The University’s offer is expanding with the introduction of a new subject within the department of engineering.
From September 2024 students will be able to study civil engineering at Huddersfield for the first time.
The course, which sits within the School of Computing and Engineering, has been designed around the Engineering in an Activity Based Learning Environment (EnABLE) learning approach – – where students work in small multi-disciplinary teams to solve real world engineering problems, to prepare graduates for a career in the sector.
Students can study at undergraduate level for a BEng(Hons) in civil engineering, or opt to build on this course through an integrated MEng qualification, which involves an extra year of study. There is also the option of an initial foundation year, a stepping-stone for those students who want to progress onto the BEng course, particularly useful for those who didn’t study the necessary subjects at school or college.
In addition, the programmes offer flexibility in terms of options, as well as a chance for students to enhance their employability by spending a placement year at a company. Past engineering students have spent this year at firms including BAE Systems, Solid Solutions and Xaar.
All engineering students also have the option to get involved with the University’s student teams as part of their final year individual project, such as taking part in the IMechE Railway Challenge at Stapleford Miniature Railway by working as a team work to design, develop, and manufacture a 10 ¼” gauge railway locomotive.
Dr Leigh Fleming, head of the University’s department of engineering, commented: “One of the special points of our course is how it aligns with all of our engineering provision – the applied nature, making sure that the students get hands on experience of using the skills they are learning.
“We prioritise the EnABLE approach, so going through the degree course, our students will get to work in multidisciplinary teams – the same as out in industry. Engineers all work together to deliver a project, so for example if we take transport, you’ll have civil engineers, electrical, mechanical engineers all working together.
“What we are doing is mirroring that in the way the students engage with their learning so they can develop their employability skills by working in teams to become professional engineers.”
Civil engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering, focusing on the design and construction of a range of infrastructures, from buildings and roads to bridges and canals.
Huddersfield’s civil engineering degree is designed to create graduates who can communicate effectively, manage projects and work in professional teams.
Modules include hydraulics for civil engineers; structural analysis and design; engineering geology and geotechnics; as well as sustainable infrastructure engineering and environmental considerations.
The course can lead to potential careers as engineers in the following specialist areas: structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, environmental or urban planning.
Professor Marco Corradi, the University’s civil engineering course lead, added that there is plenty of inspiration in the town and region for future engineers, such as listed buildings and monuments, grand Victorian buildings and modern design on the University campus itself.
He commented: “If you choose to study civil engineering at the University of Huddersfield we can offer dedicated academics, a small group, and plenty of opportunities for face-to-face meetings with your tutors – that’s the advantage of studying at a University like ours.”
Alongside Professor Corradi, lecturers on the course include Professor Rakesh Mishra, Dr Shirsendu Sikdar and Professor Wenxian Yang, and two more tutors are currently being recruited.
Industry body, The Joint Board of Moderators will be assessing the delivery of the course each year and it expected to receive accreditation at the end of the first three years.
All students at The University of Huddersfield also study for the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside their degree, which helps them gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help graduates to get the career they want, no matter what field of study.