Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship
Subject and course type
- Engineering: civil, construction and surveying
- Undergraduate
- Degree apprenticeship
Kingston University’s course provides a strong platform for pursuing and achieving an exciting career in civil engineering. You’ll typically have one day of study a week, while working in the industry.
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Build the foundation for your career in civil engineering
Take the first step in your civil engineering career by learning essential industry knowledge while you work.
On this degree apprenticeship you will undertake three work-based learning modules. Combining your own civil engineering interests and learning with those of your employer. Whether that’s project management, sustainability or mechanics. The programme leads to the award of a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship) and a professional qualification through End-Point Assessment (EPA). An EPA is an impartial evaluation to determine whether you have developed the required skills, knowledge, and behaviours to complete your course.
This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), which comprises:
- The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
- The Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
- The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)
- The Permanent Way Institution
on behalf of the Engineering Council.
Facilities
Why choose this course
Kingston University is the ideal place to study this Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. We offer the perfect balance of theoretical, practical, academic, management and industrial-based skills. You will also benefit from high-quality teaching, reflected in our prestigious TEF Gold rating.
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
- 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
- virtual instrumentation.
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, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and the Permanent Way Institution 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.
Course content
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 an 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 330 credits through typical modules (120 credits at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 90 at Level 6) and 30 credits as the individual technical report and EPA.
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.
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.
Level 4
Level 4 introduces Navigate. This is 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. Level 4 also focuses on sustainability, climate literacy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
You will also develop 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
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.
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.
15 credits
This module will explore the global environmental, economic, and social problems that society faces and encourage students to find and create sustainable innovative solutions.
The students will be introduced to the complex societal problems and current challenges associated with social justice, cultural inequalities, ethics, and climate change emergencies, this will enable them to reflect on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The students will be immersed in a culture of education that provides knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills and encourages 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.
Students will be able to develop knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills associated with systems thinking and integrated problem-solving within the context of environmental systems and processes and the built environment. This will encourage students to critically address ways to mitigate and solve complex global societal problems addressed by the UNSDGs.
Working in teams, students will explore, and debate: to evaluate the interconnectivity between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), collaborate and co-design practical and equitable strategic solutions to Net Zero carbon (positive), and evaluate sustainability-related global challenges (e.g., the climate emergency) while developing critical thinking and self-awareness
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.
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.
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
Level 5 includes Exploring. This is 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 cover specific civil engineering subjects such as structural analysis, construction materials, geotechnics, hydraulics and water engineering, engineering geodesy and geographic information system (GIS).
Core modules
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, strategise 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Level 6 involves the in-depth study and application of core civil engineering disciplines. These include 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
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.
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.
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.
30 credits
The individual project is an opportunity to explore a subject of your own choice. You will initiate, design and execute a small-scale research project under supervision. Your project will draw upon material from all modules previously or currently taught and provide a culmination to your degree. This allows you to develop and practice your research skills that will be invaluable for the future.
You will work independently, studying a topic in depth, reviewing previous work, and collecting, interpreting and analysing information. This is also intended to develop your ability to communicate clearly and succinctly orally, graphically and in writing. In undertaking the work, you 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 you, a series of workshops will be given along with individual one-to-one supervision. Assessment is by submission of an initial formative research statement and summative assessments comprising an interim report and the completed project.
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.
30 credits
This is a core Level 6 module for Level 6 Civil Engineer Degree Apprentices and serves both as 30 credits at Level 6 towards the BEng. (Hons) Civil Engineering Integrated Degree Apprenticeship degree award and as the End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Level 6 Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship, required to complete the apprenticeship programme.
In line with the EPA strategy for the Standard ST0417, this module is guided by the EPA Methods, comprising a Work-based Project (Method 1, Component 1) and Presentation of key findings upon its conclusion (Method 1, Component 2) and a structured interview based on the apprentice’s Portfolio (Method 2).
Successful completion of this module requires the student to pass both module elements of assessment: the Work-based Project Report (compliant with Methods 1, Component 1) and End Point Assessment (Method 1, Component 2 and, Method 2).
15 credits
This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes.
At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network.
You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.
What career opportunities does this course offer?
Upon completing your apprenticeship you’ll have learned a comprehensive understanding of civil engineering principles. You will also have gained practical experience through work-based learning, and industry-relevant skills tailored to your career ambitions. This ensures you are well-prepared to meet professional standards and excel in a range of civil engineering roles.
Future Skills
Our Future Skills programme is embedded within all our undergraduate courses and throughout the whole Kingston experience. These skills will help you to become a future-proof graduate by equipping you with the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills. You’ll also understand how to demonstrate and articulate to employers how these future skills give you the edge.
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 develop apprentices into graduates that are professional, thoughtful, creative, resilient, proactive, globally-aware and independent, ready to be lifelong learners.
In total, 75% of the degree element of the programme will be delivered at the University. 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. 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%).
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
| Activity | Hours |
| Workshops | 123 |
| Lectures, tutorials and practicals | 672 |
| Integrative project work, group work and supervised group meetings | 40 |
| Laboratory | 119 |
| Field work and site visits | 104 |
| Summative assessments (50%) | 320 |
| Work-based learning (including credit bearing) (approx.) | 386 |
| Workplace mentor meetings | 148 |
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this programme is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
- Coursework: 60%
- Exams: 40%
Based on the Education and Skills Funding Agency funding rules your on-the-job training will also be assessed to ensure that it meets the requirements of the apprenticeship standard. You will also need to successfully complete an End-Point Assessment.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to learners within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm.
End-Point Assessment
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.
Fees and funding
This degree apprenticeship programme is funded through the Government's Apprenticeship Levy within the approved funding band.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
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.
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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. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
