
Civil Engineering BEng
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code H202
- 3 years / Full-time
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
Course description

If you're not sure which area of civil engineering you want to go into, this broad-based course is a good choice. In your first two years, you will concentrate on the core disciplines of structural engineering, water infrastructure engineering, fluid mechanics, and geotechnical mechanics, from both an analysis and a design perspective.
The second half of the course will allow you to focus on more specialised and advanced water engineering areas such as coastal engineering, groundwater engineering, fluid dynamics, flood risk, sustainable drainage and water resources. You'll also develop and carry out a research project.
During your final year, you'll spend a full semester doing the Integrated Design Project. The project encourages you to unleash your creativity on a grand scale by devising plans for an entire urban regeneration project based on a real site in Sheffield. You'll investigate new design methods and construction materials while developing detailed designs such as elegant bridges, sustainable and environmentally sensitive multi-storey buildings, or state-of-the-art sports venues. It'll give you invaluable project experience and a feel for the kind of issues you may encounter in your career.
All our teaching is delivered by research-active academic staff or university teachers with extensive industrial experience.
The course challenges you to solve increasingly complex problems and gives you a solid understanding of fundamental engineering principles. In the final year, you'll build on your core knowledge with specialist modules. You'll graduate as a skilled, competent and well-rounded engineer who can confidently approach complex global problems.
Accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). It also partially satisfies 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 Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: H202
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Civil Engineering Mathematics
-
This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department.
20 credits - Civil Engineering Skills
-
This module aims to give students the tools to become excellent engineers. This begins with the ability to communicate their designs through hand sketches and through the use of AutoCAD (a graphical design package). Students are then expected to use peer assessment to assess their drawings so they can understand how not only to create drawings but also how to effectively present information on them too. Basic skills incomputer programming are also introduced to give students the ability to solve complex problems. In second semester the module concentrates on surveying skills, culminating in a group field project.
20 credits - Civil and Structural Engineering Mechanics 1
-
This module is delivered in both the Autumn and Spring Semesters.Teaching in the first semester is designed to provide a basis of knowledge and understanding of elastic structural analysis and will be applied to two key structural forms - trusses and beams. The focus of the second semester is on the analysis of stress, strain and elastic deformation of beams, qualitative structural analysis of beam-like structures and the fundamentals of plasticity.
20 credits - Introduction to Civil and Structural Engineering Design
-
The module aims to both develop an inquisitive understanding of the historical background to modern civil and structural engineering design, and to develop the students' understanding of the design process. Both these aims give students a context in which to place their learning in other, more technically rigorous modules.
20 credits - Engineering Sustainability
-
This module presents the drivers for global change, the systemic nature of global systems and how these will influence Civil and Structural Engineering over the next few decades.The primary routes for Civil and Structural Engineers to influence how humanity can thrive whilst working within the planetary boundaries are driven through a better understanding of energy and resources (materials and water).It is projected that by 2050 the human population will be 10 billion with over 75% concentrated in urban and megacity areas. Demand for food and fuel will double, demand for clean water will increase by more than 50% and the global economy will quadruple ¿ and all of this whilst mitigating and adapting to climate change and working within the carrying capacity of our natural systems. Engineering solutions to create the civil engineering infrastructure for society to live in must navigate this complex and rapidly changing set of social goals. Concepts and introductory analysis methods for designing sustainable engineering solutions will be developed and illustrated through specific areas of civil engineering application: water systems, energy systems and the built environment.
10 credits - Geotechnical Engineering 1
-
This module is an introductory module to the use of soils in engineering practice. As soils are a naturally varying material, the creation of different soil types is first discussed giving the student a background in why soils differ. This then progresses into the engineering classification of soils followed by the design of simple geotechnical structures. These include retaining walls and earth embankments.
10 credits - Introduction to Structural Materials Engineering
-
This lecture course covers all the main classes of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, natural materials and composites), describing the properties that they show, the root cause of their properties, the structure, and how we can affect this by processing to get the properties we want. The course will also introduce some ways that the best material for a purpose can be selected.
10 credits - Principles of Hydraulics
-
This module is designed to address areas of mechanics, which you may have covered in pre-university physics or applied mathematics courses. It aims to build a common understanding of the principles of fluid mechanics.In fluid mechanics, the base is hydrostatics. This will be the first part of the course and will include mathematical analysis of fluid pressures, pressure measurement techniques and applications to calculate hydrostatic forces on structures.The second part of the course will consider properties and laws of hydro-dynamics. It will progress through basic equilibrium, continuity, energy and momentum principles of fluid in motion, and their applications to simple problems in hydraulic engineering and geotechnical engineering.Overall, you will gain the essential understanding of fluid mechanics on which subsequent modules in your degree course will depend.
10 credits - Global Engineering Challenge Week
-
The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme, and the project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of six, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, ICT, Waste Management and Energy with scenarios set in a developing country. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Challenge* and other projects have been suggested by an academic at the University of Makerere in Uganda (who is involved in developing solutions using IT systems for health, agriculture and resource problems in developing countries). Students are assessed on a number of aspects of being a professional engineer both by Faculty alumni and a number of local industrial engineers. *The EWB Challenge is a design program coordinated internationally by Engineers Without Borders Australia and delivered in Australian, New Zealand, British and Irish universities. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects. By participating in the EWB Challenge students are presented with a fantastic opportunity to design creative solutions to problems identified by real EWB projects. Each year, the EWB Challenge design brief is
Core modules:
- Geotechnical Engineering 2
-
This module is aimed at extending your knowledge of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. The focus is on applying fundamental understanding of mechanics to geotechnical problem solving with an emphasis on fluid-soil and structure-soil interaction. The approach is designed to link soil mechanics theory (e.g. seepage, consolidation, bearing capacity, settlement) to practical application (e.g. deformation and failure of foundations and slopes) through the use of physical models, numerical models and case studies. The course will encompass lectures, tutorials, group work including laboratories, and directed and independent reading.
20 credits - Pipes and Open Channel Hydraulics
-
This module will equip students with the understanding and abilities to analyse flow in pipes and open channels. This will be achieved through a series of lectures, laboratory classes and tutorial sheets. Theory is reinforced through practical experimentation and problem solving. A particular feature of the module is the development of student driven, enquiry based learning through increasingly flexible and self-driven small group laboratory and e-learning resources.
20 credits - Structural Analysis I
-
This module is designed to improve your knowledge understanding of how elastic and plastic methods of structural analysis can be applied to various structural forms. The module will be delivered via lectures, supported by problem-solving, computer and laboratory classes and a one-day field trip to view building and bridge structures. You will develop your ability to analyse structures under working and ultimate loads, by hand and via computer.
20 credits - Structural Engineering Design and Appraisal
-
This module will discuss the fundamental principles of structural engineering philosophy and design. The theories and concepts of analysis and design of structural elements will be presented for the most commonly used structural materials and discussed along with the more prescriptive design rules included in the relevant Eurocodes.
20 credits - Construction Project Management
-
This module is designed to introduce students to key factors that influence the development and management of construction projects throughout their lifecycle and various key construction management processes/ techniques / tools that can be used to plan, co-ordinate and control project development. It will also introduce professional and legal responsibilities of industry practitioners. The module will involve research, evaluation and discussion of industry information on issues such as construction project procurement, project planning, health and safety risk management, project risks and technological developments in the construction industry. The module will be assessed through group presentations and an individual reflective report.
10 credits - Further Civil Engineering Mathematics and Computing
-
This module is part of a series of second-level modules designed for the particular group of engineers shown in brackets in the module title. Each module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and new mathematical techniques relevant to the particular engineering discipline.
10 credits - Materials for Structural Engineering
-
This module looks at the role of materials and materials properties used for structural design. The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, on-line learning initiatives and group-based practicals.
10 credits - Water and Wastewater
-
This module gives students an introduction into water management and in particular the treatment of water for drinking and the treatment of wastewater. The module will consider water resource issues and examine and learn about the range of technologies use to treat raw water, before domestic use, and wastewater, after domestic use.
10 credits - Engineering - You're Hired
-
The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project.The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.
- Individual Project
-
CIV3202 is the second in a series of linked modules running for 14 weeks of the spring semester, and is specifically for BEng students. The module is worth a total of 30 credits and notionally lasts for 7 weeks of the spring semster (weeks 6 to 12 inclusive). However, students are allocated their dissertation topic and supervisor early in the autuimn semester, and are encouraged to start working on the project (e.g. carrying out their literature review and refining the topic to be researched, as appropriate) as early as possible.This module is intended to enable participants to extend their knowledge and develop skills in investigation. In order to complete this module successfully, students will also need to develop ability to plan and manage their own progress. In addition, this module has been designed to help develop student¿s ability to communicate their work, in written and oral forms.Each student will be allocated an academic supervisor for this module. Students are expected to arrange meetings with their supervisor at regular intervals, for which they should produce agendas and meeting minutes.For further details, see below and the module handbook on MOLE.
30 credits - Integrated Design Project 1
-
The Integrated Design Project (or IDP as it is more commonly known) is a series of linked modules running for 14 weeks of the spring semester. The aim of these modules is to give you the opportunity to experience the engineering design process by working on proposals for redevelopment of a real brownfield site located in Sheffield. At the start of this 5 week long module, known as IDP Part 1, you will take part in a master-plannning exercise, giving you the opportunity to develop various skills whilst working collaboratively with students from the University's School of Architecture. You will build on the above master-plannning exercise in subsequent parts of the module/project, which involve engineering development of a scheme considering stakeholder requirements, through option identification and evaluation, to the production of design calculations and drawings. Accordingly, you will consider the overall concept/scheme design, where ability to consider and integrate a wide range of issues is more important than detailed design calculations.
20 credits - Advanced Structural Analysis
-
Advanced Structural Analysis aims to teach you the most modern theories suitable for performing the static assessment of structural members subjected to in-service multiaxial loading. Initially, this module focuses on the linear-elastic behaviour of structural members loaded in torsion as well as in bending. The fundamental equations modelling the behaviour of beams under the above loading conditions are derived by following rigorous mathematical procedures. The module examines also those equivalent stresses (such as von Mises, Tresca, etc.) commonly used in situation of practical interest do design structural members against complex systems of forces and moments. Finally, the problem of designing notched structural members against multiaxial static loading is addressed in great detail by considering both ductile and brittle materials.
10 credits - Civil Engineering Research Skills
-
This module introduces academic engineering research and associated skills to students. It provides an academic training basis for the independent research project and provides a means to complete the proposal for this piece of work. It helps students understand various methodologies they are exposed to in their course of study, develop a data analysis capability and develop the skills of reading and critiquing the original academic literature in civil engineering and allied disciplines. Such skills are also essential for undertaking high calibre consultancy work when employed by industry.
10 credits - Finance and Law for Engineers
-
The module is designed to introduce engineering students to some of the key financial and legal issues that engineers are likely to encounter in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students¿ understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, data protection and intellectual property rights. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.
10 credits - Geotechnical Design
-
This module is designed to develop your understanding of the concepts behind geotechnical design and how safety and idealisations are built into design calculations to deal with the complexity of subsurface stratigraphy, groundwater, soil behaviour and modelling issues. Through lectures, tutorial sheets, software exercises, and a design project, you will develop your knowledge of engineering geology and of design calculations for retaining structures and foundations in the context of Eurocode 7. You will also develop your ability to use a range of state of the art engineering design concepts and tools.
10 credits - Integrated Design Project III
-
`International/Global Context of Engineering¿ (5 credits)The CEO of your group has just been made aware of a project very similar to that in the CIV3201 module (Part 1 of the IDP) being planned in a specified location overseas (note that each group will be given a different location) and is considering submitting a tender for the design and construction works. If the tender is successful, it may lead to further opportunities for working on similar projects in the region.The CEO has therefore requested that you prepare a report, to be presented at the next board meeting, which discusses and critically evaluates the risks and opportunities of carrying out such projects. Your report will help the board to decide whether or not to submit a tender for the project.For this part of the project, you will work in the same groups as for Part 2 if you are a Y3 MEng student, or if a newly formed group if you are a BEng student. You will need to undertake research into conditions in the country specified, identifying the principal differences and similarities between working in the UK and overseas, thinking broadly about the conditions (environmental, political, cultural, social etc as well as technical issues) that could impact on the design or construction of the project. By evaluating the risks and opportunities, associated with these issues, you should be able to recommend what additional measures /considerations your company would have to take so they can make an informed and objecti
10 credits
Optional modules:
- Advanced Structural Design and Appraisal
-
This module takes students through the process of designing short to medium height multi-storey buildings, based around a case study of a real building. The process initially looks at options for gravity load-bearing elements, (such as floor slabs, beams and columns) as well as options for lateral load resisting systems (such as reinforced concrete shear walls / cores and steel bracing frames), before carrying out analysis and design of the selected options. The module also provides an overview of the history of multi-storey buildings, as well as looking at key considerations such as fire, robustness and vibration.This module is intended to prepare students for carrying out the analysis and design of multi-storey buildings in the 'Integrated Design Project' (IDP).
10 credits - Computational Engineering Mathematics
-
To provide the necessary mathematical framework to understand advanced computational methods for the solution of complex engineering problems. At the end of the course the student should: 1. understand and be able to derive the basic equations of continuum mechanics; 2. understand and be able to derive the basic equations of fluid mechanics; 3. have a basic understanding of how to use basic Finite Difference and Finite Element methods in the context of complex engineering problems; 4. have a qualitative quantitative appreciation of the sources of errors associated with the finite difference and finite element techniques.
10 credits - Urban Drainage Engineering
-
This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and processes associated with hydrology and urban drainage design, and to apply these concepts to a variety of drainageengineering problems. Through lectures, tutorials and individual literature and case study research, you will develop your knowledge of current and developing practice in urban drainage, including the increasingly important roles of SuDS and Green Infrastructure.
10 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
We've academic staff who are world-leaders in their respective fields and some have over 20 years' experience in industry. Our staff experience demonstrates how engineering fundamentals are applied in practice through project work that mimics real-life situations. We also bring in leading industry experts to enhance and support our teaching and advise on our curriculum.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Maths
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths
A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB, including A in Maths + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths AAB, including A in Maths + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
International Baccalaureate | 36, 6 in Higher Level Maths 34, 5 in Higher Level Maths
BTEC | DDD in Engineering + A in A Level Maths DDD in Engineering + B in A Level Mathematics
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AAAAB + A in Maths AAABB + B in Maths
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A + AA in Maths B + AA in Maths
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 at level 3 including 39 credits at Distinction to include Mathematics and Science or Engineering units, and 6 credits at Merit + Grade A in A-level Mathematics. Applicants are considered individually. 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 at level 3 including 36 credits at Distinction to include Mathematics and Science or Engineering units, and 9 credits at Merit + Grade A in A-level Mathematics. Applicants are considered individually.
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
-
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted
-
GCSE Physics or Dual Award Science or GCSE Additional Science at grade 6 or grade B, or equivalent, if not offered at A or AS Level
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
What is civil engineering?
Civil engineering is at the forefront of improving the way we live. Whether it's providing the facilities that keep our day-to-day lives running smoothly - from roads and railways to clean water supplies - or working to meet the ever-changing needs of our society in the areas of sustainability, renewable energy and climate change, you'll be helping to create and protect the world we live in.
Civil engineering at Sheffield
Our courses will make you the kind of engineer the world needs right now; forward-thinking, interdisciplinary, environmentally conscious, and capable of the kind of complex thinking our rapidly changing society needs. Wherever you choose to start your career, you'll be in demand.
We're eighth in the UK for civil engineering, according to the Times Good University Guide 2020, and seventh according to the Complete University Guide 2020. Our research is internationally recognised. Industry and government value our expertise.
Our industry partners contribute to teaching through lectures, design classes, projects and site visits. We work with leading consultants, contractors and specialist civil engineering companies to provide industrial opportunities for a number of students each year. We also have industrial tutors and professionals who mentor our first-year students.
You'll be taught in The Diamond, one of the best teaching spaces in the UK.
Facilities
The Diamond building contains state-of-the-art teaching and lab facilities, and uses cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment.
Department of Civil and Structural EngineeringWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
The Complete University Guide 2020
Student profiles
Graduate careers
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
Our graduates work all over the world, from the UK to Australia and the USA. Recent graduates have gone on to work for AECOM, Arup, Atkins, Buro Happold, Eastwood & Partners, and Kier.
You'll be able to apply your knowledge and skills to fields as diverse as the built environment, sustainability and improving the environment.
In addition, architectural engineering graduates might go into a broad range of engineering areas ranging from building services to mechanical, electrical or acoustic engineering.
Or as a structural engineer, you'll be helping to shape the world around us. Structural engineers design and construct multi-storey buildings, bridges, sports stadiums, tunnels, airports and schools.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: civilugadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
Email: +44 114 222 5738
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.