2024/25 entry
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
Why study Civil Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Opportunity to undertake a year's industrial placement
- 6 million invested in state-of-the-art teaching facilities
- Stepping stone to a varied career with UK and overseas employment opportunities
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
About your course
The professionally-accredited BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University offers you excellent placement options and is the ideal preparation for a varied and interesting career in the world of civil engineering.
If you are interested in creating the structures that support lifes basic needs for water, flood control, hospitals, recreation and transport, the Civil Engineering degree at LJMU is a good place to start.
Civil engineers need to be competent technically, practical in outlook and capable of giving professional advice on a variety of subjects ranging from design to construction and site management.
The degree in Civil Engineering gives you plenty of opportunities to apply your studies to real situations, supported by employers from industry who provide case studies and suggestions for projects and on the year-long work placement should you take this option.
"Many of our civil engineering students obtain employment before the end of their final academic year."
Professional accreditation/links
The accrediting body for this degree is the Joint Board of Moderators for the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. Please see www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
This degree is accredited as:
1. fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
2. partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.
See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.
Ultimately, with relevant work experience and a masters-level degree, the degree can lead to the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer (CEng) and the equivalent European Qualification of EurIng.
This programme is also accredited by IStructE.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
Career opportunities are varied and interesting. You may work on site, or in office-based design work. Good opportunities exist for work both overseas and in the UK, on projects such as the venues for the Olympic Games, tall buildings, football stadia, bridges, roads and water treatment works.
A degree in Civil Engineering will provide you with a wide range of transferable skills, and the education provided prepares you for a wide range of employment opportunities.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
A life-changing experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
-
Your future awaits -
Fees, funding and scholarships -
University life -
Accommodation -
Get involved
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics I
20 credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the mathematics underpinning engineering, and helps you to apply these techniques within an engineering context.
Structural Analysis and Design I
20 credits
This module introduces structural mechanics and will help to provide an understanding of the basic concepts and techniques, with emphasis on the application of these to the solution of statically determinate structures. This module aims to apply mathematical and geometrical calculations to the determination of structural properties of sections. You will also learn to design and detail simple structural elements in compliance with current codes of practice and standards with due consideration for sustainability.
Introduction to Materials I
10 credits
This module will provide an introduction to different civil engineering materials in terms of their source and properties. It will also help to provide understanding of the mechanics of materials behaviour. This includes exploring the relationship between stresses and strains and hence provide a sound rationale for the selection and use of materials in civil engineering.
Surveying and CAD
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to basic techniques for land surveying and setting out. It includes methods of obtaining field measurements for the purpose of producing site drawings, and setting out points using line-of sight. It will also help to develop an understanding of the use and application of Computer Aided Design in the Built Environment and the development of 2-dimensional drafting techniques and conventions.
Geotechnics I
20 credits
This module will help you gain a basic understanding of soil and rock mechanics and their engineering applications.
Hydraulics
10 credits
This module will introduce fundamental fluid properties and then consolidate your knowledge to the concepts, theory and application of fluid mechanics and establish their relevance in civil engineering. It will also help to demonstrate and explore key hydraulic phenomena through experimentation and e-laboratory activities. You will also be introduced to key principles of the analysis of pipelines for fluid transport.
Infrastructure Design and Skills Project
20 credits
This module will enable you to develop the academic and digital literacy skills necessary to perform effectively in a Higher Education context. It will introduce you to professional subject area whilst providing you with an early opportunity to engage in a collaborative environment. It will help develop your self-awareness skills and introduce you to CPD and personal development planning. It introduces infrastructure and explains the interlinking between the various forms of infrastructure improvement for zero carbon world and comply with the UNSDG’s. You will be introduced to a systems approach to solving complex engineering problems to tackle the climate emergency, considering biodiversity and nature-based solutions. You will also learn the planning, design, construction and operational activities required for civil engineering infrastructure & associated works,.
Level 5
Core modules
Materials II
20 credits
This module will help you develop more in-depth and advanced understanding of the main materials that are used in civil engineering. This includes the way some materials develop and gain their properties. You will also explore the effects of using sustainable cement replacement materials and environmentally friendly recycled materials.
Surveying and Transportation
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the methods of infrastructure route planning, highway geometry, design & construction, geodetic and satellite surveying. It will help you demonstrate how total stations and GNSS receivers can capture data for use in software packages to produce contoured plans and sections. You will also develop practical surveying skills.
Engineering Mathematics II
10 credits
This module will help develop your knowledge and understanding of the probability theory and statistics underpinning engineering, and will demonstrate how to apply these techniques within an engineering context. It will further develop your knowledge and understanding of relevant mathematical techniques underpinning engineering, and how to apply these within an engineering context.
Geotechnics II
10 credits
This module will help you gain an advanced understanding of soil behaviour in shear, consolidation, induced and you will learn how to apply this to the design of earth structures.
Water Engineering
20 credits
This module will introduce and then consolidate your knowledge of the fundamental principles of engineering hydrology applied to civil engineering problems. It will provide you with an understanding of some of the key environmental and social problems with which you must deal within the context of global change and sustainable engineering. It will also present open channel flow concepts and provide you with the ability to perform and assess a range of hydraulic computations relating to open channel flow commonly used in civil engineering.
Structural Analysis and Design II
20 credits
This module will provide with an introduction to the analysis of statically indeterminate structures and the analysis of the plastic behaviour of steel structures. It will enable you to design and detail structural elements in reinforced concrete and structural steelwork using Eurocode 2 and 3. You will also be introduced to the use of software for the analysis and design of structures.
Civil Engineering Project
20 credits
In this module you will develop skills necessary to deliver a complex, group research project that fits within a sustainable civil engineering context. This module will enable you to develop the academic and digital literacy skills necessary to perform effectively in a Higher Education context. It will enhance your understanding of the professional subject area, and your skills in team work in a collaborative environment using industry standard collaborative CAD and design tools. It will help you develop your self awareness skills, and personal development planning through CPD. It will also develop your understanding of Risk Management, Health and Safety and sustainability.
Optional Modules
Study Year Abroad - Civil Engineering
120 credits
The aim is to provide you with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement your programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for your programme of study
Sandwich Year - Civil Engineering
120 credits
This module aims to provide you with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.
Study Semester Abroad - Civil Engineering
60 credits
The aim is to provide you with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of your LJMU programme at Level 5.This is a semester of full-time study at an approved higher education institution which will replace one semester of Level 5 study at LJMU. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be an appropriate substitute for the modules being replaced.
Level 6
Core modules
Advanced Materials
10 credits
This module will help you advance your understanding of the behaviour of engineering materials under a wide range of service conditions with consideration of durability and sustainability and will help critically review the choice of materials for different applications. You will also to be able to assess the performance and properties of materials using non-destructive testing.
Transportation and Infrastructure
10 credits
This module will help develop an understanding of pavement and drainage design to DMRB, traffic flow and junction design, track bed design, switch and crossing layouts, Climate Resilience, SuDS. Under this module, you will study recent developments within the field of infrastructure, and you will develop an understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship through consideration of case studies.
Applied Geotechnics and Design
20 credits
You will gain an advanced level of design skills for complex geotechnical applications in this module.
Structural Design and Risk Management
20 credits
This module will help you critically apply the structural design procedures for members made from a variety of materials based on their environmental conditions. You will develop a critical understanding of Risk Assessment and the associated Risk Management within a construction project environment. You will also develop and consolidate the structural application, design and detailing, evaluation and analysis introduced at Level 4 and 5 with more advanced application to building elements/structures, using the current codes of practice.
Research Project
40 credits
This module will enable you to complete a substantial piece of individual work and build on your expertise in your degree specialism. You will also develop students research, time management, presentation and written communication skills.
Water Supply and Wastewater Management
20 credits
The module provides a thorough grounding in the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants and water supply networks. It ensures the awareness, competencies and methodology for consideration of specific issues in water and wastewater management.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching on the course is via a combination of lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, workshops, online activities, and practical sessions, combined with your own research using our Learning Resource Centre and the web. You can expect to spend around nine hours per week in lectures, four in tutorials and up to four in workshops, practical and field-based studies, plus around 23 hours per week in private study.
Projects at all levels of the degree will help you integrate your learning and apply it to real situations. Employers support these projects, both by providing case studies and by assisting with suggestions to student groups. Employers consistently praise the high level of competence achieved and demonstrated by our students.
Work-related Learning
The best way to experience working in the civil engineering industry is to undertake a years (48-week) professional work placement, either in the UK or overseas, so you can put into practice what you have learnt in your first two years. The placement is fully paid and is an invaluable opportunity to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience to add real value to your CV and impress future employers. The direct work experience could also count towards a professional qualification. Taking the sandwich option will greatly improve your career prospects and could even lead to a permanent position with your placement employer.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Throughout the course you will have the support of a personal tutor who can provide one-to-one guidance and advice on course-related issues. If you decide to take up a third year work placement, there is plenty of support available from the Schools Industry Unit, both in finding and securing the placement, and during the year when one of your tutors will visit you in your workplace to check on your progress.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We recognise that all students perform differently depending on the type of assessment they are asked to do, and so a variety of assessment methods are used. These include exams (open and closed book), coursework (projects, technical reports, reviews, etc), and presentations (individual and group). Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus. Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC - BBB (112 - 120)
Qualification requirements
A levels
Level 4: 112 UCAS points: Minimum Two A2 levels. Science and maths subjects are preferred but not essential for A-Levels and including GCSE/O-level standard requirements.
International Baccalaureate
Level 4: 24 IB points
NVQ
HNC/HND (Cognate) Level 4 Entry: Pass Level 5 Entry: Pass with an average mark of at least 60%
Alternative qualifications considered
GCSE Maths grade 4 (C)or above (or equivalent).
International requirements
-
Other international requirements
Overseas student applicants must have the equivalent qualifications as UK students. In addition they must have achieved an IELTS score of at least 6.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
We are looking for students who are keen to learn new skills and develop those they already possess. We want students with the ability to: be creative with ideas and concepts, moderate their creativity with logic, be enthusiastic and thirsty for knowledge, communicate effectively and confidently and understand and adapt to a wide range of issues connected with the subject. It is also important that students are able to manage time and tasks effectively as an individual and as part of a team, use appropriate sources to find and organise information and select and critically evaluate information in order to analyse problems.
If you would like to develop these skills further, have a strong interest in this subject area and want to work effectively within it, then this is the course for you! International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.