This course aims to give learners the skills needed to undertake a major project relevant to their chosen pathway. The major project will assess learner’s ability to apply their knowledge of the sector, use appropriate analytical skills to investigate a sector-related topic and solve complex and interrelated problems. Learners will work in a group to select a topic and submit a project proposition which must be agreed with the project tutor.  Ideally, the project should address such issues as innovation, sustainability, contracts, health, welfare and safety.  However, dependent upon the project proposition, a wide range of relevant subjects are acceptable. The chosen topic must give learners an opportunity to undertake a sustained, rigorous and independent investigation of some aspect of professional practice.

The project must consist of original work in the form of empirical research with an identified need supported by secondary research.  It must be informed by the theoretical knowledge and expertise developed through other courses in the degree programme. Research findings must be presented and interpreted in detail and learners must identify the research outcomes in terms of actual or planned developments and changes.

This course gives learners an understanding of the importance of sustainable construction and the drive for innovation through technological advances in all aspects of the construction industry. The drive for innovation in a changing world makes this course essential for commercial, social and environmental reasons. Learners will apply their understanding of innovative materials, components and building systems to critically review a specific building design proposal in terms of its innovation and sustainability. Learners will examine innovative, sustainable construction options in the context of socially responsible strategies to create a sustainable solution to building infrastructure and performance expectations. This course will require learners to understand CAD/3D modelling using appropriate software. Finally, learners will have the opportunity to develop a proposal and evaluate the performance of this solution, based on parametric modelling. This should extend their understanding of the integration of materials and components into the construction systems needed for sustainable infrastructure and buildings.

This course is designed to explore the theory and practice of leadership and management in a construction context. It will provide learners with the theories, tools and techniques to manage people and activities effectively in a variety of construction industry settings, and to help them to make the most efficient use of resources and information through good leadership and management. It is designed to improve learner’s ability to influence others in order to achieve results and focuses on applied learning, encouraging learners to relate new knowledge and skills to real workplace situations. It addresses the needs of practising or aspiring middle managers who require formal development of leadership and management skills.

The course introduces learners to the analysis and presentation of a design solution, including an awareness of the limitations relating to the use of practical, safe and ethical construction methods. This course also develops skills and abilities in the production of design and management information required for a complex civil or structural engineering project. The course gives learners an understanding of the civil engineer’s role in the development of a project for a variety of procurement methods. The course will explore civil engineering design, including client requirements, the geographical location of the site, planning implications, financial appraisal, design technology, legal, health and safety and environmental issues, within a theoretical and practical framework.

The aim of the course is to develop advanced technical competence in civil engineering design, equipping each learner with a profound understanding of complex engineering principles and modern design techniques. This course encourages innovation and sustainability by fostering creative and environmentally responsible design solutions that address both current and future infrastructure challenges. By integrating theoretical knowledge with industry practice, the course ensures that learners become proficient in utilising state‐of‐the‐art design software, simulation tools, and real‐world project case studies. A key objective is to deepen the technical knowledge of each learner by exploring advanced topics such as structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation, and construction management. Through this exploration, learners will gain mastery in applying material science, fluid dynamics, and environmental considerations to practical design problems.

The course further emphasises the practical application of these theoretical concepts, ensuring that design solutions meet current industry standards and best practices. Another significant objective is to promote sustainability and resilience in infrastructure design. Learners are encouraged to analyse and create designs that not only minimise environmental impact but also incorporate sustainable practices and emerging green technologies. This approach prepares them to tackle the challenges of modern infrastructure development while contributing positively to society and the environment. Finally, the course focuses on enhancing essential professional skills. It aims to develop effective written and oral communication abilities, enabling learners to articulate complex engineering concepts and design decisions clearly. Working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams is also a central component, as it fosters an appreciation for diverse professional perspectives. Coupled with a strong emphasis on ethical practice and safety regulation, the course prepares learners for continuous professional development and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving industry.

Learners must choose one of the optional courses to study.

This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the methods used in financing, designing, constructing, and maintaining highway engineering projects. It emphasises the development of the skills necessary to create sustainable, safe, and efficient highway solutions. Learners will explore how to design highway systems that meet environmental and safety standards and will be tasked with assessing and ensuring the viability of specific projects.
This course will also focus on the application of construction techniques for complex highway projects and the formulation of a comprehensive Health and Safety plan to ensure project success. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to propose sustainable design solutions, evaluate the viability of highway schemes, and design highways that align with both technical and safety requirements.

This course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the principles, design methodologies, construction practices and maintenance techniques that underpin modern highway engineering. It aims to develop a comprehensive knowledge base that encompasses geometric highway design, pavement design, materials engineering and the use of industry-standard design software. In addition the course places a strong emphasis on project planning and management. Learners will be introduced to project management techniques specifically tailored to highway construction, including scheduling, cost estimation and risk assessment. This approach ensures that learners are well-prepared to plan, execute and evaluate projects in adherence to strict quality and safety standards, thereby meeting the multifaceted demands of modern transport systems.

A further objective of the course is to integrate sustainable practices and innovative solutions into the realm of highway design and construction. The curriculum encourages learners to critically assess the environmental impacts of highway projects and to explore strategies for mitigation. Emphasis is placed on the selection of sustainable materials and the application of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that future engineers are equipped to deliver environmentally responsible solutions that comply with both national and international regulatory standards. Moreover, the course is committed to fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Learners are challenged to evaluate current trends and emerging challenges within the industry, utilising their problem-solving abilities to address issues such as traffic flow optimisation and safety enhancements. Effective communication is also a key component of the curriculum, with learners developing the ability to produce detailed technical reports and presentations, and to collaborate successfully within multidisciplinary teams and with various stakeholders.

Learners must choose one of the optional courses to study.

The aim of this course is for learners to gain an understanding of the client’s needs to produce transport solutions. Learners will gain skills to collect, analyse and use transportation survey data in conjunction with legislation and policies to produce conceptual sustainable transport solutions. This course aims to equip learners with a thorough understanding of the principles and practices involved in planning and designing transport system solutions. It seeks to provide a robust foundation in transport policy, planning frameworks, and the integration of various modes of transport, thereby enabling learners to address the complex challenges inherent in modern transport infrastructure.

By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the course encourages a multidisciplinary approach to creating efficient, sustainable and resilient transport systems. The course is designed to develop learners’ technical competence and critical analytical skills in a range of areas. Learners will be trained to utilise advanced transport modelling tools and simulation techniques, assess the environmental and socio-economic impacts of transport projects, and apply innovative design principles to develop optimised solutions. Additionally, the course emphasises the importance of effective project management and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that learners can collaborate successfully within multidisciplinary teams and communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively.

This course gives learners an understanding of the methods used by contractors and consultants in determining the price of a proposed construction project and the subsequent analysis and reporting of this information at tender stage. Learners will calculate realistic cost estimates and evaluate relevant commercial factors in order to produce a tender submission as well as producing a professional tender report. Learners will understand and apply the processes needed for the successful financial management of a construction project through managing and controlling income and expenditure. This course equips learners with advanced financial management skills for the construction sector. By understanding tender pricing, evaluating financial viability, managing cash flow, and implementing cost control measures, learners will develop the ability to oversee and optimise financial processes within construction projects.

The aim of this course is to enable learners to critically design and manage a structured Personal Development Plan (PDP) tailored to their professional goals and career advancement in a complex and dynamic working environment. Learners will develop the ability to set measurable, realistic, and aspirational goals, critically evaluate their progress, and adapt their PDP in response to changing career aspirations and professional opportunities. Through reflective practices, learners will explore their personal strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, enabling them to make informed decisions about their professional growth. This course highlights the strategic value of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in maintaining and enhancing professional competencies, staying aligned with evolving industry trends, and securing long-term employability in a competitive market. Learners will integrate CPD activities into their career planning, aligning these with both personal aspirations and organisational needs. Furthermore, the course equips learners with advanced interpersonal and communication skills, including effective team collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, and leadership. These skills will prepare learners to foster meaningful professional relationships, drive workplace success, and contribute to high-performing teams in complex organisational environments.