in the project will draw upon material from all modules previously or currently taught and provide a culmination to their degree. Additionally, this allows the students to develop and practice their research skills that will be invaluable for the future.
The students are encouraged to work independently, study a topic in depth, review previous work, collect, and interpret and analyse information. This is also intended to develop students' ability to communicate clearly and succinctly orally, graphically and in writing. In undertaking the work, they should demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing literature and in using one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions.
To support the student a series of workshops will be given along with individual one-to-one supervision to ensure that the student is supported throughout the process. Assessment is by submission of an initial formative research statement and summative assessments comprise an interim report and the completed project.
Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering
15 credits
This module covers the analysis of stability of slopes, shallow and deep foundations, earth pressures and retaining walls, and ground improvement. The module incorporates design of various geotechnical structures according to current European Codes of Practice and relevant British Standards. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret geotechnical data from site investigation, use Eurocode 7 procedures to design earth slopes, spread footings, piled foundations, and retaining walls.
Application of your Professional Skills for End Point Assessment
15 credits
The module will provide an opportunity for the apprentices to consider and prepare for their End Point Assessment. The apprentices will be guided to understand key themes associated with their End Point Assessment Portfolio, and to undertake a case study exercise which highlights their developing competencies against their relevant IfATE Standard KSBs (ST0331, ST0417 and ST0778), such that on conclusion of this module, they are fully prepared to gather together evidence and collate this towards their portfolio submission at Gateway. The apprentices will develop a suite of technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment, building on skills developed at Levels 4 and 5. Apprentices will participate in Kingston University's Bright Ideas competition where they will develop and present a business idea of their choice, in-so-doing developing competence and confidence in delivering their work-based project presentations which are integral to their End Point Assessments. Apprentices will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the university and reflect on these interactions.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Entry requirements
Degree apprenticeship
The Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship programme provides a strong platform for pursuing and achieving a varied and interesting career in Civil Engineering. It incorporates recent developments in industry and education as well as the curriculum and teaching principles from research and academic.
Typically, you'll spend one day a week at university rather than your place of employment. There will also be learning activities and training at your workplace.
Teaching and assessment
As the predominant part of the 20% off-the-job training, the BEng programme in Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship has been designed, taking into account the Kingston University Curriculum Design Principles, to help develop apprentices into graduates that are professional, thoughtful, creative, resilient, proactive and globally aware independent, equipping them to be lifelong learners.
In total, 75% of the degree element of the programme will be delivered at the university and the remaining 25% will be delivered through work-based learning. Associated tutorials, laboratory practicals, fieldwork, site visits and design classes are used to enhance the lecture material and continuing learning at work. The programme is devised to encourage and develop apprentices with confident interpersonal and communication skills, as well as emphasising group work, data analysis and ICT skills.
The contact hours associated with a module at the University depends on the module type, but typically a module would comprise 3 hours per week lecture/tutorial and one hour per week for a design/practical session. Apprentices are expected to spend the remaining hours for a 30 credit module in guided independent study. Typically, the contact hours associated with a work-based module would comprise an hour per week for a tutorial during teaching weeks and eight hours for lecture/practical sessions during non-teaching weeks (10% of the module). Apprentices are expected to spend the remaining hours for a 30 credit module in work-based learning (circa 70%) and guided independent study (circa 20%).
Who teaches this programme?
The programme is taught at the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment. Faculty staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practise and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our programmes are current and industry informed, ensuring you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.
Staff will use their experience and professional networks to hone your skills and shape you into the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates.
Postgraduate students may run, or assist in, lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
- extensive materials and structures facility for concrete, masonry, steel and timber;
- geotechnical and hydraulics testing facilities; and
- surveying equipment, such as satellite global-positioning systems.
Dedicated computer-aided design facilities include:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCAD;
- finite element analysis
- computational fluid dynamics; and
- virtual instrumentation.
What our students say
Civil Engineering students, Anya and Kievan talk about their experience studying at Kingston University:
What our graduates say
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Each apprentice on an approved Apprenticeship Standard is required to take an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the programme. The EPA is delivered by an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) that is registered with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
The EPA is either integrated as part of the apprenticeship or completed after the course element. If an apprentice is completing the EPA after the course element, they must ensure they have successfully completed their learning, achieved the gateway requirements and finished uploading their evidence prior to taking the EPA.
Local Employer Group (LEG)
The LEG was established to monitor, support and enhance the delivery and operation of the programme. This includes management and periodically reviewing of work-based learning by this established local employer group with the aim of delivering an apprenticeship programme that is a high-quality satisfactory experience for all. Representatives of apprentices are invited to serve on the group. Terms of reference include:
In advance of each group meeting, the course administrator asks the apprentice representative to gather feedback from their fellow apprentices to be channelled through them at the meeting.
Next steps
Employees
If you are currently employed full time and would like to find out more about apprenticeships, please ask your employer to contact the Kingston University apprenticeship team.
Employers
If you are an employer interested in how apprenticeships can support your organisation and employees, please contact the apprenticeship team for further details.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
