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Study information

Civil Engineering with International Foundation Year (2021)

1. Programme Title:

Civil Engineering with International Foundation Year

NQF Level:

6

2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form)

This is a 4 year undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded International Foundation Year. During the Foundation year, students will develop their English language, academic skills and subject knowledge at INTO. In the following year, students will move to the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS) and join the first year of a Civil Engineering degree programme where advanced methodologies in construction, optimisation and management of buildings and infrastructure systems are introduced.

 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The Foundation year of the BEng in Civil Engineering with International Foundation Year programme aims to help you meet the linguistic and academic requirements for progression to the first, and subsequent, stages of your degree programme at Exeter. It is also designed to help you to develop the necessary study skills and approaches to learning required for successful undergraduate study as well as introduce you to the culture of academic study in a UK Higher Education institution. 

 

The BEng degree programme is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for a bachelors degree, and hence contributes towards graduates becoming professionally qualified engineers in the UK, with international recognition.  This programme is accredited as: 1. fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and 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. Graduates may apply for IEng or CEng registration through membership of an appropriate Professional Engineering Institution following an assessment of their subsequent professional development and experience.

 

After completing the Foundation year, you will progress on to the BEng Civil Engineering.

 

The programme aims to enable students to become:

  1. flexible engineering graduates equipped to work effectively within engineering design and practice contributing specialist skills, demonstrating an awareness of the context within which they work, and taking responsibility for their own personal and professional development;
  2. graduates who need only to complete an appropriate period of further study or matching section to be educationally qualified to become chartered engineers within the appropriate sector of industry.
  3. aware of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer's role in society;
  4. able to work well in multi-disciplinary groups with experience of communication, organization, planning and logistics.

 

Through this programme, students will be provided with learning opportunities to match their abilities and aspirations, personal academic and pastoral support throughout their university career, appropriate methods of teaching and assessment and a programme of study that they find demanding, interesting and intellectually stimulating, while allowing them to enjoy other aspects of university life. The College will also seek to promote the role of industry and engineering institutions and the benefits that they can provide to undergraduates e.g. through links with the industrial club and student membership of the engineering institutions. 

 

4. Programme Structure

The BEng Civil Engineering with International Foundation Year programme is a 4 year programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 ‘stages’.  Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

 

The Foundation year of your programme will be taught by INTO University of Exeter with the subsequent 3 stages being taught by The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Science (CEMPS) at Exeter.

 

Interim Awards

If you do not complete the programme, you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved

120 credits in the Foundation stage, you may be awarded a Foundation Certificate in Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Following stage one, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at level 2 or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education.

 

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the CEMPS or INTO websites:

https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/engineering/programmes/

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/current_students/

 

Foundation Stage

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
INT0038Academic English for Engineering and Science30YesYes
INT0041Engineering and Science Project10YesNo
INT0007Foundation Mathematics20YesNo
INT0012Introduction to Physical Sciences20YesNo
INT0020Mathematics 120YesNo
INT0021Mathematics 220YesNo

Stage 1

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ECM1111Entrepreneurship Skills Development 115YesNo
ECM1102Core Engineering 130YesYes
ECM1106Electronics for Engineers: Core Engineering 215YesYes
ECM1107Materials and Manufacturing: Core Engineering 215YesYes
ECM1108Engineering Mechanics: Core Engineering 215YesYes
ECM1110Engineering Mathematics 30YesYes

Note: one out of ECM1106, ECM1107 and ECM1108 may be condoned, subject to the rules specified above and detailed in the programme assessment and progression regulations.

 

Progression from 1st to 2nd year: Students choose specialisation (Electronic/Engineering and Management/Materials/Mechanical/Civil) at this point. Students proceeding on the Engineering and Management BEng programmes are required to consistently choose either all Mechanical options from this point on or all Electronic options from this point on, if they wish their final degree to be accredited (see section 17). No final decisions on qualification to complete BEng are made at this point, but students are reminded of rules that will apply at end of year 2.

Stage 2

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ECM2102Management and Management Science15YesNo
ECM2108Construction Methods and Materials15YesYes
ECM2109Structures15YesYes
ECM2110Geotechnics 115YesYes
ECM2111Mathematical Modelling of Engineering Systems15YesYes
ECM2121Entrepreneurship 215YesYes
ECM2113Thermofluid Engineering15YesNo
ECM2114Solid Mechanics15YesNo

Progression from 2nd to 3rd year:

Students must have gained an average of 60% or more in the first 2 years to transfer from the BEng to the MEng (weighting is 40% 1st year, 60% 2nd year).

Stage 3

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ECM3175Individual Project30YesYes
ECM3130Engineering in Society and Company Finance15YesNo
ECM3155Structural Engineering 15YesNo
ECM3156Civil Engineering Hydraulics 15YesNo
ECM3157Geotechnics 2 15YesNo
ECM3161Civil Engineering Design Studies 15YesNo
Please select 15 credits from:
ECM3158Water Resources and Pollution Control 15NoNo
ECM3171Computer Aided Engineering Drawing15NoNo
MTH3022Graphs, Networks and Algorithms15NoNo
EMP3001Commercial and Industrial Experience15NoNo

Stage 3 ECM3157 Geotechnics 2 Field Course element is undertaken at Easter in Stage 2.

 

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:

(A) Demonstrate:

1.              mathematical methods and their use, together with computational methods, for modelling, analysis, design and communication in engineering.

2.              a broad base of scientific principles underpinning electronic, material, mechanical and civil engineering.

3.              the characteristics and uses of engineering materials and components.

4.              a range of principles and design methods relating to the chosen engineering discipline in general, with in-depth knowledge and understanding in some specialist areas.

5.              management and business practices, including finance, law, marketing, personnel and quality.

6.              ethical and social issues related to engineering and professional responsibilities.

7.              operate in English effectively, including in the context of your discipline, and with the skills necessary for an academic context.

 

Learning & Teaching Activities

Material is introduced by lectures and directed reading/research and students are given very clear guidance in how to manage their learning. Understanding is developed and consolidated in tutorials and by laboratory and private study exercises, carried out individually and in groups, both selfassessed and tutor marked to provide rapid feedback. Project work is used extensively to integrate material and make knowledge functional.

1 is supported explicitly by dedicated mathematics modules in the Foundation year and the following 2 years and then developed by use in other modules throughout the programme.

2 and 3 are supported by Core Engineering modules in Stage 1. 

4 is developed by discipline specific modules.

5 and 6 are supported by specific interdisciplinary modules from stage 2 onwards.

7 is explicitly addressed during the Academic English module in the Foundation year which employ a variety of learning activities and teaching methods including teacher-led groups, student presentations, seminars and set tasks.

 

 

Assessment Methods

Direct assessment is through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets, laboratory reports, reports/essays based on directed reading and research.

Project work is assessed through a combination of supervisor’s report, self and peer assessment and formal assessment of final reports and presentations. English language assessment comprises a group presentation, listening and note-taking tasks, seminars and written tasks (including note-taking, summary, paraphrasing, referencing).

B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: 

(B) Intellectual (thinking) skills:

8.            demonstrate a systematic and creative approach to problem solving.

9.            apply appropriate mathematical methods, scientific principles and computer based methods to the modelling, analysis and solution of practical engineering problems.

10.          create a complete design, product or service to meet a customer need, starting from negotiation of specifications, showing creativity and justifying all decisions.

11.          take a holistic approach to design and problem solving.

12.          assess and manage risks (e.g.: commercial, safety, environmental etc.).

13.          take personal responsibility for acting in a professional and ethical manner. Practical skills – able to:

14.          select and use appropriate ICT based tools for analysis, design and communication of designs.

15.          select and use laboratory instrumentation appropriately and correctly

16.          construct prototype products, systems, experimental apparatus etc.

17.          work safely in laboratory, workshop environments etc., and promote safe practice.

Learning & Teaching Activities

8 and 9 are integrated into most modules and developed steadily throughout the 4 years. Practical tools to implement 10 are introduced in “Engineering Design Activities” as part of the Professional Studies and Skills Development module in Stage 1. 

10 and 11 are then introduced and developed more systematically in Introduction to Electronic/

Mechanical/Civil Engineering Design in Stage 2 and Electronic/Mechanical/ Civil Engineering Design Studies in Stage 3. 

13 is initially introduced by the Professional Studies and Skills Development modules in Stages 1 and 2 years, expounded further, along with 12, in Engineer in Society in Stage 3. All these skills are developed in the Stage 3 Group Project which represents the culmination of many themes in the programmes.

14-17. The practical skills are initially introduced in The Foundation Introduction to Physical Sciences module followed by “Engineering Design Activities” as part of the Professional Studies and Skills.

Development module in Stage 1, and then developed in laboratory work carried out as an integral part of many modules, and in the project work which makes up much of the programme, particularly in Stage 3.

 

 
 

Assessment Methods

Analytical skills are assessed within many modules through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets etc. These skills are primarily shown in project work however. Modules in Stages 2 and 3 include many small-scale projects, assessed by practical work/results and reports. These lead into the Stage 3 Individual Project, assessed on the basis of practical work/results and final report by a supervisor and second examiner against clearly set out assessment criteria.

The practical skills are assessed in part through laboratory reports throughout the Foundation Stage and Stages 1 and 2, but mainly through project work in the Stage 3 where they are used extensively.

C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:  

(C) Practical skills:

18.  communicate effectively and persuasively, accurately and reliably using the full range of currently available methods.

19.  manage resources and time

20.  work in a team, which may be multidisciplinary.

21.  learn independently, identifying own personal development needs and goals, reflecting on own performance and managing own personal development.

22.  obtain and process information from a wide range of sources, which may be conflicting, analyse it critically and apply this information in engineering applications.

23.  sort, manipulate and present data in a way that facilitates effective analysis and decision making.

 

 

Learning & Teaching Activities

All of these skills are specifically introduced as part of the Foundation stage Academic English module and in the Professional Studies and Skills.

Development modules in Stages 1 and 2, and then used increasingly throughout the programme.  18 is developed through regular oral and written presentations of work, particularly in the Foundation Stage Academic English module. It continues with the main projects in later stages. 

19 and 21 are initially developed in the Foundation and Stage 1 years with students being required to carry out regular reviews of their own progress, upon which they get formal feedback.  20 is introduced during the Foundation stage followed by a team skills training day in week one of Stage 1: they are then developed through laboratory and project group work in many modules.  22 and 23 are similarly developed by a wide range of project and assignment work culminating in the Stage 3 Individual Project.

 

Assessment Methods

Assessment of key skills is mostly through items of coursework: written and oral presentations, and through project work.

18 is explicitly assessed during the Foundation stage as part of as part of the Academic English module and in the Professional Studies and Skills Development modules in Stages 1 and 2, and then used increasingly throughout the programme in many module assessments, particularly in the main projects.  19 and 21 is implicit in much of all students’ study.  20 is explicitly addressed in the Foundation year and then developed through laboratory and project work in many modules.

22 and 23 are implicitly assessed in many modules.

7. Programme Regulations

Credit

The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at level 1, and must take at least 90 credits at level 3. 

The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40%. 

 

Progression

You can progress from the Foundation stage to stage 1 provided that you have achieved an average mark of at least 65% across the following 90 credits (INT0028, INT0007, INT0012, INT0020 & INT0021) and 65% in Academic English (INT0029).

 

Condonement

This programme is accredited by a PSRB under licence from the Engineering Council. Therefore, the latest Engineering Council regulations on condonement apply to this programme. Please find further details in the TQA Manual here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/specialprovisionsforprogrammeswithaccreditationlicencedbytheengineeringcouncil/
 
 

Assessment and Awards

UG Programmes: Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively. 

 

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Undergraduate Degrees

Class I    70% +

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                        

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                       

Class III  40-49%

 

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here. 

 

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

 

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as

accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. 

 

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/ ) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years. Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).

 

For the Foundation stage, INTO University of Exeter also provides

  • Its own computer suites, printing facilities and AccessAbility. 
  • One–to-one language tutorials to support subject assignments.
  • Dedicated support for applications for further study. 
  • Dedicated on-line resources on ELE for each programme and module
  • Language counsellors who speak a range of languages and who provide pastoral care and can communicate in the student's own native language.
  • A social programme specifically for INTO University of Exeter students 

 

With regard to specific learning difficulties, depending on the needs, INTO can put in place a support package. INTO has a member of staff trained in dyslexia diagnosis and support who can liaise with AccessAbility, who can provide information and resources. Some examples of support are:  •   One-to-one tuition for specific learning difficulties 

  • Mentors for students with mental health problems
  • Diagnostic tests for specific learning difficulties 
  • Guides, readers or scribes 
  • Access to Braille versions of text 
  • Sign language interpreters 
  • Note takers 
  • Technical needs assessments (also for Disabled Students’ Allowance (UK nationals only))
  • Extra time allowance where necessary, for example, for exams.  

 

However, for International Students there are likely to be cost implications for some of these support elements.  

 

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

 

 
 

10. Admission Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience. 

 

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. 

 

For entry to the BEng Civil Engineering with International Foundation Year, academic entry requirements are:

 

  • Normally completion of 12 years of education; 

 

  • A/AS 200 points (local language A/AS Levels are accepted); IB 24 points; Country-specific entry qualifications can be obtained from INTO Admissions.

 

  • English: IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills (or equivalent)

 

  • Minimum grade C in GCSE Maths; IB Maths SL / HL 3 if not offered at O level / GCSE; or Minimum Year 12 Pass in Maths;  

 

  • Unless otherwise specified Subjects recognised must relate to 'academic’ subjects or modules only

 

 

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. 

 

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.

 

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

The BEng Civil Engineering with International Foundation Year is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)* 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 for further information.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 5 years under each assessment exercise. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can be viewed on the Engineering Council list of accredited degrees: www.engc.org.uk/acad

*JBM incorporates the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), and the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE).

14 Awarding Institution University of Exeter
15 Lead College / Teaching Institution University of Exeter
16 Partner College / Institution INTO University of Exeter
17 Programme accredited/validated by
18 Final Award(s) BEng (Hons)
19 UCAS Code (UG programmes) N/A
20 NQF Level of Final Awards(s): 6
21 Credit (CATS and ECTS) 480 (240 ECTS)
22 QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes) Engineering
23 Origin Date February 17th 2021 Last Date of Revision: July 28th 2021