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PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

KEY FACTS

Programme name Civil Engineering Structures
Award MSc
School School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Department or equivalent School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Programme code PSCEST
Type of study Full Time Part Time
Total UK credits 180
Total ECTS 90

PROGRAMME SUMMARY

This is a long established, advanced, Masters programme in Civil Engineering
Structures with the strong focus on analysis and design.

The programme provides students with an opportunity to develop expertise in respect to
advanced analytical techniques, use of modern software that is integral to engineering
practice and challenging design work according to current standards. Experts from
industry are involved with some specialist courses. Unique feature are modules focused
on methods for analysis of structures under uncertainty, modelling for hazards, creative
design for bridges and buildings and earthquake engineering. Taught modules are
complemented by the research project/dissertation where students can engage with
advanced topics in depth.

The programme provides required technical knowledge for those that aim to become
Chartered Civil Engineers (e.g. it is accredited for Further Learning component for those
who have completed accredited BEng Civil Engineering degree).

Aims

The Overall aim of the programme is:
- To meet the needs of the industry for engineers with a practical understanding of the
nature of hazardous loading on structures arising out of fire, earthquakes, blast,
impact and extreme wind loading.
- To provide postgraduate education and training in an area of great importance,
namely, the analysis and design of structures for safety against natural and man-
made hazards and thus enhance the career prospects of both recent graduates
and mid-career structural engineers.
- To provide practical experience in the use of computers and information technologies
in solving advanced structural analysis and design problems.
- To achieve qualification parity with engineering graduates in Europe where
undergraduate programme are commonly four years or more of duration)
and thus contribute towards increasing the competitiveness of UK industry.


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WHAT WILL I BE EXPECTED TO ACHIEVE?

On successful completion of this programme, you will be expected to have:

Knowledge and understanding:
- Knowledge of advanced methods of analysis of structures, including linear and
nonlinear Finite Element Analysis
- Comprehensive understanding of the behaviour of structures, especially stability and
dynamics
- Extensive knowledge of the underlying principles of modern methods of design of
structures using concrete, steel or composite construction
- Intensive knowledge of some of the specialised aspects of the design of building and
bridge structures.
- Wide knowledge of information technology aimed at increasing productivity in
practice and for improved communication of results of design and analysis
- Knowledge of Structural Reliability theory and understanding of concepts relating to
structural risk assessment.

Skills:
- Thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations in the design of steel,
concrete and composite construction.
- Ability to formulate, critically analyse and test concepts and hypotheses for
innovative solutions.
- Enhanced communication of results of design and analysis through the use of
information technology
- Creativity in developing design schemes and ability to apply codified rules for the
design of safe structures.

Values and attitudes:
- Rational solutions to problem with a professional approach

This programme has been developed in accordance with the QAA Subject Benchmark
for generic masters level programmes.


HOW WILL I LEARN?

The teaching and learning strategy is based on lectures, supported wherever
appropriate by coursework, especially engineering design. Individual design modules
may adopt Problem Based Learning approach.

The research project (dissertation) is aimed at preparing you to deal with complex
problems systematically. The process includes literature search, assimilation of previous
work, an experimental or parametric investigation, judgment on the results obtained and
communication of research results obtained.



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WHAT TYPES OF ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK CAN I EXPECT?

Assessment and Assessment Criteria

Assessment for the programme is based on coursework and written examinations.
The assessment strategy is that main fundamental and theoretical topics are primarily
assessed by written examinations, applied (practice oriented) topics are assessed by
design projects, and computer oriented modules are assessed by online exercises
(coursework).

The research project is assessed through a dissertation.

Assessment Criteria are descriptions, based on the intended learning outcomes, of the
skills, knowledge or attitudes that you need to demonstrate in order to complete an
assessment successfully, providing a mechanism by which the quality of an assessment
can be measured. Grade-Related Criteria are descriptions of the level of skills,
knowledge or attributes that you need to demonstrate in order to achieve a certain grade
or mark in an assessment, providing a mechanism by which the quality of an
assessment can be measured and placed within the overall set of marks. Assessment
Criteria and Grade-Related Criteria will be made available to you to support you in
completing assessments. These may be provided in programme handbooks, module
specifications, on the virtual learning environment or attached to a specific assessment
task.

Feedback on assessment


Feedback will be provided in line with our Assessment and Feedback Policy. In
particular, you will normally be provided with feedback within three weeks of the
submission deadline or assessment date. This would normally include a provisional
grade or mark. For end of module examinations or an equivalent significant task (e.g. an
end of module project), feedback will normally be provided within four weeks. The
timescale for feedback on final year projects or dissertations may be longer. The full
policy can be found at:
https://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/68921/assessment_and_feedback_p
olicy.pdf

Assessment Regulations

In order to pass your Programme, you should complete successfully or be exempted
from the relevant modules and assessments and will therefore acquire the required
number of credits.

The Pass mark for each module is 50%, the pass mark for all assessment components
is also 50%.

If you fail an assessment component or a module, the following will apply:

1. Compensation: where you fail up to a total of 20 credits at first or resit attempt (15 for
a Postgraduate Certificate), you may be allowed compensation if:
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Compensation is permitted for the module involved (see the module
specification), and
It can be demonstrated that you have satisfied all the Learning Outcomes of the
modules in the Programme, and
A minimum overall mark of no more than 10 percentage points below the module
pass mark has been achieved in the module to be compensated, and
An aggregate mark of 50% has been achieved overall.

If you receive a compensated pass in a module you shall be awarded the credit for that
module. The original component marks shall be retained in the record of marks and the
greater of the original module mark and the minimum pass mark for the module shall be
used for the purpose of calculation towards the Award.

2. Resit: you will normally be offered one resit attempt. However, if you did not
participate in the first assessment and have no extenuating circumstances, you may
not be offered a resit.

If you are successful in the resit, you shall be awarded the credit for that module. The
mark used for the purpose of calculation towards your Award shall be calculated from
the original marks for the component(s) that you passed at first attempt and the
minimum pass mark for the component(s) for which you took a resit.

If you do not satisfy your resit by the date specified you will not progress and the
Assessment Board shall require that you withdraw from the Programme.

If you fail to meet the requirements for the Programme, but satisfy the requirements for a
lower-level Award, then a lower qualification may be awarded as per the table below. If
you fail to meet the requirements for the Programme and are not eligible for the award of
a lower level qualification, the Assessment Board shall require that you withdraw from
the Programme.

If you would like to know more about the way in which assessment works at City, please
see the full version of the Assessment Regulations at:
http://www.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/word_doc/0003/69249/s19.doc


WHAT AWARD CAN I GET?

Masters Degree:

HE
Level
Credits Weighting
(%)
Class % required
Taught 7 135 75 With Distinction 70
Dissertation 7 45 25 With Merit 60
Without
classification
50



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Postgraduate Diploma:

HE
Level
Credits Weighting
(%)
Class % required
Taught 7 120 100 With Distinction 70
With Merit 60
Without
classification
50
Postgraduate Certificate:

HE
Level
Credits Weighting
(%)
Class % required
Taught 7 60 100

Without
classification
50


WHAT WILL I STUDY?


The programme is structured into 8 taught modules, of which you must take all 6 core
modules, and 2 elective modules. In addition, you are required to undertake the
Research Skills and Individual Project.

Module Title SITS
Code
Module
Credits
Core/
Elective
Can be
Compen-
sated?
Level
Structural Reliability and
Risk
EPM719 10 C Y 7
Advanced Structural
Analysis and Stability
EPM717 20 C Y 7
Dynamics of Structures EPM704 15 C Y 7
Finite Element Methods EPM707 15 C Y 7
Design of Concrete
Structures
EPM711 15 C Y 7
Design of Steel and
Composite Structures
EPM712 15 C Y 7
Bridge Engineering EPM715 15 E Y 7
Analysis of Steel and
Concrete Structures for Blast
and Fire Exposure
EPM718 15 E Y 7
Earthquake Analysis of
Structures
EPM720 15 E Y 7
Research Skills EPM697 15 C Y 7
Individual Project EPM698 45 C N 7

You are not normally required to pass all taught modules before progressing to the
dissertation.


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TO WHAT KIND OF CAREER MIGHT I GO ON?

Graduates have a variety of employment opportunities as civil engineering consultants
and as managers in construction as well as working for public bodies. In the past our
graduates have pursued their careers with general contractors, bridge engineering
consultants, infrastructure specialist consultants, designers, etc. Some graduates have
followed the research route and obtained PhD degree that they have followed with
academic career.

If you would like more information on the Careers support available at City, please go to:
http://www.city.ac.uk/careers/for-students-and-recent-graduates.


WHAT STUDY ABROAD OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

From time to time opportunities could arise for study abroad. Such opportunities are
usually through Erasmus programmes and you would be encouraged to apply.

WHAT PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

The School Professional Liaison Unit provides support to prepare CVs, interviews and
application for internships.

WILL I GET ANY PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION?

Accrediting Body
The course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) which is the
accreditation body for Civil Engineering related programmes in the UK. JBM includes:
ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers),
IStructE (Institution of Structural Engineers),
IHE (Institute of Highway Engineers),
CIHT (Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation)

Nature of Accreditation
The course is accredited under the Further Learning Scheme for Chartered Engineer

HOW DO I ENTER THE PROGRAMME?

You are normally expected to have at least a second class honours degree in Civil
Engineering and to have demonstrated good performance in relevant modules taken as
part of their undergraduate studies. As an overseas applicant, you are also required to
have City University's formal English language requirements.

There is no provision for APEL.


Version: 2.0
Version date: August 2013
For use from: 2013-14