Skip to main content
Undergraduate study
Engineering & Construction

Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

This degree apprenticeship is for those already in employment and you, as the employer are willing to support their professional development as a civil engineer.

 

Professional apprenticeship
Linked Level 6 University award: BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

 

Course overview

Accredited

Sir Robert McAlpine: Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Hear from both sides as employer and apprentice at Sir Robert McAlpine talk about the multiple benefits they’ve experienced throughout this apprenticeship.

The apprentice develops skills to become a civil engineer. They must be employed in a relevant role and you as the employer must be willing to support their professional development.

This degree apprenticeship is based on the Civil Engineer degree apprenticeship standard.

Upon completion, the apprentice will be awarded with a HNC in Civil Engineering and BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering.

If the learner wants to study part time and be financed by other means (self-funded or through a student loan) go to the course information page for BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering to apply.

Please note, we can only respond to enquiries from employers, or individuals with agreement from their employer to undertake an apprenticeship.

Download pdf Order prospectus

 

Course details

Achieving the formal qualifications is part of a broader audit-based end-point employer endorsement with a rigorous interview or viva. This incorporates a detailed occupational development record and a portfolio of evidence.

Course structure

HNC Civil Engineering

Level 4 core modules

Building Technology (HN)

You gain the underpinning knowledge of construction technology. The materials and techniques used to achieve the basic principles of construction technology are constantly evolving to enable the construction industry to deliver better quality buildings. Scarcity of resources and the continuing demand of more sophisticated clients, end users and other stakeholder interests, are driving the construction industry to provide buildings which facilitate enhanced environmental and energy performance, and greater flexibility, in response to ever increasing financial, environmental, legal and economic constraints.

You are introduced to different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements; from substructure to completion, by understanding the different functional characteristics and design considerations when selecting the most suitable technological solution.


Civil Engineering Construction Technology (HN)

You explore the role of professional civil engineers, their essential involvement in the construction and maintenance of earthwork and substructure activities, and the key technologies they apply.

You cover: earthwork activities, temporary and permanent dewatering procedures, methods and techniques used to create substructures and the common hazards, technical problems and solutions associated with modern civil engineering activities. The impact of earthworks on superstructures and infrastructure is also explored. Principles of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are also examined and design principles of infiltration systems introduced.

Although there is a strong theoretical underpinning there is also considerable emphasis on enabling you to become aware of the processes of selection of appropriate methods and resources utilising realistic case studies.

Construction Practice and Management (HN)

You gain an overview of the industry’s size and operation of construction companies. Health and safety performance is considered and also how BIM has the potential to influence a range of construction processes and operations.

You develop an understanding of construction practice and management processes. You investigate and research the modern construction industry, both from the practical skills embedded within the industry through to its links with development on-site and the connection with construction management; including roles within the industry.

Construction Science and Materials (HN)

You develop basic knowledge of the properties of materials needed to successfully complete the other core and specialist modules. You analyse, apply, investigate and evaluate scientific principles and the properties and behaviour of materials in construction related situations. It is contextualised for construction, civil engineering or building services engineering and the delivery and assessment is tailored to your particular vocational needs.

Construction Structural Mechanics (HN)

You are introduced to common types of structure used in engineering and assess the types of loads they must resist. You are provided with the analytical skills necessary to design the components that make up the structure. Specific areas of study includes basic concept of force, stress and strain, properties of materials and sections, analysis of frames, beams and columns, equilibrium conditions and statically determinacy, beam bending moment, shear force and deflection. 



Geotechnics and Site Surveying (HN)

You gain an introduction to the importance of geological processes and the properties of soils and rocks in civil engineering. You perform laboratory practicals in soil and rock description and geological map interpretation

Individual Project (HN)

You apply the skills and knowledge that you developed in other modules of the course (and where possible experiences from work) within a major piece of work that reflects the type of performance expected of construction technologists. 

You develop your ability to identify, define, plan, develop and execute a successful project by working through a clear process. You develop a project brief, outlining a problem that requires a solution, as well as a project specification, the specific requirements of which the final outcome must meet.

You research the problem, undertaking a feasibility study, and consider a range of potential solutions using critical analysis and evaluation techniques to test, select and contextualise your preferred solution. You also provide a work and time management plan, keeping a diary of all activities, reflecting on their process and their learning throughout the project.

Mathematics for Construction (HN)

This module develops your underpinning mathematical knowledge and techniques relevant to studies in construction and civil engineering. You are introduced to mathematical methods and statistical techniques in order to analyse and solve problems within a construction engineering context. It has been designed to enable you to develop your knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis and solution of realistic construction problems.

 

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

Level 5 core modules

Applied Mathematical Methods

You develop mathematical knowledge in differential equations and numerical methods and extend your base of techniques to solve a variety of problems which arise in engineering domains. The emphasis is on developing competence in the identification of the most appropriate method to solve a given problem and its subsequent application.

Construction Management and Professional Skills

Students will gain an understanding of construction management techniques relevant to the construction projects at design and production stages with regards to scheduling, estimating, cost and time control, quality issues and health & safety. Students will also learn how these principles may be applied in the management of a construction project.

Formal lectures will be supported by student led seminars as appropriate in order to provide formative feedback with regards to construction management components. Students will also develop professional skills to support students’ development with regards to employability and career progression. The learning and teaching strategy will also focus on developing the students' detailed understanding and interpretation of the requirements for chartered membership of an engineering professional body.

Geotechnology and Materials

This module further develops your understanding of earth materials and their impact on civil engineering. You will analyse soils and examine how they interact with structures and how they behave under load.

The module will also extend your knowledge of construction materials to include Bituminous materials, Glass, Plastics, Non-ferrous metals, Composites, Smart and Energy-saving materials. These materials will be discussed with respect to their engineering properties and selection criteria for the design and construction of civil engineering structures.

Lectures, involving practical demonstrations, will be used to outline the concepts and techniques augmented with in class discussion/seminars of case studies. Tutorials and assignments will be used to gain skills in applying the techniques to designs.

Assessment will be an in course assignment and an end examination.

Group Project - Conceptual Design Stage

This module provides you with the opportunity to work in teams in order to solve an open-ended employer relevant problem on various areas of the infrastructure required by today’s society. You develop employability skills such as project management, presentation of work, research and commercial awareness in order to support problem solving in a technical engineering context.

The module further helps you to develop a holistic approach to the engineering practice and become critical of the potential impacts of the design and construction of engineering artefacts. You are expected to integrate environmental, social and economic considerations, as well as health and safety concepts, in your project proposals.

It also provides an opportunity for you to apply some of the construction management principles and techniques you learn in the Construction Management module to a typical civil engineering project.

A problem based learning approach is adopted and, where appropriate, supporting lectures / seminars will be delivered to include technical knowledge or skills development. You are assessed through two in-course assignments.

This is a 20-credit module.

Hydraulics and Hydrology

The basic properties of water at rest and in motion are introduced and used to investigate problems related to the storage of water in bulk and to its conveyance in known quantities through pipelines, rivers and open channels. Consideration is given to the natural water cycle (hydrological cycle) and how man has interacted with it to produce the hydrosocial cycle for his own use and benefit. Rainfall is a major component of the hydrological cycle and the module gives an insight into rainfall types, rainfall losses and rainfall runoff. Water and wastewater treatment are introduced.

Module content is delivered via lectures, tutorials and practical sessions and is formally assessed using one assignment and an end examination.

Structural Analysis and Design

The module will develop your ability to analyse structures and produce designs. You will extend your knowledge to solve elastic statically indeterminate systems and learn how to design common structural elements in accordance to appropriate National and European Standards.

Lectures will be used to introduce you to the techniques and underlying principles. Problem-solving seminars will provide the opportunity for the students to demonstrate understanding and develop competence in the application of these; these will also provide the opportunity for formative feedback.

Assessment comprises a coursework and an end examination.

 

Level 6 core modules

Digital Information Management in Construction

Develop the knowledge and skills to become an information manager, or BIM manager in your future career. You study the methodologies to manage digital BIM based projects for the construction and engineering fields, learning how to create, manage and encourage other users to work within the BIM collaboration space.

Geotechnical Design

In this module the design process is examined together with the various techniques used in practice. The concepts and methods are applied to a variety of foundation types. The interaction of the structural forces with the ground is considered in addition to the design of ground support and associated earthworks. Lectures will be used to outline the concepts and techniques augmented with in class discussion/seminars of case studies. Seminars and assignments will be used by the students to gain skills in applying the techniques to designs. Assessment will be in the form of a design report (30%) and an examination (70%).

Project

This module extends the development of independent learning skills by allowing you to investigate an area of engineering or technology for an extended period.

You receive training in writing technical reports for knowledgeable readers and you produce a report or dissertation of the work covered. In addition, you give an oral presentation, a poster presentation or both. The topic can be in the form of a research project or a design project.

You develop key skills in research, knowledge application and creation through keynote lectures where appropriate and self-managed independent study. Support is provided through regular tutorial sessions.

Structural Design and Materials

The module develops the structural engineering application of analysis and design concepts and procedures in a range of materials to provide the student with the knowledge required to carry out the design of structural elements and systems. Appropriate European and/or National Standards will be used for the design of structural components of different materials.

Building on the detailed knowledge of construction materials developed in previous modules, students will gain an appreciation of several of the more significant recent changes in the fields of metals and alloys, concrete technology and cement-based composites. Development of new and emerging materials will be explored, including responses to concerns regarding service lifetimes, durability and sustainability.

Water Engineering

The module considers elements of flood risk management, water resources management and natural and man-made infrastructure. It introduces natural watercourses and concepts of their response to rainfall events, including flooding and consideration of flood protection/mitigation methods. The module develops the concepts involved in the design and operation of elements of water supply and wastewater systems, from the estimation of water demand and the evaluation and use of water resources, to the collection and transport of foul and storm water and their eventual discharge to natural watercourses.

The module will also consider climate change and mitigation in relation to water.

Module content is delivered via lectures, seminars and practical sessions.

This is a 20-credit module.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

The apprenticeship includes work-based elements and blended (on campus and online) learning.

Attendance is typically one day a week on campus. Online learning may be real-time or recorded. Real-time is preferred but recordings provided added flexibility for apprentices who may occasionally need to manage work commitments.

The University programmes provide a number of contact teaching and assessment hours (such as lectures, tutorials, lab work, projects, examinations), but the apprentice is also expected to undergo self-study time – to review lecture notes, prepare coursework assignments, work on projects and revise for assessments.

How you are assessed

The apprentice's learning involves different types of assessment including coursework assignments and exams.

The apprentice is provided with programme and module guides containing comprehensive information about their assessments. Assessment schedules allow them to manage their time more effectively and prepare for submission.

Our virtual learning environment plays a key role in the submission of coursework and assessment with some modules using online tests, blogs, journals and portfolios to support blended learning.

In addition to the on-programme assessment, completion of the apprenticeship is by end-point assessment which looks holistically at the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) developed to determine if the requirements of the Standard have been met.

Please refer to the Civil Engineer degree apprenticeship assessment plan


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

 

Entry requirements

How to apply

To be accepted on to a degree apprenticeship course you must have support from your employer and meet the course entry requirements.

Expressions of interest should be submitted to
SCEDTApprenticeships@tees.ac.uk

We will discuss this and their eligibility, with the apprentice and you as an employer and then send a link through to an online application form.

Entry requirements

To be accepted on to a degree apprenticeship course you must have support from your employer and meet the course entry requirements.

96 points from any combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications, including maths.

Before starting their Teesside University apprenticeship, learners must hold Level 2 qualifications in English and maths. Find out more.

Admission with advanced standing can be considered if the apprentice has studied at Level 4 or higher (HNC) in a relevant subject.

Find out how many points the apprentice's qualifications are worth using the UCAS tariff calculator


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Degree apprenticeships combine work with studying for a work-based higher education level qualification. All apprentices will already be in employment.

Apprentices gain technical knowledge and practical experience by combining on-the-job training with flexible study towards a higher education qualification.

What are the benefits for employers and apprentices?

  • increasing future productivity
  • keeping the business up-to-date with the latest knowledge and innovative practice
  • delivering on-the-job training to employees tailored to business needs
  • tackling skills shortages by filling higher level skill gaps
  • developing and retaining existing staff by offering support and a fresh perspective
  • improving employees’ career prospects.

 
 

Professional accreditation

The associated BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering included in the Degree Apprenticeship programme is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators 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 is required to complete the educational base for CEng. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of further learning programmes for CEng.

The Joint Board of Moderators represents the following four professional bodies:
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
Institute of Highway Engineers

Professional apprenticeship

An apprenticeship combines vocational work-based learning with study for a university degree. Designed in partnership with employers, apprenticeships offer it all - a higher education qualification, a salary, and invaluable practical experience and employment skills.

Find out more

Full-time

  • Not available full-time
 

Part-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£27,000

More details about our fees

  • Length: 4-6 years (4 years by direct entry for candidates qualified to HNC level) plus 6 months end-point assessment
  • Attendance: Blended delivery
  • Start date: September

Enquire now

 
  • Student and graduate profiles
    Max Brindley

    Max Brindley

    Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

    I’d definitely recommend this apprenticeship for anyone wanting to further their knowledge in engineering.

    Meet Max

     
  • News

    Lucy Davison, pictured fourth from left, with the ICE President's Future Leaders for 2022-23 Teesside engineering apprenticeship student named ICE Future Leader
    A Teesside University engineering apprenticeship student has been chosen to join a prestigious scheme for the brightest young engineers.

    Read the full story

    Left to right - Paula McMahon (Co-Chair, Sir Robert McAlpine), Daniel Crow and Peter Conlan (Regional Chair, CIHT) Forward-thinking degree apprenticeship graduate wins prestigious engineering award
    A talented engineering graduate who undertook a degree apprenticeship with Teesside University and Wood PLC has achieved the Transporter Bridge Award in recognition of his innovative final project.

    Read the full story

    Emily named among industry’s rising stars
    A Teesside University civil engineering apprentice has been named in a list of 30 rising stars in the freight and logistics industry.

    Read the full story

     
 
 

Get in touch

UK students

Email: apprenticeships@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 342648


Online chat (general enquiries)

 

Open days and events

Go to top menu